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The Historical route of Ethiopia and Harar, 15 days and 14 nights, by internal flights
Code KTO 01-09

Arrival to Addis Ababa, Be met at the APT by the tour leader, get assisted and transfer to hotel. We meet this evening for dinner and orientation. Addis Ababa The name of the city, in Amharic, means "new flower". Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, it is located at 2,500 m (8202 ft) above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto Mountain chain (3,000 m/9842 ft above sea level). Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the "Mercato". Overnight in 4 star Hotel.
Addis Ababa Sightseeing, we spend the day exploring Addis Ababa beginning with a visit to the National Museum, one of the most important sub- Saharan museums in all of Africa. The museum is home to the fossilized humanoid Lucy, as well as an amazing collection of artifacts, royal items and art. We then visit the Ethnological Museum, which was the former palace of Haile Selassie. After lunch, we take time in St. George Cathedral, built in 1896 by Emperor Menelik and then continue on to Holy Trinity Cathedral. Holy Trinity Cathedral is the largest Orthodox Church in Ethiopia and has survived through many historical periods, as its interesting architecture can attest to. The Cathedral contains the thrones and the tombs of the emperor and some of the royal family. Visit Mercato, the largest open air market in Africa.
To Bahir Dar -The Blue Nile, we take a short flight this morning north to Bahir Dar. Bahir Dar is a pleasant city located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. After checking into our hotel, we drive to the Blue Nile Falls, which is known locally as Tissisat (smoking water) falls: 100 m (328 ft) wide, the water plunges for 45 m (148 ft), giving rise to steam clouds and rainbows. We climb down to the base of the falls for an up-close look and then ascend the other side the round trip will take about 1hour walking. Than we cross the Blue Nile by boat to return to the point of departure. After lunch we explore the city of Bahir Dar, including the market and the Bezawit Palace (formerly the Palace of Haile Selassie). A short drive from our hotel, we visit a Woyito Village, where we will see the production of the papyrus boats known as Tankwas. Dinner and overnight in Tana Hotel.
Lake Tana Today we spend the day exploring Lake Tana and its islands by boat. There are 37 islands on Lake Tana and 30 of them have churches and monasteries of considerable historical and cultural interest. We visit the monastery churches of Ura Kidane Mihiret, Azoa Mariam, Narga Silasie and Dago Stifanos. Ura Kidanemihiret is the best known of the monasteries and has an important collection of religious icons from the 16th to 18th centuries A.D. Azoa Mariam is known for its paintings and we also have time to visit the small museum. Daga Stifanos is the most sacred of the monasteries and unfortunately, only open to men. It holds the tombs of some of the former emperors of Ethiopia, as well as a 16th century A.D. painting of The Virgin Mary. Upon arrival into Gorgora village, we visit Debere Sina Church before continuing by road to Gondar. Overnight and dinner in Goha Hotel.
Gondar City Sightseeing, Gondar was the first capital city of the Ethiopian Empire, which began in 1632 with the reign of Fasilidas. In Gondar, there are a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. The city seems more European than African and also has Islamic influences. In the morning visit Fasilidas' Palace, probably the most impressive of all the castles found in the area and the oldest one! We continue on to the bath of Fasiledes and Quskuam Church. In the afternoon we visit the Church Of Debre Berham Selassie (Light of the Trinity). The interior of Debre Berham Selassie is decorated with beautiful frescos, cherubs and paintings. Debre Berham Selassie is rumored to once have been the proposed final resting-place of the Ark of the Covenant and we will visit the colorful market of Gondar. Overnight in Goha Hotel.
Gonder – Simien Mountains, After 3 km we left Gondar, we will have a over stop for visiting the village of Ethiopian felasha ( black Jewish) than we continues Simien Mountains, We head off today to the Simien Mountains (Simien National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The road passes over mountainous areas of wild beauty, drawing close to the Simien Massif (in Amharic, Simien means north). In the park, many of the mountain peaks exceed 4,000 m ( 13123 ft ); the highest is Ras Dejen, at 4,543 m ( 1905 ft ) above sea level. These mountains consist of volcanic masses that have been eroded away by centuries of rain. Today they have amethyst-colored peaks and deep gullies, which have been further deepened by rivers. The crevices play host to the Walya, the ibex. We reach to the Simien Mountain before lunch. After having a lunch for those who wish to do some trekking there will be 2-3 hours trekking and for those who would like to relax in the beautiful Simien Lodge the afternoon will be at leisure.
Drive from the Simien Mountain to Axum , the road passes over mountain regions of wild beauty, running alongside the National Park of the Simien massif. Passing though the Limalimo Mountain, we traverse the Tekeze valley, we reach to Axum. Overnight and dinner in Ramhai hotel.
