DINKNESH ETHIOPIA TOUR (DET) Member of: APTA, ASA, ASTA, ATA, ETOA, ICTP & JATA Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour (DET) is a well-organized and experienced tour company in Ethiopia. It offers package and customized tours for those wishing to visit Ethiopia. It works with outbound tour operators and handles all ground arrangements. DET is also a member in good standing of ASTA, ASA, APTA, ATA, ICTP, JATA, and ETOA. DET is managed by well- experienced professionals who are dedicated to provide the best possible service to their guests. It is the principle of DET to offer quality service at reasonable price. Our goal is not just to satisfy our clients’ expectations, but to exceed them and make our clients delighted.
WHY TO TRAVEL WITH DINKNESH ETHIOPIA TOUR (DET)? Although there are a number of reasons to travel with DET, just to mention few: ß Prompt response:- Among other things, DET is highly reputed for its very fast response to your enquiries. It is our policy to address any enquiry the soonest possible. ß Efficient Pre-Tour arrangement:- Our tour coordinators are alert and make sure that everything is in order for your trip even in cases where the tour is to be arranged in a very tight schedule. Our smooth relationship and network with all stakeholders in the industry enables us to make all arrangements as per the client’s interest. ß Excellent tour management:- Our experienced and multilingual guides match your needs and make sure that your trip will last forever in your memories. DET’s driver’s are among the very few well-trained drivers who knows all the in and outs of the country. “We found our guides to be more than helpful, well spoken, and totally dedicated to the task at hand.”Mr. Renier, Saira Essa Productions, An Africa Within Project ß Strong and dependable base:- DET is highly equipped with modern and comfortable vehicles both for large groups and tailor made tours. We provide first class camping gear with professional private cook. Our camping fires have kindled, in the hearts of many, which flame the desire of revisiting Ethiopia.
COMMUNITY SERVICES Contributing to Eco-System is an integral operation of DET
E-Mail: mulutour@ethionet.et OR mulugenet@ethionet.et OR Dinknesh_2004@yahoo.com Address: Garad building 7th floor Room No. 1294 -7-1, Tel No. 00251-11-1567837/1567838/1562242, Fax No. 00251-11-1567840/1567841, P.O.Box: 26563, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Moreover, Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour (DET) collaborates with local charities/NGOs/ and contributes a great deal to the benefit of the society supporting/sponsoring a number of homeless children who lost their parents mainly due to HIV/AIDS. It is the mission of DET to enable the society enjoys the benefit of tourism as it contributes to the development of the nation. All tourists coming to Ethiopia through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour cherish supporting children, women, families, and other undeserved community groups through tourism while securing exceptional quality service through their trip. DET strives to build healthy, poverty free, and empowered society through tourism. Let’s get hand-in-hand and make a difference in the lives of the society through responsible tourism.
ETHIOPIA
Ethiopian National Dish
Bull Jumping
Bete Emanuel – Lalibela
Semien Mountains
THE GIFTED LAND
Ethiopia is a country of proud people, amazing historical antiquities, beautiful ancient cultures and some of the most stunning landscapes. Ethiopia is the only African country never to have experienced colonial rule. Ethiopians maintain many of their ancient celebrations and the people continue to live as they have for thousands of years. What’s more, the historical antiquities of Ethiopia have been compared to those of other ancient countries. However, Ethiopia’s famous churches, monasteries, and landmarks are still “living museums”, incorporated into the daily lives of the Ethiopian people. Travelers can walk inside these buildings, touch the walls and become part of the history. Ethiopia provides a cultural and historical experience that can not be duplicated anywhere else in the world. “Ethiopia always has a special place in my imagination and the prospect of visiting Ethiopia attracted me more strongly than a trip to France, England, and America combined. I felt I would be visiting my own genesis, unearthing the roots of what made me an African.” Mandela And NOW is certainly the time to visit Ethiopia. As a destination growing in popularity, this is the time to plan your Ethiopian travel experience without the crowds that are sure to come. Whether visiting the famed historical circuit or the exotic Southern cultural route, now is your chance to experience this destination in its purest form and travelling with Dinknesh Ethiopia is the right choice. Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour is a prominent tour operator in Ethiopia. The word “Dinknesh” is in fact the Ethiopian name for “Lucy” (directly translated to “you are special”), or scientifically called Australopithecus Afarensis a 3.2 million years old hominoid. This is the most spectacular discovery of the Awash Valley in Ethiopia’s Afar region when fifty-two fragments of a skeleton enabled the famous “Lucy” to be reconstructed. Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour’s English, German, French- speaking guides are some of the best in the business, and guests are assured a seamless travel experience from start to finish. Camping is a strategy for those driving to the more remote parts of Ethiopia or for those heading offroad, either to national parks or to other interesting places. Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour is one of the best – equipped tour operators in Ethiopia. Our clients have always returned home not only with exciting stories to tell, but also with a feeling of accomplishment and increased self-confidence from having a deeper understanding about life and people.
Our mission is to : Maintain an ethical, client-oriented business by providing the most cost effective, most reliable and best value tour services in Ethiopia . In the next pages you will find the highlights of our tour packages along with our suggested itineraries. For more details on our tour packages, please visit our websites www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / www.ethiopiatravel.com Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
HIGHLIGHTS
OF
OUR TOURS
HISTORICAL ROUTE
Ethiopia has a proud and long history extending to the known beginnings of humankind. The Axumite kingdom was one of the great civilizations of the ancient world and has left behind the mystery of the great stelae found at Axum. In the late middle ages, great religious civilizations flourished in many parts of the country, particularly at Lalibela where churches hewn out of massive monolithic rock testify not only to great faith but also to great architectural skills of those people. And in the former capital of Gondar which was the administrative center of Ethiopia for some two hundred years, the construction of the castles, baths, and churches that remain to this day bear witness to almost a century of splendor.
Some of Ethiopia’s most famous historical sites include: and has left behind the mysterious stelae, tombs of ancient kings, ruin palaces and archeological sites in Axum. The ruins at Yeha date even earlier than Axum which is yet another mystery.
Axum Stelae
Axum: The Axumite kingdom was one of the great civilizations of the ancient world
Lalibela at the end of the 12th Century. The existence of churches hewn out of massive monolithic rock in Lalibela testifies not only of great faith but also of great architectural skills.
Gondar many significant castles speak of the same legacy of architectural skills and religious zeal. Gondar, ‘the African Camelot’, was called “the center of learning” during the 1600’s.
Lake Tana Monasteries: There are 37 islands
that are scattered about the surface of Lake Tana, out of which some 20 shelter churches and monasteries of immense historical and cultural interest. These churches are decorated with beautiful paintings and house innumerable treasures. The location of the islands might have saved these treasures from looters.
Harar: Ethiopia’s Islamic tradition is also strong and offers colorful contrast, particularly in the eastern and southeastern parts of the country. In fact, there were Ethiopian Muslims during the lifetime of Prophet Mohammed. This rich religious history is brought to life in the romantic walled city of Harar, considered by many Muslims to be the fourth “Holy City” following Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. This medieval walled city is a site of nearly 99 mosques, minarets and colorful markets. Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
Castle of Gondar
Gondar: In the former capital of
Gate’s of Harar
Painting on Lake Tane Monastery
Bete Giorgis – Lalibela
Lalibela: Lalibela, previously known as Roha, is named after king
Suggested itineraries *(O/N - Over Night) Day 1: Arrive at Addis Ababa and transfer to hotel. O/N* - Hotel Day 2: Drive to Debre Markos en route visit Debre Libanos Monastery and the Blue Nile Gorge. O/N - Hotel. Day 3: Drive to Bahir Dar. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Tana to visit the ancient island monasteries. O/N - Hotel. Day 4: After breakfast drive to Blue Nile Fall and then drive to Gondar. O/N - Hotel Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Gondar. O/N - Hotel. Day 6: Drive to Axum through the beautiful landscape and Tekeze River Gorge. O/N - Hotel. Day 7: Sight seeing tour of Axum. O/N - Hotel. Day 8: After breakfast drive to Mekele via the rock churches of Tigray. O/N - Hotel. Day 9: After breakfast drive to Lalibela. O/N - Hotel. Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Lalibela.O/N - Hotel. Day 11: After breakfast drive to Dessie en route visit Hayk Istifanos. O/N - Hotel. Day 12: After breakfast drive to Addis Ababa. O/N - Hotel. Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Addis, farewell dinner party and departure.
Yeha Temple
Classic (Historical) Route – by surface
Classic (Historical) Route – by Air Day 1: Arrival at Addis Ababa. O/N - Hotel Day 2: Fly to Bahir Dar to visit the Blue Nile Falls & the monasteries on Lake Tana. O/N - Hotel. Day 3: Fly to Gondar. Visit the castle compound, Bath of King Fasilades, Debre Berhan Silassie… O/N - Hotel Day 4: Fly to Lalibela. Visit the first and third groups of rock hewn churches. O/N -Hotel. Day 5: Morning optional excursion to Ne’akuto Le’ab or to Semi-hewn church of Asheten Mariam on Mule back and back to Lalibela to visit the remaining second group of rock churches. O/N Hotel Day 6: Fly to Axum. Visit St. Mary Zion Church, Stele compound, Ruin palaces… O/N - Hotel. Day 7: Fly to Addis Ababa. Time for leisure and shopping. O/N -Hotel. Day 8: City tour of Addis Ababa.Evening farewell dinner party and then departure.
Extension Day 9: Fly to Dire Dawa. Upon arrival drive to Harar. Visit the 16th century wall, museums, colorful market and the Hyena man at night. O/N – Hotel Day 10: Transfer to Dire Dawa airport and fly to Addis Ababa for departure.
