Ethiopia 9 Nights

T H E E T H I O P I A A F R I C A H U B

T r u s t e d i n s i d e r k n o w l e d g e f r o m h a n d p i c k e d e x p e r t s

E T H I O P I A ’ S H I S T O R I C C I R C U I T

I N P A R T N E R S H I P W I T H K I B R A N T O U R S

Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Simien Mountain NP, Gondar, Lalibela, Axum, Lake Langano 9 nights

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Over this exciting 10-night itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to meet some fantastic locals and learn about Ethiopia’s fascinating extraordinary history. The trip will take in Ethiopia’s most famous historical sights including the incredible rock-cut churches of Lalibella, remarkable fairytale castles of Gondar and the island monasteries in the heart of Lake Tana. You’ll also get to visit the magnificent stelae in Axum which is also supposedly the home to the Ark of the Covenant. Nature-lovers will also be thrilled to take in some of the country’s finest spots including the Blue Nile falls and the awe-inspiring Simien Mountains National Park, ending off with some lakeside relaxation at Lake Langano.

T H E A F R I C A H U B W W W . T H E A F R I C A H U B . C O . U K T H E A F R I C A H U B D A Y 1

Arrive: Addis Ababa Bole International airport, Addis Ababa Transfer: By car to local hotel Depart: Addis Ababa airport | Arrive: Sapphire Addis Hotel 1 night at Sapphire Addis Hotel Inclusions: Full board

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a local representative who will transfer you to the Sapphire Addis Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city and Africa’s diplomatic capital.

Welcome to Addis Ababa… Meaning “New Flower”, Addis Ababa was founded by Emperor Menelik II in 1887, who selected the site because of its location within the Entoto Hills, which has long been the centre of Shoan politics. Addis lies in the central highlands, rising to an altitude of 3,000m in parts, making it the third highest capital in the world. It is a pleasant and vibrant city, with wide avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. The capital is rich in impressive monuments of historic architecture, which are interspersed amidst stretches of modest, sun- bleached shacks.

Sapphire Addis Hotel fast facts: A 5 star hotel that located in the city’s central zone, 1km from Bole International Airport and opposite Bole Medanailam Church -Facilities include a luxurious Restaurant, Bar and Lounge, Spa and Fitness Centre -130 delicately furnished guest rooms of various types

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Transfer: By car to Addis Ababa airport Flight to Bahir Dar airport Transfer: By car to Kuriftu Resort and Spa Depart: Sapphire Addis Hotel | Arrive: Kuriftu Resort and Spa 2 nights at Kuriftu Resort and Spa Inclusions: Full board

Today after breakfast you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to Bahir Dar, where you’ll meet with a local representative and will be transferred to your hotel.

Bahir Dar means “by the side of the sea” in the Amharic language.

After taking a rest, you’ll drive to the Blue Nile Falls – known locally as Tissiat – which means “The Smoking Water.” The Falls are 328 feet wide and the water plunges some 150 feet, giving rise to picturesque stream clouds and rainbows.

The afternoon will be spent relaxing at Kuriftu Resort and Spa.

Kuriftu Resort and Spa fast facts: Luxury resort in the Adama region Beautiful open grounds with a large central swimming pool 94 rooms including two Presidential Suites

D A Y 3

Today after breakfast you’ll embark by boat to Lake Tana to visit two of the renowned Island Monasteries of the Lake, namely: Ura Kidane Mihret and Azua Mariam. Both have wonderful wall paintings which depict scenes from the Old and the New Testaments of the Holy Bible.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll visit the market, where you can find the typical hand-woven capes and scarves made of good, local cotton. Also, you can visit Weyto village, 2km west of town, known for its production of Tankwa boats. Lastly, you’ll encounter the Palace of the Emperor Haile Selassie at Bizeit, with great views of the town and the lake, including where the Blue Nile flows out of the lake.

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D A Y 4

Transfer: By car to Gondar Depart: Kuriftu Resort and Spa | Arrive: Mayleko lodge 1 night at Mayleko lodge Inclusions: Full board

Today, early in the morning you’ll drive to Gondar, which is 180km distant and will take around 3hrs. On arrival, you’ll check in to Mayleko Lodge before embarking on your exploration of Gondar.

Welcome to Gondar… Gondar is the imperial city of Fasilides. The city was the first capital of the Ethiopian empire, which began in 1632, with the reign of Fasilides; and the kings of Ethiopia based their power there for over two centuries. In Gondar, there are a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. Many picturesque ruins lie in the royal enclosure, like fairy-tale castles dating back to the 17th century. The castles reflect the glory of Gondarine kings and are characterized by their distinctive architectural style. The other place of interest is the Fasilides pool, in which pilgrims still take a plunge during the Timket (Epiphany) celebrations.

You’ll then proceed to Debre Birhan Trinity Church, rewarding for its magnificent murals adorning the roof and the walls.

Mayleko lodge Fast Facts: A luxury lodge surrounded with breath-taking beauty and nature The ancient castle of Fasiledes is only 15 km from the lodge. 17 bungalows and an additional 10 adjacent designed with styles that echo the area´s rich story Traditionally constructed using reclaimed hardwoods, sustainable & recycled materials and local skills

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Transfer: By car to Gondar airport Flight to Lalibella airport Transfer: By car to Mayleko Lodge Depart: Mayleko lodge | Arrive: Mezena Lodge 2 nights at Mezena Lodge Inclusions: Full board

Today you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. On arrival you will be welcomed by a representative who will then transfer you to Mezana Lodge. After checking in to your hotel, you’ll begin your tour.

