+44 (0)20 8741 7390 This stunning 12 day journey into Ethiopia s eastern highlands combines a captivating mix of cultural diversity, wild landscapes and the country s often overlooked wildlife. One of Africa s most fascinating destinations, few people appreciate it is also home to a staggering wealth of birdlife and endemic species, such as the Bale wolf. Beginning in Lalibela to see the famous rock churches, you ll journey first along the course of the Awash River, to enjoy the abundant birdlife and volcanic landscapes of the Awash National Park. Moving on to the staunchly Muslim city of Harar, you ll then enter a world that was once barred to all Christians, where Hyenas are still fed by hand in the streets and mosques assail you at every turn. Amongst the beautiful panoramas of the Bale Mountains National Park, you ll then have an opportunity to relish the rich diversity of Ethiopia s rare and endemic wildlife, before travelling to the coffee plantations and Sidama people of Yirgalem. The journey then ends in Addis Ababa, stopping at Debrezeit to enjoy canoeing on the beautiful lake. Staying in an array of characterful lodges, set amidst some of the most spectacular wilderness imaginable, this is a journey into the heart of one of Africa s most enigmatic destinations. HIGHLIGHTS: Enjoy the rich landscapes and abundant birdlife at Awash National Park Explore the fascinating cultural melting pot that is the historic walled city of Harar Discover the rare and endemic wildlife of the Bale Mountains National Park Canoe on the shores of lake of Debrezeit Soak up the character and charm of distinctive eco-lodges in spectacular wilderness settings TOUR INCLUDES: 7 nights characterful eco lodge accommodation, 3 night locally graded three star hotels 11 breakfasts Private 4WD Land Cruiser with driver Private local guides Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and 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
ITINERARY DAY 1: LALIBELA After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela which is home to the 12th century hand carved rock churches of King Lalibela (1181-1221) whom the town is named after. After lunch in your hotel, you will visit Neakuto Le'ab cave church. Then walk to the local village and join a family to experience their way of life. Bake Injera (typical Ethiopian food) and cook Wat (local stew) before enjoying dinner together with the family and learning the typical Ethiopian coffee ceremony. DAY 2: LALIBELA Today you will explore the extraordinary 11 remarkable rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, including Bete Giorgis (St. George), the most beautiful and completely monolithic cruciform church. 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 and, due to Ethiopians becoming Christian long before the Catholic Church was born, the roots of Ethiopian Orthodox religious practices are as recognizably Hebrew as they are Christian. Legend has it that King Lalibela was exiled in Jerusalem and returned to Ethiopia to build a New Jerusalem. (B) DAY 3: LALIBELA - DESSIE Begin today crossing the scenic Dilb Mountains to Dessie, stopping along the way to admire the views and meet the Amhara people. The drive will be a long, approximately 6 hours, but it will be a rewarding one. After having lunch at Woldia, proceed to Haik to visit the 13th century monastery of Haik Estiphanos, which is dedicated to St. Stephen. Arrive in Dessie and check into your hotel. (B) DAY 4: DESSIE - AWASH After breakfast, continue on another long drive (approx. 9 hours) to Awash National Park and enjoy a game drive in the park in search of its many mammals and birds. The park's name comes from one of the longest rivers in Ethiopia: the Awash. This park is the oldest and most developed wildlife reserve in Ethiopia. It occupies about 830 square kilometres (320 miles) of dry savannah in the middle of the Rift Valley and is home to over 300 bird species, as well as Beisa oryx, Soemmering's gazelle, striped hyena and warthogs. (B)
DAY 5: AWASH You'll spend today exploring the park in the company of your driver-guide. Awash National Park encompasses a fascinating array of volcanic landscapes that has become a haven for a diversity of birdlife. See if you can spot colobus monkeys, golden jackals and spotted hyenas today. Lions and Leopards are around but are rare sightings these days. There is also the option of visiting Awash River Falls on your safari. (B) DAY 6: AWASH - HARAR Today you'll continue east towards the historic walled city of Harar, taking approximately 7 hours. Situated on a high escarpment on the southern edge of the Chercher Mountains, the town commands views across the deep gorges, deserts and savannah of the staunchly Christian Highlands. One of Ethiopia's most fascinating towns, it has recently been ascribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage list. This evening you can enjoy the ancient tradition of feeding the hyenas, a spectacle which still regularly draws the crowds. (B) DAY 7: HARAR - NAZARETH Visit the 16th century walls surrounding the sacred Muslim city as well as the Museums and colourful multicultural market in which the Amhara, the Oromo and the Adere people meet. Turning west this afternoon, you'll head towards the city of Nazret, a large agricultural centre which, whilst not offering the usual plethora of churches and sites abundant throughout the rest of Ethiopia, does have an interesting local market. It also provides an ideal stopping off point for the journey on towards the Bale Mountains. The drive will take approximately 9 hours. (B) DAY 8: NAZARETH - BALE MOUNTAINS After breakfast, drive approximately 8 hours to Bale Mountains National Park, stopping at Dinsho - the head quarter of Bale Mountains National Park - along the way. Prized for its rich variety of wildlife, this beautiful reserve, with its deep cut gorges, alpine lakes and high plateaus, is home to over 60 species of mammals and some 260 species of birds. (B)