Testimonials “…People are back and they told me: a wonderful journey, best organization, a very good crew and last not least, a boss who knows what clients need - thanks for all …” Dieter Schetat, Germany “Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour proved them selves to be generally professional and reliable, attitudes that made our holiday smooth and enjoyable…” Aaron Birkbeck, Australia “Since the group had return, I could talk with some of them and I have to tell you that the trip was a successful and the people enjoy very very much. Please, receive my congratulations for you, the guide and the rest of the organization.” Bibi Solanes i Roca-Sastre, Spain “Our guides as well as the drivers : excellent politeness and extra ordinary assistance” Dr. Hans Witte, Germany Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
CULTURAL TOUR – OMO VALLEY Ethiopia, a country of ancient civilizations, has culture and traditions dating back over 3000 years, with over 80 different ethnic tribes with their own languages, cultures, and traditions. Our cultural tours mainly focus on the indigenous peoples of the Omo Valley in Southern Ethiopia. We believe visiting such unique cultures helps one to truly differentiate between what is really necessary in life and what is only cosmetic. It helps one to realize that it takes very little to be happy. The following are among the most interesting people of Ethiopia, and whom you will visit on your journey to the Omo Valley.
Hamer Man
Hamer are people,who occupy the eastern part of the Lower Omo Valley, are known for the typical hair style of their women which is thoroughly covered in a mixture of grease and red ocher coloring. Hamer women are some of the most elaborately dressed women of the region. They are also famous for their ritual of leaping over the bulls, a ceremony to determine whether a young Hamer male is ready to make the social jump from youth to adulthood and for the responsibilities of marriage.
Dasenech or the Geleb are people who occupy land on both sides of the Omo River and the northern edges of Lake Turkana. One of the most striking details of the Dasenech is the incredible male hairstyles signifying position in the age-system. Children have a completely shaven head with a cap of hair, while adults have sophisticated hairstyles incorporating earth to signify status.
Mursi Woman
Dasenetch Girl
Mursi are people who live between the Omo and the Mago Rivers. The distinctive trait of the Mursi is the labial and lobular plates worn by the women. A small incision is made in the lower lip and ear lobes of a young Mursi girl during initiation rituals.
For more details refer our website www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com/3-Cultural/index.htm
Dorze Hut
Ethiopian Grand Cultural Expedition – by surface
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Day 1: Arrival at Addis Ababa. O/N Hotel. Day 2: Addis Ababa - Melka Kunture Archeological sites - Adadi Mariam rock-hewn church-Tiya stele- Gurage tribal village - Hossana. O/N - Hotel. Day 3: Hossana-Chencha (Dorze tribal village)-Arbaminch. O/N - Hotel. Day 4: Arbaminch (Nechisar National Park and Boat Excursion on Lake Chamo). O/N - Hotel. Day 5: Arba Minch - Konso tribal village-Tsemai tribal village - Jinka. O/N Hotel Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
Weaving at Dorze Village
Suggested itineraries
Oromo Women
Jinka - Mursi tribal village - Mago National Park. O/N Camping or back to Jinka and overnight hotel. Day 7: Mago National Park - Turmi - Hamer tribal village. O/N - Camping. Day 8: Turmi – Murulle - Karo tribal village - Turmi. O/N - Camping. Day 9: Turmi - Omorate to visit the Dasenech tribal village & back to Turmi.O/N - Camping. Day 10: Turmi - Erbore & Borena tribal villages - Yabello. O/N - Hotel. Day 11: Yabello - Sidama tribal village-Lake Awassa Wendo Genet . O/N - Hotel. Day 12: Drive to Addis Ababa - Lake Ziway - sightseeing of Addis Ababa- farewell dinner party and departure.
Benna Man
Day 6:
Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Day 7: Day 8: Day 9: Day 10: Day 11: Day 12: Day 13: Day 14:
Arrival at Addis Ababa. O/N - Hotel. Drive Addis Ababa – Nekemte visiting the Shoa & Wolega Oromo people. O/N - Hotel Drive Nekemte - Dembi Dolo through very green-forested area. O/N -Camping Drive Dembi Dolo - Gambella. O/N - Hotel Excursion to visit the Agnuak people. O/N – Hotel Excursion to visit the Nuer people. O/N – Hotel Drive Gambella – Mizan Teferi. O/N - Hotel Drive Mizan Teferi – Tulgit visiting the Dizi and Surma people. O/N -Camping Drive Tulgit – Kibish visiting Surma people. O/N – Camping Kibish - Visit of Surma Villages. O/N - Camping Drive Kibish – Bebeka. O/N -Hotel Drive Bebeka – Jimma. O/N - Hotel Drive to Jimma – Addis. Visiting the Gurage and Oromo people. O/N Hotel Sightseeing tour of Addis Ababa, farewell dinner party and then departure
Testimonials
Surma Men
Day 1: Day 2:
Surma Woman
Western Omo & Gambella - by surface
“…100% pleased with the excellence & helpfulness of all of your people on my trip. They represent a shining example of how well your company takes such care in assuring your clients of having the ultimate experience possible…” Len Doctor, USA
“..Thank you again for a great trip and we look forward to working with you.” Phil, California
Karo Men
“… The trip has gone beyond our expectations. We are very happy about how the trip has been developed and we are very grateful to the guide for his kindness, helpful. Drivers have been very kind, friendly and good drivers and also to your tour agency for your excellent service…” Pep Martinez, Spain
“Overall, we would rate the trip as excellent. Our expectations were exceeding in respect to the overall efficiency of how well everything works.” Kate Daniel, USA Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
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ETHIOPIAN FESTIVALS The Ethiopian people express themselves in rituals, ceremonies and festivals. In addition to the festivals of the different ethnic groups, we do have national festivals. Some of these are international, like the various Muslim festivals that are observed globally.
The following are the most famous festivals:Genna - Ethiopian Christmas Christmas or Genna celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. At noon on Christmas day, youth in traditional dress play genna to commemorate the shepherds who were playing this game outside the stable while Jesus was born. The game consists of pushing a wooden ball with a long stick, similar to today’s game of hockey.
Timket - Epiphany This is a great religious and the most important Orthodox Christian festival in Ethiopia. It commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. The date falls on 19th January and the celebrations begun on the eve.
Fasika - Easter This is a festival that follows a fasting period of 55 days. During this time, no animal product is eaten and the faithful do not eat anything at all until the daily service is finished at around 3:00 P.M. The fasting period culminates on the last two and half days long fasting ritual.
Meskel Meskel commemorates the finding of the True Cross in the fourth century AD when Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, discovered the True Cross on which Christ was crucified. The feast is celebrated on “Meskerem” 17 Ethiopian
Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
calendar (September 27 Gregorian calendar), 6 months after the discovery of the True Cross. The celebration of Meskel signifies the presence of the True Cross at Gishen Mariam monastery and also symbolizes the events carried out by Empress Helena.
Kulubi - Feast of Saint Gabriel – about 68 kilometers from Dire Dawa The feast of Saint Gabriel (Kulubi Gabriel), the Archangel, is celebrated on “Tahsas” 19 Ethiopian calendar (December 28 Gregorian calendar) which culminates in a pilgrimage to Kulubi. Orthodox Tewahedo Christians mark the celebration with colorful processions and ceremonies.
Enkutatash - Ethiopian New Year The Ethiopian New Year - Enkutatash falls on “Meskerem” 1 Ethiopian calendar (September 11 & 12 on leap year in Gregorian calendar) at the end of the Ethiopian rainy season and is called Enkutatash. Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) is also a day for young boys and girls to sing and dance and for exchanging New Year greetings among urban and rural inhabitants.
Debre Damo - Feast of Saint Aregawi – about 25 kilometers from Adigrat Debre Damo is a site of one of the oldest built up church. Orthodox Tewahedo Christians celebrate the feast of Saint (Abune) Aregawi, on “Tikimpt” 14 Ethiopian calendar (October 24 or 25 Gregorian calendar) which culminates in a pilgrimage to Debra Damo from all over the country. Abune Aregawi is one of the 9 Saints who came from Syria to spread the teachings of Christianity at its early stapes.
Hidar Zion or Annual Memorial Day of St. Mary at Axum The festival of Hidar Zion is celebrated every year around November 30 by thousands of people from all over Ethiopia. It is also associated with the belief that the Ark of the Covenant is housed at Axum.
Sheik Hussein Besides the globally celebrated Muslim Festivals, Sheik Hussein in Bale Region is an important center of Muslim pilgrimage.The faithful flock twice a year from all over Ethiopia as well as from neighboring countries.
For more details refer our website www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com/3-Cultural/4Festivals.htm Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
NATURE TOURS AGRICULTURAL TOUR
There are several popular traditional sayings and proverbs attached to the coffee ceremony in Ethiopia. n n n
“No visit to Ethiopia is complete without participating in the elaborate coffee ceremony.” “Coffee is served with grace and gesture of respect for the guest.” “Drinking coffee alone is as bad as seeking fame without any accomplishment.”
‘Teff’:- Teff is one of the most important indigenous grains in Ethiopia. It is the main ingredient in Ethiopia’s staple food, injera. Teff, species Eragrostis teff or E. abyssinica, is an endemic cereal of the Ethiopian highlands belonging to the Poaceae or Gramineae family, which contains more than 300 species,.
