Monasteries and Landscapes of Ethiopia Escorted Group Tour 4 March 2017
Gelada baboons grazing in Simien Mountains National Park
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Contents
Meet our specialists ______4 Introduction to tour ______6 Flights & visas ______8 Day by day summary of our Monasteries and Landscapes of Ethiopia arrangements ______8 Price ______10 Why travel with us? ______11 Introduction to the region ______12 Photographs of the region ______14 Your itinerary in detail ______16 Accommodation information ______33 Charity support ______38 General information ______40 Terms and conditions ______43
Tissisat (or Blue Nile) Falls, Bahir Dar
Quality of Service
Most companies claim to offer first class service, but very few genuinely set out to achieve it. At Audley we are wholeheartedly devoted to offering you first class service from the moment we start planning your trip until after your return. If you feel that our standards at any time drop
below your expectations or you have any suggestions about how we could improve our service, then please contact the Africa Manager, Ruth Milligan on 01993 838 503 or email [email protected]
We may record telephone calls to ensure quality of service and for training purposes.
4 Meet our specialists Meet our Africa Specialists
The Africa team at Audley is made up of specialists with bags of passion for and experience of both Africa and safari. Many of us lived and worked in Africa before joining Audley and our knowledge of the different regions of South, Southern and East Africa is unsurpassed. We return regularly to our specialist countries, keeping up-to-date with developments and discovering the best safaris, lodges and beach hideaways for our clients. Heading up the Africa team are Regional Managers Terry Moohan, Sharre Fox and Glenn Evans.
Meet our specialists 5 Introduction to our Monasteries and Landscapes of Ethiopia tour
Tour overview Ethiopia’s central plateau is a verdant area which has supported civilisations for thousands of years. Although it is not a destination for those hung-up on creature comforts, the vibrant country of today is a far cry from the parched land ravaged by famine that was portrayed by the press in the 1980s. In addition to this rich cultural heritage, the country also has varied and stunning scenery, and unique wildlife. Exploring by road and domestic flights, this tour travels with an expert local guide around the northern part of the country, visiting cultural sites such as the towering stelae at Axum, the rock-hewn monolithic churches of Lalibela and the elaborate castles of Gondar. In addition to this you will enjoy hiking in the stunningly beautiful Simien Mountains and searching for the endemic Ethiopian wolf and gelada baboon. The tour offers plenty of opportunities to view everyday life in Ethiopia and for interacting with the local population.
Specialist knowledge Our Ethiopia team has travelled extensively throughout the country and we have pooled their collective knowledge to create a trip that we think reflects the best of Ethiopia. Your initial enquiry will be handled by just one of our specialists who will then proceed to be your main point of contact until you return from the tour. Please feel free to contact them at any time.
Expert guides You will be accompanied at all times by an experienced and knowledgeable guide who speaks English. There is not a tour leader accompanying this group from the UK as your Ethiopian driver and guide will be leading the group as well as being your point of contact on the ground. Not only does this employ one of the wonderful guides who work in Ethiopia, it also ploughs more money from tourism directly into the country.
Group size and transport The group size will be between a minimum of four and a maximum of 14 participants. The small size of the group ensures that the trip is a more personal experience and that you can always hear and speak to your guide. It also ensures that your experience of a particular site is not marred by the presence of too many people and each person has their own window seat. The vehicle used in this tour will be a minibus.
Single travellers We welcome single travellers and there are two options: you can choose to share a room with another single traveller on the tour (providing that another single traveller of the same sex is also willing to share) and pay the standard tour price, or pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee sole occupancy of a room. Please note that due to limited numbers of rooms at some of the lodges on the tour, we are only able to accept a maximum of four single travellers unless you are prepared to share a room.
Activity level: medium To ensure that all participants get the most out of the tour, it is important that you are fully aware of the level of activity, fitness and medical health required to successfully complete this itinerary. Please read this dossier carefully prior to confirming your place on the tour. Once you have read through the dossier it is your responsibility to contact us with any concerns regarding your level of fitness, health or ability. Please be aware that our tour guides have the right to exclude customers from the tour if they feel they are not sufficiently fit, healthy or able to complete the tour without affecting its safety, comfort or smooth progress. If you would like to discuss any of these issues further please contact the Ethiopia team on 01993 838 565.
Included in the price Unlike some other group tour operators in Ethiopia, our price includes all reasonable costs that your trip will incur - this includes all permits, guide and park fees, transfers, all meals, accommodation and expertly guided excursions. The only money you will be required to travel with will be for the purchase of drinks and curios, and for tipping. We believe that this is the most convenient way of planning for your travels and means that you do not arrive in the country with large amounts of cash.
Dietary requirements and meals You should highlight any special dietary requirements on the booking form. However you must be aware that it is unrealistic to expect specialist diets to be catered for in some of the destinations we will be visiting. We will advise hotels and airlines of your request but we cannot guarantee their availability. All of your meals are included in your itinerary with a variety of traditional Ethiopian fare on offer alongside international dishes.
6 Introduction to our Monasteries and Landscapes of Ethiopia tour Introduction to our Monasteries and Landscapes of Ethiopia tour
A change in eating habits when travelling abroad can often lead to an upset stomach and unfortunately a visit to Ethiopia is no exception. If you do become sick it can make some of the long drives rather uncomfortable and impact on your overall enjoyment of your journey. To minimise your chances of becoming unwell we recommend that you only drink bottled water and ensure that your food is piping hot and cooked thoroughly. We also advise caution when eating shellfish, raw vegetables and salad as they may have been washed in tap water. Finally, we recommend packing some Imodium - just in case. We find that liquid hand sanitiser and wet-wipes are really useful to carry around.
The unvarnished truth We aim to provide accurate and detailed information to make you aware of all the aspects of the journey you are undertaking. Some facts that you should be aware of are outlined below:
There are a number of early starts in the itinerary. This is done in order to capture the best part of the day for a particular site, to avoid crowds, or to fit everything in to the day. For this reason we have built in time at leisure, often in the middle of the day or in the afternoon, when you can relax.
Internal flight schedules are often changed at short notice. Generally times only alter by an hour or two, but changes are sometimes more serious. If any of your flights are changed after booking we will notify you before you travel and amend the itinerary accordingly. Serious changes can result in additional costs which in some cases will have to be met by you.
Tourism in Ethiopia is still in its infancy and the standard of accommodation outside of the capital is still developing. Most new hotels are aiming to attract diplomats and professionals for a few days extension to their business trips in Addis and so are built in an international hotel style with little charm or character. We have deliberately avoided these whenever there is a suitable character alternative. A common theme through Ethiopia is uncomfortably hard beds which is worth bearing in mind before booking this trip if you struggle with a bad back or find it difficult to sleep on a firmer mattress.
Most of the activities included in this itinerary are on foot. There is a large amount of walking on this trip, with some excursions possibly lasting four hours or more. Paths to the churches can be steep at times, often over uneven rock which can be either worn smooth and therefore slippery or roughly hewn. You will need to be able to climb into and out of boats as well as being capable of climbing stairs. There is some walking at an altitude of over 3,300m in the Simien Mountains and although this is taken at a very relaxed pace you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this trip fully. Some of the journeys will be driving along rough, bumpy roads.
Travelling in Ethiopia requires flexibility, patience and understanding; arrangements often change at short notice, accommodation is simple and there are long drives on unsealed roads. Standards of accommodation and service aren't always as polished as they are in other African countries that are more established for tourism. This is improving all the time but service remains reactive rather than proactive.
Visas Ethiopia British passport holders will need a visa to enter Ethiopia. Tourist visas can be obtained on arrival at Addis Ababa (Bole International Airport) at a cost of approximately US$50 (euros and Ethiopian birr are also accepted). If you are arriving by other means, or at another airport, you must get a visa prior to arrival. Visa applicants in the United Kingdom should contact the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in London (020 7589 7212).
Important Note: We cannot under any circumstances guarantee that your visa application for any country will be accepted. However, in our experience refusals are extremely rare. Visa information is given in good faith and is accurate to the best of our knowledge.
Introduction to our Monasteries and Landscapes of Ethiopia tour 7 Day by day summary
1 Saturday 04 Tonight you will fly from London Heathrow directly to Addis Overnight on board the aircraft March 2017 Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines.
2 Sunday 05 On arrival at Addis Ababa airport you will meet the rest of Radisson Blu, Addis Ababa March 2017 your group and your guide. You will then be taken through 1 x Standard room - All meals the city to your hotel. After you have checked in, had time to are included freshen up and eaten lunch you will set off on a guided tour of the city. Dinner will be at a city centre restaurant this evening.
3 Monday 06 This morning you will be taken back to the airport where Sabean Hotel, Axum March 2017 you will be ushered past the main check-in queues to take 1 x Standard room - All meals your domestic flight to Axum on Ethiopian Airlines, are included accompanied by your guide. On arrival in Axum you will be met by your minibus and driver. You will first stop at the hotel to check in and drop off bags, before embarking on your tour of this remarkable city, home of the towering rock stelae and the former seat of the Aksumite Empire.
4 Tuesday 07 Today you will fly from Axum to Lalibela where you will see Tukul Village, Lalibela March 2017 one of the most amazing sites in Ethiopia - the ancient, 1 x Standard room - All meals monolithic rock hewn churches. This afternoon you will are included discover the first group of churches with your guide.
5 Wednesday 08 First thing today you will set off for the Naakuto Laab, a small Tukul Village, Lalibela March 2017 monastery outside of Lalibela. After lunch you will continue 1 x Standard room - All meals to the second group of churches in Lalibela including the are included iconic Church of St George. Following your tour you will enjoy a small traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at a nearby house.
6 Thursday 09 Flying from Lalibela you will travel to Gondar with your Simien Lodge, Simien Mountains March 2017 guide. On arrival you will take a scenic drive through the National Park countryside into the mountainous scenery at the outpost 1 x Standard room - All meals town of Debark, the entrance to the Simien Mountains. On are included entering the park you will stop frequently to enjoy the beautiful vistas before embarking on a short acclimatisation walk before continuing to your lodge.
7 Friday 10 You will set off today on foot for a gentle hike through the Simien Lodge, Simien Mountains March 2017 scenic Simien Mountains. The pace will be steady with plenty National Park of stops to enjoy the scenery. Finishing up at the Jinbar 1 x Standard room - All meals waterfall you will then search for the elusive wildlife in the are included region before returning to the lodge in time for lunch and an afternoon to do what you want.
8 Saturday 11 After breakfast at the lodge you will leave the Simien Mayleko Lodge, Gondar March 2017 Mountains behind and return to Gondar by road. On arrival 1 x Standard room - All meals you will take a tour of the fascinating European-style castles are included in the imperial enclosure, and visit the pool of Emperor Fasiledes. You may also visit the bustling market before driving to your lodge in time for dinner.
9 Sunday 12 Leaving Gondar behind you will travel for around three hours Kuriftu Resort and Spa, Bahir March 2017 by road to Bahir Dar, nestled on the shore of Lake Tana Dar which is the source of the Blue Nile. You will have time to 1 x Standard room - All meals settle into your hotel before taking a walk through some are included beautiful scenery to view the Tissiat Falls. This evening you will be able to relax with a massage of your choice at the lodge.
8 Day by day summary Day by day summary
10 Monday 13 A full day boat trip will be taken today to visit the unique Kuriftu Resort and Spa, Bahir March 2017 island monasteries of Lake Tana. Lunch will be taken with you Dar and enjoyed along the way. 1 x Standard room - All meals are included
11 Tuesday 14 You will fly from Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa today, arriving in Radisson Blu, Addis Ababa March 2017 the capital you will be transferred to your hotel. This 1 x Standard - Breakfast and evening`s farewell dinner will be taken at a traditional dinner are included Ethiopian restaurant in the city.
