WOW! Travel presents… E T H I O P I A 2 0 2 0 Experience the Beauty of Northern & Southern Ethiopia
Bete Abba Libanos Church Fasilides Castle
Simien Mountains National Park Hamer Tribe
North & South Ethiopia The Historic Route & Omo Valley
November 5-21, 2020 Pricing and package inclusions detailed on page 8. Based on double occupancy accommodations. Small group experience, maximum 16 travelers. wowtravelclub.com/ethiopia Page 2
WOW! Travel | 5855 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Suite 220, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 | 818.878.8969 | wowtravelclub.com WOW! Travel E T H I O P I A 2020 O V E R V I E W Northern Ethiopia - The Historic Route: Visit the highlights of the north including the metropolitan city of Addis Ababa, the religious epicenter of Africa - Lalibela, and breathtaking Simien National Park.
Southern Ethiopia - The Omo Valley: Travel through scenic Omo Valley and meet the beautiful, interesting locals. Visit small villages and experience life in Southern Ethiopia. I T I N E R A R Y A T - A - G L A N C E
DAY 1 | 11.5 DAY 2 | 11.6 DAY 3 | 11.7 DAY 4 | 11.8 DAY 5 | 11.9 DAY 6 | 11.10
Morning tour of Fly to Gondar, then Fly to Lalibela. heavenly Jerusalem transfer to Simien Arrive Addis Ababa. Full-day sightseeing Lunch followed by a Depart US for churches. Lunch, National Park. tour of Addis tour of churches overnight flights to then visit a local Check into hotel. Ababa. representing Addis Ababa, home for cooking Check into hotel, earthly Jerusalem. Ethiopia. demonstration. Depart of a walking Evening on own. Welcome dinner. tour to find Gelada Dinner at the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. Baboons.
No meals No meals B, L, D B, L, D B, L, D B, L, D
DAY 7 | 11.11 DAY 8 | 11.12 DAY 9 | 11.13 DAY 10 | 11.14 DAY 11 | 11.15 DAY 12 | 11.16
Transfer back to Fly to Axum. Drive to Arba Gondar visiting Museum and Day hike with picnic Visit 5th century Fly to Addis Ababa. Minch, visiting local Felasha Village cathedral visit lunch in Chenek. ruins in Yeha. villages and a en route. before lunch. Drive to Langano, market in Chencha. Return to lodge for Lunch and dinner passing through Check into hotel, Check into the leisure time. back at the hotel. scenic Rift Valley. Enjoy scenic views then tour the Royal hotel and enjoy of Lake Abaya. Enclosure. dinner.
B, L, D B, L, D B, L, D B, L, D B, D B, L, D
DAY 13 | 11.17 Day 14 | 11.18 DAY 15 | 11.19 DAY 16 | 11.20 DAY 17 | 11.21
Drive to Jinka. Drive to Turmi Excursion to visit Drive to Arba Minch Return flights to the Boat ride on Lake visiting Mursi and the Karo and for flight to Addis US from Addis Chamo and village Benna villages en Hamer tribes and Ababa for Ababa. visits en route. route. Dus Village. overnight.
B, L, D B, L, D B, L, D B B WOW! Travel E T H I O P I A 2020 I T I N E R A R Y
St. George Armenian Church, the Merkato, the Menelik II ||| ETHIOPIA ||| Mausoleum and lunch. National Museum: View many archaeological and DAY 1 | Depart the USA | Thu, November 5 historical findings including the famous complete Depart the US on an overnight flight to Addis Ababa, the hominid fossil known as ‘Lucy.’ capital city of Ethiopia. St. George Armenian Church: Armenians contributed a great deal to the development of Addis Ababa, and this DAY 2 | Arrive Addis Ababa | Fri, November 6 church is a monumental building in the cultural history of the city. On arrival to Addis Ababa, meet your guide and transfer Merkato: The largest open-air market in Africa. Take a to the hotel. fascinating glimpse at the vast range of goods and Relax and unpack. Dinner on own. artifacts available from all over the country of Ethiopia. Excellent opportunity for souvenir shopping!
Menelik II Mausoleum: Located in Beata Maryam Church, which was built by Empress Zewditu in 1911, this mausoleum contains the tombs of Menelik II, Empress Taitu, their daughter Empress Zewditu, Princess Tseha ( a daughter of Haile Silasse who died at the age of 22) and Abune Mathias ( the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox church who presided over the coronation of Menelik II).
In the evening, we’ll have a welcome dinner party at a traditional restaurant in Addis Ababa to taste the varieties of Ethiopian cuisine and enjoy the traditional dances of different ethnic groups.