Axum, the legends narrated in the Kebre Nagast (‘Book of Kings’) recount how the city of Axum as early as the 10th century B.C was already the city in which the Queen of Sheba resided. It is recounted that the son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon brought the Ark of the Covenant to Axum and it remains there to this day, preserved in a sanctuary. Famous long before the time of Christ, Axum was the capital of the long Axumite reign, one of the oldest African empires, and represented a crucial connecting-point between Africa and Asia for almost a thousand years. A visit is organized to the steles: granite monoliths dating from pre-Christian times and decorated with symbolic engravings. In ancient times, there were seven steles, now one of them is in Rome – Mussolini brought it there during Italy’s occupation of Ethiopia. There is also a visit to the church of Santa Maria of Zion, which contains the crowns of Ethiopian kings and other treasures.
Axum - Lalibela - The Northern Churches a short flight takes us from Axum to Lalibela. The city contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are carved out of the pink granite rock; they have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each church (Bet) has a unique architectural style; all are superbly carved and most of them are decorated with well-preserved paintings. The entire city may be described as a sculpture dedicated to the glory of God. The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the first group of churches, known as the Northern Group of Churches. Bet Medihanialem is the largest, supported by 72 pillars and houses the 7kg (15 lbs) gold Lalibela Cross. We go through a tunnel from Bet Medihanialem to Bet Mariam, in which there is a pillar that it is said that Jesus Christ leaned against when he appeared in a vision to King Lalibela. Bet Mariam also contains fabulous carvings of various birds and animals. We also visit Bet Danaghel; a chapel built in honor of martyred nuns. Bet Golgotha and Bet Mikael are twin churches and many believe that a visit to Bet Golgotha alone can guarantee your place in heaven! The twin churches also contain many important religious items and some of the best examples of early religious art in the country. The last church we visit today is Bet Giyorgis, one of the more recent churches and best preserved. We walk return to our hotel and on the way back if time allows we will have an over stops in the souvenir shops and around the city center. Dinner and overnight in Roha Hotel.
Lalibela - The Eastern Churches In the morning we go on foot for an approximately 3-hour hike (those who prefer can ride mules) to visit The Eastern Rock Churches. Bet Amanuel is one of the most beautifully carved churches in Ethiopia in the Aksumite style. Bet Merkorios has a wonderful painting of The Three Wise Men, which dates back to the 15th century A.D. We also stop to see Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Gebrieal-Reafael, which might have once been the home of the royal family before becoming a church. This afternoon, we visit the Nakutelab Rock Hewn Church, built under a natural cave. Tonight, we have a special treat, participating in The Coffee Ceremony, a ceremony of hospitality in Ethiopia. Overnight in Roha Hotel.
Lalibela to Addis Ababa we fly back to Addis Ababa this morning. After lunch, we enjoy a free afternoon; you may want to visit one of the many museums or the interesting Mercato or have a free time for shopping. And for those who have a limit time and just want to do the Historical route only can finish the tour here. Overnight in the 4 star hotel.
Flight Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa, than drive to Harar( 50Km) in Dire Dawa, we will visit the railway that links Addis Ababa to Djibouti, which was built at the beginning of the 20th century with the co-operation of the French government. Than we drive to Harar, the road and surrounding fertile lands rise up the Dengego Mountains (3,000 meters above sea level), offering magnificent panoramas. The women of this region wear very brightly colored clothes. Soon we begin to see crops of ‘chat’, a bush whose leaves are chewed because they provide light stimulation. En route we will visit the Awoday chat market. Afterwards We arrive in Harar overnight in Heritage Plaza Hotel.
Harar- Located at an altitude of 1,800 meters, Harar is a labyrinth of small streets surrounded by old city walls. Its architecture reflects a strong Islamic influence. We take a walk through the old city and visit the house where Rimbaud lived. Harar was the poet’s favourite city and he established quarters there in order to trade in arms destined for the emperor Menelik. It is largely 16th century and later, but some of the mosques were founded as early as the 13th century. Until relatively recently it was venerated by Muslims as a center of pilgrimage, the most holy city in the Horn of Africa, with large numbers of mosques and Koran schools. Our visit will include some of these as well as some of the traditional old houses of Harar. The main sights are :- the city walls and gateways, the Friday Mosque, the Museum, the Ras Makonnen House, the supposed house of Rimbaud. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. In this evening after dinner there is a visit to the hyena man ( the man who feed's the hyenas).
Flight back from Dire Dawa to Addis Ababa, afternoon is free for last minutes shopping and relax. This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner and traditional show. Overnight in 4 star hotel.
Departures