Suggested itinerary Day 1: Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International airport and transfer to Hotel. O/N - Hotel Day 2: Addis- Ziway-Awassa: Drive through Ethiopian Great Rift Valley Region visiting green house (Flower growing areas). O/N - Hotel Day 3: Awassa- Dilla- Yergacheffe- Yirgalem: Drive through Dilla and Yergacheffe to visit coffee and false banana (Enset) plantation. Then drive to Yirgalem for an overnight . Day 4: Yirgalem- Wendo Genet: Drive through the fertile land of Sidama region to Wendo Genet. O/N - Hotel Day 5: Wendo Genet- Bale: Drive to Bale through the Muslim- Oromo culture visiting farms. O/N - Hotel Day 6: Bale – Assela : Drive to Assela and visit the barley and wheat plantation. O/N - Hotel Day 7: Assela- Gonde- Addis : Drive to Addis Ababa through Gonde visiting agricultural farms O/N - Hotel Day 8: Addis- Jimma: Drive to Jimma west of Addis Ababa with a stop over at Wolkite for lunch.O/N hotel. Day 9: Jimma- Mizan Teferi: Drive to Mizan Teferi through the Ethiopia’s indigenous dense forest. O/N – Hotel Day 10: Mizan Teferi- Bebeka Coffee plantation: Drive to Bebeka. O/N - Guest house or Camping. Day 11: Bebeka- Jimma: Drive to Jimma visiting Gibe Falls. O/N Hotel. Day 12: Jimma- Addis Ababa- departure : After break fast drive to Addis Ababa through the Gibe Gorge. Evening farewell dinner and then departure.
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Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
Preparation of “Kocho” from Enset (False Bannana)
These trees blossomed in an area called “Kaffa” and the trees were called “Kafa,” which may as well be the root word for coffee.
Winnowing
Coffee Tree
Coffee:- Many believe that Ethiopia is actually the “birth place” of coffee. The indigenous coffee trees (which some experts say are the only native coffee trees in the world) first grew in ancient “Abyssinia,” which is now the present day Ethiopia.
Oxen Ploughing
Agriculture is very important to the Ethiopian economy and travelers will experience the rich agricultural areas during their trip. The following endemic crops are not only directly responsible for some of the delicious foods considered essential to Ethiopian cuisine but they have also strong cultural and economical values which play a marked role in Ethiopian society.
Ethiopia is one of the 12 vavilov centers, of crop genetic diversity in the world. Large number of cultivated plants and their wild relatives are found in Ethiopia. To site just few examples, e.g. coffee (Coffee Arabica), teff (Eragrostis teff), enset (Ensete Ventricosum) and anchote (Coccinea Abyssinica).
Suggested itineraries
KniphoďŹ a Hildebrandtii
Ethiopia is a country of great geographical diversity with high & rugged mountains, flat-topped plateaus and deep gorges, incised river valleys and rolling plains. The country is endowed with great ecological and biological diversity. The altitudinal variation enabled the country to posses a wide range of climatic condition. This has created diverse and suitable environment, being home for large number of flora and fauna. The flora of Ethiopia is very heterogeneous and has a rich endemic element. It is estimated to contain between 6,500 - 7,000 species of higher plants of which about 12% are endemic. Endemism is particularly high in the arid lowlands.
Cirsium Bulgairi
BOTANICAL TOUR
Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Day 7: Day 8:
Botanical tour to the South Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Day 7: Day 8:
Arrive Addis Ababa and transfer to hotel for an overnight. Drive to Nazreth. Overnight -Hotel. After breakfast drive to Bale Mountains National Park. Overnight - Hotel. Full day botanical tour in Harena forest and Senete plateau. Overnight - Hotel. Drive to Wondogenet. Overnight - Hotel. Botanical tour around Wondogenet. Overnight -Hotel. Drive to Langano and tour of Abyata - Shalla park for its various species of plants and flowers. Overnight-Hotel. Drive to Addis Ababa en route Botanical tour. Evening farewell party and departure. Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
Coffee Harvesting
Day 2:
Arrive Addis Ababa very early morning and then transfer to hotel for few hours sleep. Transfer to the air port to fly to Gondar. City tour of Gondar. O/N Hotel. Drive to Sankaber through Debark town. Overnight Camping. Full day Botanical excursion around the site. Overnight Camping. Full day Botanical excursion. O/N Camping Late departure from campsite for an overnight in Gonder. Overnight Hotel After breakfast transfer to airport to fly to Addis Ababa. Afternoon shopping. Overnight Hotel. Drive to Menagesha Natural Forest and then drive to Ambo. O/N hotel. Drive from Ambo to Wonchi. Continue driving to Addis Ababa. Fare well dinner party and then departure.
Acacia Tree
Day 1:
Gaint Lobilla
Botanical tour to the North
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We follow the Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society’s identification of 69 important birding sites, spread throughout the country. However, it is important to note that most bird watching itineraries are in the Southern part of the country. An itinerary in search of all of Ethiopia’s endemic birds would take a minimum of 3 weeks, but shorter tours of about 10-15 days would guarantee to see most of the endemics and several hundred other species. However, one of our favourite tours, the combined three week tour allows a Bird watcher the chance of seeing every single Ethiopian endemic and near endemic bird species! For more details refer our websites www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com/4Birding/index.htm OR www.ethiopiatravel.com
Suggested itineraries
Hoope
The size, the richness of species, the vibrancy of the plumage, and quantity of birds easily visible are impressive.
Red- Billed Horn Bill
Abissinian Wood Pecker
Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most prolific birding destinations. Numerous endemics, a rich assemblage of forest and savanna species and an influx of palaearctic migrants all add up to a truly bird – filled tour. In fact, over 850 species have been recorded in the country. Our main tour takes us across a range of scenes. We explore huge Rift Valley lakes teeming with bird life, massdraped mountain forests supporting a wide selection of endemic birds (Ethiopia has the second highest count of endemic birds of any nation in the continent).
Lilac Breasted Roler
BIRDING TOUR
Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Day 7: Day 8: Day 9: Day 10: Day 11: Day 12: Day 13: Day 14: 0
Arrive Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. O/N - Hotel Drive from Addis Ababa to Awassa. O/N - Hotel Drive from Awassa to Wendo Genet. O/N - Hotel Drive to Bale Mountains National Park and then to Goba. O/N Hotel Goba & excursion to Sanette Plateau. O/N - Hotel Drive to Negele. O/N - Hotel Negele area. O/N Hotel Drive from Negele to Bogol Manyo. O/N - Community Hall Drive back to Negele. O/N - Hotel Drive to Yabello. O/N - Hotel Yabello area. O/N - Hotel Drive from Yabello to Langano. O/N - Hotel Langano area (Abiyatta - Shalla Lakes National Park and Bishangari). O/N - Hotel. Drive from Langano to Awash via Lake Ziway. O/N - Hotel Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
Glossy Starling
Option I
Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Day 7: Day 8: Day 9: Day 10: Day 11: Day 12:
Arrive Addis Ababa. O/N Hotel Drive Langano. O/N Hotel Drive Langano - Yabello. O/N Hotel. Yabello area. O/N Hotel Drive Yabello- Awassa- Wendo Genet. O/N Hotel. Wendo Genet. O/N Hotel Drive Wendo Genet - Bale. O/N Hotel Bale. O/N Hotel Drive Bale- Sodere. O/N Hotel. Drive Sodere- Awash National Park. O/N Hotel Drive Awash- Bilen- Awash. O/N Hotel Drive to Addis Ababa, fare well dinner party and then departure.
Testimonials
Superb Starling
Option II
Abissinian Long Claw
Day 15: Awash National Park. O/N - Hotel Day 16: Drive from Awash to Bilen and back to Awash. O/N - Hotel Day 17: Drive from Awash to Debre Sina and back to Debre Berhan. O/N - Hotel Day 18: Drive to Jemma Valley and back to Debre Berhan. O/N Hotel Day 19: Drive back to Addis Ababa and proceed to Weliso. O/N Hotel. Day 20: Drive to Gibe River Gorge and back to Addis Ababa. Evening farewell dinner party and then departure.
“I have recently finished a bird watching trip with Alan Lewis and Andrew Marshall using your company. Our trip was very successful and we will not hesitate to recommend your company to any of our friends who may visit Ethiopia.” Richard, UK
Yellow Fronted Parot
Black-Headed Forest Oriol
“We arranged a private trip through Rock Jumper Birding Tours, South Africa. Dinknesh Ethiopia Tours was applied as the local operator. Everything went well and the service provided by the ground agents was superb”. Trip Report compiled by Erik Forsyth, South Africa.
Crowned Crane
“I would add my compliments to those of Richard. We will certainly recommend Dinknesh...” Alan Lewis, UK
Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
ETHIOPIAN GREAT RIFT VALLEY TOUR
Sofomar Cave
Great White Pelican
Lake Abaya
Lake Chamo
The Great Rift Valley is a vast geographical and geological feature of East Africa and Southwest Asia created by the rifting and separation of the African and Arabian tectonic plates around 35 million years ago. It runs north to south for some 6,000 km, from northern Syria to central Mozambique. The valley varies in width from 30-100 km and in depth from a few hundred to several thousand meters.
The Rift Valley Lakes are a group of lakes formed by the Great Rift Valley of Eastern Africa. These lakes include some of the oldest, largest and deepest lakes in the world, and are a fresh water eco region of great bio-diversity. The Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes are the northern most of the African Rift Valley lakes. The Great Rift Valley splits the Ethiopian highlands into northern and southern halves, and the lakes occupy the floor of rift valley between the two highlands. The Ethiopian Rift valley offers eight spectacular chain of lakes. These lakes formed during the period of high rainfall in the quaternary era when much of the world near the poles was covered in ice. During this time the northern four lakes Ziway, Langano, Abiyatta and Shalla were one and the southern two Abaya and Chamo were also one. As the earth’s climate warmed in comparatively recent geological times, the Rift Valley lakes receded leaving extensive deposits of sedimentary rocks. The Ethiopian Rift Valley is known as an ‘’Ornithologists paradise’’. Visit to the Rift Valley, studded with lakes, volcanoes and savannah grassland, and many animal and bird species, offers the visitor an Africa safari experience.