DAY 9: BALE MOUNTAINS Depart early this morning to ascend the Bale massif onto the Sanetti Plateau, an important area for birds as it supports seven globally threatened species. Then continue on the Plateau in search for the Ethiopian or Simien Wolf, crowned with the unenviable title of the world's rarest canid, as they hunt the giant mole-rat. In the afternoon, visit Harena forest, one of the few remaining natural forests in the country. It still supports populations of Lion and the only surviving forest-dwelling African Wild Dogs. Although unlikely that we will see either of these species, the descent through this breathtakingly beautiful moss-draped forest is inspirational. (B) DAY 10: BALE MOUNTAINS - YIRGALEM Spend another day searching the Sennete Plateau for the endemic Ethiopian wolf. Then drive to Yirgalem (approx. 6 hours) visiting coffee plantations along the way. Check into your hotel for the night. (B) DAY 11: YIRGALEM Aregash lodge is a very nice lodge located far from any city disturbance and the surrounding area is very beautiful with forests, different type of bird species and mammals. Use your time to relax or why not explore the nearby forest to find the many species inhabiting the area including eastern black and white colobus, jackals, hooded vultures, hyena and silvery-cheeked hornbill during a guided excursion. There is a coffee plantation nearby, where you can discover how the coffee bean is grown here and how it is processed into the most delicious coffee. The guides can also bring guests on horseback and mountain biking excursions, as well as visits to historical caves, sacred caves and natural hot springs. No matter what you choose to do today, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. (B) DAY 12: YIRGALEM - DEBRE ZEIT Today you will make your way to Debre Zeit, on the way you can visit the Sidama village, home to the agricultural Sidama people. The traditional huts here are made of wood, clay and straw and are extremely durable. In Debre Zeit you can spend your afternoon canoeing on the stunning lake. (B) DAY 13: DEBRE ZEIT - ADDIS ABABA Spend some time at the lodge, before a short drive (approx. 1 hour) will bring you back to Addis Ababa. Visit the National Museum and utilise the day room provided. Then drive to the airport for your international flight home. (B)
ACCOMMODATION AWASH NATIONAL PARK AWASH FALLS LODGE Awash Falls lodge is located just outside Awash National Park, within a 3-4 hour drive from Addis Ababa. This eco lodge offers 25 simple guestrooms, together with camping facilities. Room are made from local materials and have basic ensuite facilities. There is also a restaurant serving both local and international cuisine. For birders and wildlife enthusiasts, the Awash Falls Lodge is the best accommodation on offer near to the National Park. It is also a good stop over for those enroute to the walled city of Harar. BALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK BALE MOUNTAIN LODGE Billed as one of 2013 s hot new properties by The Times, Bale Mountain Lodge is a 15 bedroom ecolodge in the Bale Mountains National Park of south central Ethiopia. The endemic wildlife here is superb; the Park being home to 60% of the remaining Ethiopian Wolves, the world s most rare carnivore, plus Black Maned Lions, Giant Forest Hogs and Mountain Nyala. The birding is also fantastic. The lodge nestles into the hillside and is built using local slate-grey coloured stone. Guest-rooms are spacious and comfortable with a wood burning stove in each room to provide warmth and a cosy atmosphere. The furniture has been manufactured using sustainable wood, and locally sourced soft-furnishings combine comfort with Ethiopian style. The dining room has amazing views of the mountain range beyond, and the central sunken fireplace creates a snug area in which to relax during the chillier mountain evenings. There is also a natural rock pool for a refreshing dip in the heat of the day. In Ethiopian terms, the lodge is costly, however it is one of the finest in Ethiopia and for wilderness and wildlife lovers looks set to before a firm favourite. This unique wildlife experience, combined with the pioneering luxury Eco Lodge, makes Bale Mountain Lodge an unforgettable stay. 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. NAZRET KURIFTU ADAMA Opened in January 2010, Hotel Maya, Nazret is the best hotel in town. There are 94 well-appointed guestrooms, including 48 Hotel Maya Suites. There is also a good local restaurant and a outdoor swimming pool. All in all, it's a decent hotel for an overnight stop on route to your next destination.
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