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Journey to Ethiopia Expression of interest for March 2022 Designed and hosted by Kate Iles *Estimated pricing available on request

19 Days/18 Nights Expression of Interest March 2022 Journey to Ethiopia

YOUR INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit 12th Century carved rock churches such as Lalibela • Stay in the Simien Mountains National Park and witness the gelada baboons in their natural habitat Axum • A boat trip on Lake Chamo • Explore various archaeological and Debark ethnological museums • Visit multiple Omo Valley tribes, all unique in Lalibela different ways Bahir Dar • Stay by the lakeside town of Bahir Dar and visit the Blue Nile Falls

TOUR INCLUSIONS: Gondor

Addis Ababa • where2travel host Kate Iles • Accommodation and sightseeing as specified in the itinerary • Meals as specified: Bed & Breakfast in Addis Ababa and Full Board the rest of the itinerary ETHIOPIA • All transfers on arrival and departure for Addis Ababa Arba Minch Jinka • Private transportation on the ground • Internal flights

Turmi • Professional English speaking tour guide • All local guides • Entrance fees • Porterage • Boat hire on Lake Chamo • Bottled mineral water available in the vehicles (1 litre per person, per day) • Government Tax

*Terms and Conditions Apply.

Meet your where2travel Ethiopia host - Kate Iles

Kate’s passion for travel is reflected through the unique destinations she has visited. She loves travelling all over the globe. However, her favourite travel destinations are those that have remarkable scenery, diverse cultures, unfamiliar foods, intriguing history and a lot of wildlife!

Kate first travelled to Africa over ten years ago, where she spent a month overlanding through amazing countries, such as Namibia. She still considers this as her favourite trip, and she feels that she left her heart in Africa and has had a dying desire to return ever since.

Ethiopia is a country she wanted to visit for many years due to its rich history, beautiful scenery and fascinating cultural encounters in the Omo Valley.

2 Journey to Ethiopia

DAY 1: Arrive Addis Ababa DAY 4: Lalibela On arrival into Bole International Airport you will be This morning enjoy an in-depth excursion to Yemrehana welcomed by your guide and your journey will begin with a Krestos Church. Then in the afternoon, marvel at a visit to short drive to the hotel. Check into the hotel and enjoy the the second and third group of churches of Lalibela. rest of your day at leisure. Accommodation: Maribela Hotel / Similar (Breakfast, Lunch *For entry into Ethiopia you will be required to hold a current and Dinner) passport with at least six months validity as well as a visa. You may obtain the visa on arrival at Bole International DAY 5: Axum Airport Ethiopia. Rise early this morning for a 26km drive to the airport and Accommodation: Sheraton Addis Hotel / Similar (Breakfast) board a flight to Axum, the most ancient capital of Ethiopia. Visit the famous ‘Stelae Field’ (4th Century AD and UNESCO DAY 2: Addis Ababa World Heritage Site), this is the ruined palace and tomb of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel (5th and 6th Century Today enjoy a City Tour of Addis Ababa, which will include AD) and the residence of the legendary Queen of Sheba a visit to the National Museum, the Ethnological Museum, (9th Century BC). Trinity Cathedral, and a scenic drive to Mount Entoto for a panoramic photo opportunity of the city. Accommodation: Sabean International Hotel / Similar (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) Accommodation: Sheraton Addis Hotel / Similar (Breakfast) DAY 6: Axum DAY 3: Lalibela Today visit the Archeological Museum in Axum and the After breakfast transfer to Bole Airport for your flight to Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, which is believed to be the Lalibela. This town is located in the Northern region of last resting place of the Original Ark of the Covenant. This Ethiopia and is home to the 12th and 13th Century distinctive afternoon visit the Yeha Temple (5th Century BC), the oldest hand carved rock churches from the King Lalibela era (1181 standing structure in Ethiopia. The Yeha Temple was built in – 1221), whom the town is named after. After lunch at the a Sabaean style and dated through comparison with ancient hotel, enjoy a visit to the first group of churches in Lalibela structures in South Arabia. There is also an archeological (UNESCO World Heritage Site), which are situated northeast museum under construction, soon to be opened (dates not of the Jordan River. yet known). Accommodation: Maribela Hotel / Similar (Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Sabean International Hotel / Similar and Dinner) (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Ethiopia, Lalibela. Monolithic church of Saint George (Bet Giyorgis in Amharic) in the shape of a cross. The churches of Lalibela is on UNESCO World Heritage List