Suggested itinerary Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Day 7:
Arrival at Addis Ababa. O/N - Hotel. Drive from Addis Ababa - via Ethiopian Great Rift Valley Region to Awassa. O/N - Hotel. Visit Lake Awassa and drive to Arbaminch visiting the Dorze tribal village. O/N - Hotel. Arbaminch (Nechisar National Park & Boat excursion on Lake Chamo). O/N - Hotel Drive from Arbaminch to Abiyatta - Shalla Lakes National Park and then to Langano. O/N - Hotel. Drive from Langano to Bale Mountains National Park for game viewing. O/N - Camping/ Lodge Drive from Bale Mountains National Park to Sanette Plateau to see mammals and Mount Tulu Dimtu -the 2nd highest peak in Ethiopia. Then drive to Goba. O/N - Hotel Day 8: Drive from Bale Goba via Asella to Awash. O/N - Hotel. Day 9: Morning game drive in Awash National Park to see mammals, birds and the spectacular Awash River Falls. Proceed to Nazareth for lunch and then drive to Addis Ababa. O/N - Hotel. Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Addis Ababa, farewell dinner party and departure.
Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
ALL IN ONE
Day 5: Day 6: Day 7: Day 8: Day 9: Day 10: Day 11: Day 12: Day 13: Day 14: Day 15: Day 16: Day 17: Day 18: Day 19: Day 20: Day 21: Day 22: Day 23: Day 24: Day 25: Day 26: Day 27: Day 28:
Blue Nile Falls
Day 4:
Gelada Baboons
Day 3:
Arrival. O/N - Hotel Addis - Debre Libanos Monastery - Blue Nile Gorge - Debre Markos. O/N - Hotel Debre Markos - Amhara tribal village - sightseeing of Bahir Dar. O/N - Hotel Bahir Dar (Blue Nile Falls & Boat excursion to visit monasteries). O/N - Hotel Bahir Dar - Gondar and visit the castle compound & churches. O/N - Hotel Gondar - Sanka Ber - Debark . O/N - Hotel. Debark - Mountains scenery - Tekeze River Gorge - Axum. O/N - Hotel. Axum - St. Mary Zion Church, Stele compound, archeological museum & tombs. O/N - Hotel Axum - Yeha Temple - Debre Damo Monastery (allowed only for male) - Adigrat. O/N - Hotel Adigrat - Rock churches of Tigray - Mekele. O/N - Hotel. Mekele - Mountains scenery - Lalibela. O/N - Hotel. Lalibela (11 rock churches). O/N - Hotel Lalibela - Hayk Istifanos Monastery - Dessie. O/N - Hotel. Dessie - Afar tribal village - Awash. O/N - Hotel. Awash - Awash National Park - Harar. O/N - Hotel. Harar (museums, open-air market, Hyena man, Mosque and wall). O/N - Hotel Harar - Oromo tribal village - Lake Beseka - Nazareth. O/N - Hotel Nazareth - Rift Valley Lakes - Dorze tribal village. - Arba Minch. O/N - Hotel. Arbaminch (Nechisar National Park & boat excursion for the crocodile market). O/N - Hotel Arbaminch - Omo Valley - Jinka (Konso & Tsemai tribal villages). O/N - Hotel. Jinka - Mursi tribal village - Mago National Park - Jinka. O/N - Hotel. Jinka - Dimeka - Hamer tribal village - Turmi. O/N - Camping. Turmi - Murule to visit the Karo tribal village - Turmi. O/N - Camping. Turmi - Omorate to visit the Dasenetch tribal village - Turmi. O/N - Camping Turmi - Erbore & Borena tribal village - Yabello. O/N - Hotel Yabello - Coffee plantation - Sidama tribal village - Lake Awassa - Wendo Genet. O/N - Hotel Wendo Genet - Lake Langano - Addis. O/N - Hotel Sightseeing tour of Addis. Farewell dinner party with cultural entertainment and then departure.
Mursi Woman
Day 1: Day 2:
Semien Mountains
Suggested Itinerary
Castle of King Yohannes I – Gondar
CULTURE, HISTORY & NATURE
For more details refer our website www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com/7-Nature/index.htm Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
ADVENTURE TOUR
EXPEDITION TO DENAKIL DEPRESSION AND ERTA’ALE The northern part of the Rift Valley forms a great triangular basin, between the Denakil Desert and the Afar Plain. There, hills with staggered faces rise above deep valleys, and volcanic peaks can reach up to 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). Temperatures sometimes rise to 50ºC. Depressions run as deep as 125 meters (410 feet) below sea level where only the most specialized beings can survive. In this inhospitable region, the Afar people live surviving as nomads in the face of extremely hostile surroundings.
The Dallol (Denakil) Depression is 100 km northwest of Erta’ale. The lowest part of the Denakil Depression is 116 m below sea level and is an extraordinary colorful landscape. Near by travelers can visit Lake Asale, which is a famous salt mining lake. This precious stone salt or Amole was once used as a currency in Ethiopia. Today, hundreds of camel caravans can be found on the road daily (with the exception of Fridays and during the hottest months from March – September) transporting this salt to the north western highlands of Ethiopia. In this region, the climate varies from around 25°C (77°F) during the rainy season (September-March) to 48°C (118°F) during the dry season (March - September). Amazingly, it is one of the hottest places yearround any where on Earth. Only the Awash River flows into the depression, where it ends in a chain of lakes that increase in salinity. For the real adventurer! Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour can take you on an expedition to Denakil Depression for a real desert experience… For more details refer our website www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com/5-Adventure/index.htm
Suggested itinerary Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Day 7: 4
Arrival in Addis Ababa. O/N - Hotel. Drive from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park for game viewing to see mammals & birds. O/N - Hotel. Drive from Awash to Semera. Visit the Afar tribal village. O/N - Hotel or Guest House Drive from Semera to Lake Afdera. O/N - Camping. Drive from Afdera to Dodom and start walking to Erta’ale. O/N - Camping Drive from Erta’ale to Waydodo. O/N - Camping. Drive from Waydodo to Ahmed Ela. O/N - Camping Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
Denakil
Erta’ale
Erta’ale is one of the few volcanoes in the world that have an almost persistent lava lake. It is an isolated basaltic shield volcano, 50 km wide, rising more than 600 m from below sea level.
Day 8: Day 9: Day 10: Day 11:
Drive to Lake Asale and to Dallol and back to Ahmed Ela. O/N - Camping. Drive to Mekele through the town of Berhile. O/N - Camping Transfer to the airport and fly to Addis Ababa. O/N -Hotel. Sightseeing tour of Addis Ababa, evening farewell dinner party and departure.
MOUNTAIN BIKING TOUR Semein Mountains Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Day 7: Day 8: Day 9: Day 10: Day 11: Day 12: Day 13:
Arrival. O/N hotel Fly Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar. After check into the hotel start biking to Tiss Isat to visit Blue Nile Falls and back to Bahir Dar for overnight. Biking from Bahir Dar to Gondar. O/N Hotel. Biking from Gondar to Debark. O/N Hotel or Camping. Biking from Debark through Limalimo to Adi Arkay. O/N local hotel or camping. Biking from Adi Arkay and back to Debark. O/N - Semein Park hotel or camping. Regeneration. O/N same place Biking from Debark to Sankaber and proceed to Chenek. O/N Camping Biking from Chenek to Janamora with rough road and come back to Chenek. O/N camping Biking from Chenek to Debark. O/N hotel or camping Biking from Debark to Gondar. O/N Hotel. Fly from Gondar to Addis Ababa. O/N hotel Biking to Mount Entoto. Back to the hotel. Evening farewell dinner party and then departure.
Bale Mountains Day 1: Day 2:
Arrival. O/N hotel City tour and biking to the top of Mount Entoto. O/N Hotel Day 3: Drive to Nazereth and bike to Sodere. O/N Hotel Day 4: Drive to Assela and start biking to Mount Kaka and proceed to Adaba. O/N Hotel Day 5: Drive up the steep climb into the Bale Mountains. Bike through Gasay.O/N Hotel/ Lodge/ Camping. Day 6: Biking to Sanetti Plateau and to Mount Tulu Dimtu. Ride back to Goba. O/N Hotel. Day 7: Drive to the edge of the Bale Mountains, for the ride to Adaba. O/N Hotel Day 8: From Adaba short drive to Kofele and then continue biking to Wendo Genet. O/N Hotel Day 9: Continue riding through the small town of Arsi Negele until you reach Lake Langano. After relaxing (swimming and meal) it is time to head back to Addis. O/N Hotel. Day 10: Visit Museums & Mercato Market. Evening farewell dinner party and then departure.