September 2008 Departure program

September 06 – Sep.20, 2008
September 13 – Sep. 27, 2008 Meskel Festival in Addis Ababa
May 16 – May 30, 2009
May 30 – June 13, 2009

October 2008 Departure dates

October 05 – Oct. 18, 2008
October 11 – Oct. 25, 2008
October 18 – Nov. 01, 2008
October 25 – Nov. 08, 2008

November 2008 Departure Dates

November 01 – Nov.15, 2008
November 08 – Nov. 22, 2008
November 15 – Nov.29, 2008
November 22 – Dec. 06, 2008
November 29 – Dec. 13, 2008

December 2008 Departure dates

December 06 – Dec. 20, 2008
December 13 – Dec. 20, 2008
December 20, 2008 – Jan. 03, 2009
December 27, 2008 – Jan. 10, 2009

January 2009 departure Dates

January 03 – Jan. 17, 2009 Ethiopian Christmas in Gondar
January 10 – Jan. 24, 2009 Timket Festival in Lalibela
January 17 – Jan. 31, 2009 Timket Festival in Addis Ababa
January 24 – Feb. 07, 2009
January 31 – Feb. 14, 2009

February 2009 Departure dates

February 07 – Feb. 21, 2009
February 14 – Feb. 28, 2009
February 21– Mar. 07, 2009 Ura Kidane Mihiret church festival on Lake Tana
February 28 – Mar. 14, 2009

March 2009 Departure Dates

March 07 – March 21, 2009
March 14 – March 28, 2009
March 21 – April 04, 2009
March 28 – April 11, 2009

April 2009 Departures Dates

April 04 – April 18, 2009 The Hossanna ( palm Sunday) fastival in Axum
April 10 – April 24, 2009 Ethiopian Easter ( Fasika ) fastival in Lalibela
April 18 – May 02, 2009
April 25 – May 09, 2009

May 2009 Deprature Dates

May 02 – May 16, 2009
May 09 – May 23, 2009
May 16 – May 30, 2009
May 30– June 13, 2009

June 2009 Departure Dates

June 06 – June 20, 2009
June 13 – June 27, 2009
June 20 – July 4, 2009
June 27– July 11, 2009

July 2009 Departure Dates

July 04 – July 18, 2009
July 11 – July 25, 2009
July 18 – August 01, 2009
July 25 – August 08, 2009

August 2009 Departure dates

August 01 – August 15, 2009
August 08 – August 22, 2009
August 15 – August 29, 2009
August 22 – Sep. 05, 2009
August 29 – Sep. 12, 2009 With Ethiopia New year Festival in Addis Ababa

Information’s

All the above fixed departures dates are granted and the maximum size of the group is 15 paxs
All the above departures will be conducted with an English speaking Tour Leader.
Pre or post accommodations are available in Addis; price will be 105 / single and 70 / double per person.
Transfer is included on the Tour
Extensions tours can be organize on request bases to Djibouti, Gambela region, Bale Mountain and to Kenya.
Personal traveling insurance is requested

Price: - 2350 USD or 1560 Euro / paxs and single supplementary 360 USD or 240 Euro/pax

The price included:-

All accommodations, hotel, camping, lodge….
All meals in FB from day one till the end of the trip
All the Domestic flights
All ground transportations
Soft drinks during meal and during the trip
Professional English speaking Tour leader
Boat trip on Lake Tana
Entrance fees
All government taxes

The price doesn’t include:-

The international airfares
Visa expenses.
Video or photographing fees or tips at different sites.
Any alcoholic beverages
And any personal item expenses

Tour program: The Omo Valley of Ethiopia, 15 days and 14 nights, by 4x4 cars
Code KTO 02-09