12 Wednesday 15 After breakfast you will depart the hotel for the airport. March 2017
Day by day summary 9 Prices
Arrangements as specified per person ______£3,590 ...... Please note the following supplements and/or upgrade options per person: Single Supplement ______£730 ...... Per person deposit required to confirm these arrangements ______£539 Optional carbon off-setting for your flights per person (see General Information section for further details) ____ £12 The deposit required is detailed above and relates to the itinerary detailed in this quotation. In most cases the deposit is 15% of the total cost or £200 per person (whichever is the greater), however in some instances a larger deposit is required in order to secure particular services. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions section at the back of this booklet. Please note if you confirm your booking within 60 days of your departure date full payment is required at the time of booking. By paying the deposit you are confirming you have read and agree to our Terms and Conditions on behalf of all persons named on the booking.
How to book Included in the price If you have any questions regarding the tour or would like to All flights as specified in the itinerary hold a no obligation option for a place on the tour, please Twin share accommodation as specified feel free to contact the Africa team on 01993 838 565 who All transfers and excursions as specified will be delighted to assist you. To confirm an option, please Services of experienced local guides send us a completed booking form and the deposit specified Sightseeing and entrance fees above. The deposit can be paid by cheque, bank transfer or Meals as specified in the itinerary credit / debit card. Please make cheques payable to Audley Travel. Please see below for more information on paying by Not included in the price credit card. Meals not indicated within your itinerary
Where applicable, local airport departure taxes; payable Payment by credit card locally on departure in some locations Please note that we do not charge a fee on deposit payments by credit card, except when a deposit is more than 15%. In Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, etc. this situation a charge will apply. Credit card fees are Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary) detailed on the booking form. Balance or full payment is Any camera or video fees at any sites subject to a 1.3% fee to cover the credit card issuer’s Entrance fees and other costs when on 'free time’ commission. There is a 2.3% fee for AMEX. We make a Travel insurance (see general information section) credit card fee due to the high fees charged to tour operators by the credit card companies: we do not make a profit on this charge. We charge a credit card fee due to the high fees charged to tour operators by the credit card companies. We have chosen to make this transparent rather than including it within the trip price. You may therefore wish to pay the balance by bank transfer, debit card or personal cheque.
Terms and Conditions The Terms and Conditions that apply to all of our holidays are detailed at the back of this booklet. By paying the deposit you are confirming you have read and accept the Terms and Conditions on behalf of all persons named on the booking.
10 Prices Why travel with us?
Quality service when you are travelling We take a good deal of care when choosing our travel partners overseas, taking into account their quality of service, guides and vehicles. We have built up many long-standing relationships, ensuring that they deliver the level of service demanded by Detailed travel documents Audley clients. Our local guides and drivers, where appropriate, are the Approximately two to three weeks people you will meet. In many cases we before you travel we will send you all know them personally, in all cases we your travel documents presented in a ensure that they are of the highest convenient travel organiser. As well as calibre. They are there to do much your full itinerary and travel more than show you specific sights and documents, there will also be The New Mill, our offices on the outskirts of provide factual information. They will additional information such as Witney in west Oxfordshire be able to tell you about local life, recommended restaurants and culture, cuisines and customs; and, practical tips. A few days before you Reputation and quality where applicable, act as translator. In travel your specialist will call you to Well over 80% of our clients have certain parts of the world a specialist have a final talk through your itinerary travelled with us in the past or have guide is more appropriate, for example, and answer any last minute questions had Audley recommended to them. a wildlife expert. you may have. When you book with us you are assured of quality arrangements if only for the fact that we simply cannot afford to risk our excellent reputation. Our service has been recognised by the readers of well-known publications Responsible travel including the Guardian & Observer, the We have a firm commitment to Daily Telegraph and Wanderlust minimising the environmental and magazine, where we have consistently social impact of travel, and strive to featured in their ‘best tour operator’ ensure that a visit from an Audley awards for a number of years. client has a positive effect on the destination. We have a Personal service firm commitment to the principles of We are committed to offering you a First class guides ‘responsible travel’ and have been very personal service, with all your awarded AITO 5 star status (the arrangements being handled by one A smooth journey highest achievable) for our policies and country specialist. They will remain We have procedures in place for practises. We continue to work with your one point of contact and will take dealing quickly and efficiently with AITO, and a number of other bodies, responsibility for the smooth operation mishaps from minor flight time to improve our policies. For more of your trip. They are supported by a alterations to more fundamental details please refer to our website team of specialists for that region and a changes. If problems do occur we will (www.audleytravel.com/rt) where you professional administration and rapidly rearrange your itinerary to will find details of our responsible management team. make best use of your time given the travel policy and also our Travellers’ changed circumstances, not simply Code. If you are particularly interested From the moment you contact us, we cancel part of your trip or leave you in these issues, your country specialist are here to answer your questions sitting in an airport waiting for hours will be able to tell you more. accurately and honestly, be they about for a rescheduled flight. Importantly, in specific arrangements or any more these situations we will do everything Legal liability general queries you may have. We are possible to minimise any extra costs We are a UK company and hence must experienced travellers with a thorough involved – in the vast majority of cases fully comply with English law. When and in-depth knowledge of our no extra charges will be made. If a booking with us you can rest assured specialist destinations, and the benefit problem does occur while you are that your arrangements are carefully of this experience is yours throughout. travelling you can contact us on our 24 planned as we have a reputation to When we do not know the answer to hour number. We will do everything in maintain and are legally liable for any a question we will endeavour to find our power to rectify the problem omissions or negligent acts. You may out and get back to you as soon as immediately rather than allow it to not find you have this level of possible. spoil your trip. reassurance if you make your own travel arrangements independently.
[ Why travel with us? 11 Introduction to Ethiopia
Key facts: Population: 78.25 million Currency: Ethiopian Birr Land area: 1.13 million square kilometres Time difference: GMT+3 hours Major languages spoken: Amharic, English and Oromo Capital city: Addis Ababa
Introduction Ethiopia has been seared into public perception as a dry, dusty land ravaged by famine, but this is a remarkably misleading and outdated image. The central plateau where the vast majority of Ethiopians live is a verdant area with abundant vegetation which has supported civilisations for thousands of years. This has left a rich historic heritage that forms the backbone of most visits to Ethiopia, including the stelae at Axum, the rock-cut churches of Lalibela and the castles of Gondar. However, there is more to the country than this. The Simien and Bale mountains provide excellent trekking opportunities for the more adventurous, with superb mountain scenery and the vulnerable Ethiopian wolf. There are also national parks where indigenous wildlife can be spotted, such as the bleeding heart baboon, kudu and a wide variety of bird species.
Tourism in Ethiopia is in its infancy which means that health and safety precautions like life jackets in boats or protective railings at historical sites are rarely in place. Whilst Addis Ababa has one or two international five-star hotels, it also has some decent, affordable mid-range hotels. Outside of Addis, each town or city tends to have one bearable hotel - they are basic, but comfortable and no more than this. Other than these hotels, the alternatives tend to be very basic indeed and we try to steer clear of them. Many of the roads you will travel on are graded track rather than tarmac, so the ride is not the most comfortable.
Ethiopia is a destination for those who are not hung-up on creature comforts. You will not have fluffy towels, a minibar and uniformed chauffeurs on your trip, but you will be rewarded with a remarkable country, wonderfully hospitable people and amazing experiences that as yet aren't corrupted by mass tourism.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)
Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Addis Ababa Avg Hours of Sunshine
Monthly Rainfall (mm) 23 47 74 97 93 127 274 281 176 43 13 11
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)
Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Bahir Dar Avg Hours of Sunshine
Monthly Rainfall (mm) 4 3 9 25 84 178 438 386 199 90 23 4
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)
Avg Min Night Temperature (0C) Gondar Avg Hours of Sunshine
Monthly Rainfall (mm) 5 4 20 36 87 149 321 295 125 58 25 10
12 Introduction to the region Introduction to Ethiopia
Introduction to the region 13 Introduction to Ethiopia
Top: Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa Left: Lalibela, Ethiopia Lower left: Simien Mountains National Park
14 Photographs of the region Introduction to Ethiopia
Top: Old Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, Axum Left: Gondar, Ethiopia Right: Lake Tana, Bahir Dar
Photographs of the region 15 Itinerary in Detail
Saturday London Heathrow to Addis Ababa 04 March, 2017 Ethiopian Airlines - Flight No: ET 701 - Dep: 21:00 - Arr: 06:20 - (next day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight
Sunday Addis Ababa introduction 05 March, 2017 Addis Ababa (known locally as Addis) is a new city, certainly by Ethiopia's venerable standards, being just over a hundred years old. Although very large, it
Radisson Blu, Addis retains something of a rustic air, thanks in part to the donkeys and carts which Ababa trot merrily amongst the characteristic blue and white taxi traffic, various livestock All meals are included seen grazing on the verges and in the gardens of the city, and the technicolor
priests that are so much a part of Ethiopian life. Addis is home to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa and is considered by many to be the political capital of Africa. The high influx of international politicians has increased standards in the city's hotels and it certainly does have a different feel to much of the rest of the country. The high rise buildings enclose international hotels, modern banks, jazz clubs and nightclubs frequented by young Ethiopians gossiping on mobile phones.
Addis is also home to a number of notable museums including the Ethiopian National Museum - home to a plaster replica of the famous early hominid Stained glass window, Addis Ababa Australopithecine Lucy, the Ethiopian Natural History Museum and the Ethiopian
Ethnological Museum. Other landmarks include the St George's and Holy Trinity Cathedrals, the National Palace and Menelik's Imperial Palace. Whilst Addis lacks the sheer volume of amazing monuments and scenery that complements much of the rest of the country, it is a pleasant enough place to begin and end your trip with enough attractions to see to keep you occupied for a day or two.
National Museum of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa airport to Radisson Blu hotel seat in coach transfer accompanied by your guide On arrival in Addis this morning you will meet the rest of your group and your guide. You will be driven through the city for around 15 minutes to your hotel.
Addis Ababa city tour small group excursion with guide Whilst Addis isn't blessed with the sort of spectacular monuments that have made other Ethiopian destinations famous, there is a good scattering of sights worth seeing, and your tour of the city will include many of them.
Africa Hall, although built by Haile Selassie, is one of the classic examples of Italian
16 Itinerary in Detail Itinerary in Detail
architecture in the city. It was built as the headquarters for the now defunct Organisation of African Unity, and boasts one of the largest stained-glass windows in the world, by Afewerk Tekle, considered one of Africa's greatest artists.
Addis has numerous important churches, and your tour includes two of them. St George's Cathedral is the oldest church in the city, and was built by Emperor Menelik (who founded the city) in 1896, to commemorate the defeat of the Italians at Adwa. Subsequent emperors were all crowned here, and the artwork of Afewerk Tekle again is prominent.
Holy Trinity Cathedral, also known as Kiddist Selassie, is a large church, with a range of styles used in the construction. Certain aspects of the design give the cathedral an Arabic feel to it, and the interior is covered in artwork of both modern and traditional design. The graveyard has a couple of very notable graves - that of Sylvia Pankhurst, daughter of Emmeline and an advocate of Ethiopian independence from Italy, and that of the last emperor, Haile Selassie, who also laid the foundation stone for the cathedral.
Mercato is the market district of Addis, and in some ways resembles a traditional Arab souq; at first it may appear disorganised and chaotic, but in fact the stalls are laid out according to trade. So all of the spice vendors are situated in one distinct "quarter", and all the metal workers in another. It can be an overpowering place - not just the noise and bustle, but also the smell.
Addis has a number of good museums, and your tour includes two of them, the Archaeological Museum and the Ethnological Museum. You finish the day with a short drive out to Mt Entoto. This range, just outside Addis, overlooks the city and was the site of the previous capital. From here you have a magnificent panoramic view over the current capital.