Welcome to Lalibella… Lalibella is rightly acknowledged as being one of the Wonders of the World. At the end of the 12th and beginning of the 13th centuries King Lalibella of the Zaghwe dynasty built a series of rock hewn churches in this spot, calling it New Jerusalem. Crafted from the rock in which they stand, these towering edifices seems to be superhuman creation in scale, workman ship and concept. 11 churches in the town are named after the King. Today you will explore the first group of six churches which lie in rock cradles, one behind the other: Bet Golgotha, Bet Mikael, Bet Mariam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel and Bet Medhane Alem.

Mezena Lodge Lodge fast facts: Situated on the eastern side of the city of Lalibella on just over 16.5 acres of land 30 extra-big bungalows surrounded by luxuriant trees and savannah grasses Facilities include cultural & all-day dining restaurants, a lavish bar, souvenir shop, spacious swimming pool modern day spa and fully equipped gym

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In the morning you’ll visit the second group of the rock churches. The south-east cluster of churches is more irregular in design than the north-western cluster. Several of the individual churches in this cluster are thought to have been secular in origin, and some predate the reign of King Lalibela by five centuries. The churches in the south-east cluster include Bet Gebriel-Rafael, Bet Abba Libanos, Bet Lehem, Bet Emanuel, and Bet Mercurios. According to legend, Bet Abba Libanos was built overnight by Lalibela's wife, Meskel Kebre, who was assisted by a group of angels.

Finally you’ll visit Bet Giyorgis, possibly the most elegant and majestic of all the Lalibela churches, which lies somewhat isolated in the southwest part of the village on a sloping rock terrace. It can only be reached through a tunnel. After lunch, you’ll visit the monastery of Nakuto Laab, located 6km outside Lalibela and accessible by car. It is a simple, yet fascinating example of Lalibela’s eastern group of rock hewn churches.

In the late afternoon, you’ll visit the open market of Lalibela, after which you will experience Ethiopian hospitality, at a traditional coffee ceremony.

D A Y 7

Transfer: By car to Lalibella airport Flight to Axum airport Transfer: By car to Sabean International Hotel Depart: Mezena Lodge | Arrive: Sabean International Hotel 1 nights at Sabean International Hotel Inclusions: Full board

Today, after breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to Axum. On arrival you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel where you can freshen up before you explore Axum.

Welcome to Axum… Axum is renowned for its cathedral of St. Mary Zion, where, as legend has it, the original Ark of the Covenant is housed.There are several standing monolithic stelae which are made of single pieces of granite, on which three have identical decoration. Another treasure includes The Queen of Sheba’s Palace. The site contains the remains of what was once a massive palace with finely-mortared stone walls, deep foundations and its own impressive drainage system. It is believed to be the oldest building in Axum.

Sabean International Hotel fast facts: A very central hotel in Axum which is newly finished with a modern feel Ideal base to see the archaeological sites and stele in Axum Good location to sample authentic local cuisine and culture

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Transfer: By car to Axum airport Flight to Addis Ababa airport Transfer: By car to Sabana Beach Resort Depart: Sabean International Hotel | Arrive: Sabana Beach Resort 2 nights at Sabana Beach Resort Inclusions: Full board

Today you will be transferred to the airport in time to connect with your flight to Addis Ababa. On arrival you will be met by a local representative and transferred south to Lake Langano, roughly 3 hours away. Check in to your hotel and relax for the next two days. Activities you can enjoy here include lake- front walks over the beach, a trip on a canoe, and swimming.

Welcome to Lake Langano… The lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike not least because it is free from bilharzia, unlike other fresh water lakes in Ethiopia. The area is rich in wildlife, including baboons, warthogs, monkeys and the occasional hippo. On the eastern shore of the lake is the East Langano Nature Reserve which makes for a lovely safari experience. Visitors can even explore on horseback. The forests are home to over 300 species of birds (7 endemic) and it is often possible to find Colobus monkeys.

Sabana Beach Resort fast facts: Ideally located on the shores of Lake Langano Lodge has a serene beachfront as well as a vast cliff-top with a breath-taking view over the lake 25 en-suite bungalows situated on a cliff top, each with an expansive view of Lake Langano and the Arsi Mountains from a private balcony Leisure facilities include a Wellness Centre & Spa, kids' playground, water slide, canoeing, beach volleyball, life-size chess, table tennis, and more

W W W . T H E A F R I C A H U B . C O . U K D A Y 1 0

Depart: Sabean International Hotel | Arrive: airport Flight to Addis Transfer: By car to local hotel Depart: Addis Airport | Arrive: Sapphire Addis Hotel 1 nights at Sapphire Addis Hotel Inclusions: Full board

Today you will be transferred back to Addis Ababa and to Entebbe airport in time to connect with your international flight home.

For Price, contact Kibran Tours

Includes: Excludes: Flights as stated International Flights Full board accommodation throughout Visa fee for entry in Ethiopia All transfers with an English-speaking COVID test cost guide/driver Gratuity Airport Meet and assist Extra activities not mentioned in itinerary All tours as specified

I N P A R T N E R S H I P W I T H K I B R A N T O U R S Kibran Tours is one of the oldest and most experienced tour operators in Ethiopia. With an extensive knowledge about Ethiopia’s cultures, its nature and its people they are internationally known for our flexibility, reliability and professionalism.

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