Addis Ababa: Founded in 1886 by Emp. Menelik II, Addis Overnight: Sheraton Addis, a Luxury Collection Hotel Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and the seat of the African Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Union (AU). Addis Ababa is the 5th highest capital city in the world and one of the largest cities in Africa with a population well over 5 million. Addis Ababa is a pleasant DAY 4 | Lalibela | Sun, November 8 city with wide, Jacaranda-lined avenues, interesting After breakfast, transfer back to the airport and fly to museums and the largest open-air market (Merkato) in Lalibela (40-minute flight). On arrival, transfer to the city Africa. center and check into your hotel.
Overnight: Sheraton Addis, a Luxury Collection Hotel Lalibela: Arguably one of the most important religious Meals: None and historical sites in all of Africa and the entire Christian world. There are over 200 churches in the Lasta Region of DAY 3 | Addis Ababa | Sat, November 7 Lalibela. Some are hidden in enormous caves. These brilliant feats of engineering and architecture are often Enjoy breakfast at the hotel each morning. referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World. Many different theories exist on how they were built and by whom, After breakfast, depart on a full day sightseeing tour of including angels and the Knights Templars. Addis Ababa that includes visits to the National Museum, WOW! Travel E T H I O P I A 2020 I T I N E R A R Y
In the afternoon, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Visit a DAY 6 | Simien | Tue, November 10 group of churches that represent “earthly” Jerusalem. This group includes Bete Medhanialem, Bete Miriam, After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Gondar Bete Denagel, Bete Meskal, Debra Sina, Bete Golgotha (1-hour flight). On arrival, meet your driver and transfer to and Medhane Alem. Standing 38 feet tall with seventy- Sankaber (approx. 2.5 hours), passing rural villages and two pillars, Medhane Alem is not only the largest in crossing mountain passes with stunning views of the Lalibela, but it is the largest monolithic rock-hewn church Simien Mountains. Lunch will be at a restaurant en route. in the world. Simien Mountains National Park: Occupying a surface Return to the hotel with the remainder of the evening and area of 70 sq. mi., the park boasts a variety of flora with dinner at leisure. Dinner included at the hotel. three distinct botanical areas. The highest elevations have meadows with little vegetation, characteristic of afro Overnight: Maribela Hotel alpine zones. Here we find the Lobelia Rhynchopetalum, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner small groups of perpetual flowers, Helichrysum, and the striking Kniphofia Foliosa.
DAY 5 | Lalibela | Mon, November 9
After breakfast, visit a second group of churches representing “heavenly” Jerusalem. In this group are the Bete Gabriel & Raphael, Bete Merquorios, Bete Emmanuel, Bete Abba Libanos and Bete Giorgis. The cross-shaped church of Bete Giorgis (St. George) is said to symbolize Noah’s Ark. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit a local household in Lalibela to experience Ethiopia’s traditional cuisine and experience unique Ethiopian cooking traditions with a demonstration. This afternoon, take a walking tour near your hotel to spot the endemic Gelada Baboon. Return to the hotel with the remainder of the evening and dinner at leisure. Dinner included at the hotel. Dinner at the hotel, at leisure, is included.
Overnight: Maribela Hotel Overnight: Limalimo Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner WOW! Travel E T H I O P I A 2020 I T I N E R A R Y
DAY 7 | Simien | Wed, November 11 Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion: The original church was built by Emperor Fasiladas, founder of Gonder, in 1665. After breakfast, head out on a day hike with picnic lunch. It’s thought that this church is built on the original Depart the lodge for Chenek, where we might get a foundations of a temple build by King Ezana or King Kaleb glimpse of the Walia Ibex. The landscape in this area is in the 4th or 6th centuries, making this the oldest Christian remarkably picturesque with panoramic vistas overlooking site in Africa. Keep your eye out for the guarded chapel, the deep gorges of the Escarpment. which is said to be the home of the Ark of the Covenant. Dinner at the hotel, at leisure, is included.
