Day: April 20, 2016

Dallol

The Danakil Depression – Dallol
Posted by: Posted on: April 20, 2016

All tours customizable to your needs!
I had to go there myself. I mean, why intentionally travel to the hottest place on the planet? On the way, you get the idea. Dreamy landscapes that stretch forever, a hot nighttime wind that doesn’t ever let up. I had been told to drink a lot of water, more than you think you need. By the end of the first day, I was way behind. Only after liter number four did I feel the need to go.
This is the Danakil Depression, with its nomadic tribes and salts mine workers and endless camel caravans. The land that time forgot. A friend called it nature’s chemistry experiment, bubbling up to the surface in hot springs in all glorious sulphuric colors. And then the opportunity to peer into the earth’s crust – climbing onto camels to ascend the dome of an active volcano and glimpse its lava lake below.Surreal.

Tour Itinerary

Day 01 Addis Ababa
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the morning of leisure and enjoy lunch at the hotel. This afternoon visit historical sites including the National Archaeological Museum, to view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeleton was discovered in 1974. Continue to the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University; a great insight into the many different peoples of Ethiopia and their respective cultures. After visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral, we will end the day with a drive to the top of Mount Entoto, which rises to an altitude of 10,500 feet and offers a panoramic view of the metropolis.
Nexus Hotel (L,D)

Day 02 Mekelle – HamedEla (Ahmed Ela)
This morning fly to the city of Mekelle, up on arrival in the airport you will be picked up and drive to HamedEla (Ahmed Ela) via Berehale (Bere Ale) where you will pick up police scouts, road guides and permits for the Afar region. From Berehale, proceed driving to HamedEla (Ahmed Ela). We will see the camel caravans along the way, carrying salt from the salt lake to Mekelle for sale. Overnight camping in HamedEla (Ahmed Ela)
Camping (B, L,D)

Day 03 HamedEla (Ahmed Ela)
After breakfast, take a day trip to Dallol, which at 116m below sea level is the lowest point on the African continent. Here the landscape is beautiful, the ground many shades of red and yellow from the hot water, acids and minerals spurting up from the ground. You will also visit Lake Asale, which is the salt lake from which the Afar nomads extract salt. You will witness (and even try) their laborious task of removing salt from the ground as hundreds of camels relax before the long trek back to Mekelle. At the end of the day we return to HamedEla (Ahmed Ela) for overnight camping.
Camping (B, L,D)

Day 04 HamedEla (Ahmed Ela) Dodom-Erta Ale
Early drives to Dodom.After your arrival take a rest and start trekking- together with camels carrying your luggage- to the crater rim of the Erta Ale volcano. At the top, you will peer down at the permanent lava lake (the only one in the world!) while the sun rises over the horizon. Definitely the highlight of the trip! Hike back to Dodom with the first day light.
Camping (B, L,D)

Day 05 Dodom-Gheralta
Drive back and head to Gheralta. The Gheralta Range is home to a treasure trove of rock churches, which are carved into the sandstone buttes.InGheralta Range visit Abreha we Atsbehabefor e check in to the lodge. This church was built in the 4th century by two royal brothers, Abreha and Atsbeha (known in the west as kings, Ezana and Saizana), who were responsible for converting Ethiopia to Christianity. The church is large and cruciform in shape, with interesting architectural features such as cruciform pillars and stepped capitals.
Gheralta Lodge (B, L,D)

Day 06 Gheralta-Axum
Commence driving to the ancient city of Axum.En route visit the churches of Mariam Korkur and Dugum Selassie having rich cultural collections and particular identities of their own.
The next stop is to visit the Temple of Yeha.It is a large Bronze Age archaeological site in Ethiopia. It is the largest and most impressive site in the Horn of Africa showing evidence of contact with South Arabia.The earliest occupation at Yeha dates to the first millennium BC, with a Great Temple, a “palace” (perhaps an elite residence) at GratBe’alGebri, and the cemetery at Daro Mikael with shaft-tombs.
Consolar Hotel (B, L,D)

