Day by Day

Detailed Itinerary Summary

Experience the charm of Africa in comfort

Classic tours are a perfect way to experience the culture, wildlife, history and highlights of a destination, with a level of comfort and organisation. This tour utilizes good quality hotels with en-suite bathrooms in most locations, running hot water and welcoming restaurants and other facilities. Airport transfers and meals are included in the tour. Activities included on the itinerary are core tour experiences or not to be missed highlights in each location.

 

Day 1: Addis Ababa

Arriving in the city of contrasts Addis Ababa you will be met and transferred from the International Airport to your hotel by our drivers. Our local r...

On this day	Arriving in the city of contrasts Addis Ababa you will be met and transferred from the International Airport to your hotel by our drivers. Our local representative will meet you at the hotel and will provide details of the upcoming tour as well as any additional tours or activities that you may wish to enjoy whilst in Addis, you will also meet your guides and fellow travellers at the pre departure meeting for your epic tour.
Accommodation	Jupiter Hotel
Rooming	Standard twin room
Meals	Dinner
Included Activities	Airport arrival transfer, pre departure meeting

Day 2: Lalibela

We fly to Lalibela today after breakfast, home to a spectacular collection of churches hewn out of the surrounding rock, so astounding that many belie...

On this day	We fly to Lalibela today after breakfast, home to a spectacular collection of churches hewn out of the surrounding rock, so astounding that many believe they are the creations of angels. Upon arrival transfer to Lalibela; we visit Genete Mariam church along the way. This 13th century church has been digged out from a rocky hill and it is not hide in the terrain as Lalibela churches. After lunch we spend the rest of the day visiting fascinating churches within the town and countryside; some are made from the rock and dating back to around the twelfth century. We visit the first group of monolithic churches. Lalibela is famous and well known as “the African Petra” or African Jerusalem. The underground and cross haped Saint George Beta Marian church with walls and ceilings beautifully painted and the majestic Beta Medane Alem represent one of the biggest tourist attractions of Ethiopia There are many stories concerning the origin of these churches, but the most popular local legend is that angels built them in a single night. The churches have been dated back to the reign of King Lalibela sometime in the eleventh or twelfth centuries. Many of the churches are connected by underground tunnels and narrow walkways built into the rock, and they are still a site of pilgrimage today as they have been for centuries. In some of the churches hermits and monks live in tiny caverns in the walls, barely big enough for them to stretch out, staying here for years on end. .
Accommodation	Mountain View Hotel
Rooming	Standard twin room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Flight to Lalibela (not included in tour fare) Visit to Genete Mariam Church, lunch in Lalibela, visit to Monolithic Churches & Saint George Beta Mariam Church

Day 3: Lalibela

This morning we head to a unique and fascinating monastery on the outskirts of Lalibela, for an excursion into this extraordinary site amidst a beauti...

On this day	This morning we head to a unique and fascinating monastery on the outskirts of Lalibela, for an excursion into this extraordinary site amidst a beautiful mountain location. According to local tradition the Yemerehana Christos cave church was said to have been built by King Yemerehana Christos between 1087-1127 and predates most of Lalibela famous churches by more than 80 years. As the cave church was built and not excavated, its sits on a foundation of carefully laid down olive wood panels, which give its “floating” impression above the marshy ground. Not only does this unique overhanging cave church, house the grave of King Yemerehana, behind the church is a mass grave with skeletons and skulls visible in the musky dark. These mummified bodies (approximately 10,000) belonged to pilgrims who came from Jerusalem and Egypt and chose to die there and have their remains stay at the holy site instead of returning home. The interior is supported by marble arches and decorated with antique wall carvings which are preserved by the caretaker priest who resides in the church. This complex of Axumite architecture, which can be reached with a walk of about 15 minutes, is located inside a cave. In the afternoon we visit the second group of churches with unbelievable carving work! The reddish stone monolithic rock were dug inside and carved outside to shape the roof, the façade and the walls that were chiseled to make doors and windows. The churches are connected by underground passages. Lalibela is known around the world for its monolithic churches which forms an important part of the history of rock cut architecture from the 12th and 13th century.
Accommodation	Mountain View Hotel
Rooming	Standard twin room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Visit to Yimrehanna Kristos Church & Monolithic Stone Churches
Travel Distance	84 km / 53 miles
Travelling Time	3-4 hours

Day 4: Mekele

After breakfast we have a long drive to Mekele visiting the a Agew village en-route. Descendents of the Cushitic tribe they followed the Jewish religi...

