WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL

Transcription

1 58-25 Queens Blvd., Woodside NY T: (718) ; (800) F: (718) E: W: Nature & Cultural Journeys for the Discerning Traveler YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO JOIN THE WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA & COOPERATING COUNCILS ON A CULTURAL & WILDLIFE ADVENTURE TO ETHIOPIA & KENYA A KALEIDOSCOPE OF LANDSCAPES, CULTURES & SAFARI MAY 1 TO 16, 2019

2 YOUR HOST: WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL Craig Snyder became World Affairs Council of Philadelphia President in He began his career at the Council more than 25 years ago, but left to spend nearly twenty years in politics as a candidate for United States Congress, Chief of Staff to Senator Arlen Specter, a lobbyist and a political consultant. During Senator Specter s tenure as Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, Craig served as the senior Congressional staffer with oversight responsibility for the CIA and all other intelligence agencies. He has led Council trips to Iran, Tunisia, Cuba, Vietnam and Cambodia, a Baltic Sea cruise, a tour to Israel and Palestine and recently to Poland and Moscow. Craig graduated from Temple University s School of Law and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

3 YOUR ITINERARY DAY 1 ~ WEDNESDAY ~ MAY 1 WASHINGTON/EN ROUTE Your journey begins as you board your plane for your flight to Addis Ababa in Washington D.C. (Meals Aloft) DAY 2 ~ THURSDAY~ MAY 2 ADDIS ABABA This morning you arrive in Addis Ababa where you are met and escorted to your home, The Sheraton Hotel. Check-in and enjoy some relaxing time before embarking on an afternoon city tour. Begin with a visit to the National Museum, close to the University of Addis Ababa Graduate School, which houses numerous antiquarian relics and archaeological artifacts showing the history of Ethiopia from prehistoric times to the modern day. Its most famous exhibit is a replica of the 3.5- million-year-old skeleton of 'Lucy'. Next, visit the Ethnological Museum, located in Haile Selassie s former palace, and surrounded by the beautiful gardens and fountains of the university s main campus. This is easily one of the finest museums in Africa, showing the full sweep of Ethiopia's cultural and social history across two floors. Finish the day with a visit to a woman s weaving cooperative. Here you will meet and speak with prominent women, gaining insight to their role in society through their personal experiences. Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight and get your first taste of Ethiopian cuisine. Set in a Colonial-style building, your upscale hotel is a short distance from the National Museum of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian National Theatre. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars and desks. Be sure to take a moment to enjoy the outdoor heated pool or spa with sauna and whirlpool tub. Overnight at the SHERATON HOTEL. (Meals Aloft, D) DAY 3 ~ FRIDAY ~ MAY 3 ADDIS ABABA Have a leisurely breakfast and start your city tour with a visit to the magnificent Trinity Cathedral, the official seat of the Orthodox Archdiocese of Addis Ababa. Ride to the top Entoto Mountain. Here you will find a panoramic view of Ethiopia's capital spread out below through towering eucalyptus trees. After lunch on your own, you will have the opportunity to sit with Ethiopia s Investment Minister to discuss the newly established industrial parks, considered a model in east Africa. Overnight at the SHERATON HOTEL. (B, D)

4 DAY 4 ~ SATURDAY ~ MAY 4 BAHIR DAR~BLUE NILE FALLS Today s morning flight brings you north to the third largest city in Ethiopia, Bahir Dar, located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source from where the Blue Nile starts its long journey to Khartoum where it joins with the White Nile and continues as one to the Mediterranean. The 37 mysterious islands that are scattered about the surface of the lake give shelter to wellhidden churches and monasteries of immense historical and cultural interest, decorated with beautiful paintings and housing innumerable treasures. Upon arrival, you ll drive to the Blue Nile Falls (19.8 miles- approximately 50 minutes on asphalt and gravel road), known locally as Tiss Falls. For centuries people wondered where the source of water for the great Nile River was. Today you will have the opportunity to visit this once mysterious source. The mighty Blue Nile flows out of Lake Tana with tremendous force and volume over the basalt shoulder of a giant cataract and onwards from there, ever downwards towards the deserts of Sudan, on its way to enrich Egypt's fertile delta. The power of the Blue Nile may best be appreciated just twenty miles downstream from the point where the river first leaves Lake Tana. There, a rumble of sound fills the air and the green fields and low hills on either bank tremble to the Blue Nile Falls. 1,300 feet wide in flood, the Blue Nile plunges 150 fifty feet down a sheer gorge throwing up a continuous mist that drenches the countryside up to a kilometer away. In turn, this gentle deluge produces rainbows that shimmer across the gorge under the changing arc of the sun and a perennial rainforest. The pillar of cloud in the sky above, seen from afar, explains the local name for the falls water that smokes, Tissisat. (It takes about 1 hr. walk to reach the Falls and another 1hr to return to the point of departure via the Portuguese bridge). Meet with local women and learn more about day-to-day life. Watch how these women churn butter and take part in a traditional coffee ceremony, before checking into your hotel. With the use of dark wood, stone and vibrant African artwork, Kuriftu Resort has the ethnic feel you d hope to experience in such an exotic country. Accessed by a flight of beautiful stone steps, the bedrooms are spacious and charmingly decorated, including interesting mosaic-tiled shower rooms. Overnight at the KURIFTU RESORT & SPA. (B,L,D)

5 DAY 5 ~ SUNDAY ~ MAY 5 BAHIR DAR/LAKE TANA To avoid the strong waves, you will cross the Lake Tana this morning when the lake is placid. You will visit the monastery of Ura Kidane Miheret, and Azwa Mariam located on the peninsula of Zegue; the churches at this peninsula are a pleasant surprise, not only because of the paintings but also because of the age of the building and the unique style of decorations. (The boat ride is approximately 1 hour) The round Ura Kidane Mihret Church has a straw-thatched roof that follows the classic structure of the churches of the region. The building itself is surrounded by an outside path, which is covered with bamboo mats providing a translucent screen to the outside. Huge wooden doors lead inside the church, which lies in semi-darkness, illuminated only by the doorways. The entrance leads around a shrine several feet long and with a drum, which lies in the center of the room. Azwa Mariam Monastery serves as a small monastery known for its paintings that share biblical stories. This wonderfully preserved monastery dates back several centuries and is still in use today. The colorful murals that cover every surface are beautifully made in Byzantine style and tell stories from 88 books of the Bible in contrast to the western world s 66 biblical books. In the afternoon, you will have time to explore some parts of the city; the city is distinctly known for its wide avenues lined with palm trees and a variety of colorful flowers. The city was awarded UNESCO Cities for Peace Prize for managing to address the challenges of rapid urbanization. Here you will meet with local woman who will demonstrate how they made traditional baskets of the region. Overnight at the KURIFTU RESORT & SPA. (B,L,D) DAY 6 ~ MONDAY ~ MAY 6 BAHIR DAR/GONDAR Sit back and enjoy a ride through the country side, en route to Gondar (110 miles~ approximately 3 hours on asphalt road). Along the way, stop at the Awra Amba Village. This intentional community was founded in 1980 with the goal of solving socio-economic problems through helping one another in an environment of egalitarianism in marked contrast to the traditional norms of Amhara society. Today, the community, and its 450 members, is lauded as a model to alleviate poverty and promote gender equality in a country where women are generally subservient to men. This afternoon, arrive in Gondar. Founded around 1635 by Emperor Fasilidas, he originally used the city for a residence but about a year later he moved his capital here. No one knows exactly why he chose to establish his headquarters there but some believe it was God who told him to do so. By the late 1640 s he had built a great castle, the recently restored Fasilidas Palace. With its large towers and looming battle walls it looks as if a piece of medieval Europe has been transported to Ethiopia. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of Debre Berhan Selassie, one of Ethiopia s most beautiful churches. Located on the summit of a hill and surrounded fortified walls, the breathtaking inner sanctuary features stunning frescos.

