*Please note the prices shown above are per person based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

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1 +44 (0) This fascinating journey uncovers the richness of one of Africa s most beautiful countries from north to south. Beginning with the best of its historical northern sites, with their rock-hewn churches and ancient monasteries, you ll then travel deep into the heart of the Omo Valley, one of the most culturally diverse places on earth. Beginning with the 2,000 year old city of Axum, your adventure begins amongst the haunting remains of one of the last great civilisations of antiquity. Moving on into the barren landscapes of the Lasta Mountains, you ll then discover the remarkable rockcut churches of Lalibela, before flying on to Gonder and the breathtaking beauty of the Simien Mountain ranges. Then begins your journey into the sweeping panoramas of the Great African Rift Valley, where you ll visit the extraordinary tribal peoples of the Lower Omo Valley, home to probably one of the most unique and extensive collections of ethnic tribes anywhere in the world. Here you will have ample opportunity to visit colourful markets and uncover the rich cultural diversity of some of the most unique tribal peoples in Africa. HIGHLIGHTS: Visit the UNESCO city of Axum, with its ruined palaces and great stone obelisks. See the extraordinary rock churches of Lalibela and the medieval castles of Gonder. Spend time amongst the dramatic Simien Mountains, one of Africa s highest ranges. Explore the natural wonders of the Great African Rift Valley. Discover the unique tribal culture of the Omo Valley. TOUR INCLUDES: 14 nights three star hotel accommodation 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners Accompanied by an experienced English speaking driver English speaking local guide at the sites Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airport Boat hire in Lake Tana and Lake Chamo *Please note the prices shown above are per person based on two persons sharing a twin or double room *Domestic flights mentioned in the itinerary are not included in the price due to international-domestic combination deals

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3 ITINERARY DAY 1: ADDIS ABABA Your journey begins in Addis Ababa, the third highest capital city in the world. After transferring to your hotel, enjoy for a short guided tour of the Ethiopian capital. Highlights include visits to the National Museum, one of the most important in sub- Saharan Africa, the Ethnological Museum, which is located in the grounds of the palace of former emperor Haile Selassie, and the Merkato, the largest market in East Africa. DAY 2: ADDIS ABABA - AXUM Flying on to the once great capital of the Axumite Kingdom this morning, you'll enter the world of the Queen of Sheba and the lost Ark of the Covenant. Spend the day exploring its ruined palaces, great stone monoliths (stelae) and the unique underground vaults of Remhai's tomb, an extraordinary feat of engineering. (B) DAY 3: AXUM - LALIBELA A short flight to the town of Lalibela brings you into the heart of the rugged Lasta Mountains. Known as 'Africa's Petra', the area is without doubt one of Africa's most important religious and historical sites. You will visit the cave church of Nakuta La'ab, before trekking up to the simple community at Lalibela Hudad, to enjoy the spectacular views across the surrounding countryside. Later there will be time to explore, before taking part in a traditional coffee ceremony. (B) DAY 4: LALIBELA This morning you will enjoy an excursion by mule or on foot, to the nearby church of Ashen Mariam, With commanding views in all directions, you'll understand why the local priests believe themselves to be closer to heaven and to God. From here you will then continue by foot down to the town of Lalibela with its ancient rock hewn churches. (B) DAY 5 : LALIBELA You'll spend today exploring Lalibela's extraordinary rock-hewn churches. Once the capital of the Zagwe dynasty, many of the area's most renowned churches are believed to date from the 12th and 13th centuries, built, so legend has it, after King Lalibela had a vision from heaven. The area is still a revered place of pilgrimage and most of the main churches lie in two distinct groups, to the north and east of the town. (B)

4 DAY 6: LALIBELA - SIMIEN MOUNTAINS Flying to Gonder this morning, you'll continue from here into the breathtaking panoramas of the Simien Mountains, home to huge lammergeyer vultures, gelada baboons and rare Ethiopian wolves. This afternoon you'll get a chance to stretch your legs with a short walk through the high Simians to Sankaber, to bask in the sensational views from the escarpment before returning to enjoy a cold drink and sunset from the highest lodge in Africa. (B,D) DAY 7: SIMIEN MOUNTAINS Today will be a chance for you to walk in the breathtaking Simien Mountains, enjoy the stunning views around every turn and possibly spot some of the region's wildlife. In between walks you will be able to relax in the spectacular surroundings of your lodge and enjoy the superb cuisine and warm hospitality for which it is renowned. (B,L,D) DAY 8: SIMIEN MOUNTAINS - GONDER Heading into the mountains with a picnic lunch today, you can further explore this spectacular mountain scenery by vehicle or on foot. After lunch you then continue on to the city of Gonder, founded as a capital in 1636 by the Emperor Fasiladas. (B,L) DAY 9: GONDER Africa's very own Camelot, Gonder, with its crenellated castles and ornate churches, is one of the country's major historical attractions. In the company of your guide, you'll enjoy a tour of this remarkable setting, taking in the Royal Enclosure, Fasiladas' Baths and the Debre Berban Selassie Church, with its many-faced fresco ceilings. (B) DAY 10: GONDER - BAHAR DAR After a leisurely morning in Gondor you will continue your journey South, heading by road to the lakeside town of Bahar Dar with a lunch stop en-route. The afternoon can be spent at leisure relaxing and enjoying the lovely views out over the lake from the terrace of your hotel. (B) DAY 11: BAHAR DAR This morning you will head out on a boat cruise on the waters of Lake Tana to see some of the many monasteries that are dotted around the shoreline. After this fascinating morning you will return to your hotel for lunch before taking a short drive up in to the hills to see the spectacular Blue Nile Falls. (B)