Arrival to Addis Ababa, Be met at the APT by the tour leader, get assisted and transfer to hotel. We meet this evening for dinner and orientation. Addis Ababa The name of the city, in Amharic, means "new flower". Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, it is located at 2,500 m (8202 ft) above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto Mountain chain (3,000 m/9842 ft above sea level). Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the "Mercato". Overnight in 4 star hotel.
Addis Ababa Sightseeing, we spend the day exploring Addis Ababa beginning with a visit to the National Museum, one of the most important sub- Saharan museums in all of Africa. The museum is home to the fossilized humanoid Lucy, as well as an amazing collection of artifacts, royal items and art. We then visit the Ethnological Museum, which was the former palace of Haile Selassie. After lunch, we take time in St. George Cathedral, built in 1896 by Emperor Menelik and then continue on to Holy Trinity Cathedral. Holy Trinity Cathedral is the largest Orthodox Church in Ethiopia and has survived through many historical periods, as its interesting architecture can attest to. The Cathedral contains the thrones and the tombs of the emperor and some of the royal family. Visit Mercato, the largest open air market in Africa.
Drive Addis Ababa to Hosanna, An early morning departure takes us south of Addis Ababa towards the Rift Valley. Our first stop is at Melka Kunture, one of the most important Paleolithic sites in Ethiopia. Along the Awash River where Melka Kunture is located, have been found the fossils of hippopotamus, rhinoceros, and elephants. Continue to the church of Adadi Mariam, the southern-most rock hewn church in Ethiopia. Contemporaneous with those of Lalibela (in fact local tradition says that it was built by King Lalibela in 1106), the church was carved below ground level and contains 24 windows surrounded by a wide, high tunnel. It is still being used today. Our next stop is at Tiya, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, where we can see the northernmost example of a peculiar type of engraved, standing stone monoliths that stretch across parts of south Ethiopia. Then we drive down the beautiful landscape and picturesque Oromo and Gurage people rural village to reach our today’s destination Hosanna. Overnight in Heme Hotel.
Drive Hosanna to Arba Minch, Drive from Hosanna to Arba Minch: Passing though the wonderful panoramic landscape of the Hadiya and Wolayita People. En route we will visit the Ajora falls and make a detour to the highland people of Dorze who live high in the mountains. They are famous for their beehive-shaped bamboo houses. They use ingenious terracing and have a unique traditional life style with their colorful weaving products. Afterwards we commence descending towards the lakes of the Rift Valley. The Rift Valley is a deep fission that extends for over 6,000 km from the Middle East to Mozambique – testimony to the (most recent) violent and massive shifting of the earth’s tectonic plates. The rift contains a marvelous series of lakes, which are teeming with fish and provide a habitat for hundreds of species of birds. We travel along the side of Lake Abaya and arrive at Arba Minch late afternoon. Overnight in Pardise Lodge or Swayness Hotel.
Arba Minch, in the morning, we visit Nech Sar National Park. The broad grass plains of Nech Sar National Park lies 510 km south of Addis, near the town of Arba Minch between the lakes Abaya and Chiamo. A wide variety of plain game roams freely amongst 514m2 of Savannah, dry bush and groundwater forest, which are also the habitat of 188 recorded species of birds. In the far eastern part of the park, hot springs bubble to the surface. A backdrop of hills and mountains combine to make Nech Sar one of the most attractive national parks in Ethiopia. In the afternoon take a boat trip on Lake Chiamo, that is populated by crocodiles and hippos. Overnight in Pardise lodge or Swayness hotel.
Arba Minch to Jinka, Early morning drive to jinka. On the way, visit the Cushitic speaking Tsemay people in the Weyto Valley (where we will have lunch) and the Bena and Ari people. There is a big Thursday market in Key Afer where you can see the Tsemay, Ari and Bena people. Overnight in Resort hotel.
Drive Jinka, Mursi - Mago (33 km). Mago National Park of is located on the east bank of the river Omo and ranges in altitude from 450 to 2,528 meters above sea level. After about 2 hours of rough road, we arrive at the camp where we spend the night in tents. The campsite is in a beautiful clearing among towering trees, which provide shade, and near the river Neri. We visit the Mursi village, the insertion of wooden and terracotta discs into the ear lobes is a widespread custom and Mursi women also progressively split and stretch their lower lips to make room for similar discs there, too. These are people who farm the land and breed livestock; they live in almost complete isolation from the rest of the world. We return to the camp; there are not many animals visible during the day in the park, but by night we are surrounded by thousands of sounds, among which is the trumpeting of elephants. Overnight in Camping.
Drive mago to Murulle, from here on, there is no real track any more. Instead, we travel through the savannah in a typically African landscape. We arrive at Murile Lodge, which consist of bungalows and a campsite right on the river Omo, surrounded by huge trees. This is the land of the Caro tribe and it is possible to meet them along the river. Overnight in Camping.