6 Your eco-friendly brand new luxurious resort with its modern stone and glass finish has been hailed as the first of its kind outside Addis Ababa. Situated in one of the Northern historical sites, holding remains of several royal castles, including those in Fasil Ghebbi (the Royal Enclosure - the remains of a fortress-city within Gondar), has 78 impressive state-of-the-art rooms, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, conference, and other facilities. Overnight at the GONDAR HILLS RESORT. (B,L,D) DAY 7 ~ TUESDAY ~ MAY 7 GONDAR Begin your day with a tour of Fasilidas Palace. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, the palace stands in a compound filled with juniper and wild olive trees, amid Enqulal Gemb, or Egg Castle, named after its domed roof, the royal archive, many impressive churches and monasteries and a stable. These exemplify architecture that is marked by both Hindu and Arab influences, subsequently transformed by the Baroque style that the Jesuit missionaries brought to Gondar, and have earned the city the nickname The African Camelot. In the afternoon, meet the local youth association leader to brief you about the opportunities and challenges that the youth is facing and how they re reacting to it. Time permitting, learn about pottery work, and visit Gondar University. Overnight at the GONDAR HILLS RESORT. (B,L,D) DAYS 8/9 ~ WEDNESDAY /THURSDAY~ MAY 8/9 GONDAR/LALIBELA This morning s flight brings you to the mountain village of Lalibela ( driving distance from the airport to the village of Lalibela approximately 10 miles~ 30 minutes on asphalt road), one of Ethiopia s holiest cities. Once the thriving and populous capital city of a medieval dynasty, the passing centuries have reduced Lalibela to a mere village. From the road below, it remains little more than invisible against a horizon dominated by the 4,200-meter peak of Mount Abuna Joseph. It is this camouflaged, chameleon quality, however, that gives the remote settlement its special and lasting place in the life of the highlands for there, some 800 years ago, safe from the prying eyes and plundering hands of hostile intruders, a noble king fashioned a secret marvel. Lalibela, previously known as Roha, is named after the 12 th century king. The word itself, which translates to mean the bees, recognizes his sovereignty and the people of the region still recount the legend that explains why. Lalibela was born in Roha and was the youngest son of the royal line of the Zagwe dynasty, which then ruled over much of northern Ethiopia. Despite several elder brothers he was destined for greatness from his earliest days. Not long after his birth, his mother found a swarm of bees around his crib and recalled an old belief that the animal world prophesized important futures. She cried out: the bees know that this child will become king. But trials and tribulations followed. The ruling king feared for his throne and tried to have Lalibela murdered and persecutions continued for several years, culminating in a deadly potion that left the young prince in mortal sleep.

7 During the three-day slumber, Lalibela was transported by angels to heaven where God told him not to worry but to return to Roha and build churches, the like of which the world had never seen before. God also told Lalibela how to design the churches, where to build them and how to decorate them. Once he was crowned, he gathered masons, carpenters, and tools, set down a scale of wages and purchased the land needed for the building. The churches are said to have been built with great speed because angels continued the work at night. Whether you believe in the folklore or not, one thing remains true, the churches are awe-inspiring. These towering edifices were hewn out of the solid, red volcanic rock on which they stand. They seem to be of superhuman creation in scale, in workmanship and in concept. Close examination is required to appreciate the full extent of the achievement because, like medieval mysteries, much effort has been made to cloak their nature. Some lie almost completely hidden in deep trenches, while others stand in open quarried caves. A complex and bewildering labyrinth of tunnels and narrow passageways with offset crypts, grottoes and galleries connects them all a cool, lichen- enshrouded, subterranean world, shaded and damp, silent but for the faint echoes of distant footfalls as priests and deacons go about their timeless business. You ll spend the next two days exploring these architectural marvels. You will also meet with the clergy and have a brief discussion about the history of the churches. According to elders in the area, the name Mezena means a landscape that is flat, fertile and central for all places including the churches and other historical sites in the area. As its name indicates, the Mezena Lodge is centrally located among all the churches and other historical sites in the surrounding area. Accommodations are rustic yet luxurious and amenities include showers with both hot and cold water, hair dryers, and bed nets. Overnights at MEZENA LODGE. (B,L,D Daily)