On this day	After breakfast we have a long drive to Mekele visiting the a Agew village en-route. Descendents of the Cushitic tribe they followed the Jewish religious traditions until the late 14th century. They also contributed to the falls of the Axumite empire. We also stop to visit a Tigray village well known for their unique construction abilities, their houses are made out of sandstone with slate roofs; which gives the appearance of scaled down fortresses.
Accommodation	Yordanos Hotel
Rooming	Standard twin room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Visit to Agew & Tigray villages en route to Mekele
Travel Distance	283 km / 177 miles
Travelling Time	7-8 hours

Day 5: Mekele

After breakfast we head out the city and visit two of the three churches of the Atsbi Cluster. The first, Mikael Barka church, dates back to the 13th...

On this day	After breakfast we head out the city and visit two of the three churches of the Atsbi Cluster. The first, Mikael Barka church, dates back to the 13th century, it is a cruciform plan church supported by 12 columns and has a ceiling painted with frescoes. The nearby Mikael Imba is more like the churches in Lalibela; the interior has 25 columns and a ceiling height 6 meters. It has wooden decorated doors and a small treasure room containing an old metal cross and numerous manuscripts. Traveling back to Mekele, we stop to visit the sandstone monolithic church of Wukro Kirkos which is dating back to the 8th century and famous for cubic capitals and the Aksumite frieze decorating the walls. Finally, back in Mekele, visit the Yohannes IV Museum, a stone building designed in 1873 by the Italians and exhibits a significant collection of manuscripts, crosses and icons. In the evening you can watch the sun retreat behind the horizon, whilst enjoying a glass of Tej, a local honey based wine at your leisure.
Accommodation	Yordanos Hotel
Rooming	Standard twin room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Visit to Mikael Barka Church, Mikael Imba, Wukro Kristos and Yohannes IV Museum.
Travel Distance	165 km / 103 miles
Travelling Time	6-7 hours

Day 6: Mekele

This morning we head North, to visit some rare and unique Tigray churches near the Gheralta Mountains, which is home to a quarter of the rock churches...

On this day	This morning we head North, to visit some rare and unique Tigray churches near the Gheralta Mountains, which is home to a quarter of the rock churches, famous for their stone workmanship, ancient paintings and old manuscripts but also for its magnificent views and scenery form the Gheralta mountains. The first one is Mariam Papaseit and to reach it we talk a leisurely walk through a beautiful forested valley. Walking another 45 minutes you will reach Mariam Arafeida, a simple church that offer an amazing view over the Gheralta valley, we admire the stunning scenery before walking back and returning to Mekele. In the afternoon we visit Abreha Atsbeha, one of the most beautiful churches in the region. It is famous for its beautiful carved wooden ceiling supported by 13 large pillars and many arches superbly decorated. Inside the cross haped structure there are three shrines dedicated respectively to Saint Gabriel, Saint Michael and the Virgin Mary. Among its many treasures, the most important is the hand-cross belonged to the first bishop of Ethiopia, Abuna Salama.
Accommodation	Yordanos Hotel
Rooming	Standard twin room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Visit to rare Tigray Churches during a forestw walk near the Gerhalta Valley
Travel Distance	160 km / 100 miles
Travelling Time	6-7 hours

Day 7: Axum

We make our way to the fabled city of Axum, due to the poor road conditions it will take us most of the day to reach the once mighty kingdom, along th...

