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The most comprehensive and exciting range of Tours and Safaris in Africa
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ITINERARY
 DAY 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. At Bole International Airport, you will be met by our Ethiopian agents, who will assist you with formalities and transfer you to the hotel. If time allows our agents will take you to the National Museum, local cathedrals with exquisite artwork, traditional coffee shops where you can purchase fresh coffee and if there is time visit the merkato (Africa's largest open air market). Overnight stay at the Ghion Hotel (dinner, bed and breakfast).Ghion Hotel **
The Ghion Hotel is situated in the centre of town and is a typical government hotel. There is an attractive garden with a thermal swimming pool in the complex. There are several restaurants, a night club, a casino and tennis court. The rooms are basic with ensuite bathrooms and TV.
DAY 2: Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Bahir Dar, the source of the Blue Nile. Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and the various islands and peninsulas are home to more than twenty monasteries most of which were founded during the 14th Century. The Zege Peninsula has a large natural forest with a large population of monkeys and forest birds. Travel from Bahir Dar by motorised boat to Ura Kidhane Mihret which has one of the most beautiful churches in this region with over hundred paintings. Bahir Dar is a birdwatcher's delight with regular sightings of white pelicans, hornbills, cranes, storks, rollers, bee eaters etc. Overnight stay at the Papyrus Hotel (Full board). Papyrus Hotel **
This basic hotel is situated on the outskirts of town. It has a large swimming pool and offers comfortable bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.
DAY 3: After breakfast a morning excursion to the Blue Nile Falls, not far from the source of the mighty Blue Nile River. The vehicle stops about forty-five minutes from the actual falls and from here you will walk down a small ravine, across the Portuguese Bridge and up to the Blue Nile Falls - fairly strenuous but not unbearable. Please remember to wear proper hiking shoes/boots and stock up on bottled water. Back to the hotel for lunch and then a visit to one of the popular markets in Bahir Dar, or alternatively do some bird watching in the forest. Overnight stay at the Papyrus Hotel (Full Board).A special note: Unfortunate consequences of a hydroelectric development have caused the virtual disappearance of the Blue Nile Falls. As well as destroying the beauty of the falls, the project is likely to have severe long-term effects on both the plant and bird life of the region. While at this stage the bird and plant life is still spectacular, visitors need to be aware that the falls are not as impressive as they once were. At this stage, when electrical demand is low and in the rainy season, the diversion through the hydroelectric plant is switched off for several hours at the time allowing the falls to resume some of their former glory.
DAY 4: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Gondar, a remarkable town founded in 1632 by the great Emperor Fasilidas. Gondar was the royal capital of Ethiopia. After checking into your hotel you will set off to explore the castles and Emperor Fasilidas bathing pool. From here it is a short walk to the Debre Birhan Selassie church, possibly the most famous church in Ethiopia with breathtaking murals on the ceiling. Goha hotel is your accommodation for the night. (Full board). Goha Hotel ***
This 64 room hotel is perched on top of a hill with great views over the city. Goha Hotel is also part of the Ghion Hotel chain. Large veranda great for sundowners.
DAY 5: After breakfast it is off to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Lalibela is famous for its rock-hewn churches carved well below ground level, and the town is situated among impressive mountains looking down into the Rift Valley. The churches are quite eerie and you access them by walking through mysterious tunnels, passages and courtyards. The churches are A World Heritage Site and also home to hermits and priests and their younger scholars. Many of the churches are surrounded by protective scaffolding to try and conserve these magnificent buildings from further weathering. Overnight at the Roha Hotel. (Full board) Roha Hotel **
The Roha hotel (another Ghion hotel chain) is situated about 2 km from the centre of town and the main cluster of churches. There are 64 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, but there is only hot water during specified hours - just check with reception when booking in.
DAY 6: After breakfast the adventure continues with a full day excursion by mule to Asheton Mariam monastery which is 4 000 m above sea level and overlooks the Lalibela valley. The journey is quite remarkable with incredible views. Asheton Mariam Monastery has some interesting church treasures including ornate crosses. Overnight stay at the Roha Hotel. (Full board) DAY 7: After breakfast, leave the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Axum. Axum is the oldest town in Ethiopia and by far the holiest city of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and is a photographer's delight. This small town is home to the ancient stelae (mysteriously erected and transported), the Queen of Sheba's swimming pool and the ruins of her palace, the Axum Museum and most importantly St Mary's Church where the Ark of the Covenant is believed to be housed. Overnight stay at the Remhai hotel. (Full board). Remhai Hotel ***
This 65 room hotel is situated on the eastern fringe of the town centre. All rooms have DSTV, a fridge, 24 hour electricity and water and the bigger rooms have a telephone. There is an internet cafe, curio shop, swimming pool, gym and sauna. Traditional shows on some of the nights.
DAY 8: Today you will drive to Yeha, a village of rustic houses, situated about 50 km northest of Axum. Yeha used to be Tigray's most important town. The temple of the the Moon is 2500 years old and and well worth a visit. Enjoy the scenic drive and visit some of the local shops for exquisite locally made clothing and jewellery. Overnight stay at the Remhai hotel. (Full board). DAY 9: Transfer to the airport and fly to Addis Ababa. Balance of the day for souvenir shopping and sightseeing in the capital. Farewell dinner. Overnight stay at the Ghion Hotel (Full Board) DAY 10: Transfer to the Bole International Airport. Prices include:
International (ex Johannesburg) and domestic flights with Ethiopian airlines, hotel accommodation and meals as indicated, meet and greet on day of arrival and all airport-hotel transfers, all accommodation, full board throughout the tour, all excursions to sites of interest as per itinerary, English speaking guides for all the historical places and entrance fees for all sites.
Not included:
Visa fees, drinks, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance, airport taxes.
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