8 DAY 10 ~ FRIDAY~ MAY 10 LALIBELA/ADDIS ABABA/NAIROBI Return by air to Addis Ababa where you board your flight to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Your jet will land at Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi this afternoon. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your Classic Escapes expert naturalist and driver/guides and escorted to your hotel, where the balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, meet up with the East Africa community and members of the Kenya Manufacturers Association over dinner and learn about their economic efforts. Painted pale pink, your luxurious hotel for the next two nights, the Kempinski Villa Rosa, is ideally situated an approximate 30-minute drive from the airport. The interior design is modern European. The lobby is clean, polished and marble clad, with a central coffee lounge, a fountain and a verdant garden at the back. The hotel sprawls across 10 luxurious floors, featuring 200 rooms and suites, a conference center and three concept restaurants. The spacious rooms are elegantly furnished and offer city views. They are equipped with a minibar, desk and flat-screen TV. Some of the rooms have balconies. For relaxation, guests can unwind in the Spa, which features nine treatment rooms, a sauna, a fully equipped fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool. Overnight at the VILLA ROSA KEMPINSKI NAIROBI. (B,D) DAY 11 ~ SATURDAY ~ MAY 11 NAIROBI This morning meet with the United Nations Environmental Plan (UNEP) and/or USAID. Visit Daphne Sheldrick s Elephant Orphanage at the edge of Nairobi National Park, which is a nursery and rehab center for infant elephants that have lost their families, as well as rhino and occasionally zebras and other wildlife. Daphne was the first person to successfully master the art and raise orphan infant elephants. The wife of the famous naturalist David Sheldrick, Daphne dedicated her life to conservation. David was founder Warden of Kenya's giant Tsavo East National Park, in which he served from 1948 until his death in Daphne continued her involvement and had real impact on the lives of elephants and rhinos, which would have normally died due to human poaching and surrounding population conflict, until she passed away in April, You ll visit with their daughter, Angela, to learn about the work of the foundation. You ll enjoy a visit with the elephants as they re brought by their keepers to the waterhole and salt lick to be fed and socialize see how they roll in the mud and play fight, and their affectionate interaction with their keepers. A a member of the staff will be on hand to discuss their habits, as well as impart interesting facts about their upkeep. These infants are eventually released into the wild at Tsavo East National Park and end up in the care of other orphans who have been successfully reintroduced to the wild. Continue to the Karen Blixen House, the former house of the Danish Baronness, Karen Blixen ( ) author of the book Out of Africa. Karen lived in this green residential area from 1914 to 1931 when she left permanently for Denmark. The house was built in 1910 and when Ms. Blixen bought the property, it had 6,000 acres of land but only 600 acres were developed for growing coffee; the rest was retained under natural forest. The house was bought by the Danish Government which offered it back to Kenya in In 1986, the house, formerly used as a school, was transformed to a National Museum. Much of the original furniture is on display in the house and most objects were either used by Karen herself or for the shooting of the film.

9 Last visit will be to the AFEW Nature Center near Giraffe Manor where you may hand-feed the Rothschild giraffe that live here. The giraffe were brought here by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville, who founded AFEW (African Fund for Endangered Wildlife) and built the Nature Center to help educate young African children about wildlife conservation. The Rothschild giraffe are the tallest species and may reach eighteen feet in height, but you can see eye to eye with them on the elevated walkway at the center. Tonight, meet with more prominent Kenyans and enjoy dinner and lively conversation with them. Overnight at the VILLA ROSA KEMPINSKI NAIROBI. (B,L,D) DAYS 12/13/14 ~ SUNDAY/MONDAY/TUESDAY ~ MAY 12/13/14 MAASAI MARA/NORTHERN SERENGETI Depart on your flight to the Maasai Mara, Kenya s most famous wildlife reserve, much the setting for the film Out of Africa. It is classic savannah grasslands, where animals are plentiful and the vistas spectacular. In this dreamlike land, animals live in freedom, and the Maasai tend their cattle, all sharing the same land with minimal conflict. You will have three days of wildlife-viewing opportunities in the Maasai Mara Reserve, also known as the Jewel of Africa, a site with one of the largest and the most spectacular animal migrations in the world. The reserve is inhabited by many of Africa's most popular wild animals, including lion, cheetah, elephant, leopard, black rhino and hippo. There are also over 500 resident species of birds in the park including ostrich, larks and sunbirds as well as the lovely Lilac-breasted Roller. The area is famous for rolling grassland and for the Mara River, which runs through the reserve from north to south. The reserve covers an area of 700 square miles and forms part of the Serengeti ecosystem, hosting the world-famous spectacle of the annual migration of up to two million wildebeest, thousands of zebra and an escort of carnivores from the Serengeti plains that follow the rains and succulent new grass. A costly trek as many of the lame, laggard and sick will fall prey to the ravening pack of predators and many more will die in the swirling flood waters of the Mara River as they try to cross it. While the migration depends on many factors such as the rains, you ll be here during the best time for this spectacle, one of the greatest on earth! Optional excursions include a balloon safari for an exhilarating experience over the savannah as the early sun rises and the animals are more active. Another, for a nominal fee, is a visit to a Maasai Village to experience this nomadic tribe s way of life and see their colorful culture. The Mara Serena Safari Lodge is an interpretation of a traditional Maasai Manyatta village of domed huts. Accommodation is offered in 73 guestrooms, all of which have been styled to mirror the circular motif of a traditional Maasai Manyatta village of domed huts. The wide-spaced and secluded rooms have been individually styled in exuberant bush colors and feature large spacious en-suite bathrooms. It is set on the saddle of a hill where it overlooks the 695 square miles of rolling plains, woodlands and rivers that make up the Maasai Mara Triangle one of the world's richest wildlife sanctuaries. No other lodge has such a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape or the wildlife and birdlife that inhabit it. It is on this very terrain stretching endlessly before the lodge where the annual migration takes place, where millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle traverse the landscape to feed on the rich new grass and give birth to their young. Overnights at the MARA SERENA SAFARI LODGE. (B,L,D Daily)

10 DAY 15 ~ WEDNESDAY~ MAY 15 MAASAI MARA/ NAIROBI/EN ROUTE Enjoy a last chance to photograph that awesome sunrise before flying back to Nairobi. A day room will be supplied for you at the OLE SERENI HOTEL. This afternoon, you may opt to shop in town, or at the African marketplace, or bask in the sun at the lovely pool of your hotel. Soon you are escorted to the airport for your flight back home. As your journey comes to a close, you say a fond farewell to your driver/guides and naturalist and promise to come back in the not too distant future. (B, Meals Aloft) DAY 16 ~ THURSDAY~ MAY 16 WASHINGTON This morning you land in the USA bringing with you the memories of all the wonderful sights of East Africa. (Meals Aloft)

11 OPTIONAL PRE-EXTENSION TO OMO VALLEY & THE SOUTHERN TRIBES DAY 1 ~ THURSDAY ~ APRIL 25 WASHINGTON/EN ROUTE Your journey begins as you board your plane for your flight to Addis Ababa in Washington D.C. (Meals Aloft) DAY 2 ~ FRIDAY ~ APRIL 26 ADDIS ABABA This morning you arrive in Addis Ababa where you are met and escorted to your home, The Sheraton Hotel. Check-in and enjoy some relaxing time before embarking on your next day adventure visiting the Omotic tribes of the Omo valley. This is an extraordinary opportunity to meet some of the more remote ethnic groups of the fascinatingly diverse areas surrounding the Omo River in South West Ethiopia. In the following days you will find yourself in an unforgettable part of the world. Set in a Colonial-style building, your upscale hotel is a short distance from the National Museum of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian National Theatre. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars and desks. Be sure to take a moment to enjoy the outdoor heated pool or spa with sauna and whirlpool tub. Overnight at the SHERATON HOTEL. (Meals Aloft) DAY 3 ~ SATURDAY~ APRIL 27 ADDIS ABABA/JINKA~ARI TRIBE Today head back to the airport to board your flight to Jinka (arriving at 1:20pm), the biggest town in the Omo region,