On this day	We make our way to the fabled city of Axum, due to the poor road conditions it will take us most of the day to reach the once mighty kingdom, along the way we visit Medhane Alem Adi Kesho. This is one of the most beautiful and ancient rock-hewn churches of Tigray and it is famous for its architectural details, in particular a coffered ceiling decorated with carvings and reliefs. In the afternoon we visit of Yeha, the first Axumite empire capital, where stands a pre-Christian temple 12 meters high, dating back about the 8th century B.C., called the Temple of the Moon; in the small museum of the adjacent church of Abuna Aftse you can see ancient artifacts including a collection of stone inscriptions in Sabaean language, crosses in gold and silver, manuals dating back hundreds of years and some manuscripts. We continue on to Axum, arriving in the late afternoon.
Accommodation	Consolar Hotel
Rooming	Standard twn room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Road transfer to Axum, visiting Rock Hewn Churches and the town of Yeha en-route
Travel Distance	270 km / 169 miles
Travelling Time	7-8 hours

Day 8: Axum

This morning finds us out and about on a guided city tour of Axum, discovering the rich historic and cultural tapestry of the immensely captivating ar...

On this day	This morning finds us out and about on a guided city tour of Axum, discovering the rich historic and cultural tapestry of the immensely captivating area. The ancient capital of the Aksumite civilization has a great archaeological heritage. The park of the stelae, monoliths used as tombstones and well preserved, are evidence of a glorious past. The unusual collection of over 309 registered stelae dating back to the third and fourth century BC. The huge granite stelae are the most famous monuments in Axum, the largest number lie in the Northern Stelae Park, ranging up to the 33-metres. The stelae are believed to mark graves and would have had cast metal discs affixed to their sides, which are also carved with architectural designs. The Gudit Stelae to the west of town, unlike the northern area, are interspersed with mostly fourth-century tombs. The archaeological museum which displays a variety of exhibits such as: a collection of inscriptions in Sabaean that date 2500 years ago, an interesting collection of Aksumite coins and pottery decorated and incised with motifs still used in crafts is testimony to the old commercial relationship between of the Aksumite Empire, Egypt and South-Arabian peninsula. We visit to the palace and the bathrooms of the Queen of Sheba, the church of St. Mary of Zion, which contains, according to Orthodox beliefs, the Ark of the Covenant, brought in Ethiopia from Israel by Menelik I, during the reign of King Solomon. The small museum inside the complex exhibits a remarkable collection of ancient imperial crowns and crosses.
Accommodation	Consolar Hotel
Rooming	Standard twin room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	City tour of Axum

Day 9: Semien National Park

We leave the ancient city behind us and travel North towards Debark on the on the edge of the Semien Mountains National Park. The Semien Mountains are...

On this day	We leave the ancient city behind us and travel North towards Debark on the on the edge of the Semien Mountains National Park. The Semien Mountains are one of the leading African massifs; consisting of several plateaus separated by broad river valleys that are home to unique endemic flora and fauna. The road will pass by the spectacular Semien Mountains massif along a mountain trail that offers a succession of breathtaking views. The transfer can be long and tiring but the panoramic views are definitely rewarding.
Accommodation	Semien Park Hotel
Rooming	Standard twin room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Transfer to Semien National Park
Travel Distance	280 km / 175 miles
Travelling Time	8-9 hours

Day 10: Semien National Park - Gondar

We spend the morning walking amidst the enormous chasms, towering pinnacles and dramatic gorges which characterize this stunning range of mountains. A...

On this day	We spend the morning walking amidst the enormous chasms, towering pinnacles and dramatic gorges which characterize this stunning range of mountains. A natural sanctuary which homes many of Ethiopia’s remaining wildlife and unique birdlife. One such resident is the striking Gelada Baboon identified by its shaggy main and bright red skin on its chest. Chances of spotting a troop of these rare baboons are highly likely as they are found nowhere else in the world. Also found here is the rare Walia Ibex, and the world´ s most endangered member of the dog family, the elusive Semien Wolf. After out walk we depart for the charming city of Gondar. Gondar is known as the “The Camelot of Ethiopia” due to its remarkably preserved 17th century castles seeped in deep ancient history.
Accommodation	Taye Hotel
Rooming	Standard twin room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Guided nature walk in the Semien Mountains, road transfer to Gondar
Travel Distance	220 km / 138 miles
Travelling Time	7-8 hours

Day 11: Gondar

We make our way into the old capital city of Gondar in the morning and explore the many picturesque ruins located in the Royal Enclosure, from which t...

