ETHIOPIA…THE LAND OF MYSTERY
January 17 - January 30, 2024
Led By Tour Lecturer Matthew Curtis
Ethiopia is culturally one of the wealthiest countries in Africa and home to some remarkable architectural gems. A journey on the Historic Route provides a glimpse of life from the past that is still relevant. It is a country where religion plays a prominent role, and celebrating holy days is a way of life. Ethiopia is truly a land of contrasts and extremes, remote and wild places. Here you will find the jaggedly carved Simien Mountains (one of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites you will visit on this tour; the others being Axum, Lalibela, and Tiya). You will marvel at walking amidst the exquisitely carved rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. It is a land where ancient historical traditions and rituals have been preserved. One of these ceremonies is Timket, or the feast of the Epiphany, arguably the most colorful festival in Africa. Come along as an observer at this remarkable event marked by processions and chanting and find yourself transported back in time. Travel throughout northern Ethiopia to Gondar in the foothills of the Simien Mountains; to Bahir Dar and Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile; to Axum, the “home” of the Ark of the Covenant; and Lalibela to explore the famous churches carved out of rock. Come and Experience Ethiopia!
Can be combined with Horn of Africa…Eritrea, Djibouti & Somaliland tour
(January 03 - January 18, 2024) AND OMO Valley Extension (January 30 - February 07, 2024)
Tour Cost (Land Only): $6,995.00
Per person sharing in double occupancy
Single Supplement: $995.00
Price based on a group size minimum of 6 participants and Maximum of 12 participants
Trip Grade: III Lodging Level: **-***
Tour Includes
Airport/Hotel/Airport transfers.
Transportation with A/C coaster and 4WD.
Boat ride on Lake Tana.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner).
Daily bottles of water on tours and non-alcoholic drinks with meals.
Entrance fees to all sites mentioned.
Professional English-speaking guide throughout plus local guides.
Escort of a tour Lecturer throughout the trip (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
English speaking, professional guide in each country.
Scout service & entrance to National parks.
Gratuities to guide, drivers, and porters (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Tour Does Not Include
International Air USA-ADDIS ABABA-USA.
E-Visa for Ethiopia (obtainable online).
Any extra airfare on your inter-Ethiopia flights if not using Ethiopian Airlines from USA (approx. $300.00).
Alcoholic drinks with or without meals.
Any required pre arrival & pre departure PCR tests.
Items of a personal nature (camera fees, laundry, excess luggage, etc.).
Transfers if not arriving/departing on tour dates.
Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules or misconnections.
Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
Travel insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
Trip Grade:
III Challenging – Parts of the trip are physic challenging, involving hiking on rough terrain or in sand or at high altitudes. There may be very long drives on rough roads; weather conditions with high heat or humidity, presence of insects. You may have simple picnic lunches, primitive bathroom facilities along the road and remoteness from modern towns or cities.
LODGING Level:
*Simple: One or more properties on the trip are very basic, and primitive.
*** Superior: Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service and comfort level acceptable to western standards. 3 – 4 stars in the main cities.