12 sometimes called as Paris of the south because of the presence of some streetlights. Don't expect too much though, as the best Jinka has to offer is the big Saturday market and the excellent museum of the South Omo Research Center. Jinka is the base to visit Mago National Park in whose lands reside the Mursi, perhaps the most famous of all the peoples of Southern Ethiopia In the afternoon visit the The Ari people, the largest group in the Omo region, numbering over 100,000. The Ari live in wider villages with private compounds enclosing their huts/ houses and grow a variety of crops including grains, coffee, fruits, vegetables and cardamom. They have large livestock herds and produce large quantities of honey. Ari women are famous for their pottery which they sell to support their families. Although many people are happy to be photographed, others are not, and we emphasize to our travelers the importance of respecting people s wishes. Your accommodations for the night Eco Omo Lodge is a charming eco-lodge located just outside of the town of Jinka, in the heart of the Omo Valley and within a short drive of Mago National Park. Set within lush gardens, there are 20 tents, stilted on wooden platforms and covered with a reed roofs to blend into the natural environment. Each tent has either twin or a double bed and en suite bathrooms offer hot and cold running water. Overnight at the ECO OMO LODGE. (B,LD) DAY 4 ~ SUNDAY~ APRIL 28 JINKA~MURSI TRIBE/TURMI After breakfast, leave Jinka and drive to Mursi village to visit one of the most fascinating tribes in Africa. Although they have suffered in recent years from extreme drought which has made herding and cultivation difficult, they still adhere to their traditional and unique culture. The Mursi are renowned for the strange custom followed by their women who on reaching maturity at age 15- or 16-years, have their lower lips slit and circular disks inserted. These are to mark traditional rites of passage including those for educational and disciplinary purposes. The larger the clay plate, the more the woman is worth before she gets married. Mursi women only wear the plates for a short time because they are so heavy and uncomfortable. Men of the Mursi use white paint for their bodies and faces. Just like any other ethnic tribe in the lower valley, the men must pass a test before they can marry. A Mursi man is given a stick called a Donga and must face one opponent. The men will battle, beating each other with the sticks. Afterwards continue with your drive towards Turmi.

13 Your home for the next three nights Buska Lodge, situated in the heart of Southern Ethiopia in the Omo Valley, is an unpretentious eco-lodge offering travelers the best accommodation and meal service in this region. It overlooks the plains of Buska Mountain and has been constructed to blend in to the natural surroundings. The lodge offers a restaurant and meals are based on a standard menu or buffet style for larger groups. Nature walks will not disappoint: birdlife is abundant and diverse in the lodge grounds and along the river. Flora in the area is also fascinating, but it s also close to town, so people watching is excellent. Overnight at the BUSKA LODGE. (B,LD) DAY 5 ~ MONDAY~ APRIL 29 TURMI~KARO & HAMER VILLAGES Today s drive takes you to Koricho, a settlement for the Karo or Kara, a Nilotic ethnic group, famous for their body paintings.they are also one of the smallest tribes in the region with an estimated population between 1,000 and 3,000. The most striking thing about Karo people's symbolic and ornamental expressions is the painted body and face decorations. They paint themselves daily with colored ocre, white chalk, yellow mineral rock and pulverized iron, all natural resources local to the area. This is an elaborate process, which ranges from fine details to rough, but striking paintings traced with the palms or fingers. The most beautiful expression is in the facial and chest paintings that combine white (chalk), black (charcoal), yellow, ochre, and red earth. They often imitate the spotted plumage of a guinea fowl. Karo women scarify their chests to beautify themselves.the complete scarification of a man's chest indicates that he has killed an enemy or a dangerous animal. The scars are cut with a knife or razor blade and ash is rubbed in to produce a raised effect. The wearing of a grey and ochre clay hair bun also indicates the killing of an enemy or a dangerous animal.

14 In the afternoon, visit the Hamer tribe. The women of the Hamer are known particularly for their striking appearace, adorned with thick plaits of ochre-colored hair hanging down in a heavy fringe, leather skirts decorated with cowries, a dozen or more copper bracelets fixed tightly around their arms. The men are noted for the initiation ceremony of jumping over the bulls. Catching this interesting ritual is entirely a matter of chance. Overnight at the BUSKA LODGE. (B,LD) DAY 6 ~ TUESDAY~ APRIL 30 DASSANECH TRIBE/KONSO This morning travel near the Kenyan border and cross the Omo River, the largest river in Ethiopia outside the Nile Basin, which drains into Lake Turkana of Kenya. Visit the people of the Dassanech tribe, who are the southernmost people of the country and are known for their scarifications. Their name means People of the Delta. Over time the tribe has absorbed a wide range of different people and it s now divided into eight main clans. They are the Elele, Inkabelo, Inkoria, Koro, Naritch, Oro, Randal and the Ri'ele. Each clan is defined by its territory with the Inkabelo being the wealthiest. Each clan has its own identity and customs, its own responsibilities towards the rest of the tribe and is linked to a particular territory. Afterwards, resume your drive to the village of Konso where you ll spend the evening.the cultural landscape of Konso, is a Unesco World Heritage site, and is comprised of stonewalled terraces and fortified settlements in the highlands with traditions stretching back 21 generations (more than 400 years). Konso is known for its religious traditions, waga sculptures and nearby fossil beds. Traditionally styled with accommodation in well-built thatched huts called 'tukuls', your rooms are clean and comfortable and decorated with local weavings. The en suite bungalows are surrounded with flowers and there is a pretty terrace outside the restaurant with tables where meals or sundowners can be enjoyed.the views are wonderful and the restaurant offers traditional Ethiopian cuisine, as well as international dishes. Overnight at the KANTA LODGE. (B,LD)

