Morning flight from Addis Ababa to Axum. This ancient city, with its half-buried ruins of palaces, monolithic Stelae, and subterranean tombs, is one of Ethiopia's most historic sites. Reputedly the capital of the Queen of Sheba, today Axum is the hub of Ethiopian Christianity. Visit the Park of the Obelisks where several colossal monoliths still stand together, marking the tombs of the Axumite royals.
Visit a historically important dedicatory stone dating to about 320 AD with an inscription written in three languages - Sabaean, Ge'ez (earliest written Ethiopian language), and Greek, and explore the tomb of King Basen, who ruled at the time of the birth of Christ. Also explore Gobadura, where Axum’s giant Stelae were quarried, and see the impressive relief drawing of a lion cut into a large boulder.
Axum is where the Ark of the Covenant of Biblical fame is reported to be hidden within the compound of the Church of Saint Mary of Zion.
Axum to Lalibela - Jerusalem Guest House
Lalibela is a 'World Heritage Site' and there is every reason for it to be one. The 12th century rock-hewn churches have been dubbed the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'. There are 1000 churches in the Lasta region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves, but it is exceptional to find 11 churches of such master craftsmanship in one locale in the town of Lalibela. Seeing all of Lalibela's churches takes a long time, but they are well worth the effort, particularly during the Ethiopian Christmas (7th January) and Timkat celebrations (19th January). The first group of six churches lie in rock cradles one behind the other: Bet Golgotha, Bet Mika'el, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel and Bet Medhane Alem.
Bet Medhane Alem, the largest one, is built like a Greek Temple and its stone floor is so polished by the countless numbers of visitors that it reflects shafts of light from apertures in the walls high above. In a corner are three empty graves symbolically dug for biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Bete Giyorgis, possibly the most elegant of all the Lalibela churches, lies somewhat isolated in the southwest part of the village on a sloping rock terrace. It can only be reached through a tunnel. The oldest of the churches, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Bet Maryam is the only Lalibela monolith with a porch. The remains of exquisite early frescoes can be seen on the ceiling and upper walls, and there are many elaborately carved details on the piers, capitals, and arches.
Lalibela to Gondar - Goha Hotel
Spend today exploring more of the rock-carved churches of the area. We will visit Yemrehane Christos 42km north of the town of Lalibela, a striking church sited within a black basalt rock cave built by King Yemrehane Christos (let Christ show the way) who ruled before King Lalibela in the 10th Century AD.
This afternoon you will take a flight to Gondar, you'll be staying at the Goha Hotel.
Gondar to Addis - Departure
Gondar, known as the "Camelot'" of Africa. Gondar was the 17th and 18th century capital city of Ethiopia and was home to a number of emperors and warlords, courtiers and kings who built several castles and palaces around the area.
Nestled in the foothills of the breathtaking Simien Mountains in northwest Ethiopia, Gondar became the capital during the reign of Emperor Fasilidas (1632-1667) and emerged over the years as an important administrative, commercial, religious and cultural centre.
Its importance declined in the 19th century and in 1880 it was looted by the Sudanese Dervishes. The oldest and the most impressive Gondar structure is the 2-storeyed palace of Emperor Fasilidas, built of roughly hewn brown basalt stone held together with mortar and is said to be the work of an Indian architect. Several notable Gondarine structures - the 'Bath of the King' and the 'Debre Birhan Selassie' can be seen.
The following items are included with the tour package
All tour transport and airport transfers by 6-seater 4-WD-Nissan Patrol or Landcruiser with services of English speaking driver and guide with bottled water in the vehicle's ice box
Arrival and departure airport transfers
All park entrance fees
Not Included
Tips to porters, waiters and driver/guides
Beverages with meals
Laundry
Visa
International air tickets.
All items of a personal nature.
What to Bring
Don't forget the camera, camcorder and binoculars and take a torch for finding your way around your camp at night.