5 DAY 12: BAHAR DAR - ADDIS ABABA - LAKE LANGANO Fly to Addis Ababa, from where you will head south with your 4WD and driverguide through the spectacular scenery of the Great Rift Valley. You'll travel past a number of crater lakes renowned for their abundant birdlife, before arriving at your lodge on the banks of Lake Langano. (B) DAY 13: LAKE LANGANO - ARBA MINCH Todays' journey follow the rim of the Rift Valley towards Arba Minch from where you'll ascend to the Dorze village of Chencha. Speaking an Omotic language and settled in the hills above the lakes, Dorze people are renowned for their beehivelike house architecture and weaving techniques. Built entirely from organic materials, these remarkable structures can reach up to 12 metres in height. It's a short journey from here to Arba Minch, where you'll take sunset boat trip on Lake Chamo, part of Nechisar National Park, hoping to spot some of its famed wildlife, mainly hippos, crocodiles and prolific birdlife. (B) DAY 14: ARBA MINCH - JINKA Another dramatic drive today sees you passing through the remote heartlands of the Konso, Derase, Ari, Tsemai and Banna peoples, stopping off along the way to visit some of the villages. If travelling on a Thursday, you'll stop to visit the Key Afar Thursday market, a great opportunity to meet and interact with the local peoples, before continuing onto the market town of Jinka situated on the border of Mago National Park. Arriving in Jinka, there's time visit the town's excellent museum which offers a fascinating insight into the South Omo Valley's ethnic groups. (B) DAY 15: JINKA - TURMI This morning you'll enter Mago National Park, traditional homeland of the Mursi people, whose distinctive lip plates make them probably the most easily recognisable of all the Omo tribes. You'll have an opportunity today to spend time with these remarkable people, learning something of their culture and traditions, before continuing on to Turmi, the main hub of the South Omo Valley. (B)

6 DAY 16: TURMI Lying along the main Konso-Jinka road, Turmi is one of the South Omo's most important market towns and its Monday and Saturday markets attract ethnic tribes from across the region. On market days these streets are filled with vegetable and spice sellers and resplendently attired locals. You'll visit the villages of the Hamer people, who fashion their clothing out of goat skins, cowrie shells, and beads, and cover their hair and skin with a mix of butter and red minerals. If you are lucky, your visit will coincide with a bull-jumping or an evangari dance-two of the important rituals of the region. (B) DAY 17: TURMI This morning you'll head out to the village of Omorate, which lies on the Eastern bank of the Omo River, to the meet the Dassanech, a tribe with whom Bruce Parry spent several weeks for as part of the BBC Tribe series. From here you'll follow the river upstream to the Karo village of Kolcho. The most endangered of the Omo Valley tribes the Karo are well known for their flamboyant hairstyles and body painting and are believed to number around just 1500 people. You'll return to Turmi in the early evening. (B) DAY 18: TURMI - ADDIS ABABA Leaving the Omo Valley, via Arbore, you'll stop to visit the Konso people who are famous for their cultivation techniques, before continuing north to Arba Minch. From here you will fly to Addis Ababa, where your journey will come to an end. (B)

7 ACCOMMODATION ADDIS ABABA JUPITER INTERNATIONAL The Jupiter International is a four star locally graded hotel located in a central area of Addis Ababa, only step from the Radisson, Hilton and Intercontinental. The hotel offers 142 spacious en-suite guestrooms, which are clean, comfortable and well appointed, with mini-bars, satellite TVs and en-suite bathrooms. Whilst the hotel is aimed primarily at the business travel market, it is an excellent option for a night or two in Addis Ababa. The restaurant offers a good mix of European and traditional Ethiopian cuisine, served in either the ground floor bar or first floor dining room. There is a small gym and spa on-site for guests wanting to be pampered during their stay. ATM facilities are offered in the lobby and the hotel is roughly 20 minutes from Bole Airport, so ideally located for early morning departures. ARBA MINCH PARADISE LODGE Located on a hill in Arba Minch overlooking the stunning Nechisar National Park, which is often referred to as the "bridge of God", the Paradise Lodge allows you to visit this beautiful area in comfort. With influences from 30 tribes in the region, this lodge aims to reflect the culture of the Southern Ethiopian Societies. The rooms are filled with unique furnishings and charmingly decorated. Each hut comes with a small lounge area and en-suite bathroom at the rear whilst the small verandas at the front are a lovely place to sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views. There is a swimming pool at the lodge and the sprawling grounds are ideal for taking a walk around. The reception area has ATMs and staff will be happy to reconfirm flights out of Arba Minch on your behalf. The restaurant provides good international food and a brilliant place to sit and enjoy the view over Lake Chamo. This is the most upmarket option in Arba Minch and a wonderful spot to spend a night or two in this fascinating corner of Ethiopia. AXUM SABEAN HOTEL The Sabean Hotel we feel now offers the best accommodation in the northern town of Axum. The bedrooms are small and simply furnished with small bathrooms, but they are clean and comfortable. The restaurant and pastry shop are found in the lobby and provide a mixture of local and European dishes, whilst the hotel's location on Axum's main drag means that some good local restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel. BAHAR DAR