15 DAY 7 ~WEDNESDAY~ MAY 1 KONSO/ARBA MINCH Todays drive takes you to the southern town of Arba Minch (in Amharic it means 40 springs ), located in a beautiful setting at the foothills of the Rift Valley escarpment and overlooking Lake Abaya and Lake Cham. Time permitting you will visit the Dorze village. Dorze people are known for their weaving culture which is reflected in their beautiful cotton clothes, fences, and beehive shaped bamboo huts. Their success in the field of weaving has been phenomenal and the Dorze name is synonymous with the best woven cotton cloth. Men weave and women spin. Each Dorze bamboo house has its own small garden surrounded by beds of spices, cabbage and tobacco. Their staple food is Kocho, made from the false banana. Situated in a unique and beautiful location alongside the Chamo and Abaya Lakes that are found in Nech Sar National Park, your lodge is designed to imitate the local Konso construction style, and is furnished and decorated with handicrafts from the 54 ethnic groups represented in this Southern Ethiopia area. Enjoy a dip in the hotel s pool with a swim-up bar and outdoor TV, or enjoy a variety of spa and massage services offered at the hotel spa. The lodge restaurant offers international cuisine and local favorites and is situated on the best spot to enjoy the breathtaking view over the two refit valley lakes. Overnight at the PARADISE LODGE. (B,LD) DAY 8 ~THURSDAY~ MAY 2 ARBA MINCH~LAKE CHAMO/ADDIS ABABA In the morning, enjoy a remarkable boat ride on the southernmost Rift Valley lake of Ethiopia Lake Chamo. One can spot many hippos and giant crocodiles. The water birds are great and the scenery is truly unforgettable. Fishing for Nile perch and many other species by locals on their traditional boat is by far the best in the country. You will also watch various lowland water birds like the African Fish Eagle, Great White Pelicans, egrets, etc. Later today, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa to meet up with the group who arrived this morning. (B,L,D)

16 OPTIONAL POST-EXTENSION TO UGANDA DAY 15 ~ WEDNESDAY~ MAY 15 NAIROBI/ENTEBBE A last chance to photograph that awesome sunrise before flying back to Nairobi. Here, bid farewell to the rest of the group returning to the USA tonight, and transfer to the airport for your flight to Entebbe. Upon arrival, this evening you will be welcomed by your Classic Escapes representative and driver/guides who will then accompany you to your lovely hotel, Kampala Serena Located in the center of Uganda s most cosmopolitan city, Kampala Serena Hotel is an inspirational blend of 5-star polish and pan-african panache. All 152 rooms enjoy air-conditioning, in-room satellite television, direct dial telephone, internet access via data port, minibar and private safes. Overnight at the KAMPALA SERENA HOTEL. (B) DAY 16~THURSDAY~MAY 16 ENTEBBE/KAMPALA Spend the day in Entebbe/Kampala meeting with people and also visiting historical, cultural and religious sites. Enjoy dinner tonight with local business leaders. Overnight at the KAMPALA SERENA HOTEL. (B,D) DAYS 17/18~FRIDAY/SATURDAY~MAY 17/18 ENTEBBE/ BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK This morning board your light aircraft flight to Kisoro where upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your lodge in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Spend two days in enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, a true African jungle, so called because of the dense undergrowth, vines and other vegetation which make it almost 'impenetrable'. It is both mysterious and awesome. The lowland rainforest and Montane forest vegetation constantly struggle to reach heights that will allow it to receive more light. Huge trees are festooned with creepers and parasitic plants such as mistletoe and orchids. Giant thickets of bamboo thrive in the humid atmosphere and, where sunlight breaks though, the elegant heliconia or lobster claw spreads its colorful petals. At least 120 species of mammals make their home here in one of the richest ecosystems in Africa. Besides the 10 species of primates, elephant, bush pig, giant forest hog, many species of bats and rodents, at least 346 species of birds including rare forest birds, 14 species of snakes, 27 species of frogs

17 and toads, 6 chameleons, 14 lizards, skinks and geckos, and at least 202 species of butterflies are resident in the Forest. There are also several endangered species of birds with limited ranges. Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure. Your group will have the opportunity for one trek per person to view the mountain gorillas during your stay (at additional cost). After breakfast, you will proceed to the nearby park headquarters and meet with your excellent local guides and porters, who will carry your personal items and assist you during the trek. Gorillas here live on the slopes of ancient volcanoes in high elevation forests. Dense bamboo thickets give way to a combination of large meadows and dense herbaceous vegetation zone highlighted by moss-laden hagenia and hypericum trees. Your treks will take you through a fairyland forest, an experience that in of itself is thrilling. As you venture forth, you will spot evidence that the gorillas have been present. The treks can last from four to seven hours (or more) depending on when you spot the gorillas. There is an hour limit to the time you spend with these majestic creatures once you spot them. Tracking gorillas through misty, seemingly impenetrable forests can be an exhausting process as the paths are often slippery, entangled and wet. However, this effort is quickly forgotten the minute you encounter these beautiful creatures. They instantly capture your full attention with their acrobatic antics and cacophony of grunts, screeches and chest beating. Without doubt, your first impression of the dense jungle will be its almost audible silence. Jungle creatures are very, very shy, but, as you pick your way along the trail, through the dense undergrowth, you'll realize that the jungle is alive. Thousands of living organisms are discreetly watching and waiting as you pass through their home and, from time to time, the complete tranquility will be shattered by a darting forest bird or group of chattering monkeys leaping through the stands of ancient trees, disturbing the secretive residents and setting up a chain reaction. Now, the ever-wary jungle comes to colorful and noisy life for a moment, until silence reigns again. As you walk among the shadows of the leafy canopy, this rainforest reveals the smells and sounds of Africa, just as it has been for centuries. Your guide will take you along river trails with delightful waterfalls, up steep slopes and into forest clearings in search of these gentle giants. Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. Approximately 98% of the gorilla treks are successful but there is no guarantee that you will see the gorillas.

18 While here you will visit Nkuringo Community Conservation Development Foundation (NCCDF) located on a hillside bordering Bwindi forest with an extended view of Congo. The local community conserves the gorillas in this area, and in return is able to benefit from gorilla tourism through the development of community tourism activities in Nkuringo. NCCDF works with the Nkuringo Women Group, a community initiative that brings awareness to local communities regarding the importance of conservation, tourism, hard work and preserve culture as well as local skills development (crafts & art work) which are sold to generate direct income. Visiting NCCDF, you will have a taste of the Ugandan lifestyle. You will meet with locals of many different generations and see the way of life in this developing country. You will have a chance to visit the local school and observe how the children study with high spirit and no computers. Meet the traditional healer who uses local medicine from the forests to treat people and who is fully informed about all local herbs to treat the community. Your accommodations for the next two nights are Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge which is situated in Nkuringo, bordering the southwestern corner of Bwindi National Park. At almost 7,000 feet in altitude, it offers sweeping panoramic views of the magnificent Virunga Volcanoes and the Great Rift Valley. This remote beautiful lodge is a pioneer in ecotourism in Uganda, built in partnership with USAI, AWF and the Nkuringo community (NCCDF). The lodge hosts nine of Uganda s top artists displaying their works. The main lodge feels like a ski chalet in the Alps with soaring ceilings, massive exposed beams and big picture windows with endless views of treetops, volcanoes and mountains. Guests stay in cottages built of local volcanic stone, each with a large sitting room, double-sided fireplace, private verandah and comfortable bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. Overnights at CLOUDS MOUNTAIN GORILLA LODGE. (B,L,D Daily) DAY 19~SUNDAY~MAY 19 KISORO /ENTEBBE/ EN ROUTE Your scheduled light aircraft flight takes you back to Entebbe and your dayroom at the PROTEA HOTEL. In the early evening, bid farewell to East Africa as you return to Entebbe s airport for your overnight flight back home via Addis Ababa. (B,L) DAY 20~MONDAY~MAY 20 WASHINGTON This morning you land in the USA bringing with you the memories of all the wonderful sights of East Africa. (Meals Aloft))