Monday Radisson Blu hotel to Addis Ababa airport 06 March, 2017 seat in coach transfer accompanied by your guide You will be collected from the hotel and driven to the airport.
Sabean Hotel, Axum
All meals are included
Addis Ababa Terminal: 1 to Axum airport Ethiopian Airlines - Flight No: ET114 - Dep: 07:55 - Arr: 09:25 - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight
Axum introduction From around 200BC to 700AD, Axum was the administrative seat of the huge Aksumite Empire which extended over a million square miles across the Red Sea to Arabia. The empire traded with India and China, had its own language, alphabet and notational system, constructed great engineering works and was reckoned in the 4th century to be one of the four great powers of the ancient world. Once Edge of the Ezana Stone, Axum home to the much disputed Queen of Sheba, it is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Africa and its historical significance was recognised by UNESCO when it was designated a World Heritage Site in 1980.
Axum these days is a compact city, known for its extraordinary 1,700 year old towering rock stelae and for the oldest church in Ethiopia, the Mariam Tsion Cathedral, said to house the original Ark of the Covenant.
Itinerary in Detail 17 Itinerary in Detail
Northern Stelae Field, Axum
Axum airport to Sabean Hotel seat in coach transfer accompanied by your guide On arrival at the airport you will be met and assisted to the mini-bus which will drive you the short distance to your hotel. The transfer should take around 20 minutes. En route you will see the outskirts of Axum and amongst the traditional buildings, you will notice a number of new buildings in various stages of construction. Much of this construction was funded from the West but many of the projects were either paused or abandoned altogether when the recession hit in 2008. On entering the town you will see lovely wide avenues flanked by flame trees.
Tour of Axum small group excursion with guide Today you will have a full tour of Axum. First you will visit the New Cathedral of St. Mary of Tsion which was constructed to celebrate the liberation of Ethiopia from the Italian fascist occupation in 1935. Inside, the cathedral is adorned with colourful paintings, many of which are covered with heavy curtains out of respect. The centrepiece of the domed room is a huge chandelier donated by Queen Elizabeth II. The Old Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion was built in 1665 by Emperor Fasilides but has been destroyed and rebuilt many times since. An internal tour of the Old Cathedral is not included as access to women is prohibited.
In between the two buildings you will see one of the holiest places in Ethiopia - the Chapel of the Tablet. It is a popular belief in Ethiopia that this chapel is used to house the original Ark of the Covenant and the tablets containing the original inscriptions of the Ten Commandments. Although access is restricted to the hermit guardian priest who reportedly protects the Ark (with even the Emperor unable to enter) you will be able to view the holy building from the outside.
Leaving the cathedral behind you will walk to view the nearby stelae of Axum. Synonymous with Ethiopian heritage, these towering, hand-carved stone monoliths are around 1,700 years old. The northern stelae park is home to the greatest density of the highest monuments, said to mark the tombs of important rulers, whilst the smaller and more subtle western park was constructed around 100 years later. You will then continue to view the bath of the Queen of Sheba which is used as a modern-day reservoir.
Following your walking tour of the city you will also visit the Ezana Stone tablet.
18 Itinerary in Detail Itinerary in Detail
Housed in an unassuming shack accessed via a couple of steep steps, the Ezana Stone dates from around 340AD. It documents the journey of King Azana to Christianity and his various battles as ruler of the empire. The stories are recorded in three languages - Greek, Sabean and the ancient Ethiopian language of Ge'ez.
Tuesday Sabean Hotel to Axum airport 07 March, 2017 seat in coach transfer accompanied by your guide You will check out of the hotel and return to Axum airport by mini-bus with the
Tukul Village, Lalibela journey taking around 20 minutes. All meals are included
Bet Medhane Alem, Lalibela, Ethiopia
Ethiopian Airlines domestic aircraft, Axum airport
Axum airport to Lalibela Ethiopian Airlines - Flight No: ET123 - Dep: 11:15 - Arr: 11:55 - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight
Lalibela introduction King Lalibela of the Zaghwe dynasty created the city of Lalibela, which was to become the capital of Ethiopia. The layout of the city was modelled on Jerusalem and it earnt itself the nickname of New Jerusalem. Part of Lalibela's vision for the city included 11 beautiful churches, hand carved from the bedrock and nestled amongst the hillsides.
Today, Lalibela is acknowledged as arguably one of the most important sites in the Christian world as well as one of the most dramatic and impressive building enterprises in African history, yet the area is virtually untouched by the modern world, with year-round roads and electricity only having arrived in the 1990s.
Lalibela is a pilgrimage site, as Ethiopians come here in vast numbers, particularly during the festival of Timkat, to worship in the monolithic rock-hewn churches. The churches are impressive in so many ways: still used for daily worship as was intended, some eight or nine hundred years after construction. They are not just carved out of rock, but are actually free-standing, as huge channels were dug all round them to separate them from the bedrock. Each one is decorated with elaborate motifs and designs.
There are reports of fleas being found in the carpets of the underground churches of Lalibela so we recommend taking a pair of thick socks as a barrier, however, none of us travelling around this area have encountered a problem with this and you may find a simple insect repellent to be sufficient.
Itinerary in Detail 19 Itinerary in Detail
Monk, Lalibela
Lalibela airport to Tukul Village seat in coach transfer accompanied by your guide On arrival in Lalibela you will collect your baggage and meet your mini-bus which will drive you through Lalibela to your hotel. The transfer will take around 30 minutes.
Tour of the northern church cluster small group excursion with guide After settling in to your accommodation and enjoying lunch you will set off to see the first group of churches in Lalibela.
The churches that you will visit this afternoon are found to the north of the River Jordan and are dominated by Bet Medhane Alem (Redeemer of the World). This is the largest single-block rock-hewn church in the world, and is supported by 72 columns, half inside and half outside, which give the church the look of a classical temple. The vast internal space is very austere and you will see local people saying their daily prayers. There are empty graves carved into the floor which have puzzled some scholars with one interpretation that they have been symbolically prepared for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
A tunnel leads from Medhane Alem to a nearby courtyard which contains three churches. Bet Maryam (House of Mary) is very small but exquisitely decorated with frescoes and carvings, including a bas relief of St. George slaying the dragon. Even smaller is the chapel of Bet Maskal (House of the Cross), also with some fine carvings, and complete with hermits who inhabit some of the larger caves in the chapel. Smallest of the churches in this courtyard is Bet Danaghel (House of the Virgins, or Martyrs), constructed to honour 136 virgins martyred in Edessa by the Roman Emperor Julian.
Another tunnel and a slight scramble up hewn steps leads to the third and final courtyard in this northern cluster of churches. The two churches of Met Debra Sina (House of Mt. Sinai, also called Bet Mikael) and Bet Golgotha are the holiest places of Lalibela and have a heavy atmosphere of sanctity about them. Bet Golgotha has some of the finest early Christian art in the country, and seven fantastic life-size carvings of saints adorn the walls. Legend has it that King Lalibela, traditionally believed to be the founder of all Lalibela's churches, is buried under a
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slab in Bet Golgotha.
Please note that Bet Golgotha is the only church in the Lalibela cluster that prohibits entry to women. The tour around this particular room is relatively brief and women on the tour will be requested not to enter.
On entering the churches it is courteous to cover your shoulders either with sleeves or a scarf, and remove your shoes. The paths between churches have been worn smooth over hundreds of years so shoes with a grip are most practical. As you will be repeatedly removing your shoes we have found that walking sandals with Velcro straps are most useful.
Lalibela, Ethiopia
Wednesday Exploring the Naakuto Laab cave monastery 08 March, 2017 small group excursion with guide Today you will set off after breakfast to visit a unique monastery just outside
Tukul Village, Lalibela Lalibela called Naakuto Laab. It is named after its constructor, the nephew and All meals are included successor of King Lalibela. This is a relatively simple church, built around a
naturally occurring rock face cave, in which several holy pools are fed by natural springs. There is a short walk from the parking area down to the church itself and the views of the highlands off to the right hand side are truly beautiful. The church itself has many treasures which will be shown to you by the priest. Some of them are claimed to have belonged to Naakuto Laab himself.
After you have viewed the church you will walk back up the track to visit the small museum on site. Treasures housed here include paintings, crosses and ancient leather books.
Naakuto Laab Cave Monastery, Lalibela Often when you leave the museum a few of the local women will have set up stalls
selling small hand crafted musical instruments, small silver crosses and handmade decorations for a small price.
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Naakuto Laab Priest, Lalibela
Tour of the eastern cluster of churches small group excursion with guide The cluster of churches to the east of the Jordan river includes the supposed royal chapel, Bet Emanuel (House of Emanuel). Perhaps because of the royal connection, it is the most finely worked of any Lalibela church, with superb carvings in the Aksumite style. Chambers in the walls are the graves of pilgrims who asked to be buried here.
A tunnel connects the church to another, Bet Mercurios (House of Mercurios). This is thought to have originally been a prison, or courthouse, as ankle shackles have been found in a trench here. There are some interesting wall friezes, although the interior of the church has partially collapsed.
Bet Abba Libanos (House of Father Libanos) is the only church in Lalibela, where although the sides and back have been separated from the surrounding rock, the roof remains attached, almost as if the church was under an overhang. Joined by a tunnel is the small chapel of Bet Lehem (Bethlehem), which some consider to have been the cell used by King Lalibela for private prayer.
Bet Gabriel-Rufa'el (House of the Archangels) is very unusual in layout and alignment, comprising three halls and two courtyards, surrounded by a trench. Scholars speculate that prior to being made a church it was actually the residence of Lalibela and his family. The church itself is simply decorated and not especially large, although pointed Aksumite windows do give it a strangely incongruous Islamic appearance.
Bet Giorgis (House of St. George), although grouped in this eastern cluster, actually sits in isolated splendour in towards the main town from both sets of churches. The legend goes that as he was about to complete all the churches at Lalibela, King Lalibela received a visitation from an irate St. George, piqued as none of the churches built had been dedicated to him. Lalibela promised to rectify the mistake, and to make St. George's church the finest of the lot. Most people would agree he succeeded. Shaped like a cruciform Greek cross it is some 15 metres high, and excavated entirely below ground-level, surrounded by steep trenches (in the trenches are holes, said to be the hoof prints of St. George's steed as he rushed to view his new church). This is the most photographed church in Lalibela and the perfect example of a rock-hewn church.
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Church of St. George, Lalibela
Traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony small group excursion with guide Following your tour of the Church of St. George you will enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony with a local family. Coffee is enjoyed on a daily basis by most Ethiopians, with many dedicating whole rooms in their houses to hosting family and friends during their ceremonies. These are usually decorated with colourful artwork and handmade furniture. The pounding of the pestle and mortar signals to the whole street that the coffee is being prepared and often the whole community will gather together to discuss the day. There is no particular rota for whose turn it is and the ceremony moves from house to house.
On arrival you will be seated around the room facing the coffee table and the family will pass around snacks such as homemade popcorn or toasted nuts on traditional wooden tables. One of the young female members of the family will begin roasting the green coffee beans in the room, filling it with a delightful aroma. Once roasted, the beans are taken outside and pounded in a large pestle and mortar. The final preparation is to repeatedly boil and cool the coffee in a traditional jebena. It is served in small handleless cups and is usually drunk without milk or sugar.
This visit offers a great glimpse into an ancient Ethiopian tradition. As the coffee is passed around you may also be offered a home-made honey wine. This is incredibly sweet but very tasty and surprisingly alcoholic. The availability of this will depend on the success of the honey harvest. If you don't like coffee or prefer not to drink, the family will not be offended if you decline, but they can be quite persuasive so it's best to let us know in advance of your preference so we can arrange for tea or another alternative to be available.
