ETHIOPIA: LAND OF LEGENDS

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1 ETHIOPIA: LAND OF LEGENDS Visit us at

2 Itinerary Overview Travel to Ethiopia, a land of legends and one the world's most fascinating destinations. Our adventure begins in Addis Ababa and traverses the northern historic route visiting Lake Tana, Gondar, Lalibela and Axum, featuring several UNESCO world heritage sites. In this fabled land where legend and history are deeply entwined, hike among the villages to sacred island monasteries of Lake Tana. Explore the Castles of Gandor where you enjoy a private coffee ceremony. Based from an ecolodge in the Simien Mountains, hike on the roof of Africa in the continent s highest range and deepest gorges where you will encounter wildlife found nowhere else in the world. At dawn, wander through the ethereal subterranean churches of Lalibela glowing in the early morning light. Experience the towering stelae of Axum, coming as close to the legendary arc of the covenant as possible. Equipped with the best vehicles and escorted by expert guides you are immersed in the ancient history, cultures, natural habitats and spiritually of this captivating country and its people. This itinerary is easily modified as a custom trip. If you are flexible when to travel to Ethiopia experience the colorful Timkat festival on January 19. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 ADDIS ABABA Addis Hilton Arrival and transfer to hotel 2 BAHIR DAR Kuriftu Resort and Spa BLD 3 GONDAR Goha Hotel BLD 4 SIMIEN MOUNTAINS Simien Ecolodge BLD 5 SIMIEN MOUNTAINS Simien Ecolodge BLD 6 GONDAR Goha Hotel BLD 7 LALIBELA Roha Hotel BLD 8 LALIBELA Roha Hotel BLD 9 AXUM Yeha Hotel BLD 10 AXUM Yeha Hotel BLD 11 ADDIS ABABA Addis Hilton BLD 12 DEPARTURE Addis Hilton (dayroom) BLD Fly to Bahir Dar, Lake Tana and monastery visit Drive to Gondar, visit the African castles Drive to the Simien Mountains, afternoon hike Day hike in the Simien Mountains Morning hiking, afternoon return to Gondar Fly to Lalibela, visit rock-hewn church Visit Asheten Maryam and rock-hewn churches Fly to Axum and tour the city St Mary of Zion Complex, Queen of Sheba palace ruins Return flight to Addis Museum visits and afternoon departures -2-

3 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ADDIS ABABA Meet your local guide on arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel for the evening. Addis Ababa is the third highest capital in the world and one of the largest cities in Africa, with a population well over 5 million. Despite its size, Addis retains a small-town feel with lively markets, donkey carts hurrying down main streets and traditional coffee shops. Overnight at Hilton Hotel [Meals on own] DAY 2: BAHIR DAR, LAKE TANA AND THE ISLAND MONASTERIES Transfer to the airport for the short early morning flight to Bahir Dar. Bahir Dar rests on the shores of Lake Tana and is one of Ethiopia s prettiest cities with its wide avenues, palms, jacaranda trees, and stunning lake views. For centuries Bahir Dar has been a trading center for the region; the tankwa, the traditional papyrus boats, still transport goods across the lake adding a sense of timelessness to city. Head out on Lake Tana to the Zege Peninsula and its famous island monasteries. Whilst on board your private boat and keep an eye out for a variety of bird species. After a short hike through local villages and coffee farms, you reach the monastery of Ura Kidane Meret. Home to an important collection of crosses and crowns dating back to the 16th century. The painted maqdas, colorful and well-preserved, tell the stories of Ethiopian saints. The second monastery visit, Azwa Maryam, is a smaller construction set amidst pleasant gardens. This afternoon there is an optional excursion available to the Blue Nile Falls. Alternatively, you can choose to explore Bahir Dar s market, enjoy a cold beverage overlooking the lake or bird watch in the lush gardens at the hotel. Overnight at Kuriftu Resort and Spa. [BLD] Blue Nile optional excursion: The Blue Nile Falls is considered by many one of the most spectacular falls in Africa. When in full flood the falls are impressive at 400m wide and 45m high, however the river was recently dammed upstream and the river levels are now controlled. Considering this factor, the falls are still an interesting site with good bird watching opportunities on the easy 30-min walk to the viewpoint. Hippos and crocodiles are occasionally spotted on the banks of the river, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. The road to and from the falls is packed gravel and can be rough and dusty. -3-