8 KURIFTU LODGE & SPA The Kuriftu Lodge & Spa offers a tranquil oasis on the banks of Lake Tana and is far and away the best option in Bahar Dar. The twenty-eight spacious en suite guestrooms are constructed of local materials and beautifully furnished with local artefacts, each with air-conditioning and flat screen TVs. Only four rooms have twin beds, the rest being king-size. With a large swimming pool and a spa offering a variety of treatments, this lodge ensures both comfort and relaxation and the lakeside restaurant serves good international and local cuisine. In Ethiopian terms it is a costly option, but in a country woefully short of good hotels, it is a rare treat. GONDER THE GOHA The Goha Hotel stands at the crest of a hill about one kilometre from the town centre, with a commanding view of Gonder and its enchanting and mysterious castles. The best hotel in the Ghion chain, this three star property offers 66 comfortable bedrooms which are simply decorated in traditional local style. There is a decent restaurant serving a mix of local and international food, a bar and terrace with lovely views and a shuttle that takes guest into and out of town. Whilst the bathrooms are tired (this is true of almost all hotels in Ethiopia), the views are wonderful and makes the Goha one of the best options in town. JINKA ECO-OMO SAFARI LODGE This charming eco-lodge is 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 natual environment. Each tent has either twin or a double bed and ensuite bathrooms offer hot and cold running water. At breakfast, fresh fruit juices from the garden, banana bread, and milk and cheese can to be enjoyed with the most famous Ethiopian (Sidama) coffee freshly roasted and ground from the lodge's own plantation. Lunch and dinner have an italian focus, with much of the produce grown on the farm or in the nearby area. LALIBELA HOTEL MARIBELA Maribela is Amharic for Lalibela and this new hotel offers a great location on the escarpment with fabulous views. Guestrooms are simple yet comfortable with ensuite facilities. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and there is a decent local restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, whilst the bar terrace is a fantastic spot to sit back, relax and take in the stunning view. All in all, a good new option in Lalibela. LANGANO

9 SABANA LODGE Located on the shores of Lake Lagano at the heart of the Great Rift Valley, the Sabana Lodge is the creation of the Ferrari family. The bungalows are situated on a cliff top with views over the lake and are built using local materials and simple designs. The water in the bungalows is filtered from the lake and guests should not be put off by its light brown colour which is due to the iron content of the water. The accommodation is set 200 metres from the beach and the lakeside facilities. The restaurant offers both national and international food and there is a beach bar in which you can relax on the shores of the lake. SIMIEN MOUNTAINS LIMALIMO LODGE The new Limalimo Lodge is a luxurious yet sustainable and eco-friendly lodge in the Simien Mountain National Park owned by two local mountain guides. The lodge has been built across 10 acres of land using local materials and methods, and boasts spectacular views across the surrounding mountains and valleys. The 14 well-appointed guest rooms have traditional Ethiopian touches and décor without compromising on comfort and their scattered positioning across the grounds allows guests to appreciate the surroundings in a peaceful and private setting. The lodge has its own bar and restaurant at the top of the hill, and it makes as a great base for enjoying a variety of walks and bird watching. SIMIEN MOUNTAIN LODGE Situated at 3260 metres and one of the highest lodges in Africa, Simien Mountain Eco Lodge offers probably some of the best mountain scenery in the world. Set up by Nick Crane to combine his passion for mountains and development work, each of the 26 rooms provide comfort in this amazingly remote location. There are also two family rooms ideal for those with children or couples travelling together. With solar powered electricity and traditional architecture, the environmental and cultural impact of the lodge is kept to a minimum. The restaurant offers simple Ethiopian and international food and there is also an atmospheric bar, ideal for a cold drink after enjoying this fabulous scenery on foot. TURMI BUSKA LODGE Tucked away just outside of the remote outpost of Turmi, Buska Lodge is the most comfortable spot from which to explore this stunning part of the Omo Valley. Bedrooms are all found in individual rounded huts or "tukuls" as they are known locally. The beds are draped in full-length mosquito nets and fans are provided for guests' comfort. The en-suite bathrooms have hot running water and flush loos, although the hot water is restricted to certain times of day. Each tukul has a small sun terrace at the front where guests can relax and watch the sunrise. There is a lovely restaurant at the lodge which serves a variety of local and international cuisine. The staff here are very friendly and the lodge works with a number of the local Hammer Villages to ensure that the locals benefit directly from the tourists that the lodge draws to the region. A great spot from which to explore Turmi.

10 Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0) Website wildfrontierstravel.com