19 INCLUSIONS Flight between Entebbe/Kisoro/Entebbe on the post extension. Superior accommodations throughout at accommodations as listed in the itinerary, or similar. Breakfasts daily, all meals while on safari and other meals as indicated in itinerary. All wildlife viewing by 4WD, minibus or coaster bus in Ethiopia and 4x4 open-air vehicles in Kenya. Services of English-speaking naturalist with 10 travelers. Different guide in each country. Visit to the Community in Nkuringo in Uganda. World affairs Council host will accompany the group with a minimum of 15 travelers on the main program and 10 on either extension. Complimentary bottled water in safari vehicle. All applicable hotel/lodge gratuities and taxes. All park and attractions entry fees. Complimentary baggage tags and passport wallet. Complimentary evacuation insurance. EXCLUSIONS Flight between Washington/Addis Ababa returning from Nairobi including U.S. and foreign airport taxes (quoted separately). The post extension returns form Entebbe (quoted separately). Flights between Addis Ababa/Bahir Dar, Gondar/Lalibela, Lalibela/Addis Ababa and Addis Ababa/Nairobi (quoted separately). Fight between Addis Ababa/Jinka and Arba Minch/Addis Ababa on the pre-extension (quoted separately). Flight between Nairobi and Entebbe (quoted separately). Roundtrip flight beween Nairobi/Maasai Mara (quoted separately). Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas. Visas are required for US Citizens visiting Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. Permits to see the mountain gorillas in Bwindi ($600 per person/per trek, currently). Gratuities to driver/guides, naturalists and other conveyance attendants. Excess baggage charges levied by airlines. Meals and beverages, other than specified. Laundry and other items of a personal nature. Personal and baggage insurance. Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the listing above. Please note this itinerary sequence is correct at the time of writing but is subject to change. CAUTION: Visitors to Uganda should be in excellent physical condition, without any heart problems and prepared to spend strenuous days in humid rain forests, steep terrain and high altitude. Waterproof hiking boots, trousers and long sleeved closed shirts, gloves, waterproof clothing and poncho are required. A pouch for your camera equipment is also highly recommended. Those preferring to remain at base camp in Bwindi may do so, however, there is no price reduction on the land program, and permits, if purchased, are non-refundable

20 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ETHIOPIA, KENYA & UGANDA Participants need to know about Ethiopia & Kenya: To enjoy your trip to the fullest, you should be in good physical and mental health. Participants should be able to walk at an easy pace over uneven terrain at cities and sites of ancient ruins for three or four hours at a time. Some of the walks are strenuous, particularly in Lalibela, and navigating the various churches and the treks in the national parks. Your journey includes some strenuous activity. Walking on rough pavement and ascending/descending uneven and not always defined stairs will be required, as well as treks in the national parks. Unfortunately, tourist sites in Ethiopia are not required to be wheelchair/handicap accessible. There are no standards like we are accustomed to in US. Often it is difficult at best, and many times impossible, to accommodate wheelchairs and power chairs during the activities listed in the itinerary. Prepare for some bumpy rides! Your vehicles will be comfortable, and your drivers are experts, but the roads will often be rough. If you have a medical condition that can be aggravated by rough roads, consult with your doctor. Bringing a seat cushion or lumbar back brace. Set realistic expectations! Ethiopia is a developing nation, and certain small luxuries that we take for granted are not always available. The hotels in Ethiopia range from very good to basic. Please do not travel to Ethiopia expecting things to work efficiently. All the accommodations are quite acceptable. All rooms have private bathrooms with hot and cold water (which, be warned, usually works but always be prepared!). If you expect basic accommodation you might be pleasantly surprised. Participants need to know about Uganda: Visitors must be in excellent physical condition, without any heart problems and be prepared to spend strenuous days in humid rain forests, steep terrain and high-altitude trekking for chimpanzee and gorillas, as well as other primates. Your walks can be arduous, tough, wet and long. Waterproof hiking boots, trousers and long sleeved closed shirts, garden gloves, waterproof clothing and poncho are essential. You may walk for many hours before you even come across the gorillas (or if lucky, find them in an hour!). Your time with the gorillas is limited to one hour before you must trek back to the camp. You should always consult your personal physician before embarking on such an adventure. Rainstorms may occur at length or with little notice. Participants should come mentally and physically prepared for different types of weather, including both warm and cold temperatures.

21 In general, this trip requires: Flexibility and good humor unexpected changes and/or glitches will occur. A spirit of adventure and curiosity. Interest in and willingness to appreciate a destination with uneven infrastructure and a bending definition of comfort. That being said, some locations are nestled in absolute luxury where pampering is the norm. Maximize restroom usage at camps/lodges before departures. Let your guide know early if you absolutely need to stop somewhere for a restroom break. (Don t be embarrassed to speak up! You and your fellow travelers are all in the same boat.) This will give him time to find an appropriate place to stop. Air Schedules: Choosing the best possible air arrangements for our travelers is always a challenge. We work with many airlines that offer the best level of service, routings and value for our programs. While there may indeed be more direct routings available with another airline, the cost of these flights may not be within the budget that allows us to give you the best value possible. If you prefer to purchase your own international air, please feel free to choose the land only rate for this program. The start city for this program is Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and the end city is Nairobi, Kenya. The extension returns from Entebbe, Uganda. Upon registration, you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport. In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with reissuing the ticket.

