Horn of Africa... Somaliland, Djibouti, Eritrea, & Eastern Ethiopia
October 24 - November 09, 2024
Led by Local Guides
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. In addition, 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 (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 an unforgettable adventure in this fascinating part of the world .
Tour Cost (Land Only): $9,995.00
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.
Travel by A/C 4WD and motor coaches.
Accommodation at mentioned Hotels or similar on bed and breakfast basis.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
(B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and
D: Dinner).
Non-alcoholic drinks with meals.
Daily bottles of water on tours.
All activities described in the tour and entrance fees to all sites mentioned.
English speaking, professional guide in each country.
Scouts and police officers where necessary.
Boat trip & whale shark excursion in Djibouti including the snorkel/diving equipment.
Government taxes on all included services.
All Porterage, gratuities to guide, drivers, and porters (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Tour Does Not Include
International airfare into Addis and out of Asmara.
Ethiopia multi-entry Visa ($70.00), Somaliland ($80.00), Eritrea ($150.00 including processing fee) & Djibouti
($130.00 including processing fee).
Any required pre arrival or pre departure PCR tests if needed.
Items of a personal nature (camera fees, laundry, phone calls, excess luggage, etc.).
Transfers if not arriving/departing on scheduled flights/tour dates.
Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules.
Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
Travel protection insurance. (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
Trip Grade:
III Challenging – Some of the tours involve hiking on rough terrain or in sand. There may be very long drives on rough roads; weather conditions with high heat or humidity, and the presence of insects. You may have simple picnic lunches, primitive bathroom facilities along the roads and dusty drives.
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.