Overnight: Limalimo Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 8 | Gondar | Thu, November 12
After breakfast, drive back to Gondar (approx. 2.5 hours), visiting the former Jewish village of Felasha en route. Its residents have now migrated to Israel. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Royal Enclosure and its buildings. The fortress, which is surrounded by a 300- We also spend time exploring the on-site museum under foot-long wall, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The the church, which houses many of Ethiopia’s priceless oldest and most impressive structure in the compound is relics. The museum was recently opened to both women the two-story palace of Emperor Fasilidas, built of solid and men and photography is strictly not allowed. basalt stones. Nearby is the bath of King Fasiledes, where modern-day Timkat ceremonies are performed. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Remainder fo the afternoon and dinner at your leisure. Overnight: Sabean International Hotel Dinner is included at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Goha Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner DAY 10 | Axum | Sat, November 14 Today, we’ll depart on an excursion to Yeha to visit the 5th century B.C. ruins of Yeha’s temple; also called the DAY 9 | Axum | Fri, November 13 temple of moon. After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Axum (2- Yeha Temple: A large pre-Christian temple consisting of a hour flight). single oblong chamber. The temple is believed to be the Axum: This frontier town is the ancient capital of Ethiopia. oldest standing building in the country. We also visit the According to local legend, Axum was home to Queen Abba Garima monastery which houses ancient Sheba and is the current resting place of the Ark of the manuscripts. Covenant. Return to the hotel for lunch. Remainder of the afternoon On arrival, we'll get our first glimpse into the history of this on own. We’ll regroup for dinner at the hotel. area with a city tour that includes the Archeological Overnight: Sabean International Hotel Museum of Axum and the Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Lunch included. WOW! Travel E T H I O P I A 2020 I T I N E R A R Y
DAY 11 | Langano | Sun, November 15 and Chencha. A special treat – today is market day in Chencha! Some of Ethiopia’s best woven cottons come After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Addis from Chencha. The men weave and the women spin. We’ll Ababa. visit a weaving cooperative nearby Chencha to see their THIS IS A MID-WAY POINT OF THE TRIP; THE SOUTHERN process and – if you like – do some shopping! PORTION OF THE JOURNEY INCLUDES MORE MOVING Overnight: Haile Resort Arbaminch AROUND AND LONGER MOTOR COACH RIDES AS WE DELVE DEEPER INTO TRIBAL LANDS AND EXPERIENCE A MORE Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner IMMERSIVE ITINERARY.
On arrival, meet your driver and head to Langano DAY 13 | Jinka | Tue, November 17 (approx. 4-5 hours) passing through the rift valley. After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Jinka Rift Valley: A deep fission that extends for over 3,800 (approx. 4-5 hours). En route, stop and enjoy a boat ride on miles from the Middle East to Mozambique. The rift the southernmost Rift Valley lake, Lake Chamo. Boating on contains a marvelous series of lakes teeming with wildlife. Lake Chamo is among the best anywhere in Ethiopia. The lake is home to large populations of hippos and crocodiles.
During the scenic drive, enjoy views of Abijata and Shala Lakes. We’ll make several stops en-route, including lunch.
Overnight: Sabana Resort Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Next, visit Konso Village, which has been recently registered as the 9th UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ethiopia. The Konso people are noted for their rock DAY 12 | Arba Minch | Mon, November 16 terracing and colorful hand woven cotton clothes. After breakfast, depart the hotel for a drive to the Stop for lunch along the way. lakeside town of Arba Minch (approx. 5-6 hours) through one of the colorful and scenic areas of Southern Ethiopia. Lastly, drive to Key Afer and visit the interesting weekly The Alaba people, residing in a village of the same name, market of the Tsemai, Ari and Benna tribes. were once nomadic, but are now farmers. A section of the drive offers magnificent views of Lake Abaya which has Check into the hotel. Dinner included at leisure. volcanic origins and is almost pink in color. We’ll also Overnight: Eco Omo Lodge stop in the Guge Mountains to visit the villages of Dorze Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner WOW! Travel E T H I O P I A 2020 I T I N E R A R Y
DAY 14 | Turmi | Wed, November 18 Return to the hotel. Dinner included at leisure. After breakfast, leave Jinka and drive to Mursi Village (approx. 3-4 hours) to visit the Mursi tribe. They are renowned for a strange custom: when women reach maturity, they have their lower lips slit and circular disks inserted.
Overnight: Buska Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stop for lunch along the way. DAY 16 | Addis Ababa | Fri, November 20 In the afternoon, drive to Turmi visiting the Benna Village en route. After breakfast, drive to Arba Minch (approx. 2 hours).
Check into the hotel with dinner included at leisure. In the afternoon, fly back to Addis Ababa (1-hour flight).
Overnight: Buska Lodge Check into your hotel with the remainder of the day and Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner evening on own.
Overnight: Sheraton Addis, a Luxury Collection Hotel DAY 15 | Turmi | Thu, November 19 Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, depart on an excursion to Murulle, the small village of the Karo people. They are known for their elaborate body paintings before important ceremonies. DAY 17 | Return to US | Sat, November 21
We’ll also visit Dus, a typical settlement with open public After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flights meeting grounds and a dancing place. home.