Testimonials ”I recently went on the biking tour with Dinknesh. Your service was excellent” Conor Lyons, USA. ”I want to thank you for the excellent services that Dinknesh provided for our mountain biking team on our recent trip to Ethiopia. The vehicles and drivers you provided helped to make our mountain a tremendous success.” Smith Roy, UK (The above pictures are given to our company by Mr. Smith Roy) Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
5
TREKKING TOUR
The Bale Mountains rise from the extensive surrounding farmlands at 2,500 meters above sea level to the west, north and east. The National Park area is divided in to two major parts by the spectacular Harenna escarpment that runs from east to west. As you ascend into the mountains you will experience changes in the vegetation with altitude, from juniper forests to heather moorlands and alpine meadows, which at various times of the year exhibit an abundance of colorful wild flowers. The Mountains are also famous as home and refuge of the endemic Mountain Nyala, Menelik Bush Buck and the Ethiopian Wolf. These three mammals occur in sustainable numbers, and a visit to Dinsho ( the Park head quarter), Gasay area, and the Sanette plateau will ensure you to see all.
The Semein Mountains
The Semein Mountains commonly known as the “Roof of Africa”, constitute the major mountain massifs in Africa. The region includes many summits above 4000 meters and culminates in the highest point in Ethiopia, Ras
Dashen, at 4620 meters, the fourth highest mountain in Africa. Its dramatic topography is the result of the erosion of basalt lavas, which have been calculated to be nearly 3000 meters thick. Semein Mountains National
Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
Ethiopian Wolf
The Bale Mountains region is an area of high altitude plateau broken up by numerous spectacular volcanic plugs and peaks, beautiful alpine lakes and rushing mountain streams that descend in the deep rocky gorges on their way to the lowlands below.
DET’s Tent
The Bale Mountains
Hiking in the Semein Mountains offers trekkers a great opportunity to see varied flora and endemic mammals like the Walia Ibex, which is found exclusively in this park, the Gelada Baboon, and the Semein fox. Above all the Semein Mountains offer unforgettable and breathtaking scenery and one needs to use Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour service to engoy these spectacular sceneries.
Client’s at Semien Mountains
Park , which covers an area of 180 square kilometers,is registered as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Suggested itineraries Bale Mountains Trekking Day 1: Day 2:
Arrival in Addis Ababa. O/N - Hotel. Drive Addis to Wendo Genet visiting Lake Ziway & Abiyatta - Shalla Lakes National Park. O/N - Hotel. Day 3: Drive Wendo Genet to Dinsho. O/N Camping. Day 4: Trek from Dinsho to Geysay Valley and back to Dinsho. O/N Camping. Day 5: Trek and pass through the waterfall of Finch’abera, and finally reach Meraro. O/N - Camping. Day 6: Trek beneath the peaks until you reach the Sanette Plateau. Travel across to camp beneath Mount Batu’s crags, at the head of the Shiya Valley. O/N - Camping. Day 7: Climb Batu and then trek across the arms of Mount Batu, to camp beside Garba Guracha Lake Day 8: Trek across the plateau and its many lakes to be met by vehicle at Goba. O/N - Hotel. Day 9: Drive from Goba to Sodere. O/N - Hotel. Day 10: Drive to Addis Ababa sightseeing tour, farewell dinner party & evening departure.
Semein Mountains Trekking Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Day 7: Day 8: Day 9: Day 10: Day 11: Day 12:
Arrival in Addis Ababa. O/N - Hotel. Fly from Addis to Gondar and drive to Debark and proceed to Sanka Ber. O/N - Camping Trek from Sanka Ber to Geech. O/N - Camping Trek from Geech to Imetgogo and back to Geech. O/N Camping Trek from Geech to Chenek. O/N Camping Trek from Chenek to Ambiquo climbing Buhit Mountain. O/N - Camping. Trek from Ambiquo to Ras Dashen and return to Ambiquo. O/N - Camping. Trek from Ambiquo to Sona through the magnificent landscape. O/N - Camping at Sona. Trek from Sona to Makarebia. O/N - Camping. Trek from Makarebia to Mullit. O/N - Camping. Trek to Adi Arkai and drive to Gondar. O/N Hotel Fly to Addis Ababa. Sightseeing tour of Addis, fare well dinner party and then departure.
For more details refer our websites www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com/5-Adventure/0trekking.htm OR www.ethiopiatravel.com
Testimonials “This trip met all my expectations and exceeded them. Almost too good to be true. I am very happy how it all turned out. Really quite remarkable.” Patricia, USA “Our trip and trekking was perfect “Ole Kristioksen, Denmark
Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS In terms of religion, the majority of Ethiopians are Christians and Muslims. Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour offers Pilgrimage Tours highlighting the following:
Debre Damo Monastery
Ethiopian Orthodox Church Psalm 68, written by King David around 1000 BC, says that “Ethiopia shall reach out her hand unto God.” Christianity was first introduced to Ethiopia by the monks named Frumentius and Aedissius in the fourth century AD, during the reign of King Ezana of Axum (Aksum), who converted to Christianity along with many of his people. Frumentius was consecrated bishop in Alexandria, returning to Ethiopia to be the first bishop. In fact, the Ethiopian Church exists today as self-governing, though it traditionally shares the same faith with Egypt’s Coptic Church. Until 1955, its Patriarch was a Coptic bishop sent from Alexandria, though since that time a native Ethiopian has been the Abuna or Patriarch. The second ranking hierarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is the Abbot of the Debre Libanos Monastery, reflecting the importance of monasticism in Ethiopia. Many practices related to ancient Judaism, such as veneration for a representation of the Ark of the Covenant in every Church, are unique to the Ethiopian Church. On the altar of Ethiopian churches there is a miniature facsimile of the ‘Tabot’, one of the tablets of the Ark of the Covenant, which Ethiopians believe is preserved in their country.
Islam in Ethiopia Much as the rest of the Muslim world, the beliefs and practices of the Muslims of Ethiopia are embodied in the Qur’an and the Sunnah. There are also Sufi Orders present in Ethiopia. The most important Islamic religious practices, such as the daily ritual prayers (Salat) and Fasting (Arabic “ ” Sawm, used by Christians as well) during the holy month of Ramadan, are observed both in urban centers as well as in rural areas, among both settled people and nomads. Numerous Ethiopian Muslims perform the pilgrimage to Mecca every year. Islam is part of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage, no doubt, and our tours take travelers to important places of pilgrimage including the Sof Omar Caves and the Tomb of Sheikh Hussein and of course to the 4th Islamic holiest city in the world with its more than 90 Mosques - Harar. For more details refer www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com/6-Pilgrimage/muslim.htm, and www.ethiopiatravel.com
Suggested itineraries Christian Pilgrimage - Driving and Air Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: 8
Arrival at Addis Ababa and transfer to hotel for an overnight. Drive to Debremarkos and en route visit the 13th century Debre Libanos Monastery. O/N - Hotel Drive to Bahir Dar and excursion trip to Blue Nile River Falls. O/N - Hotel Boat excursion and crossing of Lake Tana to visit monasteries and then drive to Gondar. O/N Hotel. Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
Saint Mary Church – Axum
PILGRIMAGE TOUR
Day 9: Day 10: Day 11: Day 12: Day 13: Day 14:
Azewa Mariam Church
Day 7: Day 8:
Island on Lake Tana
Day 6:
Sightseeing tour of Gondar -monastery of Qusquam - Debre Birhan Sillassie and the castles. O/N - Hotel Drive from Gondar through the magnificent mountains scenery to Axum. O/N - Hotel Sightseeing tour of Axum.O/N - Hotel Drive to Adigrat. Visiting 6th Century AD Church of Aba Afse & Debre Damo . O/N Hotel Drive from Adigrat to Mekele. O/N - Hotel Drive through spectacular mountains scenery to Lalibela. O/N - Hotel Visit the monolithic rock hewn churches built in the late 12th and early 13th century A.D. O/N – Hotel Excursion trip outside Lalibela to visit built-up cave churches and semihewn churches. O/N - Hotel Fly to Addis Ababa. After check in to your hotel, visit the Trinity Cathedral church. O/N - Hotel City tour of Addis Ababa to visit churches, Museums and Mercato Market. Dinner party and departure.
Debre Birhan Selassie Church
Day 5:
Muslim Pilgrimage - Driving and Air
Muslims on Prayer (Salat)
Arrive at Addis Ababa, meet the representative of Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour & transfer to hotel. Drive via the rift valley region to Bale-the home of Muslim-Oromo people. O/N - Hotel Drive to Sof-Omer to visit the cave which is famous for Muslim pilgrimage. Drive to Robe. O/N - Hotel Day 4: Drive to Sheik Hussein-famous Islamic holiest place and return to Robe for overnight in the hotel. Day 5: After breakfast drive to Sodere via Arsi. O/N Hotel. Day 6: After breakfast drive through Awash NP to the 16th century walled city of Harar, it is the 4th Islamic Holiest city in the world with more than 103 Mosques and shrines. O/N Hotel. Day 7: Sight seeing tour of Harar that includes: ancient mosques, Shrines and Harari cultural house. O/N Hotel. Day 8: After breakfast drive to Dire Dawa and transfer to the airport and fly back to Addis Ababa. O/N Hotel. Day 9: Transfer to the airport and fly to Mekele. Upon arrival drive to Negash to visit the first mosque in Ethiopia. Drive back to Makalle for overnight in the hotel. Day 10: Transfer to the airport and fly back to Addis Ababa. Sightseeing tour of Addis Ababa that includes the Grand Mosque, National Musem, Ethnographic Museum , Mercato and in the evening transfer out to the airport for departure.
Mosque at Butagira
Day 1: Day 2: Day 3:
Testimonials “Very friendly helpful people. Initially we were not quite sure what to expect (reports of no electricity, no water etc reported in books). In actual fact the whole trip was wonderful and more than met our expectations.” Father Godfrey Henwood, South Africa “…I would just like to say thank you for making me proud once again. Please keep up the good work and continue to make us all proud.” Aby Berhane, Ethiopian Embassy, South Africa.
Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
9
ADDIS ABABA – “NEW FLOWER” Addis Ababa – the “new flower” is set at the foot of the Entoto Mountains. The altitude varies from 3200 meters at the top of Entoto to 2200meters at the foot of the city. The temperature ranges from 14º C to 18º C (57º F to 65º F). 80% of the yearly rainfall occurs between mid-June and October during the big rainy season.
As a city, surrounded by a chain of mountains and covered by eucalyptus trees, it is a natural amphitheater with its unique fascination. It is a cosmopolitan city serving as a seat of many regional international organizations like the AU, ECA etc. It is Africa’s diplomatic capital where politicians, businessmen and visitors mingle. The city has also international standard first class hotels with thermal bath and cozy restaurants that serve spicy and delicious Ethiopian dishes and drinks like Tej (honey made) and Ethiopian wine of international repute.
Merkato
Abune Peter Statue
Addis Ababa was founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II who moved his capital city from Ankober (a town 175 kms to the northeast) to the top of the Entoto Mountains. The church of St.Mary where Menelik was crowned as Emperor in 1882 can still be visited on the top of the mountain.
The following are worth visiting.
Trinity Cathedral:- A beautiful church with a baroque style of European architecture which is unique to both Ethiopia and Africa and is dedicated to the Holly Trinity. Here you will find scripts of the imperial families, statues done by a Greek sculpture, Stained glass window paintings from the Old and New Testament in the Bible and coffins of Emperor Haile Sillassie I, the founder of the church, and his wife.
Trinity Cathedral
City tour of Addis Ababa
Mount Entoto:- It is the highest peak in Addis with an altitude of 3200 meters, which was the sit for the first palace of Emperor Menelik-II, the founder of Addis Ababa. Here there is St. Mary church, where Emperor Menelik was crowned and you will admire the stupendous views of the city with its surrounding plains and volcanic cones together with its breathtaking air.
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Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
Entoto St. Mary Church
National Museum:- It comprises of many archaeological and historical findings including the famous complete hominid fossil remain of ‘Lucy’ locally known as “Dinknesh” meaning wonderful. Visiting this museum is having a good summary for your visit to Ethiopia.
Ethnological Museum:- It is found in the main campus of the Addis Ababa University by the Institute of Ethiopian Studies with the aim to preserve the country’s historical and cultural heritages. It has complete collections that describe almost all the tribal groups in Ethiopia. Here you will have an overview about the history, culture and traditions of the people of Ethiopia. The collections include the nomadic tribal groups that are now living just like man’s forefathers who lived thousands of years back. Merkato:- It is the largest open-air market in Africa. Here you will be presented with confusing, but fascinating, glimpse of the vast range of goods and artifacts available from all parts of the country and you will enjoy the Ethiopian trade exchange tradition in the open air, you can purchase anything you desire. Pottery:- It is one of the cottage industries and it is a means of producing house hold utensils from clay mud where it is available. Pottery is normally done by women like other African nations. Here, you can see the whole process of making pottery, which means, making, drying, and firing at the kiln to make it strong and durable. Weaving:- This is the making of cultural clothes with different designs in a traditional way. Here you can see while the weavers are weaving and selling the products in the nearby to their weaving place. The main products are the traditional Shema clothes like Gabi, Netela, etc. from cotton, which are completely in different style with other industrially made nylon clothes. The national cloth is also made in the same way. Even if weaving is the activity that can be done in every part of the country, there are people who are specialized for this activity making quality cultural clothes in many different forms. These are Dorze people, one of the Southern nations and Nationalities who are also known for their beehive shaped houses that practically look like more elephant head. In Addis Ababa they are leading in supplying the cultural clothes.
Excursion Trip from Addis Ababa Addis Ababa - Debre Libanos Monastery - Blue Nile Gorge - Addis Ababa:Start driving to the 13th century monastery of Debre Libanos built by the Ethiopian saint called Abune Tekle Haimanot. Further down, 100 km later enjoy the famous Blue Nile Gorge for which people suggest that it is even greater than the “Grand Canyon” of USA. Then drive to Addis Ababa through one of the famous Teff growing areas & beautiful sceneries. Addis Ababa - Wonchi Crater Lake - Addis Ababa:- Drive to Ambo and proceed to Wonchi Crater Lake and make a boat ride to visit the old monastery. Proceed driving to Guder Falls and then to Addis Ababa. Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
Addis Ababa - Adadi Mariam rock church - Tiya Stele - Addis Ababa:Drive to Melka Kunture archaeological site, to Adadi Mariam rockhewn church and to Tiya to visit the 12th century unique steles. Then drive back to Addis Ababa. Addis Ababa - Awash National Park - Addis Ababa:- After breakfast, drive to Awash National Park and enjoy a game drive in the park to visit mammals and birds.The park’s name comes from one of the longest rivers in Ethiopia: Awash. This park is the oldest and most developed wildlife reserve in Ethiopia. Over 350 species of birds have been recorded in the Awash National Park. Here you will also visit the Awash River Falls. Drive to Addis Ababa through Ethiopian Great Rift Valley Region visiting Beseka Crater Lake. Addis Ababa - Menagesha Suba Forest - Addis Ababa:- After breakfast drive to the western outskirt of Addis Ababa to Menagesha forest. It is mountainous area having the shape of an upside down pudding basin and is covered more or less entirely in thick heath and on the other side it is fully covered with indigenous trees which becomes a habitat for endemic species of birds and animals. Late after noon drive back to Addis Ababa.
WORLD HERITAGE SITES TOUR Ethiopia has eight cultural and natural attractions registered by UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For more information on UNESCO World Heritage Sites, please visit WHC.UNESCO.ORG. Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela (1978):- The 11 rock-churches of the 12th century, the ‘New Jerusalem’, are situated in a mountainous region in the heart of Ethiopia near a traditional village with circularshaped dwellings. Lalibela is a high place of Ethiopian Christianity, still today a place of pilgrimage and devotion. Semein Mountains National Park (1978):- Massive erosion over the years on the Ethiopian plateau has created one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, with jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys and sharp precipices dropping some 1,500 m. The park is home to some extremely rare animals. Fasil Ghebbi, Gondar Region (1979):- In the 17th and 18th centuries, the fortress-city of Gondar was the residence of the Ethiopian Emperor Fasiladas and his successors. Surrounded by a 900 m longwall, the city contains castles, churches, monasteries and unique buildings marked by Indian and Portuguese influences, subsequently transformed by the Baroque style brought to Gondar by the Jesuit missionaries.
Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
Axum (1980):- Axum, the earliest capital of Ethiopia, was one of the most important and powerful kingdoms of the world between the 1st and the 7th century AD. The massive ruins include monolithic obelisks, giant steles, royal tombs and the ruins of ancient castles. Lower Valley of the Awash (1980):- The Awash valley is one of the most important pale anthropological sites in Africa. The oldest remain dates back to at least 4 million years and is an evidence of human evolution. The most spectacular discovery came in 1974, when 52 fragments of a skeleton reconstructed the famous Lucy. Lower Valley of the Omo (1980):Among the many fossils discovered at this site, Homo gracilis has been of fundamental importance in the study of human evolution. Tiya (1980):- Tiya is among the most important of the roughly 160 archaeological sites discovered so far in the Sodo region, south of Addis Ababa. The site contains 36 monuments, including 32 carved steles covered with symbols, most of which are difficult to decipher. They are the remains of an ancient Ethiopian culture whose age has not yet been precisely determined. Harar Jegol, the Fortified Historic Town (2006):- This walled (16th Century) town of Harar is considered as the ‘Fourth Holy Center’ of Islam, next to Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. This town is famous for the number of mosques, the colorfully dressed Harari people, and the ‘Hyena Man’ who feeds wild hyenas by hand and mouth every night.
Suggested itinerary Day 1: Day 2: Day 3:
Arrive at Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa) and transfer to Hotel. Fly to Gondar and visit the 17th & 18th century magnificent castles. O/N Hotel Drive to Semein Mountains National Park “the roof of Africa” and drive back to Gondar. O/N Hotel. Day 4: Fly to Lalibela. O/N - Hotel. Day 5: Visit the three types of rock churches at Lalibela. O/N - Hotel. Day 6: Fly to Axum. O/N -Hotel. Day 7: Fly to Addis Ababa. O/N hotel. Day 8: Fly to Dire Dawa. Up on arrival drive to Harar, “City within a city”, that is considered the 4th Islamic holy city in the world. Visit the wall, museums, colorful market and the Hyena Man. O/N - Hotel. Day 9: Drive to Dire Dawa and fly back to Addis Ababa. O/N - Hotel. Day 10: Excursion trip to Tiya and back to Addis. Evening farewell dinner party and departure.
Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
FROM
THE SOURCE OF
THE NILE TO
THE MEDITERRANEAN ETHIOPIA – SUDAN – EGYPT Sudan: Sudan is an amazing destination for the intrepid traveler. While the Southern and Western regions of this large country remain volatile and generally unsafe, the Northern region is open and accessible today. The Sudanese people are notoriously warm and friendly to travelers. Key sites include Khartoum, built at the convergence of the Blue and White Niles, and the Pyramids of Meroe. On the road from Khartoum to Port Sudan, about 200 km north-east of Khartoum, near Bagrawiya, lie the Pyramids of Meroe. Here travelers can find a group of a few dozen pyramids spread over a small hill about one quarter square kilometer in size. The pyramids, much smaller than their well-known counter parts in Egypt, are the remains of a royal cemetery from the Meroitic kingdom (between 300 B.C. and 300 A.D.). This particular region of the Nile Valley which lies in the northern part of the present Sudan, has in fact been influenced by the Egyptian civilization since the time of the Ancient Egyptian Kingdom.