22 YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE INCLUDING: ADDIS ABABA, BAHIR DAR, GONDAR, LALIBELA IN ETHIOPIA; NAIROBI AND THE MAASAI MARA IN KENYA; POST EXTENSION TO UGANDA INCLUDES KAMPALA & BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST & PRE EXTESNION TO OMO VALLEY SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL ESCORTED BY: A REPRESENTATIVE FROM WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL DATES: MAY 1 TO 16, 2019 COST: PER PERSON, BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY MAIN PROGRAM PRE-EXTENSION TO OMO VALLEY POST EXTENSION TO UGANDA BASED ON 15 TRAVELERS BASED ON 10 TRAVELERS BASED ON 10 TRAVELERS LAND PACKAGE ONLY $7,795 PER PERSON $2,895 PER PERSON $4,695 PER PERSON, SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT* INTERNATIONAL AIR FROM WASHINGTON D.C., ECONOMY & INTRA-AFRICA AIR INCLUDING ESTIMATED DEPARTURE TAXES, (CURRENTLY, SUBJECT TO CHANGE) ** INTRA-ETHIOPIA AIR AND FLIGHT BETWEEN ADDIS ABABA/NAIROBI, AS WELL AS FLIGHT BETWEEN NAIROBI & MAASAI MARA, IF NOT PURCHASING INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FROM CLASSIC ESCAPES FLIGHT BETWEEN ADDIS ABABA/JINKA & $1,695 PER PERSON, ADDITIONAL $2,590 PER PERSON, ADDITIONAL $1,590 PER PERSON, ADDITIONAL N/A $495 PER PERSON, ADDITIONAL N/A N/A $540 PER PERSON, INCLUDING AIR WITHIN UGANDA $995 PER PERSON, ADDITIONAL $2,890 IF TAKING UGANDA EXTENSION ARBA MINCH/ADDIS ABABA ADDITIONAL PLUS, FLIGHT BETWEEN NAIROBI & ENTEBBE N/A N/A $400 PER PERSON, PLUS, GORILLA PERMIT IN UGANDA, CURRENTLY N/A N/A ADDITIONAL N/A N/A $600 PER PERSON, PER *SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: RATE IS VALID FOR FIRST TWO SINGLE ROOMS BOOKED. IF MORE THAN TWO SINGLE ROOMS, ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENT WILL APPLY. SINGLES ARE ASSIGNED ON A FIRST COME/FIRST SERVE BASIS. **ALL INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND BASED ON MINIMUM OF 10 TRAVELERS. TAXES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL TICKETED. IF LESS THAN 10 TRAVELERS, THE FARE WILL INCREASE & GIVEN TO THE TRAVELERS PRIOR TO ISSUING THE TICKETS, APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE DEPARTURE CITIES: WASHINGTON, D.C. (OTHER DEPARTURE CITIES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AT ADDITIONAL COST) TREK

23 CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL: REGISTRATION HOW TO BOOK: Fill out and sign the enclosed reservation form and send it, along with the relevant deposit as shown below, to CLASSIC ESCAPES, Queens Blvd, Woodside, NY Upon receipt of your signed reservation form and deposit, we will, subject to availability, reserve your spot on the tour. You may consider your booking confirmed when you receive a confirmation notice and invoice from us. PAYMENTS DEPOSIT: A deposit of $1,500 per person must be submitted at the time of booking for the main trip, as well as $1,000 for either extension and the cost of the permit of $600. Deposits may be paid by American Express, Discover, Visa or MasterCard, as well as by check or money order. FINAL PAYMENT: Final payment is due 95 days (January 26, 2019) before departure you will receive a final invoice. Final payment is payable by check or money order ONLY. RATES: Rates are based on the minimum number of guests outlined in this document, plus airfare costs, currency exchange rates and other factors and are subject to change. Though it is rare for Classic Escapes to make a price adjustment after promotion of an itinerary, we do reserve the right to assess a surcharge if the minimum is not met, or if increases are forced upon us by airlines or other partners or because of changes in currency exchange rates. NOT INCLUDED: Cost of passport and visa fees, and service charges for obtaining visa fees; excess baggage charges levied by airlines; laundry and other items of a personal nature; optional personal, optional travel insurance policy; cost for anything not specifically included in listing above. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: The quoted rate is valid for the first two single rooms booked and on a first-come, first-served basis. If more than two single rooms are needed, an additional supplement may apply. Single accommodations are not guaranteed, but will be provided at additional cost if available (see reservation form for cost.) The single room supplement pays for privacy, not better accommodations. For passengers who are traveling alone and wish to share a room with another tour member, we will do our best to provide a roommate. However, if this is not possible, you will be required to pay the single room supplement prior to your departure from the USA. GRATUITIES AND TAXES: Gratuities for baggage handling, service charges and taxes imposed by hotels, and entrance fees to all points of interest as outlined in the itinerary are included. U.S. and foreign airport taxes are included in air costs. Tips to drivers and naturalist are included. CANCELLATIONS, DEVIATIONS & CHANGES TRAVEL INSURANCE: We recommend travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide financial reimbursement should the unexpected occur. CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations are only effective on receipt of written notification. The following per person fees are applicable on this tour: Up to January 26, 2019, less $300 handling fee, plus $500 non-refundable deposit on the main trip and $400 on the post extension given to overseas suppliers, plus gorilla permit which is non-refundable once purchased. January 27 to Febbruary 15, 2019, deposit is forfeited, plus the gorilla permit. February 16 to 25, 2019, less 75% of tour cost of both the main trip and the extension, plus the gorilla permit. After February 25, 2019, no refund is possible. These cancellation fees are also in addition to any fees imposed by airlines. CHANGE FEES: Once you reserve your tour, changes are possible at a cost of $150 per person subject to availability of air or land space at the time of request. Should there be any change fees imposed by airlines or ground operators, or additional costs incurred due to availability of any space, this cost will be invoiced to you. SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS: We would be happy to make additional travel plans for you, including specially arranged pre- or post-tour extensions different than those that may be offered in conjunction with this tour. A service charge of $150 per person (over and above the cost of the services required) will be assessed.