Drive Murulle to Turmi, We continue through the savannah along tracks that are barely visible, passing through a vast meadowland with shrubs and umbellifers (‘umbrella’ acacia trees) frequently meeting herds of hartebeest and gazelle. We cross over the Omo River. We encounter the Dasenech people in the street; in the river people bathe and wash their clothes. Afterwards continue on to Turmi where every Monday there is a spectacular Hamer market. The Hamer is one of the most beautiful and dignified people of the Omo basin. The women colour their hair with red earth and butter, and wear elegant leather skirts festooned with tiny pearls. If this day falls on Monday you will spend the afternoon at the market before heading to our campsite for the evening. Overnight in camping.
Turmi, as this day is on Monday you will have the chance to see the colourful market of the Hamer people. And you will have village visit. The most important event in Hamer society is the bull jumping, an initiation rite. Up to 15 bulls are lined up in a row. The initiate with naked body has to leap on the back of the first bull, then from one bull to the next, until he reaches the end of the row. He must repeat in the opposite direction, then third times. We will spend the afternoon at the bull jumping heading to our campsite for the evening. Bull jumping is occasional event. Overnight in camping!!!
Turmi to Yebello, This morning we depart the Lower Omo Valley. Our route today continues into the savannah, running alongside the mountains of Men, and then rises up into the Karkerte Mountains – providing splendid panoramic views – Visit the Erbore people before we reach the soft, terraced hills of Konso. The people of Konso are known for their terraced agriculture and wooden totems commemorating their ancestors. After lunch drive to Yabelo to see the Borena Oromo people and their singing wells.For 500 years the Borena, Ethiopia’s semi-nomadic pastoralists, have survived their harsh environment by ingeniously sourcing water from wells that are up to 30 meters deep. The dust kicks up as a long line of camels and cows wander down a path dug below ground level, leading to a deep well. Men stand on top of each other, forming a human chain down the well; they toss buckets between each other on a precarious ladder, gathering one of the world’s most precious resources – water. There is a loud chorus of singing, which keeps the rhythm going; the yellow buckets are lowered and raised at a mesmerising pace and the troughs are gradually filled at the mouth of the well. Back at ground level, other groups of animals are gathering, waiting for their turn to come down and drink. Overnight in Mobile Hotel.
Drive Yebello to Awassa (Aregash lodge), you will travel back crossing fertile land planted with bananas, cereal and tobacco, and inhabited first by the Oromo people and then by the Sidamo. We can find many types of fruit sold along the roadside. Continue northward to reach Aregash lodge at mid afternoon. Nestled between coffee fields and lush vegetation in Yirgalem town, Aregash Lodge is a peaceful haven for those who seek relaxation and welcome break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Overnight in Aregash Lodge!!!
Yirgalem ( Aregash Lodge), The nearby forest is home to diverse, prolific flora and harbors over 100 species of birds and some mammals. The coffee plantations and the nightly visits of jackals and hyenas are further attraction to be found in the surrounding area. Whatever your preference, there are a variety of activities to allow you to explore the surrounding countryside. These include guided treks in the nearby forest; horseback and mountain bike riding and visits to historical caves, sacred sites and natural hot and cold water springs. Moreover late afternoon, you have a special treat, participating in The Coffee Ceremony, a ceremony of hospitality in Ethiopia.Overnight in Aregash Lodge.
Drive Yirgalem to Addis, a morning departure takes you to Lake Awasa. Set in a volcanic crater, Awassa Lake is the smallest in the Ethiopian Rift Valley. Here, we may view hippos, grivet monkeys, and colobus monkeys with their wonderful white faces encircled by deep ebony crowns. Birdwatchers will especially enjoy such avian wonders as the silvery-cheeked hornbill, black-winged lovebird, and Abyssinian black-headed oriole. The city of Awassa with its diverse ethnic mix will be especially enjoyable as we walk through the daily market where colorful villagers negotiate for fish. Visit the Rift Valley Lakes of Abyata and Shala, part of a national park, to view the rich concentration of brightly colored flamingoes. Shala, the southern lake, fills a crater almost 1000 feet deep, while nearby Abyata is a shallow pond – each creating its own environmental niche. Then continue driving to arrive in Addis mid afternoon. This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner and traditional show. Overnight in the 4 star hotel.
Departure!!!!

Information’s

All the above fixed dates are granted and the maximum size of the group is 15 paxs
All the above departures dates are featured to see the Hamer Market in Turmi
All the above departures will be conducted with an English speaking Tour Leader.
Pre or post accommodations are available in Ghion hotel in Addis; price will be 65/single and 70/ double.
Transfer is included on the Tour
Extensions tours can be organize on request to Djibouti, Gambela region, Bale Mountain and to Kenya.
Personal traveling insurance is requested