Axum - Main Stelae Journey to Ethiopia

DAY 7: Gondar This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar, the 17th and 18th century capital of Ethiopia. In Gondar, visit the ‘Royal Compound’ with many majestic castles constructed in the European middle age architectural style. Visit the Emperor Fasilides’ Bath, and the Debre Birhan Selassie Church (Trinity and Mountain of Light), which is the finest of the Gonderine churches. This Selassie Church was built during the reign of Emperor Iyasu (1682 - 1706). The inside walls of the front room are covered with paintings painted on cloth, and then glued to the surface. The ceiling was built with thick beams and is beautifully decorated with winged angel heads looking down. The wall paintings depict scenes from the life of Christ and Mary. Accommodation: Gondar Hills Resort / Similar (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) DAY 8: Debark After breakfast, say goodbye to Gondar and travel to Sankaber, the headquarters of Simien Mountains National Park, passing rural villages and mountain passes with stunning vistas. The Simien Mountains National Park occupies a surface area of 180 sq km. The park, situated between 4,430 and 1,900 meters (6,200 - 4,500 feet), boasts varied flora with three marked botanical areas. The highest parts have meadows with little vegetation, characteristic of afro alpine zones. Here we can find the endemic Lobelia rhynchopetalum, small groups of perpetual flowers, Helichrysum, and the striking Kniphofia foliosa. Spend the afternoon strolling around the lodge to spot some gelada baboons and appreciate the breath-taking scenery. Bahir Dar - Ethiopian Ladies on Epiphany Accommodation: Limalimo Lodge / Similar (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) of the most spectacular falls in Africa. When in full flood the falls are quite impressive at 400 m wide and 45 m high. The DAY 9: Debark falls are an interesting site with some nice bird watching on After breakfast you will journey to Chenek with a picnic the easy 30-min walk to the viewpoint. lunch. Chenek is home to the elusive walia ibex, which Hippos and crocodiles are occasionally spotted on the is an endangered species. The landscape in this area is banks of the river, especially in the early morning and late remarkably picturesque with panoramic vistas overlooking afternoon. the deep gorges of the escarpment. The excursion today will allow us to explore the pinnacles, valleys and wildlife of this Accommodation: Kuriftu Resort and Spa / Similar (Breakfast, stunning region. The beauty of the ranges can be discovered Lunch and Dinner) by following century-old footpaths, and don’t forget to look DAY 11: Arba Minch out for the gelada baboons who reside here amidst the local pasture lands. Early this morning fly back to Addis Ababa to connect onto your flight to Arba Minch - meaning forty springs named Accommodation: Limalimo Lodge / Similar (Breakfast, Lunch after the several streams surrounding the town. On the and Dinner) way to your lodge, you will visit Chencha, the village of DAY 10: Bahir Dar Dorze people who are known for their weaving culture and beehive shaped huts. After breakfast, continue your journey to the lakeside city of Bahir Dar. This afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the Blue Accommodation: Haile Resort Arba Minch / Similar Nile Falls. The Blue Nile Falls is considered by many as one (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