24 DOCUMENTS As of September 1, 2015, visas for Kenya may only be secured on-line. The fee for a single-entry, tourist visa is currently $50 and $100 for multiple-entry for each applicant, regardless of age. Visit the electronic visa page at As of June 1, 2016, visas for Uganda may only be secured on-line. PASSPORT & VISAS: The onus is upon the guest to ensure that passports and visas are valid for the countries visited and for the applicable time period, as outlined by the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) or by the passport holder s country. Classic Escapes, their staff and their agents cannot be held liable for any visas, etc. not held by the guests, nor for the cost of obtaining visas. PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION: Upon receipt of your registration and deposit, we will send a pre-departure packet to you. This packet contains all the information you need to prepare for your tour, including the complete itinerary, packing checklist, required documents, etc. FINAL DOCUMENTS: Final documents and tickets will be sent to you approximately two weeks prior to departure, provided all monies have been paid in full. TRANSPORTATION OPTIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION: Roundtrip, economy-class flights via ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES and/or other IATAN carriers are between WASHINGTON, and the destination city noted in the itinerary. Rates are based on special promotional fares; cancellation fees apply once tickets are issued. Departures from other cities in the USA are possible at additional cost; inquire at the time of reservation. Please note that these promotional fares are subject to 10 passengers traveling together on the same airline routing and itinerary. If this minimum is not met, the special group rates are not applicable and it might become necessary to issue instant purchase tickets earlier than when final payment is due in order to take advantage of airfares that are similar to the group rates. Should this occur, you will be contacted with the details. AIRLINE SEATING: For ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES, we request seats together for the group. All planes are non-smoking. We can request a seating preference on your behalf, however requested seats cannot be guaranteed. Requests should be made in writing no later than 60 days prior to departure. Bulkhead and/or emergency row seats can only be requested at airport check-in on the day of departure. Boarding passes will only be issued at the airport on the day of departure. You may inquire about seat changes during check in, based on availability and is at the sole discretion of airport staff. FREQUENT FLYER MILEAGE: This program is based on traveling via ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES. For a list of the airline s partners, visit Obtain frequent flyer mileage on any of these carriers. Present your frequent flyer card for all flight check-ins and keep the boarding passes until you receive a statement with the mileage credit TRANSFERS: Roundtrip airport transfers are included in the tour for guests arriving on group flights. If travelers make their own air arrangements, they will be subject to extra transfer fees. TRIP DETAILS ACCOMMODATIONS: You will marvel at the wonderful accommodations provided throughout your tour. All rooms have private bathroom facilities and air conditioning and/or fans. All rates are based on double occupancy. Most rooms are twin-bedded, but king-size beds are occasionally available and should be requested in advance. Accommodations listed in this itinerary are correct at time of writing, but on rare occasions may be substituted for a different property of comparable quality. MEALS: All meals as specified in the itinerary. Please notify us if you have special dietary needs or requests, and we will do our best to accommodate. INOCULATIONS: When it comes to vaccination and disease prevention, we suggest that travelers first review information provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( and then review those details with their personal physicians. WATER: It is always advisable to drink bottled and/or filtered water when traveling overseas. Safe drinking water will be provided to travelers free of charge in the vehicles and during meals. BAGGAGE: On average, international flights from the USA allow one piece of checked luggage, not exceeding 50 pounds; however, we always recommend that you check your airline s policy just before departure, as luggage limitations are always subject to change. Despite this weight allowance, we always suggest guests travel light. Also, soft-sided duffel bags are ideal for this tour, as they stow best in vehicles and airplanes with limited space.

25 TERMS & CONDITIONS RESPONSIBIITIES: Neither Classic Escapes (the Company) nor any person or agent acting for, through or on behalf of the Company shall be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from any cause whatsoever and without restricting the generality of the aforegoing shall particularly not be responsible for loss or damage arising from any errors or omissions contained in its brochure or other literature, loss or damage caused by delays, sickness, theft, injury or death. In addition, the Company shall have the right at any time at its discretion to cancel any trip or the remainder thereof or make any alteration in route, accommodation, price or other details and, in the event of any trip being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable by weather, strike, war, government or interference or any other cause whatsoever, the extra expenses incurred as a result thereof shall be the responsibility of the passenger. The Company may at its discretion and without liability or cost to itself at any time cancel or terminate the guest s booking and in particular without limiting the generality of the aforegoing it shall be entitled to do so in the event of the illness or the illegal or incompatible behavior of the guest, who shall in such circumstances not be entitled to any refund. The person making any booking will, by the making of such booking, warrant that he or she has authority to enter into a contract on behalf of the other person included in such a booking and in the event of the failure of any or all of the other persons so included to make payment, the person making the booking shall by his/her signature thereof assume personal liability for the total price of all bookings made by him/her. PHOTOGRAPHY: The Company reserves the right without further notice to make use of any photograph or film taken on the tour by our photographers without payment or permission. We guarantee that no photographs of a compromising nature will be used. CHANGES TO SCHEDULES: Although every effort is made to adhere to schedules it should be borne in mind that the Company reserves the right and in fact is obliged to occasionally change routes and hotels as dictated by changing conditions. REFUNDS: While the Company uses its best endeavors to ensure that all anticipated accommodation is available as planned, there shall be no claim of any nature whatsoever against the Company for a refund either in the whole or part, if any accommodation or excursion is unavailable and a reasonable alternative is not found. If the guest is unable to use any service provided in the itinerary, then there are no refunds due. AIRLINE CLAUSE: The airlines concerned are not to be held liable for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board their planes or conveyance. The passengers tickets in use by the airline or by other carriers concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the purchaser of these tickets and/or passengers. DELAYS: We cannot be held liable for any delays or additional costs incurred as a result of airlines not running to schedule. If one of our guides is unable to take a trip due to illness, etc. we reserve the right to substitute with another guide. This agreement is made subject to and shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the country in which the trip takes place. Classic Escapes act merely as an agent for the operating companies. To the best of our knowledge the itinerary is correct at the time of printing. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or changes that may occur after printing. INSURANCE: It is a condition of booking that the sole responsibility lies with the guest to ensure that they carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover themselves, as well as any dependents /traveling companions for the duration of their trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: cancellation or curtailment of the tour, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, and repatriation expenses, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, money and goods. Classic Escapes, including their representatives, employees and agents will take no responsibility for any costs, losses incurred or suffered by the guest, or guest s dependents or traveling companions, with regards to, but not limited to, any of the above-mentioned eventualities. Guests will be charged directly by the relevant service providers for any emergency services they may require, and may find themselves in a position unable to access such services should they not be carrying the relevant insurance cover. We recommend that you consider a Trip Cancellation policy that also includes medical coverage against unforeseen circumstances. The World Affairs Council offers travel insurance through Travel Insurance Services. INCLUDED EMERGENCY EVACUATION COVERAGE: For the convenience of our travelers, Classic Escapes provides a complimentary Medical Insurance Plan, during this trip through, Travel Guard Group, Inc. This includes: Emergency evacuation insurance up to $100,000. Up to $25,000 medical expense and up to $500 dental expense coverage subject to the terms and limitations of the insurance policy. 24 hour worldwide travel and medical assistance Please click here to view complete coverage of details. pe=prod_plan_doc

26 HELP US GO GREEN Dear Traveler, In an effort to help protect our planet, Classic Escapes has begun the transition of becoming paperless. We need your help getting there! Did you know? Recycling one ton of paper saves 20 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, three cubic yards of landfill space, 60 pounds of air pollutants, and saves enough energy to power the average home for six months Please indicate in the chart below whether or not you prefer to receive paperless correspondence from us all you need to do is put a check under the green symbol for yes or a check under the NO for no. Simply fax to or your responses to reservations@classicescapes.com! You Will Receive The Following Items For Your Program: NO Welcome Letter Preliminary Materials prelude packet and invoice Reminder Invoice with balance due Paid-in-Full Invoice Final Documents species list, journal and final booklet Your Name: Address: Trip Tour Code: 19AFG0501/WAC Together we can make the world a better place! Thank you for your support,