Horn of Africa... Somaliland, Djibouti, Eritrea, & Eastern Ethiopia
January 04 - January 20, 2025
Led By Tour Lecturer, Michel Behar
This tour through the Horn of Africa, named so for its protruding shape that resembles a horn, is Shangri-La for those who dare to break the mold of conventional travel and is undoubtedly the “road less traveled” for explorers.
Eritrea, on the shores of the Red Sea, has a history dating back to the Stone Age, but has only been internationally recognized since 1993 following a succession of wars with Ethiopia that spanned thirty years. The major highlight of Eritrea is the colorful diversity of the nine ethnic groups that live within. 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.
Somaliland, while officially a part of Somalia, visitors are welcome here. In addition, it 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 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, over 100 shrines, and a colorful, vibrant marketplace. This exciting adventure comes to an end in Addis Ababa, but not before a chance to witness the Timket Festival known as the feast of the Epiphany, arguably the most colorful festival in Africa. Come along as an observer to this remarkable event marked by spiritual processions and chanting.
Can be combined with Northern Ethiopia Extension (January 21 - January 26, 2025) OR Niger tour (January 23 - February 02, 2025) OR
South Sudan tour (January 23 - January 30, 2025)
Tour Cost (Land Only): $11,995.00
Per person sharing in double occupancy
Single Supplement: $995.00
Price based on a group size minimum of 8 participants and Maximum of 12 participants
Trip Grade: III Lodging Level: *-***
Tour Includes
All transfers and ground transportation in a/c vehicles.
Flights between the HOA countries (provided arrival/departure flights are on Ethiopian Air).
Day-use room in Addis Ababa on the last day.
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.
Porters (if minimum number of travelers is reached).
English speaking, professional guide in each country.
Scouts and police officers where necessary.
Additional security in Somaliland.
Boat trips & whale shark excursion.
Government taxes on all included services.
Escort of a tour Lecturer throughout the trip (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Gratuities to guide, drivers, and porters (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Tour Does Not Include
International airfare USA-Asmara / Addis-USA.
Visa Fees: Ethiopia (Obtainable in Washington DC -multiple entry - $150.00), Somaliland (Obtainable on arrival - $60.00), Eritrea (Obtainable on arrival or through Washington DC - $150.00), and Djibouti (Obtainable in Washington DC - $150.00) - all subject to change.
Beverages and alcoholic drinks with or without meals.
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.
Gratuity to your tour Lecturer (Optional).
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.