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Ethiopian coffee ceremony
Thursday Tukul Village to Lalibela airport 09 March, 2017 seat in coach transfer accompanied by your guide After breakfast you will be driven back through Lalibela town to the airport.
Simien Lodge, Simien
Mountains National Park All meals are included Lalibela to Gondar
Ethiopian Airlines - Flight No: ET123 - Dep: 12:15 - Arr: 12:45 - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight
Gondar introduction Gondar is a remarkable town with an unusual atmosphere, thanks to its fantastically preserved castles and churches. They bring to mind an age of chivalry, and a feeling of medieval Europe and all its pageantry. Indeed, it seems probable that the churches were built with the help of Portuguese craftsmen, so this should not be entirely surprising. Most of Gondar's monuments date back to 1632, when it became the imperial capital of the Ethiopian empire, under Emperor Fasiladas Simien Mountains National Park and his dynasty which ruled for over two centuries. Located on the principal trade route between the rich heart of the continent and the ports of the Red Sea, its wealth became legendary.
In Gondar, there are a dozen castles (registered by UNESCO in 1979) built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. Many picturesque ruins lie in the royal enclosure like the fairytale castles which reflect the glory of Gondarine kings.
The other place of interest in Gondar are the baths belonging to Fasilidas, a huge swimming pool slowly being claimed by wild fig trees. During the Timket celebrations in January the pool is filled with diverted river water and thousands of pilgrims flock to watch the water being blessed in a ceremony to celebrate the baptism of Christ.
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Royal Enclosure, Gondar
Gondar to Debark and the Simien Mountains seat in coach transfer accompanied by your guide You will be leave Gondar and be driven for around an hour and a half to Debark, the small frontier town at the gateway to the Simien Mountains.
Simien Mountains National Park introduction The Simien Mountains are an area of remarkable beauty, and are also home to some of Ethiopia's more unusual, and often endemic, wildlife. The area was designated a National Park in 1969 and UNESCO recognised the unique status of the mountains and declared them a World Heritage Site in 1978.
Consisting of high plateaus and river valleys, some of which drop off in breathtaking canyons, the Simien Mountains National Park also contains the fourth- highest peak in Africa, Ras Dashen (also known as Ras Dajen), at 4,543m. Wildlife includes the walia ibex (a type of mountain goat, distinguished by large curving horns), the gelada baboon (known as the bleeding heart baboon because of a red patch on its chest), and the very rare Ethiopian wolf of which there are estimated to be just 42 in the entire park. Birdlife is prolific, and perhaps the most iconic is the lammergeyer or bearded vulture. With a 10 foot wingspan this bird resembles an eagle and is often seen soaring on thermals through the canyons.
The park sits at around 2,000 with mountain peaks reaching as high as 4,500 metres and the accommodation sits at 3,300 metres. This is high enough to feel the effects of the altitude, so you should discuss any potential problems this may cause with your doctor prior to booking your trip. At altitude you will find yourself moving slower than usual, but this gives an excellent opportunity to admire the spectacular views. There is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which is a common and usually harmless condition caused by reduced air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen. If you have heart or lung conditions, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure, or are taking the contraceptive pill you must seek the advice of your GP and specifically mention the maximum altitude the trip reaches before booking. Whilst the itinerary has been specifically designed to allow your body to acclimatise gradually, the speed of onset and severity - as well as the height at which AMS develops - can vary greatly between individuals. Being physically fit affords no special protection. Please ensure that your insurance policy covers you for walking at altitude.
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Simien Mountains National Park
Introductory walk in the Simien Mountains National Park small group trek with your guide On entering the park at Debark you will be driven for around half an hour until you reach the starting point for your short trek this afternoon in search of the gelada (or bleeding heart) baboons. You will enjoy some truly stunning views over the landscape towards the highest peak of Ras Dashen at 4,543 metres.
Simien Mountains National Park
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Friday Chenek trek 10 March, 2017 small group trek with your guide You will take a hike through the Simien Mountains National Park. The hike will not
Simien Lodge, Simien be a route march and there will be plenty of time to view the scenery and pause Mountains National Park for photographs as you go. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Ethiopian wolf All meals are included and lammergeyer vulture. After approximately two hours, you will end up opposite
the top of the Jinbar Waterfall - a narrow thread of water thundering over 1,600 feet to the Geech Abyss below. The flow of the water is very variable but regardless of this, the sight is truly spectacular. After your walk you will meet your vehicle which will take you to the Chenek viewpoint where you may be lucky enough to spot walia ibex before returning to the lodge for lunch and a well- deserved rest this afternoon.
Simien Mountains National Park
Lammergeyer (bearded vulture), Simien Mountains National Park
Saturday Debark to Gondar 11 March, 2017 seat in coach transfer accompanied by your guide You will depart the Simien Mountains today and return to Debark along the gravel
Mayleko Lodge, Gondar road. Here you will leave the park and continue along the tar road back to All meals are included Gondar.
Group tour minibus, Ethiopia
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Sunday Tour of the imperial castles of Gondar 12 March, 2017 small group excursion with guide At the heart of Gondar town is the Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), a collection of
Kuriftu Resort and Spa, castles, tunnels, walkways and buildings surrounded by high stone walls, built by Bahir Dar the Emperor Fasiladas and his successors who ruled from Gondar at the height of All meals are included its power. His main castle, Fasiladas's Castle, is the most impressive of the six
within the enclosure, and displays Portuguese, Axumite and Indian influences. Recurrent on the ground floor is a motif similar to the Star of David, used from the Solomonic dynasty in the 13th century onwards as the royal emblem. On the first floor, Fasiladas' prayer room has four windows, each facing a church. A platform on the third floor offers views in all directions - from which you can see Lake Tana on a clear day.
Emperor Iyasu is regarded as the greatest of those rulers based in Gondar, and his castle was once a marvel, decorated with ivory, gold leaf, precious stones and paintings, but earthquakes, and bombing by the British during the Second World Gondar, Ethiopia War have left just a shell. Next to the castle is an old sauna, the workings of which
can still be understood and appreciated.
Emperor Iyasu II ascended the throne too young to rule himself, and his mother, Mentuab, ruled as his regent. She built the last of the great castles in the Royal Enclosure, one that is in such good shape today that it is still used as the public library. Although she built in the Royal Enclosure, Mentuab actually ruled from a complex constructed for her just outside the city at Kusquam. A pleasant contrast to the enclosure, it is set on a forested hillside overlooking Gondar, and the remains of her palace are clearly discernible, with many lower walls and even a staircase intact. The church of Kusquam Maryam, damaged by war, was extensively rebuilt and redecorated in the late 20th century, so the building itself is not of any great historic interest, but it does house the bones of Mentuab and Iyasu II in a glass coffin.
Also outside the city centre are the baths of Fasiladas, a vast sunken bathing pool supposed to have been built by the emperor. It is surrounded by a turreted wall and almost certainly served a ceremonial purpose, as it does today when it is the focal point of local Timkat festivities.
Finally, this afternoon you will visit the Debre Birhan Trinity Church, characterised by its ceiling of painted angels before returning to your lodge for dinner.
Gondar, Ethiopia
Gondar to Bahir Dar seat in coach transfer accompanied by your guide After exploring the imperial compound today you will travel to Bahir Dar by road.
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The journey will take approximately three hours with a stop en route to view the rock formation of Addis Zemen.
Addis Zemen rock formation, Gondar to Bahir Dar road
Bahir Dar introduction Bahir Dar is one of the most important cities in northern Ethiopia. It has a laid- back feel, with wide tree-lined avenues and colourful borders. There is still plenty of traffic, more bikes than anywhere else in the country, and there is a bustling weekly market. The main trade in the area is in flower production, in particular roses, and these are exported worldwide. Although the city does not feature the great monuments that distinguish other towns, it is a good base for exploring the surrounding area, notably Lake Tana, the Blue Nile and the Tissisat Falls. Its location on the shores of Lake Tana makes it an attractive and friendly town, so much so that Haile Selassie considered moving his capital here.
The town is one of the most geared up for visitors as it is within striking distance of Addis and is used by diplomats based in the capital who are seeking a break.
Seven ostrich eggs adorn the Azoa Mariam Church, Lake Tana, Bahir Dar
Walk to the Tissisat (Blue Nile) Falls small group trek with your guide
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This afternoon you will leave Bahir Dar and you will be driven around 1.5 hours to the falls. The road is quite potholed so the going is slow but the scenery along the route is pretty, with farmers working the fields, cattle egrets along the side of the road and local people going about their daily lives.
On arrival you will set off on foot for around an hour to reach the falls. The hike is over rocky, uneven and sometimes steep ground but the walk is taken slowly with many stops to enjoy the views and take photographs. You will cross over a beautiful ancient stone bridge, take a steep walk uphill before dropping down to view the falls themselves.
The Tissisat Falls (also known as the Tisabay or Blue Nile Falls) were once considered one of the great natural sights of Africa. They fall over a lip some 400 metres wide, and plunge 45 metres to the new river bed, creating a thunderous sound, and spray that falls up to a kilometre away (tissisat translates as 'smoking water').
Unfortunately, with the construction of a hydro-electric plant upstream of the falls, they do not always foam with their full power. However, the walk to the main viewpoint still offers a spectacular view as you pass through the lush forest supported by the spray, past succulent aloes, framed by rainbows hanging in the mist. You may also be lucky enough to see some silversmiths and weavers at work near the falls.
Passing the falls, the walk will continue across a metal suspension bridge and through a plantation, before dropping down to the river. Here a boat will be waiting to take you on a short cruise back to the other bank. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, crested eagles, kingfishers and the beautiful carmine bee- eaters that are often spotted here. Once reunited with the vehicle you will return to Bahir Dar.
Although the falls are not as impressive these days, the walk really is lovely, giving you the chance to meet local people and see a variety of scenery. You will definitely need to wear comfortable walking shoes today, as well as suncream and a hat, as in places along the walk there is little shade. A small amount of change will also be useful as there will be opportunities to take photographs of people as well as the scenery and it is appropriate to offer a small tip in this instance. You may also see women selling musical instruments and handmade scarves near to the falls which you may like to purchase.Please be extremely careful when boarding the boat for the transfer back to your mini-bus as the level of the boat to the jetty depends on the variable water levels and if the water is low there can be a big step down into the boat. Your guide and the boat driver will assist you.
Tissisat (or Blue Nile) Falls, Bahir Dar
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Monday Exploring the island monastaries of Lake Tana 13 March, 2017 small group excursion with guide Today will be devoted to fully exploring the Island Monasteries of Lake Tana.
Kuriftu Resort and Spa, There are 37 islands in the lake of which 30 have churches and monasteries of Bahir Dar considerable interest, some of which have restricted access to women. The two All meals are included best known are Narga Selassie and Ura Kidanemihiret which house an important
collection of religious icons from the 16th to 18th centuries. A visit here is followed by one of the lesser known monasteries, Azoa Mariam, which has wonderful paintings depicting scenes from both the Old and the New Testaments.
Depending on how long you spend in each monastery you may have some free time this afternoon or early evening. If you do have some time spare then you may visit the market where you can find the typical hand-woven capes and scarves made of local cotton and possibly also visit Weyto village, which is 2km west of town. Here the people are known for their production of tankwa (papyrus) boats.
Street market, Bahir Dar
Ethiopian Priest, Bahir Dar
Tuesday Kuriftu Resort and Spa to Bahir Dar airport 14 March, 2017 seat in coach transfer accompanied by your guide Your mini-bus will take you to Bahir Dar airport.
Radisson Blu, Addis
Ababa Breakfast and dinner are Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa included Ethiopian Airlines - Flight No: ET145 - Dep: 13:00 - Arr: 14:00 - (same day); Class:
Economy Class; Non-stop flight
Addis Ababa airport to Radisson Blu hotel for final night seat in coach transfer accompanied by your guide On arrival in Addis Ababa you will be met and driven through the city to your hotel. This afternoon you will have time to use the hotel facilities before your evening meal.