4 Journey to Ethiopia

DAY 12: Arba Minch and insert a circular disk. As part of your excursion you will spend time with a Mursi family and learn about their way Today enjoy a remarkable boat ride on the southernmost Rift of life. Valley Lake of Ethiopia – Lake Chamo. A boat trip on Lake Chamo is among the best anywhere in Ethiopia. You may Accommodation: Eco Omo Safari Lodge / Similar even spot some hippos and the world’s most spectacular (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) concentrations of giant crocodiles (locally they call this area the “crocodile market”). DAY 15: Turmi This is an excellent opportunity to watch various lowland In the morning, you will visit the Omo Valley Cultural water birds like the African fish eagle, great white pelicans Museum. Then drive to the town of Turmi, the settlement and egrets. Fishing for Nile perch (African snook) and many of the Hamer people. Today is Saturday so you will have other species by locals on their traditional boats is by far the the chance to attend the Dimeka market of the Hamer and best in the country. Benna people. Accommodation: Haile Resort Arba Minch / Similar Accommodation: Buska Lodge / Similar (Breakfast, Lunch (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) and Dinner) DAY 13: Jinka DAY 16: Turmi This morning journey to Jinka, visiting Konso village, which In the morning, you will enjoy an excursion to Murrulle, the was recently registered as the 9th UNESCO World Heritage village of the Karo people. Their village consist of a small Site in Ethiopia. The Konso people are noted for their rock group of people and they are known to indulge in body terracing and colourful hand woven cotton clothes. painting before an important ceremony. In the afternoon, you will visit the Hamer people in their village. Continue your drive to Key Afer and visit a local market, where you will see the Benna and Tsemai Tribes trade goods The women are particularly known for their striking outfits, (Thursday is market day). adorned with thick plaits of ochre-colored hair hanging down in a heavy fringe, their leather skirts which are decorated Accommodation: Eco Omo Lodge / Similar (Breakfast, with cowries, and a dozen or more copper bracelets fixed Lunch and Dinner) tightly around their arms. DAY 14: Jinka The men are also noted for their initiation ceremony of “Jumping over the Bulls”. Catching this interesting ritual is After breakfast, depart Jinka and travel to the Mursi village entirely a matter of chance. to visit and appreciate the very attractive culture of the Mursi tribe. The woman in their tribe follow a strange custom Accommodation: Buska Lodge / Similar (Breakfast, Lunch where upon reaching maturity, they have their lower lip slit and Dinner)

St. Mary of Zion Church Journey to Ethiopia

sell vegetables, spices, butter, milk and traditional items like incised calabashes, head stools, metal arm bracelets and smelly goatskins decorated with beads and cowrie shells – it will not get more atmospheric than this. Accommodation: Buska Lodge / Similar (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) DAY 18: Addis Ababa This morning depart for Jinka to catch your flight back to Addis Ababa. Today you have the option to visit the largest open-air market in Africa – Mercato. Early evening be spoiled at one of the best traditional restaurants in Addis Ababa for your farewell dinner. Taste a variety of Ethiopian Mursi Girl cuisine and enjoy traditional dances from different ethnic groups. After dinner return to your hotel for an evening at DAY 17: Turmi leisure. Today you will continue to Omorate and visit the Dassanech Accommodation: Sheraton Addis Hotel / Similar (Breakfast, people, who are the southern most people of the country Lunch and Dinner) and are known for their scarifications. They live just north of Lake Turkana, the region where Ethiopia borders Kenya and DAY 19: Depart Addis Ababa Sudan. The Dassanech people speak a completely different Following breakfast, please check out of the hotel and language and are the only Cushitic-speaking group in the transfer to Bole International Airport for your international Omo Valley. This afternoon, attend the Monday Turmi market. departure flight. (Breakfast) It is surrounded by Hamer villages, along with nearly every tourist in the valley who visits this market. Hamer women

Turmi. Hamar women in a village near Turmi during a bull jump ceremony. Their backs are full of scars from scourging during these ceremonies. It is a primitive tribe and the women have many decorations.

