Omo Valley Explorer

Visit the remote tribes of Ethiopia’s deep south, with distinct cultures and fascinating traditions that have long since died out elsewhere.

Price:	$ 2,999 per person
Type:	Tour
Duration:	11 days
Country:	Ethiopia
Persons:	minimum (2)  maximum (12)
Accommodation:	Mixed
Game Parks:	Mago NP (Ethiopia)
Activities:	Cultural Tours, 4x4 Driving, Lake Cruise

 Itinerary

Ethiopia’s Omo Valley is one of the most culturally diverse regions in all of Africa, a land where tribal traditions still take precedent over anything else and where modernity is still kept largely at bay. On this trip we head into the villages of the various tribes that make up this kaleidoscope of ethnicity, including the Mursi, Karo, Hamer and Konso, learning about their complex customs and experiencing a way of life very far removed from the rest of Ethiopia. Where possible we try to visit local markets, one of the best ways to experience life in the Omo Valley. This is a cultural discovery that can rarely be equalled, visiting some of the most remote people in the world, and to spend time among them is an amazing privilege.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to hotel. This afternoon visit some of the capital’s key sights including the Entoto Mountains, with great views over the city, the National Museum, St George’s Cathedral and the Merkato, reputedly the biggest open air market in Africa. Overnight Ghion Hotel or similar.

Day 2 – Drive to Rift Valley Lakes
Drive to the Rift Valley lakes of Shala, Abyata and Langano, admiring wonderful views and many birds, including pelicans, flamingoes and more. Then relax at the Sabanna Beach Resort, secluded in a natural paradise on the shore of Lake Langano and near to Munessa Forest. Possibility of trekking, bird-watching, horse-riding, boat excursions, cycling and more. Overnight Sabanna Beach Resort or similar. (BLD)

Day 3 – Villages of the Rift Valley
Continue our journey south meeting the Wolayta people as we go, passing through little visited villages and admiring spectacular green hills, to Arba Minch. Overnight Paradise Lodge or similar. (BLD)

Day 4 – Visit Chencha
Morning drive to Chencha, to see the Dorze people, with their unique culture, houses and traditions. In the afternoon we take a boat trip to view the crocodiles on Lake Chamo. Overnight Paradise Lodge or similar. (BLD)

Day 5 – Tsemay Market and Jinka]
Continue to Jinka, admiring the Derase, Tsemay, Ari and Benna people. Stop at the village market of Tsemay and meet the Arbore people. Overnight Jinka Resort or similar. (BLD)

Day 6 – Mago National Park]
Travel to Mago National park and visit the Mursi people, renowned for their practice of extending their lips with plates. Overnight Jinka Resort or similar. (BLD)

Day 7 – Jinka to Turmi]
Drive to Turmi, through the lands of the very colourful Hamer, Karo and Dassanech people, with a stop at Dimeka village, where there is an interesting market. Overnight Evangadi Lodge (Bungalows or camping depending upon availability). (BLD)

Day 8 – Karo People]
Continue on our journey and visit the Karo people, known for their body decoration and scarification. We then visit the villages of the Hamer people. Overnight Evangadi Lodge (Bungalows or camping depending upon availability). (BLD)

Day 9 – Turmi to Arba Minch]
Drive to Arba Minch, visiting the villages of the Erbore and Konso people. Overnight Paradise Lodge or similar. (BLD)

Day 10 – Arba Minch to Addis Ababa]
Morning drive back to Addis Ababa. There is free time for any last minute souvenir shopping, before the evening meal with traditional dancers. Overnight Ghion Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Day 11 – Addis Ababa]
This morning you will be transferred to the airport, for your flight home. (B)

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Price Includes
All accommodation based on twin/double share
All transport (4WD vehicles throughout) and transfers
Meals as listed above
Park entrance fees
An English speaking guide

Price does not include
International flights
Travel insurance
Drinks
Visa
Single Supplement

Departure Dates
20 March 2010, 16 October 2010, 30 April 2011, 15 October 2011  

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Historic Route Rift Valley Lakes & Meskel Festival

Ethiopia Tour to explore Monasteries on Lake Tana Castle of Gondar Rock churches in Lalibela Stles of Axum Simien Mountain National Park Harer and attend Meskel Festival celebration in Addis Ababa.