On this day	We make our way into the old capital city of Gondar in the morning and explore the many picturesque ruins located in the Royal Enclosure, from which the Emperors once reigned. Its unique architecture shows diverse influences including Nubian, Arab, and Baroque styles. The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and is one of Ethiopia’s most unusual and striking sights. Later we join a guided excursion to the Debre Birhan Selassie (Trinity and Mountain of Light) Church which is famed for its beautiful examples of Ethiopian church art. Built by an emperor and as local legend has it preserved by the archangel Michael, it is also among the most important churches of Ethiopia. Do not be fooled by the plain and dull exterior of the building as it is the stunning interior walls which depict intricate biblical scenes such as icons of the Holy trinity and the Crucifixion as well as paintings of the Patron Saints. The ceilings are also covered with the faces of hundreds of angels. In 1636 Gondar was proclaimed capital of Ethiopia by Emperor Fasilidas and it is famous for the 17th century castles enclosed within the walls of the Imperial district. The most spectacular and best preserved is the Emperor's palace that rises to 32 meters and has a crenellated parapet and four domed turrets. Next visit to the Emperor baths also known as the pool of Fasilidas. Finally visit the Kuskuam complex, ruins dated back to the 18th century.
Accommodation	Taye Hotel
Rooming	Standard twin room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	City tour of Gondar

Day 12: Bahir Dar

In the morning we transfer to Gorgora, located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia which houses on its islands many ancient mona...

On this day	In the morning we transfer to Gorgora, located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia which houses on its islands many ancient monasteries. We set out to explore one of the legendary sources of the Nile and one of Ethiopia’s major natural attractions. Extending over 3500 kms, the lake is renowned for the network of ancient monasteries and old churches spread out between numerous small islands found on the lakes shimmering surface. We spend the day exploring the mysterious island monasteries and journey on boat to some of the more remote sections of the lake visiting sights which date back to the 13th century. We visit the Debre Sina monastery, one of the best well kept in Ethiopia. We continue on and explore the monasteries of Narga Selassie Dek island, Azwa Mariam and Ura Kidane Meheret on the Zeghie peninsula, which houses paintings and manuscripts dating back to medieval Ethiopia. The walls of the monasteries are painted with scenes of the New Testament and the lives of local saints; also very interesting are the icons, silver Coptic crosses, crowns of kings and sacred vestments. Each monastery is uniquely decorated with colourful and intricate frescoes and was used to house many of Ethiopia’s religious and artistic relics from various parts of the country. Relics such as the Ark of the Covenant was said to have been once kept on the island when Axum was under siege and the remains of ancient and forgotten Ethiopian emperors can be found on the isolated islands.
Accommodation	Abay Minch Hotel
Rooming	Standard twin room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Explore the Monestaries of Lake Tana
Travel Distance	66 km / 41 miles
Travelling Time	1 -2 hours

Day 13: Bahir Dar

This morning we set out on a guided excursion to the Blue Nile Falls, approximately 30 kms south of the town. Measuring over 400 meters wide with a ca...

On this day	This morning we set out on a guided excursion to the Blue Nile Falls, approximately 30 kms south of the town. Measuring over 400 meters wide with a cascading drop of 47 meters, the falls have been dubbed as Tis Issat (Smoking Water) by locals and best seen in full flood. The famous explorer James Bruce, when he first laid eyes on the Blue Nile Falls, described them as ´ a most magnificent sight that ages, added to the greatest length of human life, would not deface or eradicate from my memory. In the afternoon we return to the city and explore the sights of Bahir Dar, its interesting market and Bezawit palace (from outside) that was last Emperor Hailè Selassie’s vacation residence. At sunset you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Nile river and the city.
Accommodation	Abay Minch Hotel
Rooming	Standard twin room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Explore the Blue Nile Falls and city tour of Gondar

Day 14: Addis Ababa

In the early morning, we transfer to the airport. and board a domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival we embark on city tour city tour. Visiting...