St. George's Cathedral, Addis Ababa
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Wednesday Radisson Blu hotel to Addis Ababa airport 15 March, 2017 seat in coach transfer accompanied by your guide You will be collected from the hotel and driven to the airport.
Addis Ababa to London Heathrow Ethiopian Airlines - Flight No: ET710 - Dep: 11:00 - Arr: 17:00 - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight
Important Notes Flight times and the daily order of sightseeing are subject to change. Transfer times are approximate and subject to local conditions at the time of travel. All flight times are local.
32 Itinerary in Detail Accommodation
OUR ACCOMMODATION GRADING SYSTEM Your accommodation is described on the following pages. Please do not hesitate to call us if you require any further information about any of the properties. We classify accommodation into the following categories. These are for your guidance only, they are based on the opinions of our staff and are therefore quite subjective. Basic: Very primitive accommodation where we are not aware of anything better in the region. Simple: Clean and simple but limited facilities. Medium: A good standard of accommodation, reasonable range of facilities. First Class: A high standard of accommodation with a wide range of facilities. Deluxe: Superb accommodation with facilities and service to match. Opulent: The world’s most unashamedly luxurious hotels, resorts and lodges.
Accommodation 33 Accommodation
RADISSON BLU, ADDIS ABABA Medium
The Radisson Blu hotel is located on a bustling street within striking distance of the airport. One side of the hotel has views over the established city whilst the other looks over the developing side. The rooms are comfortable with big windows, television, table and chair. The wardrobes house a safe and there is a minibar plus tea and coffee facilities in each room. The en suites have a bath and a separate shower cubicle. The Club rooms are on the 8th and 9th floors and offer access to the Club
Lounge on the 9th floor. Pastries, hot there is a lovely spa on the 1st floor and cold snacks and cool drinks are offering massage treatments. available here on a complimentary basis throughout the day. Meals are served Our opinion: in the restaurant on the ground floor This hotel is one of the best and most and breakfast is a huge affair with modern in Ethiopia and is an oasis of various hot and cold options. There is comfort in the capital. also an outside lounge area and, although there is no pool at the hotel,
SABEAN HOTEL, AXUM Medium
Axum is an area that cannot be missed on a tour of Ethiopia but the accommodation options here are very limited. The Sabean Hotel is centrally located and modern when compared to all other options in the town. All the rooms have twin or double beds, en- suite shower rooms, satellite televisions, safe, wall mounted fan and wireless internet access.
The hotel's restaurant serves both Ethiopian and international cuisine and breakfast is served as a buffet.
you to access Axum's incredible sites. Our opinion: Whilst this hotel has a lot going for it with friendly and welcoming staff who are very eager to please, the mattresses are pretty firm and the quality of the food can be hit and miss, but please bear in mind that this hotel is still the best in the area and allows
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TUKUL VILLAGE, LALIBELA Our opinion: Medium Tukul Village is by far the most characterful accommodation in Lalibela Tukul Village is the newest hotel in and has a great location just a 10-15 Lalibela and has been styled after a minute walk downhill from most of the traditional village with 12 double storey major rock-hewn churches. We have thatched roofed rondavels or 'tukuls' found the staff to be friendly and nestled in pretty gardens. Each tukul's welcoming even if the food wasn't a first floor has a private balcony with particular highlight.
views reaching towards St. George’s Church and the local market. The main dining area is decorated with interesting black and white photography of the area.
Each tukul is simple, well-kept and spacious. Each has a little entrance hall/changing area with a wardrobe containing a safe and the bedrooms have comfortable beds, bedside tables and floor-to-ceiling windows on one side. There are UK-style sockets in each room suitable for charging camera batteries and each room has a modern tiled en suite shower room.
SIMIEN LODGE, SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Medium At 3,300m Simien Lodge is the highest lodge in Africa and the only permanent accommodation available inside the Simien Mountains National Park. The twenty standard tukuls are built in the traditional Ethiopian style with thatched roofs and round stone walls. Both the bar and restaurant are centred around log fires, which are lit in the evenings creating a great atmosphere.
Our opinion: The lodge has magnificent views of the Simien escarpment and the charismatic gelada baboons are frequent visitors. Nights on the mountain can be cold, so ensure you bring along warm nightwear. The staff have a plentiful supply of spare blankets for guests' use, but often forget to offer them, so if you do feel the cold, just ask your guide who will assist you. Please note the paths around the hotel are uneven and poorly lit, so we recommend carrying a torch with you and advise you to take care when walking around.
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MAYLEKO LODGE, GONDAR Medium
Located outside the town of Gondar, Myleko Lodge is one of the newer additions to the area. The 20 individual stone and thatch chalets are connected by a little winding path which leads up a small hill, past the swimming pool. At the top of the hill there is an outside seating area and an indoor restaurant. The rooms are large and decorated with hand carved wooden furniture, each with twin or double beds and a large en suite shower room. Each has a little decking area accessed through large french doors.
Our opinion: The rooms are rather simple but the views from the main lodge over the farmland is lovely, particularly during sunset.
KURIFTU RESORT AND SPA, international dishes. BAHIR DAR Medium Our opinion: Service can be a little slow but the food Nestled on the edge of Lake Tana, the is tasty and we thought it was worth source of the Blue Nile, the Kuriftu the wait. Kuriftu Spa which is located Resort and Spa is a welcoming and on site offers a range of massage and relaxing lodge. The centre of the resort beauty treatments, from foot massages is the pool which is a good size for to scrubs and pedicures. Treatments swimming, complete with sun loungers are included in your stay and are highly and traditionally made thatch parasols. recommended.
The resort has 28 stone suites which are built in double storey buildings around the gardens with some offering a glimpse of the lake. Each suite has a private veranda with a day-bed and glass doors leading through to the main bedroom. The suites are characterised by traditional exposed stone walls which make the rooms feel a little dark but very atmospheric. Each has an en suite shower room and separate toilet.
The restaurant and bar area is large and lake-facing, offering a mixture of traditional Ethiopian fare along with
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Accommodation 37 Charity support
Audley has been supporting carbon reduction projects through Friends of Conservation since 2005 and in addition to this each individual department also supports a charity of their choice with a yearly financial donation. This charity is one that is close to their hearts and the team often chooses to fundraise to add to this amount. Please ask your specialist if you would like to find out more as in most instances they will have visited the charity themselves, or one of their colleagues will have.
Children, Mara Rianda Charitable Trust © Richard Long
The Mara Rianda Charitable Trust Our friend and former colleague Ariana Grammaticas left Audley in 2007 to return to her home country of Kenya. In early 2008 she wrote to us about The Mara Rianda Charitable Trust. Set up by Richard Long, who visited Kenya in 2004, it supports the school and community in the wider Mara area. All the money Richard raises is used to provide this support, and he covers administration costs himself. The Trust has installed a borehole to supply fresh water, built five new classrooms provided bursaries for exceptional students to go to secondary school and paid the salary for one teacher. Most recently in 2013 the Trust also opened the Mara Rianda medical centre, complete with three wards, consulting rooms and a dispensary. Though much has been achieved, there is always much more that can be done!
The old Enkeriri school building Head teacher in front of the new Enkeriri school building ©Richard Long ©Richard Long
Audley and The Mara Rianda Charitable Trust We initially became involved with The Mara Rianda Charitable Trust to help with its aim to bring clean drinking water to the children of Aitong Primary School, who were previously drinking from a muddy spring. Complications arose when it was discovered that the spring that the trust had hoped to tap for clean water dried up for three months of each year. After several meetings with the Maasai elders, it has now been agreed that the water can be taken from the main spring at Aitong village and be pumped over 1 kilometre to the school. This project is now completed, aided by donations from Audley and other organisations.
38 Charity support Charity support
More recent achievements at the charity have included a new kitchen and dining room at the primary school – which is now fully waterproof and the parents who help cook the meals there are delighted. The trust has also funded the building of a new maternity unit at Mara Rianda, as women who had complications previously had to travel for three hours on a bus to the nearest hospital. In addition to this they are working with a new school, Olipikdong’oe, which needed help to install electricity so that the children who board could study after dark. In addition two new primary schools have been built – that allow light in (unlike the original mud buildings made out of dung) and to provide a classroom for another school that was being taught under a tree. As the maternity unit at Mara Rianda grows Audley is helping to support the installation of solar power to allow continuous lighting throughout the night. In addition to this, the Trust is aiming to support a further twelve children through secondary school.
If you would like further information please speak to your Africa specialist. Alternatively, if you are going to Kenya and staying at any of the Governor’s Camps in the Masai Mara, do ask the staff to take you to visit!
Charity support 39 General information
Travel insurance This information can also be found on our Financial security It is advisable to take out your travel website www.audleytravel.com/insurance We hold an Air Travel insurance at the time of booking your with links to the insurers’ websites. Organiser's Licence (ATOL) trip as cover will commence for pre- issued by the Civil Aviation Clients over 65 years of age departure cancellation from the policy Authority (ATOL number Many companies now offer cover to people issue date. This will, therefore, provide 4817). All the flight-inclusive holidays* that over 65 years of age. However, if you are cover should you have to cancel your trip we provide are financially protected by the finding it difficult to get cover you could try for an insured reason such as illness or ATOL scheme. When you pay, you will be Age UK (0845 600 3348) or Saga (0800 serious accident. supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please 015 0757) both of whom currently have no check to ensure that everything you We strongly recommend that you and all upper age limit on their policies. See also booked is listed on it. Please see our members of your party are adequately the companies referred to under pre- booking conditions for further information insured, providing financial protection existing medical conditions below. This about financial protection and against unforeseen circumstances. Cover information can also be found on our www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate should include medical expenses and website www.audleytravel.com/insurance for further information on the ATOL repatriation in the event of accident or with links to the insurers’ websites. Certificate. illness. In addition, we strongly Pre-existing medical conditions recommend that you have cover for If you have a pre-existing medical *The flight inclusive holidays we arrange personal belongings, delay at your condition, there are a number of are ATOL protected providing they are outward or homeward point of companies that may be able to help you. P J made available in the UK. For further departure, personal liability, overseas Hayman / Free Spirit (0845 230 5000) will information, visit the ATOL website at legal expenses and cancellation. If you are consider most pre-existing medical www.atol.org.uk undertaking any sports or adventurous conditions and they have no upper age limit activities, including trekking, on your trip on single trip policies. Age UK (0845 600 Not all holiday or travel you should also make sure that your 3348) and Insure and Go (0844 888 2787) services offered and sold by policy covers these. Please also ensure will also consider a number of pre-existing us will be protected by the you read the policy conditions and conditions and may be able to help. Cancer ATOL scheme. Those exclusions. Travel Insurance Services (0845 880 0163) package arrangements which The type of trips we create and the specialise in travel insurance for people are not protected by our requirements of Audley clients vary with non-terminal cancer and have no ATOL are covered by ABTOT, the greatly. We have therefore listed below a upper age limit on their policies. This Association of Bonded Travel Organisers number of companies who offer policies information can also be found at Trust. This insurance means your money which may suit these varying www.audleytravel.com/insurance will be refunded or you will be returned to requirements. You can find links to the with links to the insurers’ websites. the starting point of your contracted companies' websites, at Non-UK residents arrangements if already abroad in the www.audleytravel.com/insurance. If you are not a UK resident you will unlikely event of our being unable to Other companies and policies are also usually need to get insurance in your provide your holiday due to our insolvency. available. We are unable to provide you country of residence. Some insurance (For more details please see Section 12 of with more detailed information and you companies, such as Columbus Direct (0845 the Terms and Conditions.) In these should contact the company concerned 888 8893), will consider policies for non- instances you will not receive an ATOL directly for this. Please note this is UK residents. This information can also be certificate with your invoice. general information only. We are not found on our website providing any specific advice on travel www.audleytravel.com/insurance Health insurance or recommending any with links to the insurers’ websites. It is essential that you see your GP or a particular policy or insurer. travel clinic before booking your trip and Once you have a travel insurance policy in Trips of up to £5,000 pp before travelling to make sure that you place, please let your specialist know who have taken all the necessary health A large number of companies offer your insurance company is and your policy insurance policies which include cover for precautions. Some vaccinations require number. more than one visit with a period of weeks cancellation charges of up to the full holiday cost. The above information is provided in good between injections. You should visit your faith and is correct to the best of our GP at least six weeks before departure. For Trips over £5,000 pp knowledge. No liability is, however, up to date medical advice you may wish to It can be more challenging to get accepted for any errors and all information use the Medical Advisory Service for insurance which includes cover for must be checked directly with the Travellers Abroad (MASTA). cancellation charges of up to the full insurance company. holiday cost for higher value trips. A MASTA Traveller’s Health Brief Before travelling abroad, you can visit number of companies do, however, offer such policies. Thomson (in partnership www.masta-travel-health.com to obtain a with AXA) (0845 366 2212) offer ‘Health Brief’ specifically tailored to your cancellation cover up to £20,000 per journey. Your brief will give information person, American Express (0800 232 about immunisations and malaria as well as 277) offer cancellation cover up to any Foreign Office advice and the latest £12,500 per person and Insure and Go health news. (0844 888 2787) offer cancellation cover up to £7,500 per person.