4 DAY 3: GONDAR AND THE AFRICAN CASTLES Depart this morning for the three hour drive to Gondar, passing rural villages over mountain passes with stunning vistas to get your first glimpse of the impressive castles of Gondar. Often called Africa s Camelot, King Fasiledes named Gondar capital in 1636 ACE and by his death in 1667 ACE Gondar s population had reached 65,000, its wealth and beauty well known throughout the land. Walking amongst the castles of the Royal Enclosure, ornate churches adorned with Ethiopian cherubs, and royal baths. It s easy to imagine Gondar in its glory days as capital of Ethiopia. Return to watch the sunset from your hotel. Overnight at Goha Hotel [BLD] DAY 4: SIMIEN MOUNTAINS Depart Gondar to drive up into Africa's most beautiful highlands, the Simien Mountains. The drive takes about 4 hours on packed gravel roads amidst stunning scenery. The Simien Mountains not only offer amazing vistas and panoramic views, but the area is also a critical habitat of several of Ethiopia s endemic species: the walia ibex, gelada baboon, and the rare Ethiopian wolf. Other resident mammals include rock hyraxes, jackals, bushbuck and klipspringers. Ras Dashen, the fourth highest peak in Africa, rises to 4,000 meters amongst several other impressive peaks. Check in to the Simien Ecolodge then take off for an afternoon hike. The Simien Ecolodge is situated on the edge of a high escarpment designed to represent a typical Simien Village built from local materials. Overnight at Simien Eco Lodge [BLD] -4-

5 DAY 5: HIKING IN THE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS Set out with the local expert guide on a day hike with a picnic lunch. Depart the lodge for Chenek where it is possible to spot the endemic walia ibex. Hike along the escarpment at around 10,000' elevation and marvel at the spectacular landscape with panoramic vistas overlooking waterfalls and the deep gorges below. Overnight at Simien Eco Lodge [BLD] DAY 6: RETURN TO GONDAR After a short hike or relaxed morning enjoying the mountains return to Gondar. The afternoon is free to walk around the town, catch up on your travel journal, and relax at the hotel with a refreshing drink in the lounge. Tonight a typical Ethiopian feast awaits you. Overnight at Goha Hotel [BLD] DAY 7: LALIBELA ROCK HEWN CHURCHES The short flight to Lalibela transects amazing rust colored canyons and high jagged peaks. At over 8,500 feet the small town of Lalibela is situated high in the Lasta Mountains. Even though Lalibela has been a destination for travelers and pilgrims since the 16th century, the town is remarkably undeveloped. The day is spent exploring the ancient city and its many rock-hewn churches. Lalibela is arguably one of the most important religious and historical sites in Africa, and certainly in the entire Christian world. Although it is not widely known in the west, Ethiopia was the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion and, due to Ethiopia s becoming Christian long before the Catholic church was born or instigated the structure we recognize today. The roots of Ethiopian Orthodox religious practices are as recognizably Jewish as they are Christian. The Lalibela churches are said to have been constructed during King Lalibela s reign in the 12th and 13th centuries when Lalibela (then known as Roha) was the capital of the Zagwe dynasty. Legend has it that King Lalibela was exiled in Jerusalem and returned to Ethiopia to build a New Jerusalem. There are many theories as to how these architecturally very advanced churches were built, and by whom, including angels and the Knights de Templars. Thanks to UNESCO, the main road to Lalibela has been paved, and in recent years Lalibela finally received electricity. Water shortages are an almost daily occurrence and the hotels ration water. Overnight at Roha Hotel [BLD] Note: Due to water shortages be prepared to experience rations with short showers or using buckets for bathing and flushing to help conserve the precious commodity. DAY 8: ASHETEN MARYAM AND THE ROCK- HEWN CHURCHES Rise early and enjoy an excursion out of town by mule up the mountain slopes to the dramatic church site of Asheten Maryam. The mountain views are impressive and it s easy to understand why the priests at this church believe they are the closest to God. We return to Lalibela in the afternoon to visit the second and third groups of rock hewn churches, including the famous Bet Giyorgis. Overnight at Roha Hotel [BLD] -5-