On this day	In the early morning, we transfer to the airport. and board a domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival we embark on city tour city tour. Visiting the outdoor market, one of the largest in Africa, where you can buy everything from food, straw articles, from jewelry to handmade clothing made from recycled materials. The market is almost the size of a small town itself, the experience can be both exhilarating and over whelming. In the afternoon visit the National Museum, interesting for Sabei finds and Lucy’s remains, an Australopithecus Afarensis who lived in the Awash valley 3 million and half years ago and the Ethnological Museum with its interesting collection of antique musical instruments and Coptic crosses. Day rooms at the hotel are provided so you can relax before dinner (4 pax per room). We enjoy out final dinner in Addis with traditional songs and dances. You will be transferred to the international airport for your flight home unless alternative arrangements have been made to join another adventure tour or extend your stay in Addis Ababa. Additional post-tour accommodation is also available.
Accommodation	Jupiter Hotel
Rooming	Day room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Morning flight to Addis Ababa (excluded from tour cost) city tour of Addis Ababa, airport departure transfer

 

Domestic Flights from Addis Ababa to Lalibela and from Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa are not included in the tour fare and are sold separately. Flight prices are subject to change and can fluctuate according to high/low season. Below are examples of the fees charged and should be viewed as a guideline only. Accurate flight costs will be re-quoted on booking.

Addis Ababa to Lalibela (One way)   US $60 per person

Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa (One way) US $80 per person

This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, countries, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience.

 

Rates & Prices

Dates & Availability

Duration	14 days	Code	CNET

Select a departure:

Trip Dates	Availability	Guaranteed	Price
15 Sep 2012 - 28 Sep 2012			R 20,340
20 Oct 2012 - 02 Nov 2012			R 20,340
03 Nov 2012 - 16 Nov 2012			R 20,340
17 Nov 2012 - 30 Nov 2012			R 20,340
15 Dec 2012 - 28 Dec 2012			R 20,340

Tour Inclusions

Arrival & Departure airport transfers, Transportation, Accommodation per itinerary or similar, Services of an French/English speaking tour leader, Meals as per itinerary B-Breakfast, L-Lunch and D-Dinner, National park & game reserve entrance fees as per itinerary, Excursions & activities as per itinerary, All meet and greet services

Trip Details

What's Included

Arrival & Departure airport transfers, Transportation, Accommodation per itinerary or similar, Services of an French/English speaking tour leader, Meals as per itinerary B-Breakfast, L-Lunch and D-Dinner, National park & game reserve entrance fees as per itinerary, Excursions & activities as per itinerary, All meet and greet services

What's Excluded

Visas and related costs, Personal Border Taxes, Drinks, tips, laundry, telephone calls and other items of a personal nature, International flights and arrival and departure taxes, Meals not listed on the itinerary, Travel and personal accident insurance, Optional excursions and activities, All Domestic flights i.e Addis Ababa to Lalibela & Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa

Transport

Land arrangements utilize Toyota Minibuses and Toyota Land Cruisers or private coaster buses depending on group size.

Guiding

Accompanied throughout tour by an professional English speaking Tour guide

Accommodation

Hotels (13nts) Day room provided on last day in Addis Ababa

Meals

13 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches and 14 Dinners

Transfers

Arrival and Departure transfers are included in this tour; therefore travellers need to supply us with their flight details as soon as possible. If you require a pre and post tour accommodation this can be organised through our offices.

Optional Extras

 All prices quoted are accurate on publication but subject to change. Prices will be confirmed or requoted on enquiry.

We are able to pre-book a wide range of services not listed here, please contact us should you require more information.

Flights

• Addis Ababa to Nairobi
• Addis Ababa to Entebbe

View tour dossier for further details

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