6 Terms and Conditions

Please read carefully and ensure you understand these terms and conditions. subject to availability at the time of booking. All itineraries are subject By requesting or making a booking, you acknowledge and confirm you to driver regulations in the country or countries where the trip operates. have read and accept these terms and conditions without reservation as Where2travel reserves the right to vary itineraries and change hotels should constituting the entire agreement between you and us which cannot be circumstances dictate, as well as cancel or reschedule any custom trip varied other than by an agent of where2travel in writing. in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. All information and prices contained in this tour brochure, quote and subsequent invoice are correct at time of printing. Hotels:

Changes may occur beyond our control due to a number of factors including All hotels are subject to availability at time of booking, unless otherwise currency fluctuations, tour content, standards of service, airfares and airline stipulated. Public holidays, major events and peak travel seasons may have schedules. Please check with where2travel prior to finalising your booking an impact on the ability of where2travel to secure the accommodation and processing any payments to ensure all information you have is correct. quoted and we reserve the right to book alternative hotels or locations if necessary. A confirmed list of hotels will usually be available approximately RESERVATION three months after the payment of Trip Deposit.

Booking: Single Rooms: The quoted land prices are based on 2020 rates and will be subject to re- quote once 2021 rates have been finalised by the land operators. Please The number of single rooms is limited. Room share is not available on advise your booking consultant in writing (email acceptable) if you wish to custom trips. proceed with this booking. Passports: Your booking will only be confirmed once the deposit has been paid to where2travel, a booking form has been completed and minimum numbers All passports must have a minimum of 6 months validity from your return have been reached to ensure that the group is a guaranteed departure. date. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that their passport is valid The minimum number of passengers required to operate this trip is 12, at the time of travel. A copy of your passport will be required for the excluding the host. If the numbers fall below 12 people, then there will be where2travel host. options to discuss with all guests to privatise the trip, or pay a surcharge to operate the trip with a lower number, or book the trip without a where2travel Visas: host. Any visitor can get a visa upon arrival in Ethiopia at Bole Airport. The Deposits: current cost for a visa upon arrival is USD$50.00. (Subject to change) A deposit of AUD$1,200.00 is required to set up the trip. Additional deposits may be required to secure flight tickets, space at particular hotels Vaccinations: and/or other services. You must consult with your medical GP or travel doctor in regards to the You will be advised of these deposits and invoiced for them as/when they inoculations you will require for your trip. Please keep in mind that people become applicable. with some past medical conditions cannot obtain live vaccines such as the Yellow Fever vaccine, and this needs to be discussed with your medical Pricing: professional. It is advised that malaria tablets are taken on your travels. All prices for land itineraries are per person in Australian dollars, but are contracted in USD. Unless otherwise stated the pricing is based on twin Travel Insurance: share accommodation. Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour, and your agent will require a Prices are based on charges, taxes and levies current at the time of booking copy of your policy prior to departure. We strongly recommend that you and may change if there are significant hanges in taxes, charges or levies are adequately insured for the full duration of your tour and that you make imposed by any government, currency fluctuations or its agencies. sure evacuation cover is included in your policy, as you will be travelling to remote destinations. We suggest you purchase insurance at the time you Final Payments: pay your deposit. Final payment for all bookings held will be due 180 days prior to departure and is non-refundable. Where2travel and their operators will not accept responsibility for loss of deposit or full payment, loss or damage to baggage and personal Items CANCELLATION AND AMENDMENT POLICY including camera equipment, personal injury and illness, medical expenses and/or cancellation of your trip due to circumstances beyond our control. All cancellations or amendments must be advised in writing (preferably by email) and are effective only when receipt is confirmed by where2travel. Government Warnings: The following cancellation fees apply. It is our recommendation that all travellers thoroughly read the Australian • Deposit refundable less an administration fee of$850.00 per person, Government Advisory website – www. smarttraveller.gov.au - enabling you up to 250 days prior to departure. to make well-informed decisions about whether, when and where to travel. • Loss of secondary deposit (25%) within 250 - 180 days prior to Where2travel and their operators do not accept liability for injury, damage, departure. delay, loss or additional expenses incurred directly or indirectly from any • 100% cancellation fees 180 days - 0 days prior to departure. events that may occur subsequent to any government warnings. • ALL airfares are subject to airline rules and are in addition to the above amounts. Airport Transfers:

GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS Generally, one group transfer will be provided by coach, as long as the group arrive and depart on the same dates and at approximately the same Itinerary: times. Private transfers can be arranged (at extra cost) for passengers Please ensure you check all inclusions in the attached itinerary, as any arriving on alternative dates or at alternative times. Please provide your items not specified may incur extra charges. All inclusions in the trip are flight information in writing a minimum of 90 days prior to departure.

7 Terms and Conditions

Travel Documents: (“released parties”) shall be responsible or liable for cancellations, acts of Travel documents will be sent to a central address approximately 21 days other service providers, diversions or substitution of equipment or any act, prior to departure from Australia (provided full payment has been received variation, postponement, omission or default by air carriers, land carriers, on time). hoteliers or hotels, transportation companies, or any other persons providing services or accommodations to guests including any results Luggage and Porterage: thereof, such as changes in services, accommodations or facilities.

Carriage of one suitcase per person is included in the quoted price. Due Nor shall they be liable for loss or damage to luggage or property, or for to limited coach capacity each case should not exceed the internal flight’s injury, illness or death, or for any damages or claims whatsoever arising luggage allowance. Porterage of one suitcase per person in and out of from loss, negligence or delay from the act, error, omission default or hotels is also included in the price, additional costs may be payable for negligence of any person not its direct employee or under its exclusive passengers with more than one piece of luggage. control, including any act, error, omission, default, or negligence of any country, government or governmental authority, officer or employee. Please note that alternative luggage limits may apply when internal flights are included with an itinerary – you will be provided with further details as The released parties shall not be liable for indirect, special or consequential appropriate. damages. All luggage and personal effects are at all times and in all circumstances at the risk of the guided holiday participant. Where2travel WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE TRIP recommends that guest obtain luggage insurance.

• Passports and applicable visa fees Additional risks and dangers may arise including, but not limited to, • Optional experiences hazards of travelling in undeveloped areas, hazards of travel by boat, train, • Excess baggage automobile, aircraft and other means of conveyance, animal interactions, • Meals other than specified on the itinerary forces of nature, political unrest, other unrest, hazardous local customs and • Expenses of a personal nature, beverages and incidentals at the hotels • Transportation, sightseeing and admission other than specified on the itinerary. practices, differing levels of sanitation, differing standards of safety, risks • Tips* associated with water, food, plants, insects and differing animal regulation, • International Flights* accident or illness in areas lacking means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities, and acts of national and local governments and unrest and acts RESPONSIBILITY of others against governments.

Complete Agreement: These risks are not an exhaustive list but are examples of many kinds of risks. You are voluntarily participating in these activities with the knowledge These booking conditions, together with the other terms incorporated into that there are significant dangers involved, and you hereby agree to accept this contract referred to below, represent the entire agreement between the any and all risks. parties. As lawful consideration for the agreement with where2travel to participate Changes: in such trips and activities you agree you will not make a claim against where2travel. The Operator shall be responsible to the guest for supplying the services and accommodations described in this brochure, except where they cannot Safety: be supplied or the itinerary is changed due to delays or other causes of whatever kind or nature beyond the Operator’s control. Where the guest occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither where2travel nor the Operator, nor its agents or co-operating In such circumstances, the Operator will seek to supply comparable organisations or service providers will be liable for any injury, illness or services, accommodations and itineraries and there shall be no refund in death or for any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any these circumstances. accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of such an accident or incident. Disclaimer of Liability: This exclusion and limitation of liability shall not be used to imply that the Neither where2tavel, nor the Operator, nor its agents or affiliated entities Operator or its agents or affiliated entities are liable in other circumstances.

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