Horn of Africa.. (Eritrea, Somaliland, Djibouti and Eastern Ethiopia)
January 26 to February 07, 2022
Led by Professor Norman Jones, Utah State University
This tour is Shangri-La for those who dare to break the mold of conventional travel, and is certainly the ‘road less traveled’ for explorers.
Eritrea, on the shores of the Red Sea, has a history dating back to the Stone Age, but the country has only been internationally recognized since 1993, following a succession of wars with Ethiopia that spanned thirty years. Asmara, the capital, proudly displays a shining collection of Art Deco, and other, architectural wonders. Massawa, a port city on the Red Sea, is the starting point for visits to the Dhalak Islands, one of the most unspoiled and least known reefs in the area. The major highlight of Eritrea is the colorful diversity of the nine ethnic groups that live within it.
Somaliland should not be confused with Somalia; visitors are welcome here. And Somaliland is home to one of the greatest treasures of the Horn of Africa: the 10,000 year old Laas Geel cave paintings, which were discovered by a French archaeological team in 2002.
Djibouti draws few tourists thanks to its reputation for being the hottest place in Africa (probably true) and for being ridiculously overpriced (also probably true). However, with vistas that will take your breath away, a culture caught halfway between 20th century France and modern-day Africa, and the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, the smallest country in the region is definitely worth a visit. Many of you have joined us on Ethiopian tours in previous years, but most likely you have not visited Harar, a gem of a city in Eastern Ethiopia. Harar is a well preserved walled city that stands to the east of the Great Rift Valley. It was founded between the 7th and 11th centuries and emerged as the center of Islamic culture and religion in the Horn of Africa. The city contains 99 mosques, including the 16th century Grand Mosque, as well as over 100 shrines, and a colorful, vibrant marketplace. The surrounding Ahmar Mountains are where Ethiopia’s best coffee is produced. Join us on this unforgettable adventure…
Can be combined with Ethiopia tour (January 13 - 25, 2022) or
Sudan tour (February 09 - 19, 2021) with
extension to South Sudan (February 07 - 09, 2022)
Tour Cost (Land Only): $8,995.00
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
Tour Includes
All transfers and ground transportation (A/C coaster bus, English speaking drivers, 4 x 4 vehicles on some portions of the tour – not necessarily A/C equipped).
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
Accommodation on a full-board basis (bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Non-alcoholic drinks with meals.
Daily bottles of water on tours.
Flights within the Horn of Africa starting in Addis and ending in Asmara, as per the itinerary.
All entrance fees, as per the program.
English speaking guides in each country.
Scouts and police officers where necessary.
Boat trip & Whale shark excursion in Djibouti.
Government taxes on all included services.
Gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel and restaurant staff
Tour Does Not Include
International airfare into Addis and out of Asmara. (Itinerary is based on the flight schedule of Ethiopian Air departing from/to Washington DC’s Dulles airport).
Visas - current costs:
Ethiopia (E-Visa = $70.00)
Somaliland ($80.00)
Eritrea ($150.00 including processing fee)
Djibouti ($130.00 including processing fee)
Any unexpected required additional dayrooms, hotel overnights, new flights due to airline schedule changes/cancellations.
Items of personal nature: beverages, laundry, phone calls, email, souvenirs, camera fees, etc.
Flight from Asmara to Addis on the last day in case you must leave from Addis.
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.