40 General information General information
Other health information services are Smoking Travel advice available, including www.nathnac.org and Airlines do not permit smoking on the The Foreign and Commonwealth Office www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk aircraft. At the request of the majority of Travel Advice Unit monitors all overseas our clients we do not allow smoking on any destinations and offers advice to British Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) form of transport used for our escorted travellers. In order to be fully informed of The majority of international airlines now group tours. Stops are regularly made safety issues, crime rates, political stability issue advice on how to lessen the risk of where you will be able to smoke. For and local customs you can view the advice DVT, however, if you have any concerns, smokers travelling on a tailor-made tour we recommend that you consult your at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. we request that you check with your driver doctor. or guide whether smoking is permitted in Flights and airlines Pre-existing medical the vehicle. The difference between a direct flight and a conditions/Disabled passengers non-stop flight can cause confusion. To It is essential that you advise us before Health and safety standards clarify, on a direct flight no change of booking if you have any disability or pre- Each country has its own regulations and aircraft is scheduled but touchdowns will existing medical condition which may enforcement levels relating to health and be made en route either to refuel or to affect your holiday, or any special safety standards. These do not always board or disembark passengers. On non- requirements as a result of any disability match the very high standards we are used stop flights no change of aircraft is required or medical condition (including any which to in the UK. We therefore recommend and no stops are made en route. Exact affect the booking process) so that we that you follow a few precautionary safety details of your route will be given in your can assist you in considering the procedures. Always check where the itinerary. suitability of the arrangements and/or nearest fire exit is and how to raise the fire Premium Economy, Business and making the booking. It will also enable us alarm. Do not enter a swimming pool First Class to make sure you receive the relevant before checking the water depth first. For If you require business or first class flights level of assistance when you fly. more suggestions please see the Important these can be arranged on most airlines at Information section in your Travel very competitive rates. Premium economy Full details must be confirmed in writing Organiser. can be arranged on certain airlines, please at the time of booking and whenever any call us for details. change in the condition or disability Passport and visa information for occurs. You must also promptly advise us British Citizens Specific seat requests if any medical condition or disability Passengers must hold a passport which is We will do all we can to try to reserve a which may affect your holiday develops valid for at least six months following the specific seat for you, if you have a after your booking has been confirmed. return date of your holiday. British preference. However, whilst airlines may The nature of many of the destinations passport holders (full British Citizens) allow us to request seats, they will not we travel to means that in the majority of currently require visas, in advance of travel, guarantee any specific seat reservation. If cases they are unsuitable for those who for the following destinations featured in this is important to you, it is always best to are wheelchair-bound or have a lack of our brochures and on our website: arrive for your flight early, regardless of mobility. We will be delighted to discuss Australia, Bhutan, Burma, China, Cuba, having made this request in advance. Please the feasibility of creating a tailor-made India, Kenya, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea make it clear on your booking form if you itinerary for you that takes into (also available on arrival), Russia, Tanzania, have a specific request. consideration your level of mobility. Tibet, Uganda, the USA*, Uzbekistan and Flight amendments
Vietnam**. We generally use special ‘inclusive tour’ On our escorted group tours the Tour Visas may be required for other countries fares when we purchase your air tickets Leader is, unfortunately, unable to offer but can be arranged on arrival. from the airlines. While these fares are additional assistance to passengers with * British Citizens travelling to the USA very good value they are inflexible in terms limited mobility and all such assistance require an ESTA – please speak to your of changes and offer no refunds once the will need to be provided by whoever the specialist for more information tickets are issued. Once your flight is passenger is travelling with. We may ** Visitors to Vietnam can obtain a visa on confirmed the airlines will charge an request that you provide a letter from arrival but require a letter of authorisation amendment fee or insist on the purchase of your doctor confirming your fitness to from ourselves – please speak to your a completely new ticket if you make travel. specialist changes. High altitude Internal flights Your itinerary may include sections We are normally able to obtain visas on Smaller local airlines are often more likely where the altitude exceeds 10,000 feet your behalf, please ask for details at the to change their schedule at short notice. (3,048 metres). If you suffer from time of booking. Non-British passport We will endeavour to inform you of any circulation, heart or respiratory problems holders should check with the relevant changes in advance of travelling but this we advise that you consult with your embassies as visa requirements may be may not always be possible. doctor before confirming your booking. different to those of British passport
holders. It is your responsibility to ensure
you have the correct documentation and visa stamp(s) for all sectors of your journey. Failure or inability to obtain all required visas for whatever reason does not entitle you to cancel without paying the applicable cancellation charges.
General information 41 General information
Frequent Flyer Clubs Accuracy of information Financial security If you collect points through any of the We thoroughly check all the information An AITO member is required to arrange airline frequent flyer clubs please provide that is included within our brochures, financial protection for all holidays and your membership details on the booking website and individual tour itineraries, other arrangements (including form and we will ensure that these are however, changes do occur and errors are accommodation only) booked by customers with the member under the recorded against your flight reservation. occasionally made. Airlines may change AITO logo. This financial protection Please note that on some of our specially their schedules, roads may close and applies to customers who are resident in negotiated ‘inclusive tour’ fares points are government regulations may alter. Should the UK at the time of booking and to most not always awarded. there be any changes to the travel overseas customers who have booked arrangements you have booked we will do directly with the member. In doing so, the Carbon offsetting our best to keep you informed of the member must comply with UK government Please let your specialist know if you situation prior to departure. regulations. Members are required to would like to carbon offset your flights. submit details of their financial protection We work with Friends of Conservation Travel in the developing world arrangements to AITO on a regular basis
(FOC) and all offsetting payments are Many of our destinations are in the Accurate brochures and web sites donated through them. For more details developing world where attitudes, All members do their utmost to ensure visit www.audleytravel.com/offset. The infrastructure, priorities, lifestyles and that all their brochures and other suggested contributions are based on the cultures are very different from our own. publications, print or electronic, clearly and approximate levels of CO2 expended on This is often the very reason to visit the accurately describe the holidays and an average flight, with the cost per tonne destination but certain aspects may be services offered. of carbon taken from industry averages. frustrating. We always advise that the first Flight information previously provided by thing you should pack is your sense of Professional service and continual improvement TICOS, now part of Beyond Carbon. humour. This can prove invaluable when All members are committed to high travelling over rougher roads, waiting for a standards of service and believe in regular UK airport hotels, car parking and delayed aircraft and communicating with and thorough training of employees. lounges hotel staff whose first language is not Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays. They listen to their We are able to arrange airport hotel English. customers and always welcome suggestions accommodation, car parking, meet and for improving standards. greet services and airport lounge access Data Protection Act in the UK, subject to availability. To We will hold your name, address and any Monitoring standards arrange any of these services please call other details you supply us with on our AITO endeavours to monitor quality us on 01993 838 051. database. This information will be used to standards regularly. All customers should make your travel arrangements and to send receive a post-holiday questionnaire the Hotel information you information about Audley Travel. In results of which are scrutinised by the There is often confusion over the order to make your travel arrangements Association. terminology used for bed arrangements we will need to pass your details to in hotel rooms. A ‘double’ is recognised companies and individuals outside the EU Sustainable tourism as meaning a room with a double bed, where less stringent data protection All Members acknowledge the importance of AITO’s Sustainable Tourism ethos, this may be two single beds pushed controls may be in place. We will not pass which recognises the social, economic and together. A ‘twin’ is a room with two on your details to third parties for any environmental responsibilities of tour single beds. Please note that all rooms other purposes. operating. are allocated at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be guaranteed. AITO Quality Charter: Customer relations The Association of Independent Tour Single rooms All members endeavour to deal swiftly and Operators fairly with any issues their customers may Single rooms tend to be smaller than raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute double or twin rooms, however, many AITO is the Association for independent between an AITO member and a customer hotels do not have single rooms, in which and specialist holiday companies. Our cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low- case you will be allocated a twin or member companies, usually owner- cost Independent Dispute Settlement double room. managed, strive to create overseas holidays Service may be called upon by either side with high levels of professionalism and a to bring the matter to a speedy and shared concern for quality and personal Special dietary requirements acceptable conclusion. service. The Association encourages the Special diets should be requested on the highest standards in all aspects of tour booking form; however, it is unrealistic Audley Travel is a member of the operating. Association of Independent Tour to expect special diets to be catered for Operators. To contact the Association, in some of the destinations we feature. Exclusive membership visit www.aito.com or call 020 8744 9280. We will advise the hotels and airlines of AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, your request but we cannot guarantee finance and quality which must be satisfied their availability. If you have an airborne before new companies are admitted to nut allergy you must make us aware at membership. All members are required to the time of booking as most airlines adhere to a Code of Business Practice which encourages high operational require this information in advance of standards and conduct. travel.