Stock up with replacement batteries for all these goods
Take sunglasses, hat, sun lotion, lip balm - and some insect repellent, it is better not to get stung even if you are taking anti-malaria tablets.
It is best to take any medicines required for the duration of the visit. A spare pair of glasses or contact lenses is also a good idea.
Take plenty of film; it is difficult to obtain outside the main centers. While travelers cheques can be exchanged in cities and towns, banking facilities in remote areas are restricted so take plenty of cash.
Difficulty Level Medium, not recommended for children under 13 or people above 65 years old.
Trip Notes Wear
comfortable loose fitting clothing, covered walking or hiking shoes and
bring a hat for the sun. To reach some of these churches we must hike a
short distance up rather steep terrain.
This itinerary has been
designed to be as comfortable as possible, but this part of the world
is still under-developed. Our four-wheel drive vehicles are well
maintained, but there will be some travel over unpaved roads.
We
have carefully chosen hotels that are the best available, but they
frequently are not up to Western standards - there will be times when
the rooms will not have hot water, or perhaps will have no water at
all; the standards of cleanliness will occasionally be less than you
would like; and electricity might be sporadic. Many of the religious
buildings in Ethiopia are not open to women, and we have intentionally
included sites in which all are welcome.
Travel light
Some safaris/air charters limit baggage to a 10 - 15 kilo maximum.
Disclaimer
Weather,
road conditions and/or bridges could prevent us going through certain
routes or reaching certain location within this itinerary. Yemgeta will
make every effort to reroute to complete the itinerary.
Visas
Most visitors require visas with an exception certain countries of the Commonwealth. It is highly advisable to obtain them in advance from Embassies and high commissions as several airlines insist on them prior to departure.
They can also be obtained on arrival at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airports and at Namanga/Holili on the Tanzania/Kenya border posts. Requirement may change so you are advised to contact the appropriate diplomatic or counselor authority before finalizing your travel arrangements.
Although part of the Union of Tanzania, Zanzibar remains independent so passport/Tanzania visas are required even for day visits.
Vaccinations
Please consult your doctor or nearest vaccination centre to see if any of the listed vaccinations are required: This list is by no means complete and only your doctor or vaccination centre can provide you with the latest up-to-date information:
Typhoid
Polio (oral vaccine)
Tetanus
Smallpox
Gamma Globulin or Havrix (against Hepatitis A)
Hepatitis B
Yellow Fever
Certain countries such as Tanzania and Kenya are considered Yellow Fever zones. Please be aware that you maybe required showing proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever when traveling to your next destination and particularly, if returning to your home country within six days of leaving the infected area.
Please check with your relevant government health authority as to your home country’s requirements. Yellow Fever vaccinations need to be recorded by your doctor in your “International Certificate of Vaccinations” booklet. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides a list of yellow fever countries
Malaria
Malaria is prevalent in many tropical areas of Africa. Please advise your doctor which regions you will be visiting and discuss the necessary medication with them. All anti-malarial tablets are taken for a period before possible exposure and continued for a period after such exposure ceases, and should be taken carefully according to instructions. It is possible that the people in your group may be taking different anti-malarial tablets. Be aware that some anti-malarial medication may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, and take extra care to ensure good use of sunscreens. A good insect repellent is advisable if visiting these regions, preferably one containing a high percentage of DEET.
Passport
Well before traveling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport. Some countries may require that you have a return air ticket, or have sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket.
Tour Cost: $425.00 (per person, double occupancy) Group Discounts Available. Single Supplement: $213
Prices based on double occupancy and includes all hotels, guide
services, most meals, water, entrance fees, and ground
transportation to and from airport(s) within Ethiopia.
Cost Does Not Include: Domestic flights, alcoholic drinks, video and camera fees if applicable, food
not on regular menus, laundry, excess baggage charges, personal tips,
or departure taxes.
Download Brochure (ET-N04001)