6 DAY 9: FLY TO AXUM, TOUR THE CITY After breakfast head back through the rugged landscape to the airport and your flight to Axum. This simple frontier town is in fact a city of great importance; once the ancient capital of Ethiopia. According to local legend, Axum was home to the Queen of Sheba and is today the current resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. As one explores Axum and its ancient relics, your sense of adventure and imagination will guide you through this mysterious historic place. On arrival, get your first glimpse of the long history of the area with a city tour that includes the Archeological Museum, Stelae Park and Ezana s inscriptions. The North Stelae Park contains over 120 stelae, some are upright, some are buried and others have been removed. The Rome Stelae, the tallest at 25m high, was shipped to Italy in 1937 under orders from Mussolini, but has since been returned and is being re-erected at this time. Return in time for a sundowner at the hotel. Dinner and overnight Yeha Hotel [BLD] DAY 10: ST MARY OF ZION COMPLEX AND THE RUINED PALACE OF THE QUEEN OF SHEBA Explore the St. Mary of Zion complex an unexpected blend of ancient and modern. The original church was build by Emperor Fasiladas, founder of Gonder, in It s thought that this church was constructed on the original foundations of a temple built by King Ezana or King Kaleb in the 4th or 6th centuries, making this the oldest Christian site in Africa. Keep your eye out for the guarded chapel, said to be the home of the Ark of the Covenant. Visit the museum of ancient relics under the modern cathedral of St. Mary s of Zion built by Emperor Haile Selassie in the 1960's. The ruined palace of the Queen of Sheba and the 10th century B.C. Axumite temples of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel are also impressive sites overlooking the Adwa Mountains and Eritrea. Dinner and overnight at Yeha Hotel [BLD] DAY 11: RETURN TO ADDIS ABABA Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Addis. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the beautiful gardens, bird watch, and to enjoy an espresso--a specialty drink in Ethiopia. Dinner and overnight at Hilton Hotel [BLD] DAY 12: FULL DAY TOUR OF ADDIS AND DEPARTURE A full-day guided exploration of Addis Ababa includes the National Museum to view an extensive collection of Ethiopian antiquities, plus the hominid skeleton, Lucy or Dinknesh (Amharic for wonderful ). The Ethnographic Museum represents over 80 ethnic groups of the region. Then wander the bustling Merkato, the largest open-air market in East Africa. Volunteerism opportunities at a local orphanage can be arranged upon request. A day room is available until the evening airport transfer. [BLD] END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. -6-

7 PRICING AND DATES: For current pricing please click here: Pricing For scheduled departure dates please click here: Dates INCLUDED SERVICES All guided tours and excursions English-speaking historical and naturalist guides Airport-hotel transfers, land transportation Boat rental at Lake Tana Scout fee in Simien Mountains 11 nights hotel accommodation as indicated Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Bottled water Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International or internal airfare (listed separately) Tips and gratuities Airport departure taxes Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Laundry service Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above NOTE: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Reservation Form Terms and Conditions. 33 LB. (15KG) PER PERSON BAGGAGE WEIGHT LIMIT ON DOMESTIC AIRPLANES There is a 33 lb. per person baggage weight limit for transportation on domestic airline flights within this itinerary. The airline operator enforces this limitation on your checked baggage for safety reasons. Please keep your luggage at 33lbs or less. Carry-on space is not available, so all of your luggage will be counted as check luggage. Cameras or binoculars that are around your neck or in a small bag will not be included in this limit. -7-

8 Accommodations THE HILTON HOTEL, ADDIS ABABA A 4-star international hotel complete with shops, swimming pool, restaurants and bar. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed. En suite restrooms including a tub and shower, hair dryer and amenities kit. Quality linens, a writing desk and TV with international news channels make your stay comfortable. KURIFTU RESORT AND SPA, BAHIR DAR Located on the shores of Lake Tana, Ethiopia s largest lake, Kuriftu Resort and Spa is designed with a clever blend of native Ethiopian architecture and décor, and offers warm traditional hospitality. The resort is comprised of 28 suites, a swimming pool with sunbathing terrace and a world-class gourmet restaurant looking out across the lake view with stunning sunsets and constant cool breeze. Rooms are well appointed with modern comforts including flat-screen TV. Enjoy their full service spa. GOHA HOTEL, GONDAR Perched high upon a hilltop overlooking the entire town, including the Royal Enclosure, the Goha Hotel offers one of the best settings in Ethiopia. Beautiful terrace gardens, an airy dining room and atmosphere bar make this hotel a favorite. En suite rooms are clean and comfortable. Internet is available for a fee. A small shop features local crafts and fair prices. A dinner buffet allows guests to sample authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Italian favorites are also available. SIMIEN ECOLODGE, SIMIEN MOUNTAINS The Simien Ecolodge is located on the roof of Africa situated on an escarpment overlooking a high plateau and deep gorges below. The 20 individual bungalows are designed in the local architectural style of a "tukel" with conical thatched roof and insulated rock walls. Rooms have under-floor solar heating with private bath. The beds all have duvets and extra blankets are provided for the cold mountain environment. The lounge and dining room are located in a spacious common building with log fire place in the center where meals are served. HOTEL ROHA, LALIBELA Just outside of town, the Hotel Roha is situated in a peaceful garden surrounded by bougainvilleas. Spacious public areas, a shop and terrace for enjoying drinks are available. En suite rooms are clean and comfortable, although more basic. Water is scarce in Lalibela and guestrooms are often rationed a bucket of water for flushing toilets and washing hands during hours when water is not available from the tap. -8-