Stop for lunch along the way. Overnight: Check out Meals: Breakfast In the afternoon, visit the Hamer tribe. The women of the Hamer are known for their striking appearance, adorned with thick plaits of ochre-colored hair, leather skirts **Itinerary as of September 27, 2019 and is subject to change** decorated with cowries and a dozen or more copper bracelets fixed tightly around their arms. WOW! Travel E T H I O P I A 2020 I N C L U S I O N S & P R I C I N G INCLUSIONS
• 15 nights of accommodations at hotels • Basic emergency medical insurance referenced in the itinerary • The experience and expertise of Gabriel • Most meals as referenced in the itinerary Haigazian for pre-trip planning and on-site escorting • All transportation within Ethiopia • Pre-trip documents with important travel • Excursions and tours as outlined in itinerary information including “Know Before You Go,” (subject to change) luggage tags and a WOW! surprise • Expert local guides with passion and • Assistance with air booking (additional fee of personality $75 for first-time travelers, free for “WOWees”) • Gratuities for guides, drivers, restaurant staff • “WOW!” surprises along the way! and hotel porters
EXCLUSIONS
• International airfare (fare quote upon request) • Meals not included in itinerary
• Domestic airfare (see FAQ’s for current cost) • Extra nights, if requested
• Incidental charges (shopping, spa, room • Supplemental trip insurance coverage service, etc.) • Additional gratuities for exemplary service
PRICING Northern & Southern Ethiopia The Historic Route & Omo Valley Double Occupancy: $7,995 Single Occupancy: $9,290 Interna onal and domes c airfare NOT included in package cost. See current domes c airfare below in FAQ’s. Interna onal can be quoted and booked upon request.
WOW! Travel | 5855 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Suite 220, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 | 818.878.8969 | wowtravelclub.com WOW! Travel E T H I O P I A 2020 F A Q ‘ S
What will the weather be like? Can I use my cell phone in Ethiopia?
The average temperature in November ranges from the With most providers, it’s best to activate an international low 70’s during the day to the high 40’s/low 50’s at night. data and telephone plan. We suggest that you contact your carrier to discuss potential costs for data and voice What about Wi-Fi? communications.
If you must stay connected during your trip, Wi-Fi is What is the currency? available at the hotels and lodges on this journey. The Ethiopian Birr is the national currency. You’ll see the What about airfare? Birr represented by both the symbol – Br – and the International and domestic airfare are not included in the currency code ETB. Click here to check the current package. exchange rate.
Current domestic airfares (as of July 25, 2019) are as What about travel insurance? follows, and subject to change: We recommend insurance to cover financial penalties if • $590 per person, if flying Ethiopian Airlines into Addis you need to cancel your trip. Information will be provided Ababa, on your international ticket upon receipt of deposit. Here are links to two travel insurance providers: Travel Guard and Squaremouth. • $1,047 per person, if your international ticket into Ethiopia DOES NOT include Ethiopian Airlines What is the dress code?
CTP can assist you with making international airfare There is no need for formal attire. For daytime, reservations for a service fee of $75 per person. comfortable, casual clothing and shoes are suggested. We recommend packing sweaters and jackets for the Will I need an adaptor to plug in my appliances and cooler evenings. chargers? Do I need to get any vaccinations? Yes! In Ethiopia, there are two associated plug types, types: C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two The Center for Disease Control recommends Yellow round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two Fever vaccination in the areas we will be traveling. For round pins with two earth clips on the side. Ethiopia more information, visit the CDC website by clicking here. operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Gelada Baboon Gondar WOW! Travel E T H I O P I A 2020 F I N E P R I N T
TERMS AND CONDITIONS | ETHIOPIA – Beauty of the North & South Ethiopia. An eVisa is required for entry and can be obtained online. We will provide instructions at a later date. AIR TRANSPORTATION: You may make your own flight arrangements or we can assist for a $75 HEALTH/VACCINATIONS: per person service fee (waived for WOW! Travel Club alumni -aka- The CDC recommends that you’re up to date with routine vaccinations WOWees). We cannot book mileage tickets or upgrades, which must be prior to travel. There are areas where there is a greater occurrence of done directly with the carrier. If you would like us to assist, contact Yellow Fever, however you are not required to show proof of Yellow Howard Wise at [email protected] or call him at 818-444-2710. It Fever vaccination if traveling from the US. Yellow fever vaccine is the responsibility of the traveler to provide the legal name as on the availability in the United States is currently limited. If you would like to passport. Passport must be valid a minimum of 6 months past your date of be vaccinated before your trip, you may need to travel some distance departure from Ethiopia. Carriers may deny boarding if name on ticket and schedule your appointment well in advance. Find the clinic nearest does not EXACTLY match name on passport. you. Additional information regarding Traveler’s