Price:	USD $3,430 per person
Type:	Tour
Duration:	13 days
Customise:	This Tour can be customised
Country:	Ethiopia
Supplement:	Plus USD $470 for a single person booking
Persons:	minimum (2)  maximum (7)
Accommodation:	Hotel
Game Parks:	Simien Mountains NP (Ethiopia)
Activities:	Cultural Tours, Historical Tours, Wildlife Viewing, Lake Cruise

 Itinerary

The trip begins and ends in Addis Ababa.
Group size: The minimum 2 (two) participants and maximum 7 (seven) participants.

Overview
This trip begins with a rendezvous at the airport in Addis Ababa on Day 1. Please arrange your flight schedule so you will arrive on the correct day. But on your special request we can arrange other transfer for those arriving earlier.

Ethiopia has old, fascinating history, and is home to many diverse colourful cultures. This trip takes you to the north to visit the Historic Route of Ethiopia, one of the great treasures of Ethiopia. It encompasses the history of Ethiopia from its early beginnings to modern day. A history that stretches back to the time of prehistoric man; to the 3,000 year old history of Axum; the famous 12th century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the medieval castles of Gondar, which is known as Africa’s Camelot. A boat cruise over Lake Tana is arranged to visit old monasteries on the islands. With some distance drive from Bahir Dar, Blue Nile Falls will be visited. The trip also includes travel to the east to visit the old walled city of harer, and to the rift valley Lakes region.This trip also includes crossing the most stunning scenery of Ethiopia.

The tour is also designed in such a way to coincides with the colorful religious celebration of Meskel Festivals in Addis Ababa

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa, city tour of Addis Ababa
On arrival in Addis Ababa our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfers to Ghion Hotel. An overview of the program and itineraries will be given. The rest of the day visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeletal remains when discovered in 1974. You will also visit the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis. Overnight Ghion Hotel

Day 2: Fly Bahir Dar, Morning, Blue Nile Falls afternoon Boat trip:
After breakfast fly to Bahar Dar. After check into the Hotel and refreshment, we take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit ancient monasteries. We will visit two of the most accessible and representative of the monasteries, still serving their original function, Ura Kidane Mehret, and Azwa Maryam. In the afternoon we pay a visit to the impressive Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or 'Smoke of Fire’. Overnight Tana /Papyrus Hotel

Day 3: Drive Gondar & Tour of Gondar:
We experience typically in an Ethiopian African landscape as we drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar- 180 kms over wide grazing land, hilly mountains with numerous farmlands. The rest of the day visit attractions in Gondar. The attractions that we visit in Gondar includes: Castles of Gondar- are included in the World Heritage List. the royal Fasiledes Bath and the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie with its unique murals. Overnight Goha/ Red Fox Hotel

Day 4: Excursion to Simien Mountains
Not far from Gondar are the Simien Mountains offering some of Ethiopia most striking scenery in a vast stretch of beautiful and unspoiled mountain wilderness. We have time for a short visit through astonishingly steep valleys and isolated jutting volcanic plugs that were formed by ancient seismic activity. The mountain wildlife is equally astonishing with 50 different birds species, troops of Gelada baboons, etc. We will also have time during our visit to explore the unique and often bizarre flora of this Afro-alpine ecosystem. We will drive back arriving late in Gondar for overnight stay. Overnight: Goha Hotel

Day 5: Fly Axum
After breakfast transfer to the airport for a short flight to Axum. On arrival in Axum you will be transferred to Remehay hotel. After refreshment visit the historical and archaeological sites in Axum including: The archaeological museum, The magnificent monolithic steles or obelisks, the tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, and the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of ancient palace of Queen Sheba. The 16th Century Cathedral of St Mary of Zion was probably built on an earlier 4th century church, and is the holiest church in Ethiopia. In its sanctuary is said to rest the original Ark of the Covenant. The churches and monasteries of Axum house are richly endowed with icons, and some of the historical crowns of ancient emperors. Overnight Remhay Hotel