Day 07 Axum UNESCO site
The city is the heart of ancient Ethiopia, when the Kingdom of Axum was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include: monolithic steles or obelisks, the tombs of King Kaleb and King GebreMeskal, and the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of her ancient palace. We visit the new and the old Cathedral of St Mary of Tsion and the sanctuary that houses the original Ark of the Covenant. The Ark left Jerusalem much earlier than generally thought – in the days of King Solomon – and went to Ethiopia by the hand of Menelik, the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba
The older of the two cathedrals, built in the 16th century, is believed to be built on an earlier 4th century church, and is the holiest church in Ethiopia.
Consolar Hotel (B, L,D)

Day 08 Axum-Lalibela UNESCO site
This morning fly to the most unique Christian sites of Ethiopia.
Lalibela’s churches are collectively referred to as ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’. Legend has it that Emperor Lalibela had been instructed, in a vision from God, to build the new Jerusalem after returning from Jerusalem which was sacked by the Muslims. Visit the 11 majestic, rock churches that are still used as places of worship by Lalibelans. Since its relatively remote location, Lalibela has yet gained the worldwide exposure and has been compared as the “Petra of Africa”.
Mountain View Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 09 Lalibela-Gondar UNESCO site
Fly to Gondar, once the old imperial capital founded in 1635 by
Emperor Fasillides who built a palace and seven churches.Refered to as the “Camelot of Africa”, visit the royal enclosure containing six castles, a complex network of connecting tunnels and raised walkways. Proceed to the fascinating DebreBirhan Selassie Church with its walls and ceiling decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history.
Goha Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 10 Return to Addis Ababa and departure
Board your morning flight to Ethiopia’s capital city. Visit the ‘Merkato’, the largest open-air market in East Africa. Late this afternoon enjoy a “farewell dinner” and coffee ceremony at a famous traditional Ethiopian restaurant. After sampling the various national dishes and enjoying an Ethiopian Folkloric show before your transfer to the airport for your late night flight to Washington DC or home city.
(B, L, D)

Dallol 2

Posted by: Posted on: April 20, 2016

All tours customizable to your needs!

I had to go there myself. I mean, why intentionally travel to the hottest place on the planet? On the way, you get the idea. Dreamy landscapes that stretch forever, a hot nighttime wind that doesn’t ever let up. I had been told to drink a lot of water, more than you think you need. By the end of the first day, I was way behind. Only after liter number four did I feel the need to go.

This is the Danakil Depression, with its nomadic tribes and salts mine workers and endless camel caravans. The land that time forgot. A friend called it nature’s chemistry experiment, bubbling up to the surface in hot springs in all glorious sulphuric colors. And then the opportunity to peer into the earth’s crust – climbing onto camels to ascend the dome of an active volcano and glimpse its lava lake below.Surreal.
Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Addis Ababa
Arrive Addis Ababa Bole international airport meet our staff at exit  gate and assist to transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel of your choice.

Day 02: Addis Ababa
AM We exploring Addis Ababa beginning with a visit to the National Museum, one of the most important sub- Saharan museums in all of Africa. The museum is home to the fossilized humanoid Lucy, as well as an amazing collection of artifacts, royal items and art. We then visit the Ethnological Museum, which was the former palace of Haile Selassie.
PM we take time in St. George Cathedral, built in 1896 by Emperor Menelik and then continue on to Holy Trinity Cathedral. Holy Trinity Cathedral is the largest Orthodox Church in Ethiopia and has survived through many historical periods, as its interesting architecture can attest to. The Cathedral contains the thrones and the tombs of the emperor and some of the royal family. Visit Merkato, the largest open air market in Africa. Overnight at hotel of your choice.