Egypt: 5,000 years ago, the first Pharaoh, King Narmer, founded the world’s first nation state, recording it in the world’s first written script. The pharaohs were not just kings or queens, they were gods and they were worshipped as divine rulers. But they also commanded vast administrative armies, models of modern management and efficiency. Even today, Egypt is still synonymous with the legends of these Pharaohs, the Great Pyramids, treasure-laden tombs and complex hieroglyphs. The relics of Ancient Egypt still survive to bear witness to the refinement and beauty of many golden ages. 4
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A trip considering these three destinations will not only enable one to know about the origin and flow of Nile but also to identify the similarity of the living style of the peoples of these three nations.
Suggested itinerary Day 1: Arrival: Arrival in Addis Ababa, meeting and assistance and transfer to hotel. Day 2: Addis Ababa - Debre Berhan - Kembolcha: In the morning city tour and then drive to Debre Berhan, for lunch and continue driving to Kembolcha visiting the Amhara tribal village and the eastern escarpments of Ethiopian Great Rift Valley. O/N Hotel. Day 3: Kembolcha - Hayk Istifanos Monastery - Weldiya - Lalibela: Drive to Lalibela, a sacred place for the early Ethiopian Christians visiting Hayk Istifanos Monastery. Proceed through the magnificent scenery and visit the church of Neakuto Le’ab. Arrive at Lalibela late afternoon. O/N Hotel. Day 4: Lalibela: Another day in Lalibela, with visits to the Northern and Southern group of rock churches, and the cross-shaped Bete Giorgis church. O/N Hotel. Day 5: Drive Lalibela - Bahir Dar: Full Day drive to Bahir Dar admiring the landscape. Overnight Hotel Day 6: Bahir Dar: After breakfast make boat trip on the largest lake of Ethiopia, Lake Tana to visit the monasteries of Azwa Mariam and Ura kidane Mihret (both are open for male and female visitors.) In the afternoon drive to the Blue Nile water fall. Tiss Abay is the small town where we take off the vehicle and expected to walk the up hill for about 20-30 minutes to reach the best viewpoint of the falls. The fall has 45 meters deep and up to 400 meters wide during the rainy season. Drive back to Bahir Dar. Ovenight hotel. Day 7: Drive Bahir Dar - Gondar: After brief city tour of Bahir Dar drive to Gondar (183 km). Check into hotel for lunch. After lunch make city tour of Gondar. Overnight hotel Day 8: Gondar - Gedaref (Sudan): Early drive from Gondar into Sudan to Gedaref, arrival in the evening Day 9: Gedaref - Khartoum: Drive from Gedaref to Khartoum. Day 10: Khartoum: Citytour in Khartoum and visit to the National Museum housing the salvaged temples of Upper Nubia and the frescoes from the cathedral of Faras. Afterwards proceed to the Ethnographical Museum. Lunch in a restaurant by the Nile (optional), afterwards drive to Omdurman. Visit the house of the Khalifa that has been transformed into a museum, the mausoleum of the Mahdi, the bazaar of Omdurman and other popular markets. Back to hotel, overnight. Day 11: Khartoum - Naga - Musawwarat - Meroe: After breakfast drive to the ancient cultic centre of Nagaa with the meroitic temple of Amun, the Roman chapel and the lion temple, then to Musawarat as-Sufra 20 Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
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km, an extensive temple area with rare elephant statues. Proceed to the small market town of Shendi, 80 km, then 30 km to Meroe. Visit to the vast pyramid necropolis - dozens of black pyramids rise from the desert sand. Tent overnight near the pyramids of Meroe. Day 12: Meroe - Damer - Bayouda Desert- Deir Ghazali: In the morning opportunity to take a stroll and photograph the pyramids. Then drive to El Damer 100 km, crossing the Nile to Umm Tuyur on the west bank. Afterwards the route leads through the Bayouda desert for 400 km, Tent overnight near Deir Ghazali. Day 13: Deir Ghazali - Nuri - El Kurru - Gebel Barkal: Visit to the ancient monastery of Deir Ghazali, then drive to Nuri, 25 km. Visit the cemetery containing the pyramids of the 26th dynasty, among them that of Pharaoh Taharqa. Afterwards drive to Karima and crossing the Nile to visit the necropolis of el-Kurru, 18 km. The subterranean tomb of King Tanwetamani is decorated in the classical pharaonic style. Drive to Jebel Barkal, 18 km. and tent overnight. Day 14: Jebel Barkal - Kerma - Tumbus: Drive to Kerma capital of Upper Nubia during the 3rd and 2nd millenium B.C. The “Diffufa�, large mud brick constructions slightly younger than the Giza pyramids, were probably tombs. Drive to the village of Kerma for provisions, then on to Tumbus. Tent overnight Day 15: Tumbus - Sebu - Sesebi - Soleb: In the morning drive to Tumbus. Visit to hieroglyphic inscriptions and a recumbent statue of King Taharka in the granite quarries. Crossing the Nile near Delgo and drive Sesebi, to Sesebi, a military outpost of pharaoh Akhenaten, passing prehistoric rock inscriptions near Sebu. 70 km drive to Soleb. Overnight in a Nubian house. Day 16: Soleb - Wadi Halfa: Drive north on the Eastern bank of the Nile. In the late afternoon arrival in Wadi Halfa, tent overnight. Day 17: Wadi Halfa - Aswan (must be a Wednesday!): Embarkation on the ferry boat to cross Lake Nasser; overnight on board. Day 18: Aswan: Arrival in Assuan, visit the relocated temple of Isis on the island of Philae-Agilkia, then transfer to Hotel, overnight. Day 19: Aswan - Luxor: Depart from Aswan to Luxor; on the way visit the twin temples of Sobek and Haroeris and the temple of Horus in Edfu. Arrival in Luxor and hotel overnight. Day 20: Luxor: In the morning visit Luxor West-Bank: Valley of the Kings, temple of queen Hatshepsut, and colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon visit to the monumental temple of Karnak, then transfer to Luxor station to take the sleeper train to Cairo. Dinner and overnight on board train. Day 21: Cairo: Full day tour to see the Egyptian museum, containing also the treasures of Tutankhamen. Proceed to the pyramids of Giza with sphinx, the last of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and finally to the famous Khan el Khalili bazaar. Hotel overnight in Cairo.
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Day 22: Cairo - Alexandria: Early morning departure by bus on the desert road to Alexandria to reach the Greco-Roman city on the Mediterranean. Visit to the Greco-Roman Museum, the Pompey´s Pillar and the Serapeum, the catacombs of Kom esch Schuqafa and the theater of Kom ed Dikka; afterwards see Fort Qaitbey, which marks the original site of the Pharos lighthouse, and the newly erected Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Hotel overnight in Alexandria. Day 23: Alexandria - Rosetta - Cairo: Visit to the old islamic town of Rosetta or Rashid, where the Nile pours into the Mediterranean after completing its course from Ethiopia through Sudan and Egypt. Proceed through the lush fields of the Nile delta back to Cairo. Hotel overnight. Day 24: Departure: Transfer to Cairo airport and final departure. Routing may be subject to modifications according to local conditions
ETHIOPIA – KENYA Kenya: Kenya is the most popular destination for safaris in the world. Roughly the size of France, it is famous for its ‘Out of Africa’ scenic beauty, diverse cultures and prolific wildlife. The coastline and tropical beaches offer solitude and classic Swahili beauty as well. The magnitude and diversity of wildlife is the prime attraction of Kenya safaris, and travelers can experience this in some of Africa’s most well known national parks including the Masai Mara, Samburu National Park and the Great Rift Valley. A safari in Kenya offers a mosaic of different cultures and traditions. The people have the natural ability to make every traveler feel at home - ‘Karibu’ a Swahili word meaning welcome is often heard. Hence, for a real traveler combining the two destinations will enable him/her to know more about East Africa.
Suggested itinerary Day 1: Arrival Nairobi-Tree Hotel Day 2: Leave Nairobi in the morning to reach the small market town of Nyeri in time for lunch. The founder of the Boy Scout movement, Lord Barden-Powell, spent the last years of his life in Nyeri and is buried there. After lunch drive through the forest to the tree hotel of your choice (Ark, Treetops or Mountain Lodge) and spend the night comfortably, watching forest game as it comes to drink and lick salt at the floodlit waterhole below. Overnight at a Tree Hotel. Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
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Day 3: Tree Hotel - Samburu/Shaba National Reserve: After breakfast drive north to reach Samburu, which lies on the edge of the vast semidesert lands of northern Kenya, in time for lunch. An afternoon game drive will introduce you to the animals, which are peculiar to this area – the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra and the Somali Ostrich. Overnight at a lodge or camp in the Reserve. Day 4: Samburu/Shaba National Reserve: Another exploration of this harshly beautiful Reserve where game abounds, especially in the forested fringes of the Uaso Nyiro River, which flows gently through the flows gently through the dry landscape. Lunch is followed by an afternoon at leisure, perhaps by the pool. Overnight at your lodge or camp. Day 5: Samburu/Shaba - Lake Nakuru (Naivasha):Leave after breakfast and drive past the northern tip of the Aberdare mountains to descend into the Great Rift Valley where Lake Nakuru is located. Visit the world famous bird sanctuary in Lake Nakuru National Park; noted for its huge concentration of flamingo. Overnight at a lodge or camp in the Park or proceed to Lake Naivasha where the night is spent at a lakeside hotel. Day 6: Lake Nakuru (Naivasha) - Masai Mara: Leave the beautiful lake to drive across the lunar landscape of the Great Rift Valley to reach Kenya’s best-known game reserve - the Masai Mara - in time for lunch. In the afternoon explore the rolling hills and plains for wonderful sights of the great numbers of different species found here. Overnight at a lodge or camp in or near the Reserve. Day 7:
Masai Mara: A morning of game viewing followed by lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Overnight at a lodge or camp in or near the reserve.