Day 6: Fly to Lalibela
After breakfast transfer to Axum Airport to leave for Lalibela, the site of the world wonder. The flight departs Gondar at 9.30 and arrives Lalibela at 10.00 upon arrival transfer 23 kms to Roha (3star). En route, at the footstep of mount Asheten (over 3000 meters high) visit the 13thc built-up-cave church of Na'akutola'ab. After lunch, you visit the first group of the remarkably excavated churches of Lalibela that represent the earthly Jerusalem. Overnight Mount View Hotel

Day 7: In Lalibela
After breakfast a mule ride to the 13thc rock hewn monastery of Asheten Mariam. The church is situated on atop a mountain at an altitude of 3150 metres. This will take about 4 hours. We return back to the town for lunch. In the afternoon, visit of the other groups of Rock churches of Lalibela Bet Giyorgis, possibly the most elegant of all the Lalibela churches, lies somewhat isolated in the southwest part of the village on a sloping rock terrace. It can only be reached through a tunnel. The group of four, south of the Jordan River, comprise of Bet Emanuel, Bet Mercurios, Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Gabriel-Rufa'el. Bet Emanuel's elaborate exterior is much praised by art historians. Overnight Mount View hotel

Day 8::Fly to Addis Ababa:
After breakfast transfer to Lalibela Airport and fly to Addis Ababa. Overnight Ghion Hotel

Day 9: Drive to Harer
After breakfast drive from Addis Ababa to Harer through the scenic Haraghe Mountains looking at the coffee and chat plantations left and right of the road. At Harar visit the 16th century wall of Harar and the house of the renowned poet Arthur Rimbaud. In the evening go to one of the gates of the Harar wall to see the Hyena Man feeding his hyena friends. Overnight Heritage Plaza Hotel

Day 10: In Harer:
After breakfast you will visit The City Wall, the Gates and the narrow streets lined with traditional Harari Gegar houses, the colorful Muslim and Christian markets (known for basketry). After lunch visit the Hareri museum, Rimbaud House, a fine traditional house dating from the period when the French poet Rimbaud lived in Harer. Finally visit the traditional Hararie house within the famous walled city. Overnight Heritage Plaza hotel

Day 11: Drive to Nazareth.
After breakfast leave Harer and drive to Nazareth. You will be driving through magnificent landscape of The Harer Mountains and Ethiopian Rift Valley. En route you will experience “Chat” plantations which is a typical farming experience in the region. Overnight Rift Valley Hotel in Nazareth

Day 12:Drive to Lake Langano
we drive to Lake Langano and to Bekele Molla Hotel. The soft brown waters of Langano are set against the blue backdrop of the Arsi Mountains which soar to 4000m. Over 150 species of birds have been recorded here. Overnight at Lake Langano at Bekele Molla Hotel.

Day 13: Drive Addis Ababa, PM Attend the Meskel Festival. Fare well dinner and evening Departure
After breakfast drive back to Addis Ababa through the Great Rift Valley lakes. After lunch in the afternoon attend the Meskel Festival at Measkel square –the colorful festival of the Orthodox Christens, celebrated to commemorate the finding of the true cross. Evening we will invite you a fare well dinner at Agelgel hotel for Ethiopian dish and cultural dances from different ethnic groups. Then after transfer to Bole International Airport for your flight back to home. End of the trip.

Price per person = USD 3430

The single room supplement = USD 470

The above price doesn’t include the cost of the domestic flight for the Sector
- Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar
- Gondar - Axum
- Axum - Lalibela
- Lalibela - Addis Ababa

The current cost for this domestic flight is USD 450 per person, Subject to change

Services included in the prices

• Meet and greet at airport
• Hotel accommodation based on Twin room as mentioned on the itineraries
• Meals – breakfast only in Addis but full board elsewhere.
• All transfers and visits with A Minibus everywhere according to the itinerary
• All ground transportation to the south with a good condition of 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser, with fuel, all insurance and driver costs
• Boat trip on Lake Tana
• Mule ride to a monastery around Lalibela
• All entrance fees at museums, churches, castles and archeological sites
• Farewell dinner in Addis to enjoy traditional Ethiopian food and Music
• A traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at a convenient time in the program
• Local Guide services and scout fees in parks and villages
• Service charge and all types of government taxes


Services not included in the prices

• International flights
• Lunch and dinner meals in Addis
• Any kind of drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages.
• Tips
• Other expenses of personal nature like laundry, souvenirs, etc
• All what is not included in the list above  

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