+44 (0)20 8741 7390 A 13-day journey that incorporates the classic highlights of Lalibela, the Simien Mountains, Gonder and Axum, this spectacular adventure takes you into the cultural heart of one of Africa s most bewitching destinations. Hosted by local communities, it provides an unrivalled insight into a culture that can trace its origins back to the dawn of mankind. Beginning in Addis Ababa you ll visit the prominent landmarks of the city s Holy Trinity Church and its National Museum, before taking a morning flight on to the old imperial city of Gonder, Africa s very own Camelot. Take a detour to the highlands of the Simien Mountains for a trek in search of the regions endemic wildlife. The journey then takes you on to the spectacular rock-cut churches of Lalibela and the extraordinary setting of Axum, said to be the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant and home to the ancient ruins of the palace of the Queen of Sheba. Driving into the Northern Tigray region you then enjoy a truly unique cultural experience, spending the next few days trekking through the countryside in the company of the local communities. This is one of the most remote and untouched parts of the country and the level of interaction here will be unforgettable. HIGHLIGHTS: See the castles of the King Fasilides dynasty in Gondor Marvel at the stunning rock-cut church system of Lalibela Walk in search of Gelada baboons and Walia Ibex in the stunning Simien Mountains Trek through the breathtaking mountains of Tigray Relax in one of Ethiopia s best mountain lodges TOUR INCLUDES: 4 domestic flights 7 nights in three star hotel accommodation, 2 nights in a traditional lodge and 3 nights in community guesthouses 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners English speaking local guide at the sites Private vehicle and driver for ground transportation 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
*Please note reduced rates can be applied when flying Ethiopian Internationally due to due to international-domestic combination deals
ITINERARY DAY 1: ADDIS ABABA Arrive into the city and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon enjoy a city excursion with your guide. Highlights include the National Museum - one of the most important sub-saharan museums in Africa, the Ethnological Museum - located in the former Emperor Haile Selassie's palace grounds, and also the interesting Orthodox church of the Holy Trinity, whose dome is a prominent landmark in the city. If time permits spend some time exploring the Merkato - the largest market in East Africa. DAY 2: ADDIS ABABA - GONDER - SIMIEN MOUNTAINS Early this morning fly to Gonder before heading north to The Simien Mountains, a drive of about 2.5 hours. From here the views are increasingly spectacular as you climb high into the Simiens and although stretches of the road have been sealed, much remains a dirt road ensuring a dusty but scenic journey. Meet your local guide and scout at the park headquarters before continuing to your accommodation in the Simien National Park. (B,D) DAY 3: SIMIEN MOUNTAINS Today head into the mountains with a picnic lunch, either on foot or by vehicle, to see the dramatic landscape that was formed 40 million years ago by molten lava pouring out of the earth's core. This area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you are likely to see endemic Gelada baboon that roam the hillside. If you are lucky you may also spot the Walia ibex, as well as the klipspringer, bushbuck and the rare Simien fox. (B,L,D) DAY 4: SIMIEN MOUNTAINS - GONDER Leaving the Simien Mountains, you'll head south back to Gonder. Visit the Fasill Ghebbi or Royal Enclosure, a walled compound that dominates the city centre, its high enclosure walls containing six castles and a myriad of tunnels and raised walkways. Here see Fasilida's Castle, the most impressive in the complex, the Royal Archive building, and also three churches. Next travel 2 km out of town to Fasilida's Pool, a 2,800 sqm pond, reputedly used by the Emperor for bathing, and also visit the Debre Birhan Selassie Church with its wonderful interior paintings. (B)
DAY 5: GONDER - LALIBELA Fly to Lalibela and spend the day exploring the extraordinary rock-hewn churches. Lying in the rugged Lasta Mountains, 'Africa's Petra', as Lalibela is sometimes referred to, is still a place of pilgrimage and undoubtedly one of the greatest historical sights of the African continent. Famous for its rock-cut churches such as St. Georges, many of these incredible buildings are cut into the rock and entirely freed from it to, leaving openly standing structures carved up to 10 m high below ground level. (B) DAY 6: LALIBELA Today continue exploring Lalibela and enjoy an excursion by mule or foot to the monastery of Asheton Maryam. Sitting on top of a mountain at an altitude of 4000 m the local priests believed here they were 'closer to Heaven and God.' The journey up takes you through some wonderful country and the views at the top are fantastic. (B) DAY 7: LALIBELA - AXUM In the morning, fly to Axum. Axum is supposedly the ancient site of the sacred palace of the Queen of Sheba and today still makes claim to be the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Spend the afternoon exploring the monoliths (stelae) that were built as tombstone-cum-monuments to local rulers. The largest of these, Remhai's stele, would be over 33m high if it was still erect and weighs over 500 tons. King Ezana's stele dominates one of the fields and stands 23 m high. It has not yet been fully explained how these massive blocks were carved, transported and erected. (B) DAY 8: AXUM - ADIGRAT - TESFA TREK Today you'll drive three hours to Adigrat in the Northern Tigray region where you'll begin your TESFA Trek. This is sure to be a highlight of the trip and a chance to experience the real Ethiopia. In conjunction with our friends at TESFA (Tourism in Ethiopia for Sustainable Future Alternatives) we undertake a fascinating trek through beautiful scenery, with visits to rarely seen rock churches and a level of interaction with the local communities that is hard to match anywhere else in the country. (B,L,D) DAY 9: TEFSA TREK The length of today's walk can be flexible depending on fitness levels, with the emphasis being very much on seeing the people, countryside and rock churches rather than rushing through it. Some of the paths can be quite steep so you will need to be relatively fit to get the best out of these days. (B,L,D)
DAY 10: TEFSA TREK Another day trekking through one of the most remote and untouched areas in Ethiopia. (B,L,D) DAY 11: TEFSA TREK - GHERALTA You'll enjoy a final day walking, before taking the final leg of your journey by vehicle to Gheralta Lodge. This wonderful lodge, built seamlessly into the countryside, promises to be another highlight of your trip and some much appreciated comfort at the end of your trek. (B,L) DAY 12: GHERALTA Enjoy a day at leisure to relax and enjoy the spectacular views on offer from the lodge. There are some lovely walks in the area surrounding the lodge and some quaint little rock churches not too far away so you will have the chance to visit these as well. (B) DAY 13: GHERALTA - ADDIS ABABA Today is left free to explore at your own leisure. Relax at the lodge or take a stroll to the nearby village of Hawzen. Late in the afternoon you will be transferred to Mekele for a late flight to Addis Ababa. Here you journey with us will end. (B)
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. 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. GHERALTA GHERALTA LODGE An oasis of comfort and originality in the heart of the unspoilt Tigray region, Gheralta lodge adds something unique and special to any visit to Ethiopia. This Italian owner-managed lodge blends seamlessly into this beautiful semi-arid landscape and comprises of 17 guestrooms. Built of sandstone, using traditional century-old techniques, each of the rooms has been simply yet stylishly decorated with local touches and excellent attention to detail. The restaurant serves excellent food using home-grown local produce and the rooms in the lodge offer modern facilities with breathtaking views of the Gheralta Mountains. The lodge is ideally situated near many of the ancient rock churches famous in this region. This is arguably the finest lodge in Northern Ethiopia and a few days here promises to be a highlight of any trip. 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.
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. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com