Health precautions is available at the website for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We PAYMENT SCHEDULE: recommend you contact your physician and discuss your travel plans. Space is limited. Reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. RISKS OF TRAVEL/YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES: International travel involves inherent risks. The CTP Group/WOW! Travel • Non-Refundable Deposit: $1,000 per person (double occupancy) or Club (CTP/WOW) cannot be liable for any injury, death or loss of $1,500 per person (single occupancy) at time of registration personal property in connection with your participation in CTP/WOW • Final payment: Balance due July 13, 2020. activities. By participating in this CTP/WOW travel program, you assume risk of inherent dangers (including without limitation, annoyance and
CANCELLATION: expenses) related to military or political action, civil disturbances, If unforeseen events happen that force you to cancel, we will try to resell quarantine, strikes, detention, mental trauma, pilferage, weather, your space. Penalties vary depending on the date of cancellation: epidemiological events, acts of God or any other circumstances over • From time of booking to December 31, 2019: Full refund with exception which CTP/WOW has no control. of $250 service fee, per person I understand that CTP/WOW reserves the right to refuse as a trip • From January 1 to July 13, 2020: Forfeiture of deposit(s)* participant or remove from a trip, any person it judges to be incapable • After July 14, 2020 : No refund* of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in activities, or who it determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. I *If we are able to fill your place, we will refund all monies, less a $250 per agree to follow all written and verbal rules of safety presented to me by person administrative fee. CTP/WOW. CTP/WOW reserves the right to make route, hotel, itinerary SUPPLEMENTAL TRAVEL INSURANCE: and trip modifications as required or desirable to improve the trip We recommend insurance to cover financial penalties if you need to quality and/or to accommodate the comfort and well-being of guests. cancel your trip or if there is an unforeseen trip interruption. Here is a link CTP/WOW reserves the right to alter or cancel any trip due to weather, to Travel Guard, a reputable travel insurance provider. Here is a link sickness, political climate, and/or insufficient registration or other to Squaremouth, a travel insurance broker that provides side-by-side unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. While CTP/WOW will comparisons of travel insurance plans. make every effort to obtain full or partial refunds from suppliers, CTP/ PRICING: WOW cannot guarantee your ability to recoup payment. All rates quoted are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect as of The above terms and conditions are hereby expressly incorporated into May 25, 2019, and are subject to change. Rates are based on a minimum the “Release, Waiver and Indemnity Agreement” to be signed by you as group size of 12 paying guests on Part One (8 paying guests on Part 2). a WOW! Travel Club participant. Should the group size(s) be fall below this number, package price or inclusions may be modified. Unused tour items, missed meals or activities, CONSENT: etc. are not refundable. Payment of the deposit OR any other partial payment for registration of a participant for CTP/WOW activities constitutes consent by all guests/ TIPS & TAXES: participants registered by the party completing online registration. You The package includes all service charges and taxes imposed by hotels and your guests/participants hereby agree to the Terms & Conditions of and all entrance fees, etc. Basic gratuities to drivers, guides and porters this website. The Terms & Conditions set forth on this website may not are included. You are welcome to extend additional gratuities for anyone be modified or amended except in writing by an authorized officer of who has provided exemplary service. CTP/WOW. BAGGAGE: All guests/participants are required to initial and sign a Release Waiver Please check applicable baggage allowances and fees with your airline and Indemnity Agreement, which will be sent upon receipt of your carrier. deposit. Your final payment cannot be processed until you return the PASSPORT/VISA: signed Release. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months from your departure from June 2019 CST # 1016440-10 WOW! Travel E T H I O P I A 2020
Rock-Hewn Church Art, Lalibela Arba Minch
Royal Enclosure, Gondar Mercato Baskets
WOW! Vows All guests will be asked to sign and agree to the WOW! Vows for responsible travel:
• I vow to travel with my sense of wonder and • I vow to communicate any complaints, my sense of humor. grievances or missed expectations to the tour leader promptly, privately and appropriately. • I vow to be a gracious guest and leave a place at least as good as I found it. • I understand that travel requires patience, a positive attitude, and an ability to laugh. If I • I vow to be a respectful traveler – thoughtful can’t relax and enjoy the unexpected, I vow to of the people and places I visit. stay home! • I vow to be on time or catch up with the • I vow to refrain from any discussion within the group at my own expense. group related to US politics!
WOW! Travel | 5855 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Suite 220, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 | 818.878.8969 | wowtravelclub.com