14-days HISTORICAL ITINERARY AND THE SOUTH
ADDIS ABABA – ADDIS ABABA

HISTORICAL ITINERARY AND THE SOUTH – 14 DAYS
Price per person double room sharing: subject to change so please confirm:

One passenger traveling alone:                          US$ 3.142
If there are 2-3 passengers travelling together:    US$ 2.457
If there are 4-5 passengers travelling together:    US$ 2.097
If there are 6-8 passengers travelling together:    US$ 2.024
Single room supplement:                                    US$    221

This itinerary covers the best of Ethiopia: first, you’ll get to grips with the famed ‘historical route’ and the richest cultural heritage south of the Sahara. Then, embark on a journey to the Afro-alpine wonderland of the Bale Mountains, home to some of Africa’s rarest wildlife.

Itinerary:

DAY 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa. At Bole International Airport, you will be met by our Ethiopian agents, who will assist you with formalities and transfer you to the Holiday Hotel or the National Hotel.

Afternoon in Addis Ababa, the high lying Ethiopian capital. Our agents will take you to places such as the National Museum, as well as some of the impressive local cathedrals, famed for their exquisite artwork. Overnight stay at the Holiday Hotel or National Hotel. (Dinner)

DAY 2: Transfer from the hotel to the airport, from where you fly to Bahir Dar. This town is at the bluer-than-blue Lake Tana, an area known for its island monasteries. There are monasteries on 20 of the lake’s 37 islands. Excursion in the afternoon to Kidhane Mihret, a monastery visited for its frieze of some 100 paintings dating back to the 16th century. On your boat trip to the Zege Peninsula, note the Blue Nile River flowing out of Lake Tana. Overnight stay at the Papyrus Hotel (Full board).

DAY 3: Today you’ll be taken on an enjoyable excursion to see the thundering Blue Nile Falls. These are not too far from the Source of the Blue Nile River. And they are regarded as Africa’s second most impressive falls. Great birding en route, especially in the lush riverine forest surrounding the lake. Look for ‘specials’ like the Yellow-fronted parrot there. The path crosses a 17th Century Bridge, built by Goan artisans who had been sent to Ethiopia by Portugal. Bring swimming gear: if the river is low enough, you can enjoy a refreshing dip at the Falls. Return across the Blue Nile River by Tankwa - the traditional Ethiopian reed boats. After a late lunch at the hotel, the guide will take you on a visit of the town Bahir Dar. (Or go birding in the forest for the afternoon). Overnight stay at the Papyrus Hotel. (Full board).

DAY 4: After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport and checked in for your flight to Gondar. This town is best known for its Royal Compound, which has led to its being called the ‘Camelot of Africa’. Here, the 17th century Fasalidas’ Castles, never fail to impress. After exploring the castles, you’ll be taken to the remarkable Debre Birhan Selassie church, possibly the most famous church in Ethiopia, because of the paintings on the ceiling, which feature faces of Angels. (Incidentally, birding in the royal compound is very rewarding). Goha hotel is your accommodation for the night. (Full board).

DAY 5: Transfer to the airport after breakfast. Fly to the town of Lalibela, arguably the most important stop on the historical circuit. Here, 11 awesome rock-hewn churches are carved into the rugged mountainsides. Already from the air, these present an incredible spectacle. Nobody knows just how these churches were built: legend has it that construction commenced after Divine instruction to the King Lalibela, and that at night, Angels completed the work. Afternoon excursion to some of the churches. Overnight stay at the Roha Hotel. (Full board)

DAY 6: Early breakfast, followed by a mule trip to Acheton Mariam monastery. In the afternoon, you can visit the churches missed out on the previous day. A vehicle will meet you at Naktalapa and transfer you back to the hotel. Overnight stay at the Roha Hotel. (Full board)

DAY 7: Transfer to the airport after breakfast. Fly to the dusty town of Axum, in northern Ethiopia. This is the cornerstone of Ethiopian Christianity and there is plenty to see. Afternoon visit to the main attraction - the Obelisk Park. Here, imposing stone monoliths (stelae) stand - some as high as 23 meters. Nobody knows how these gigantic, pre-Christian obelisks were made, nor how they were transported to the park or erected there. Afterwards, you’ll be able to visit the local museum, which is Ethiopia’s most interesting, and also to see the Queen of Sheba’s bath, just outside the town. Overnight stay at the Remhai hotel. (Full board).

DAY 8: Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. From Bole airport, you will be taken by road south, to Debre Zeit - another area boasting impressive scenery. This is the start of the naturalist’s route. Overnight stay at the Bishoftu Hotel. (Full board).

DAY 9: After breakfast, transfer by road to Awassa, via the Rift Valley Lakes of Ziway, Abiata and Shala. All of these lakes support massive concentrations of water birds. The lakes scenery is spectacular. Wildlife is abundant. Accommodation for the night is in the Wabi Shebelle Number 2 hotel. (Full board).

DAY 10: Early morning walk along the shores of Lake Awassa. Here, you can see more than 50 species of bird in 2 hours. Look for endemics like Blackwinged lovebird and Thick-billed raven. Following breakfast, you’ll be taken by road to Goba - a 5-hour drive. This is in the Bale National Park, an Afro-alpine wonderland regarded as Ethiopia’s premier draw card for keen naturalists. Overnight stay at the Goba Ras Hotel. (Full board)

DAY 11: After an early breakfast you will be taken up to the Sanetti Plateau, also part of Bale. This represents an outstanding example of Afro-alpine moorland. With luck, you’ll enjoy close-up views of the Simyen wolf - Africa’s rarest carnivore. Of the 400 remaining Simyen wolves, 75% live in Bale National Park. Their habitat preference means the Sanetti Plateau is the place in which to seek them. Fortunately, they are very approachable and allow for superb photo opportunities.

This place is paradise for birders: look for endemics like Blue-winged goose; Spot-breasted lapwing and Rouget’s rail, all common here. Overnight at the Dinsho barracks accommodation. (Full board).

DAY 12: Early morning walk (1 - 2 hours) in Dinsho. Look in the Juniper woods for mammals like the endemic Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s bushbuck. You may also see endemic birds like the Abyssinian catbird, regarded as Africa’s finest songster. Transfer to the Awash National Park with lunch stop in Asela. (All day drive). Awash is set in Savannah’s, with a spectacular gorge and waterfalls. Interesting mammals include Beisa oryx, Soemmering’s gazelle, Defassa waterbuck, Hamadryas baboon, Striped hyena and golden jackal. Accommodation provided in the Awash Genet Hotel in Awash Town. (Full board).

DAY 13: Game drive in Awash National Park until noon. Afterwards, transfer to Nazret for lunch. Afternoon drive (2 hours) up to Addis Ababa and overnight in the Holiday Hotel or the National Hotel. (Full board).

DAY 14: Transfer to the airport and depart.

 Price includes: domestic flights with Ethiopian airlines, hotel accommodation and meals as indicated, meet and greet on day of arrival and all airport-hotel transfers, Boat trip to the Ura Kidane Mihret (3 1/2 hours), all transfers and assistances, all accommodation, full board throughout the tour, all excursions to sites of interest as per itinerary, English speaking guides for all the historical places, entrance fees for all sites, mule to Asheten Mariam in Lalibela.

Not included: International flights, visa fees, drinks, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance, airport taxes

Please note: All rates are subject to hotel/flight availability and currency fluctuations on a daily basis.