42 General information
Terms and conditions
Please read the following conditions carefully. All holidays we have contracted to provide will be held by them on our can reasonably expect to have a major effect on your are sold by us subject to these conditions and the other behalf. If you book your holiday through a travel agent who holiday. Significant changes are likely to include the general information in this booklet, our brochures and is not a member of ABTA, all payments must be made to following changes when made before departure; a change quotations. us directly and not your travel agent. of accommodation to that of a lower official classification Audley Travel Group Ltd (whose administrative offices are or standard for the whole or a major part of the time you at New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxon OX29 9SX) 2. If you change your holiday are away*, a change of accommodation area for the whole are members of the Association of Independent Tour If, after the contract between us has come into existence, or a major part of the time you are away, a change of UK Operators. Audley Travel Group Ltd (hereafter referred you want to change your holiday we will do our best to outward departure time or overall length of time you are to as ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’) offers a number of products and the pass your request to the relevant supplier, however we away of twelve or more hours, or a change of UK trading names we use are ‘Audley’, and ‘Audley Travel’. In cannot guarantee that such changes can be made. Where a departure airport to one which is more inconvenient for these Terms & Conditions, ‘you’ and ‘your’ means all change can be made, we will charge for any additional costs you (except as between Gatwick and Heathrow). persons named on the booking, or any of them as incurred including any costs imposed or incurred by any of applicable (including anyone who is added or substituted at our suppliers, and including for example cancellation *Please note: A change affecting a stay in a hotel during a a later date). charges that may be incurred for sectors cancelled. You tour where the hotel itself is not the focus of the tour, does should note, for example, that a change of name on or not constitute a significant change. Your contract with us and all matters arising out of it are other alteration to an airline ticket will usually incur a 100% governed by English law. We both agree that any dispute, cancellation charge and full rebooking fee. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will claim or other matter which arises out of or in connection tell you as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before with this contract or your holiday, will be dealt with by the 3. If you cancel your holiday departure, we will offer you the choice of the following AITO Arbitration Scheme - see clause 9 or the Courts of If you have to cancel part of the booking or cancel the options:- England and Wales only unless, in the case of Court entire booking once it has been confirmed by us, written proceedings, you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. In notification must be sent to us by recorded delivery post or (a) (for significant changes) accepting the changed this case, proceedings may be brought in the Courts of by email. As proof of receipt by email of your notification to arrangements or your home country. If proceedings are brought in Scotland cancel you must receive and retain written or Northern Ireland, you may choose to have your acknowledgement from Audley Travel. Charges will be (b) purchasing an alternative holiday from us, of a similar contract governed by the law of Scotland/Northern Ireland applied from the date the letter is received, or the email is standard to that originally booked if available. Please note: as applicable. If you do not so choose, English law will apply. acknowledged by Audley Travel, according to the scale Due to the original and individual nature of our holidays it below. The charges are applied as a percentage of the total frequently may not be possible to offer you a comparable 1. Paying for your holiday holiday cost excluding any amendment charges and any holiday to that originally booked. (i) The procedure for making a booking is shown in your amounts paid in addition to the deposit at the time of itinerary quotation and on our website. All bookings are booking or before balance due date (see clauses 1(ii) and (c) cancelling or accepting the cancellation in which case subject to these terms and conditions and by asking us to I(iv)) which are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. you will receive a full and quick refund of all monies you confirm your booking, and by paying a deposit, the person have paid to us. who makes the booking is taken to have accepted these The following cancellation charges apply if your final balance booking conditions on behalf of all persons named on the due date is 8 weeks prior to departure. Please note, You must advise us of your decision within 7 days of the booking. Once we have received the applicable payment(s) different cancellation charges apply in relation to certain date on which we notified you of the significant change or due at the time of booking (see below), we will, subject to products – please see your quote for details. cancellation. Please note, the above options are not availability of the requested arrangements, send you your available where any change made is a minor one. A minor invoice. It is at the point when we issue this to you that a Period before departure Cancellation change is any change which, taking account of the valid contract will come into existence between us. Please date within which written Charge information you have given us at the time of booking or check your confirmation/invoice and all tickets/documents notification is received at Per Person which we can reasonably be expected to know as a tour carefully as soon as you receive them and contact us our offices operator, we could not reasonably expect to have a immediately if you think any details are incorrect. We significant effect on your confirmed holiday. regret we cannot accept any liability if we are not notified Up to balance due date Deposit only of any inaccuracies (for which we are responsible) in any Balance due date-43 days 30% If we have to make a significant change or cancellation we document within ten days of our sending it out (five days 42-29 days 60% will pay you the compensation set out below subject to the for tickets).We will do our best to rectify any mistake 28-3 days 90% following exceptions. Compensation will not be payable notified to us outside these time limits but you must meet Within 2 days 100% and no liability beyond offering the above mentioned any costs involved in doing so. choices can be accepted where (1) we are forced to make Alterations or cancellations by you after a change or cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable (ii) The deposit is part payment of the holiday. The deposit commencement of travel and unused services circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of required will be shown on the quotation page of your We will do our best to implement any changes to your which we could not have avoided even with all due care or itinerary. In addition to the deposit, full or part payment of arrangements you request once they have commenced, but (2) we have to cancel because the minimum number of certain elements of your holiday (such as flights) may be we cannot guarantee this will be possible. In the event of bookings necessary for us to operate your holiday has not required at the time booking or at some point between such amendments being made you will be liable for any been reached - in this case we will notify you no less than booking and balance due date. Also see clause I (iv). The cancellation charges that may be levied for the services 60 days before departure. Please note: all escorted group deposit and all such additional payments are non-refundable originally booked, and for the cost of booking the revised trips are based on group arrangements involving a given except as set out in clause 4. The balance must be paid not arrangements and the arrangements themselves. As a basic minimum number of passengers. No compensation will be later than the date specified on the invoice. This is normally principle, no refunds will be paid to clients who do not payable and the above options will not be available if we no less than 8 weeks before the departure date. However, complete a tour. However where we ourselves are able to cancel as a result of your failure to comply with any there are a few destinations or trip components that obtain a refund from hotels or principals for services not requirement of these booking conditions entitling us to require payment no less than 90 days before the departure used, we will pass this on to you, less any reasonable cancel (such as paying on time). date which will be specified on your invoice and quotation. administration charges. Please note if we do not receive all payments due (including Period of notification of Compensation any surcharge where applicable) in full and on time, we are THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE change before scheduled per person entitled to assume that you wish to cancel your booking. In If you have taken out holiday insurance you may, depending departure date this case, we will be entitled to keep all amounts paid or on the detail of your policy, be able to recover the due at that date. If we do not cancel straight away because cancellation charges, check your policy for details. Never More than 60 days Nil you have promised to make payment, you must pay the travel without insurance, the unexpected can always 60-43 days £10 cancellation charges shown in clause 3 depending on the happen. It is your responsibility to ensure you are 42-29 days £20 date we reasonably treat your booking as cancelled. adequately covered by insurance for all elements of your 28-15 days £30 trip. Please read your policy and take it on holiday with you. 14-0 days £40 (iii) Full payment is required at the time of booking for all bookings made after balance due date as above. 4. If we change your holiday In the unlikely event that we become unable to provide a We start planning the holidays we offer many months in significant proportion of the services you have booked after (iv) On occasions, we may be asked by suppliers to make advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and you depart, we will make alternative arrangements for you payment to them earlier than normal. Such requests may, correct errors in itineraries and other details both before at no extra charge, or, if this is impossible, or you do not for example, be made in order to secure accommodation and after bookings have been confirmed and cancel accept these alternative arrangements for a good reason, and other services during periods of peak demand. Whilst confirmed bookings. Whilst we always endeavour to avoid we will provide you with transport back to the point where suppliers may have no contractual right to make such changes and cancellations, we must reserve the right to do your holiday arrangements with us commenced. If we are requests, failure to comply with them may result in the loss so. However, we promise we will only cancel your forced by ‘force majeure’ (see clause 5) to change or of confirmed arrangements. Where this situation arises, we confirmed booking after balance due date where you have terminate your holiday after departure but before the reserve the right to ask you to make payment of the failed to comply with any requirement of these booking scheduled end of your time away, we regret we will be requested sum within a stipulated period and prior to conditions entitling us to cancel (such as paying on time) or unable to make any refunds (unless we obtain any refunds balance due date. We will of course endeavour to avoid where we are forced to do so as a result of ‘force majeure’ from our suppliers), pay you any compensation or meet any doing so if we can. Any such early payment will be non as defined in clause 5 below. We will not cancel after this costs or expenses you incur as a result except as set out refundable except as set out in clause 4. date for any other reason. above.
(v) If you are booking your holiday through one of our Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we have to make a 5. Force majeure authorised travel agents the balance must be paid to the ‘significant change’. A significant change is a change made Except as set out in these terms and conditions, we cannot agent two weeks prior to the applicable balance due date as before departure which, taking account of the information accept liability or pay any compensation where the specified on the invoice and quotation. All payments made you give us at the time of booking and which we can performance or prompt performance of our contractual to one of our authorised travel agents for the arrangements reasonably be expected to know as a tour operator, we obligations is prevented or affected, or you otherwise
Terms and conditions 43 Terms and conditions
suffer any loss or damage (as more fully described in clause (c) an event or circumstance which we or the supplier of 8. Flights and your responsibility 7 (i) below) as a result of circumstances amounting to the service(s) in question could not have predicted or The flight details shown in your itinerary quotation are for ‘force majeure’. In these terms and conditions ‘force avoided even after taking all reasonable care (see clause 5) guidance only and are subject to change. Final details will be majeure’ means any event or circumstances which we or confirmed on your travel documentation, sent the supplier of the services in question could not foresee (d) the fault of anyone who is not carrying out work for us approximately 14 days prior to departure. The times or avoid even with all due care. Such events and (generally or in particular) at the time. shown on all tickets are local times and check in for both circumstances may include, whether actual or threatened, outward and return flights is at least 3 hours prior to the war, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil action, decisions by In addition, we will not be responsible where you do not departure times on the travel documents. It is possible that governments or governing authority, technical or enjoy your holiday or suffer any problems because of a flight times may be changed even after tickets have been maintenance problems with transport, changes of schedules reason you did not tell us about when you booked your dispatched - we will contact you as soon as possible if this or operational decisions of air carriers, terrorist activity, holiday or where any problems you suffer did not result occurs. industrial action, natural or nuclear activity, from any breach of our contract or other fault of ourselves epidemics/pandemics, adverse weather conditions, fire and or, where we were responsible for them, our suppliers or In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005 all similar events outside our control. agents or where any losses, expenses, costs or other sum Article 9, we are required to bring to your attention the you have suffered relate to any business. existence of a “Community list” which contains details of 6. Surcharges air carriers who are subject to an operating ban within the Once the price of your chosen holiday has been confirmed Please note: we cannot accept responsibility for any EU. The Community list is available for inspection at at the time of booking, we will only increase or decrease it services which do not form part of our contract. This http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/ in the following circumstances. Price increases or decreases includes, for example, any additional services or facilities flywell_en.htm. In accordance with EU Regulations we are after booking will be passed on by way of a surcharge or which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide required to advise you of the actual carrier(s) (or, if the refund. A surcharge or refund (as applicable) will be for you where the services or facilities are not advertised in actual carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will payable, subject to the conditions set out in this clause, if our brochure and we have not agreed to arrange them as operate your flight(s) at the time of booking. Where we are transportation costs (e.g. fuel, scheduled airfares and any part of our contract and any excursion you purchase during only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of other airline surcharges which are part of the contract your holiday. booking, we shall inform you of the identity of the actual between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator) carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. Any change or dues, taxes or fees payable for services such as landing (ii) The promises we make to you about the services we to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or have agreed to provide or arrange as part of our contract - confirmed will be notified to you as soon as possible. If the airports change. and the laws and regulations of the country in which your carrier with whom you have a confirmed reservation claim or complaint occurred - will be used as the basis for becomes subject to an operating ban as above as a result of Even in the above cases, only if the amount of the increase deciding whether the services in question had been which we/ the carrier are unable to offer you a suitable in our costs exceeds 2% of the total cost of your holiday properly provided. If the particular services which gave rise alternative the provisions of clause 4 will apply. Any change (excluding any amendment charges), will we levy a to the claim or complaint complied with local laws and in the identity of the carrier, flight timings, and/or aircraft surcharge. If any surcharge is greater than 10% of the cost regulations applicable to those services at the time, the type (if advised) will not entitle you to cancel or change to of your holiday (excluding any amendment charges), you services will be treated as having been properly provided. other arrangements without paying our normal charges will be entitled to cancel your booking and receive a full This will be the case even if the services did not comply except where specified in these conditions. refund of all monies you have paid to us (except for any with the laws and regulations of the UK which would have amendment charges) or alternatively purchase another applied had those services been provided in the UK. The We can accept no responsibility if you arrive late for the holiday from us as referred to in clause 4 ‘If we change your exception to this is where the claim or complaint concerns check in and miss your flight as a result nor can we accept holiday’. Please note that travel arrangements are not the absence of