Day 8: Masai Mara - Nairobi - Addis Ababa: After early breakfast return to Nairobi and then fly to Addis Ababa and transfer in to your hotel. O/N - Hotel Day 9: Fly from Addis to Bahir Dar. In the morning, visit the famous Blue Nile Falls, and in the afternoon make a boat ride on Lake Tana to visit the island monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret (16th Century AD), and Azwa Mariam (16th Century AD). O/N - Hotel Day 10: In the morning, drive 185 km north to Gondar - the 17th Century capital of Ethiopia. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Castle Compound of Gondar, the ‘Bath of Emperor Fasiladas’, and the church of Debre Birhan Sillassie which is noted for its colorful wall and ceiling murals. O/N - Hotel Day 11: Fly from Gondar to Axum. In Axum, visit The archeological museum of Axum, the ‘Stelea Field’ where the obelisks are found, the ruin palace of the Queen of Sheba and the famous church of St. Mary of Zion which is believed to be the last resting place of the Original Ark of the Covenant. O/N - Hotel Day 12: Fly from Axum to Lalibela - the site of the 12th century hand caved rock churches of King Lalibela. In the afternoon, visit the first group of churches of Lalibela. O/N - Hotel 28
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Day 13: In the morning, mule back ride to the hill top semi monolithic church of Asheten Mariam (13th Century AD), and in the afternoon visit the remaining second and third group of churches of Lalibela. O/N Hotel Day 14: Fly back to Addis, and have a leisure time in Addis. O/N - Hotel Day 15: Full day city tour of Addis which includes visiting National Museum of Addis Ababa, Merkato - the largest open air market in Africa, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and finally driving to Mt. Entoto for panoramic view of Addis. In the evening you will be guest of DINKNESH ETHIOPIA TOUR at one of the best traditional restaurants in Addis where you can taste variety of Ethiopian meals and enjoy folkloric dances of the different ethnic groups of Ethiopia. Then, transfer out to air port for your flight back home Departure Routing may be subject to modifications according to local conditions.
TRAVEL INFORMATION Safety: Ethiopia is a safe destination. Nevertheless, when traveling in any developing country, common sense is a traveler’s best friend. Safety is one of the main factors that are considered while Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour organizes its trips. Visas: Visas can be obtained from Ethiopian Diplomatic and consular missions abroad. However, nationals of 33 countries Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greek, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States are now allowed to get their visa on arrival. For China including passports issued in Hong Kong and Macao, Visa is available on arrival. Health Requirement: Visitors must have vaccination certificates against Yellow Fever. Any person who visited or transited cholera-infected countries within six days before arrival, is required to have a vaccination certificate against Cholera. Malaria occurs in most parts of the country, especially the lowland. Visitors should take preventive dose against malaria, before, during and after the tour. Calendar and Time: Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar. Ethiopia is in the GMT+3 time zone. Currency: The local currency is Birr, and 1 USD is approximately equivalent to 8.8 birr. The amount of foreign currency; a visitor can Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
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bring into the country is unlimited. Nevertheless, the amount should be declared. Exchanges may be done at authorized banks and hotels. The currency declaration form will be required on departure. Clothing: Visitors should take light, summer clothes for the day time and something warm for the evenings, like a sweater or jacket. The temperature drops quite rapidly towards sunset. Trekkers in the Semein or Bale Mountains should bring warm clothes and water proofs for unseasonal rains. Shoes must always be removed before entering churches and mosques. Food: The national dish for most Ethiopians is injera, a flat, sour dough pancake made from a special grain called teff, which is served with either meat or vegetable sauces. When eating national food Ethiopians eat together, off one large circular plate. Visitors and guests will have choice morsels and pieces of meat placed in front of them, and when eating doro wot, chicken stew, the pieces of meat are eaten last, after one has filled up on injera and sauce. Vegetarians should try “fasting food�, what Orthodox Christians eat during lent and other fasting periods, and which is free of meat and animal products. For those who find Ethiopian food too spicy, in Addis Ababa there are Greek, Chinese, Armenian, Indian, Hong Kong, Arabic, French and Italian restaurants. Outside Addis Ababa, European style food, particularly spaghetti (pasta), is available in all the large hotels. Drink: Tella, a traditional beer brewed from barely or corn and hops, is a local drink generally unavailable in modern hotels and restaurants. Fermented sorghum known as borde is a dual-purpose food-drink among Ethiopia’s lowland people and pastoralists. In addition, there are bottled Ethiopian beers, local wine and mineral water that most find to their liking. Accommodation: Addis Ababa has two 5 star hotels- the Hilton and the Sheraton (Luxury collection) and a growing number of tourist class hotels. Standards vary outside the capital, but apart from the Omo and Mago areas where camping is unavoidable it is generally possible to get relatively clean rooms with en suite toilet and shower. Photography: In the smaller towns the locals may expect a small payment in return for being photographed. Video photography in famous tourist attractions occasionally carries a small charge. Photography may be prohibited on the bridge and near military camps. Tipping: In most hotels and restaurants, a 10 per cent service charge is added to the bill. Tipping is a fairly frequent custom, but amounts are small. Land: Ethiopia, as large as France and Spain combined, has an area of 1,112,000 square kilometers. About 65 percent is presently cultivated. 30
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Climate: Throughout most of the country there are two seasons: the dry season prevails from October through May; the wet season runs from June to September. Temperate in the highlands; hot in the lowlands. Topography: Ethiopia has an elevated central plateau varying in height between 2,000 and 3,000 meters. In the north and center of the country there are some mountains whose peaks rise over 4,000 meters. The most famous Ethiopian river is the Blue Nile (or Abbay), which runs a distance of 1,450 kilometers from its source in Lake Tana, to join the White Nile at Khartoum. Economy: About 85 percent of the populations earn their living from the land, mainly as subsistence farmers. Agriculture is the backbone of the national economy and the principal exports from the sector are coffee, chat, oil seeds, pulses, flowers, vegetables, sugar and foodstuffs for animals. There is also thriving livestock sector, exporting cattle on the hoof and hides of skins. People: Ethiopia’s population is estimated around 77 million. Ethiopia is composed of about 83 ethnic groups. Based on the language they speak, they can be divided into Semitic, Cushitic, Nilotic and Omotic stocks. Language: Amharic with its unique alphabet is the official language of Ethiopia; however English, Italian, French and Arabic are widely spoken. There are over 83 Languages with its 200 dialects through out Ethiopia. In areas outside of the larger cities and towns, indigenous Languages are likely to be spoken. Religion: Three of the world’s major religions Judaism, Christianity and Islam have had their followers here since they were founded and thus have grown with indigenous expressions and protected in Ethiopia before anywhere else. Communication: Telephone, Tele fax, Internet, e-mail and postal facilities are available in the country. Internet services are available in major cities and towns only. The international dialing code for Ethiopia is +251. Airport: The main Airport is Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. It has various international connections. Domestic flights are also available to various regions of the country. The Historic route has daily flights from Addis Ababa, in the sites as Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela, Axum and Dire Dawa South (Arbaminch and Jinka and South-west some cities are also connected (Jimma, Tum,Tepi and Gambella).There is USD 20 departure tax for international flights and 10 birr embarkation fee for domestic flights in each airport. Rail: A 784km- (487 mile-) rail service between Djibouti and Addis Ababa is run jointly by the two governments. Electric supply: Ethiopia uses 220 volts 50 cycles AC. Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
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EXPERIENCE WITH US
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Visit Ethiopia The Gifted Land through Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour Website: http://www.dinkneshethiopiatour.com / http://www.ethiopiatravel.com
TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. Bookings:- Contracts and agreements will be valid consequent to Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour (DET’s) confirmation of the booking by fax, e-mail, letter or telephone. At the time of confirmation, a deposit of 25% of the total cost is requested. The remaining amount of the total cost shall be paid 30 days before the commencement of the tour. Unless prior arrangements have been made, DET is not indebted to conduct the tour if complete payment has not been received. 2. Cancellations:- Abolition of confirmed bookings received more than 30 days prior to departure are subject to a cancellation fee of US $50 per person. Cancellation received between 30 and 15 days prior to departure will be subject to a penalty of 50% of the total rate of the tour. Cancellations received less than 15 days prior to departure will be subject to relinquishment of the entire tour rate. DET strongly recommends trip cancellation insurance. 3. Responsibility and Liability:- Only the laws of Ethiopia govern DET’s liability to passengers transported in its own vehicles and all claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the court of Ethiopia in which the cause of action arises. Although every possible care is taken to safeguard you and your property, DET accepts no liability for loss or damage of any personal effects. DET will dispose its best efforts to assist visitors when dealing with third parties such as hotels, air lines and other transport companies and travel agents. However, DET can not be held responsible for any loss or harm such as sickness, injury, death or additional costs incurred due to denied boarding, overbooking, cancellation or delay caused by the third party. 4. Prices:- DET’s tour prices can be provided upon request. 5. Itineraries:- Only selected itineraries are arranged here, however, numerous types of tours that suit the traveler’s convenience can be organized. Combined tours can also be arranged on request.
INDIAN OCEAN ATLANTIC OCEAN
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