a safety feature which might lead a responsibility for any loss by you of your holiday/flight travel always purchased in local currency and some apparent reasonable holiday maker to refuse to take the holiday in tickets, vouchers or coupons. changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to question. contractual and other protection in place. Air travel is subject to operational decisions of carriers and (iii) We limit the maximum amount we may have to pay airports which may result in delays and diversions. Please A refund will only be payable if the decrease in our costs you for any and all claims or parts of claims which do not note that minor carriers sometimes change the departure exceeds 2% as set out above. Where a refund is due, we involve personal injury, illness or death. Except where loss time of short-haul or domestic flights at short notice, and in will pay you the full amount of the decrease in our costs. of and/or damage to luggage or personal possessions is some instances, schedules shown in the computers of concerned or a lower limitation of liability applies to your intercontinental carriers differ from those actually flown by You have 14 days from the issue date printed on the claim, the maximum amount we will have to pay you for smaller local carriers. We advise you that it is your surcharge invoice to tell us if you want to cancel or such non personal injury claims if we are found liable to you responsibility to be meticulous in locally reconfirming purchase another holiday where applicable. If you do not on any basis is twice the price (excluding any amendment directly with the carrier operating the flight. We accept no tell us that you wish to do so within this period of time, we charges) paid by or on behalf of the person(s) affected in liability for the consequences of flights missed owing to the are entitled to assume that you will pay the surcharge. Any total. This maximum amount will only be payable where passenger’s failure to reconfirm. surcharge must be paid with the balance of the cost of the everything has gone wrong and you have not received any holiday or within 14 days of the issue date printed on the benefit at all from your holiday. Clients flying in economy class to long-haul destinations surcharge invoice, whichever is the later. should be aware that flights are often full and you may not Where we are found liable for loss of and/or damage to any be able to get seats together. We also recommend that We reserve the right to make changes to and correct luggage or personal possessions (including money), the you check in early for a long flight, and in any case not less errors in quoted prices at any time before your holiday is maximum amount we will have to pay you is £150 per than 3 hours before the scheduled departure time. confirmed. We will advise you of any error of which we are person affected as you are assumed to have taken out aware and of the then applicable price at the time of adequate insurance at the time of booking. Please also see If your flight is cancelled or delayed, your flight ticket is booking. clause 7(iv) below. downgraded or boarding is denied by your airline in circumstances which would entitle you to claim (iv) Where any claim or part of a claim concerns or is compensation or any other payment from the airline under 7. Our responsibility based on any travel arrangements (including the process of EC Regulation No 261/2004 - the Denied Boarding (i) We promise to make sure that all parts of the holiday getting on and/or off the transport concerned) provided by Regulations 2004, you must pursue the airline for the we have agreed to arrange, perform or provide as part of any air, sea, rail or road carrier or any stay in a hotel, the compensation or other payment due to you. All sums you our contract with you are arranged, performed or maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay receive or are entitled to receive from the airline provided with reasonable skill and care. This means that, you will be limited. The most we will have to pay you for concerned by virtue of these Regulations represent the full subject to these booking conditions, we will accept that claim or that part of a claim if we are found liable to amount of your entitlement to compensation or any other responsibility if, for example, you suffer death or personal you on any basis is the most the carrier or hotel keeper payment arising from such cancellation, delay, downgrading injury or your contracted holiday arrangements are not concerned would have to pay under the international or denied boarding. This includes any disappointment, provided as promised or prove deficient as a result of the convention or regulation which applies to the travel distress, inconvenience or effect on any other failure of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers to arrangements or hotel stay in question (for example, the arrangements. The fact a delay may entitle you to cancel use reasonable skill and care in making, performing or Warsaw Convention as amended for international travel by your flight does not automatically entitle you to cancel any providing, as applicable, your contracted holiday air and/or for airlines with an operating licence granted by other arrangements even where those arrangements have arrangements. Please note, it is your responsibility to show an EU country, the EU Regulation on Air Carrier Liability been made in conjunction with your flight. We have no that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish for national and international travel by air, the Athens liability to make any payment to you in relation to the to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be Convention for international travel by sea and COTIF, the Denied Boarding Regulations or in respect of any flight responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers Convention on International Travel by Rail). Please note: cancellation or delay, downgrading of any flight ticket or do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the Where a carrier or hotel would not be obliged to make denial of any boarding as the full amount of your course of their employment (for employees) or carrying any payment to you under the applicable International entitlement to any compensation or other payment (as out work we had asked them to do (for agents and Convention or Regulation in respect of a claim or part of a dealt with above) is covered by the airline's obligations suppliers). We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to under the Denied Boarding Regulations. If your airline does death, loss (including loss of enjoyment), damage, expense, you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any not comply with these rules, you should complain to the cost or other sum or claim of any description whatsoever payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you Air Transport Users’ Council on 020 7240 6061 which results from any of the following:- have received or are entitled to receive from the transport www.auc.org.uk provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question. (a) the fault of the person(s) affected or any member(s) of We cannot accept liability for any delay unless it has a their party or (v) You must provide ourselves and our insurers with all material effect on your holiday arrangements. See clause 4. assistance we may reasonably require. You must also tell us (b) the fault of a third party not connected with the and the supplier concerned about your claim or complaint provision of your holiday which we could not have as set out in clause 9 below. predicted or avoided or
44 Terms and conditions Terms and conditions
You undertake to behave with propriety and in such a additional information, a fact sheet or a dossier is available The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust manner as in no way causes or is likely to cause distress, on a particular itinerary or programme, this information Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the danger or annoyance to other clients and/or any third party should be regarded as a term of the contract. Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours or damage to property. If, in the view of ourselves, our Regulations 1992 for Audley Travel (ABTOT Membership employees, agents or suppliers, you are in breach of this The hotel classifications given on our website, in our clause, we reserve the right to terminate your contract and brochures, quotations and dossiers and fact sheets are for number 5297) and in the event of their insolvency, neither we nor the providers of any of the services in guidance only. They are not based on any national or protection is provided for the following: question will have any further contractual obligations to you international classification system, they are the opinions of 1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to either in respect of covering any expenses, paying any our staff or agents and are quite subjective. The the UK; compensation or refunds, or arranging for your return photographs that appear in the accommodation section of 2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a home. your quotation are indicative only and may not be of the country other than the UK; and exact room you have been quoted for. 3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of When you book with us, you accept responsibility for any the UK, which are sold to customers outside of the damage or loss caused by you. Full payment for any such 11. Special requests UK. damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely If you have any special request, you must advise us in known) must be paid direct at the time to the writing at the time of booking. Although we will endeavour 1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not accommodation owner or manager or other supplier. If the to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note actual cost of the loss or damage exceeds the amount paid we regret we cannot guarantee any request will be met. that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by where estimated, you must pay the difference once known. For your own protection, you should obtain confirmation ABTOT when purchased directly with Audley Travel. If the actual cost is less than the amount paid, the difference in writing from us that your request will be complied with will be refunded. If you fail to do so, you will be responsible (where it is possible for us to give this) if your request is 13. Excursions for meeting any claims subsequently made against us important to you. Confirmation that a special request has Please note that we do not provide or arrange excursions (together with our own and the other party’s full legal been noted or passed on to the supplier or the inclusion of other than those listed in your itinerary and forming part of costs) as a result of your actions. the special request on your confirmation invoice or any the arrangements booked and paid for in the UK. Our local other documentation is not a guarantee that the request representatives or guides may put you in touch with local You must ensure that all your travel documents, full will be met by the relevant supplier. All special requests are organisers of excursions if you request but we can have no passports, visas, vaccination certificates, currency and subject to availability. liability for such excursions, as your contract for such travellers cheques are in order and valid for travel. All costs excursions will be with a local company providing the incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. services and not with us. you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are any booking which is specified to be conditional on the refused entry onto any transport or into any country due fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be 14. Prices and Brochure Accuracy to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. We treated as ‘standard’ bookings subject to the above Please note, the information and prices shown on our are able to give general advice on these matters for British provisions on special requests. website, in our brochures and/or quotations may have citizens holding a British passport. However, non-British changed by the time you come to book your holiday. citizens and non-British passport holders should check with If you have any medical problem or disability which may Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the their embassy or consulate vis-a-vis current requirements. affect your holiday, please tell us before you confirm your website, brochures, quotations and prices at the time of See also our General Information section. booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the printing or when they are given to you, regrettably errors chosen arrangements. In any event, you must give us full do occasionally occur. You must therefore ensure you If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents details in writing at the time of booking. You must also check all details of your chosen holiday (including the price) results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability with us at the time of booking. imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us which may affect your holiday develops after your booking accordingly. has been confirmed. If we reasonably feel unable to 15. Honeymoon Gift Service properly accommodate the particular needs of the person All honeymoon bookings and use of Audley's Honeymoon The name on your airline tickets must be the name that concerned, we must reserve the right to decline their Gift Service are subject to our Terms & Conditions. It is appears on your full passport. reservation or, if full details are not given at the time of important to note that in the unfortunate event of the booking, cancel when we become aware of these details. cancellation of your booking you will be responsible for all Please note that if you believe that we have stated orally cancellation charges as detailed in our Terms & Conditions. that a particular facility or service should be available, but is 12. Your financial protection Audley also reserve the right to charge a £150 not in the brochure or in writing from us, please make We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence issued by the administration fee to cover refunding all monies to your reference to it on the booking form so that we may Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 4817). When you guests. These refunds will only be made once all confirm it to you when accepting your booking. buy an ATOL protected flight-inclusive holiday* from us, cancellation charges have been paid. As the client, you will you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists the flight, take on the responsibility for the full payment of the 9. Complaints accommodation, car hire and/or other services that are booking as the amount of your guest contributions cannot Should you have any complaints about any aspect of your financially protected, where you can get information on be guaranteed. holiday arrangements, you must inform our local what this means for you, and who to contact if things go representative or tour leader immediately and the supplier wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Audley Travel Group Limited. Registered Address: New of the arrangements concerned. Problems can most easily Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 9SX. be dealt with on the spot. Please note, if you do not report ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, Registered in England with Company Reg. No. 3190720. a problem or complaint which, if it had been reported at where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for VAT Reg. No.125454721. September 2014. the time it occurred could have been resolved there and reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may then we cannot accept any liability in respect of that provide you with services you have bought or a suitable problem or complaint. It is sensible to expect a client alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept travelling in the developing world to be reasonably that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder resourceful if things go wrong. If you experience any will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any difficulties, contact us in the UK on our 24 hour emergency money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract telephone service. The number will be found on your pre- to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree departure information and with your tickets. In the unlikely that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an event that an acceptable solution cannot be found, you alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled should then write to us within 28 days of your return with to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit full details of your complaint. If you fail to follow this card issuer where applicable). If we, or the suppliers complaints procedure, your right to claim the identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide compensation you may otherwise have been entitled to the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an may be affected or even lost as a result. alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make If we cannot reach an amicable solution to any dispute you a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL do have the right to refer the dispute to the Association of scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or Independent Tour Operators which operates an benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims Independent Dispute Service (details on request) for which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the resolution of the dispute by a mediator provided the claim non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, does not involve personal accident, injury or illness. the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable).You also agree that any such claims may be re- 10. The brochure and quotation assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums We have taken every care in ensuring that the information you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. in the brochure and given in quotations/itineraries is correct at the time of publication. However we are sure *The air inclusive holidays and flights we arrange are ATOL you will appreciate that subsequently minor alterations may protected providing they are made available in the UK. For arise. We reserve the right to change any of the prices, further information, visit the ATOL website at services or other particulars contained in this brochure or www.atol.org.uk any quotation at any time before we enter into a contract with you. If there is any change we will notify you before Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will we enter into such contract. Where we state that be protected by the ATOL scheme.
Terms and conditions 45