Day 03: drive to Awash
Morning start drive 230km South of Addis Ababa in the rift valley pass the Town DebreZeith creator Lake and Nazareth town to visit Awash Park with its volcano landscapes and savannah grassland habitat for a variety of bird species. Arrive and check in Late afternoon we explore the Awash National park which is home to mammals such as Oryx, Lesser Kudu, Hammadryas Baboon and Olive Baboon, Vervet Monkey, Saltfs Dick-dick and more.
Overnight Genet Hotel/Awash Falls Lodge at Awash Town.

Day 04: drive to Afdera
Morning after breakfast start drive after passing the town and cross the Awash River bridge outside the town we get to the junction where the road forks, straight ahead for Dire Dawa and Harar, and left for Djibouti and the Red Sea. This day we wonder the Rift valley scenery and Afar people and their village. Have lunch at Samara, process our entrance permission  and also from here we will have two Police men and one road guide accompany us for the Afar depression continue to Afdera. Overnight  camping at side  of Lake Afdera or Local hotel.

Day 05: Drive to Kusrewad and Erta Ale.
Drive to kusrewad here where we arrange the camel to ascend our logistics and for those who wish to ride, Local militia  and rock guide apart from those who already with us. Late afternoon start  walking to Ertaeale. Around 5 pm 3 hours trek climb to Erta Ale volcano and overnight on the top of the mountain. Erta Ale is 613 meters tall, with a lava lake, one of only five in the world, at the summit. It is notable for being the longest existing lava lake, present since the early years of the twentieth century. Overnight on the Summit.

Day 06: Drive to Hammed Ela
Around 9 am we will be at foot base of the volcanic mountain where our cook and cars camp have our breakfast and drive to Hammed Ela via Kusrewad. This day drive will be the most  challenging drive of all day which may be happen to stuck in the Sand and inhospitable weather, we should keep rehydrate to you manage the driving. Arrive Hammed Ela overnight camping at Hammed Ela.

Day 07:  DallolSalphur spring,  LakeAssale Salt Bar and camel caravans.
Excursion to Dallol (116 meter below sea level, one of the lowest places in the world) colorful salts mining, visit Lake Assale, follow up camelfs caravans and walk with the Afar and people from highland. The traditional way of extracting  Salt bar, which once used as local currency, packing on the Camel.   Youfll see how they prepare their traditional bread, how they travel, communicate & more. It is another unique experience. Back to HamedEla. Camping.
Day 08:  Hammed Ela – Mekele.
Drive to Mekele via the town of Berhale in the River bed  Ascend all way to the Tigrian highland with the camel caravans and stop for photo over the depression. Overnight Mekelle.

Day 09: Dive to Kombolcha
Drive to Kombolcha through beautiful mountain scenery via Alamata-Kobbo on the way visit the Agaw and Amhara people at their village. Stop at Hayk to Island Monastery and then proceed to Kombolcha overnight Tekle/Sunny Land at Kombolcha.

Day 10: Drive to Addis Ababa
Returning to Addis through Kemise and Senbete the local towns where Amhara, Oromo and Afar people get together on market days.
We will also explore the underground tunnels of the Debresina Mountains and stop at Tarmaber view point to locate the endemic AnkoberSerin, Brown-rumped Seedeater, Stripe-breasted Seedeater and Yellow-crowned Canary and the Endemic Gelada Baboon .Overnight at hotel of your choice.
N.B The above route can be reverse without affecting the No. of days or we can combine with north historic route, Omo valley tribal Safari, with historic Harar. Tell us you wish our team will offer the best the best combination.

Dallol 1

Posted by: Posted on: April 20, 2016

All tours customizable to your needs!
I had to go there myself. I mean, why intentionally travel to the hottest place on the planet? On the way, you get the idea. Dreamy landscapes that stretch forever, a hot nighttime wind that doesn’t ever let up. I had been told to drink a lot of water, more than you think you need. By the end of the first day, I was way behind. Only after liter number four did I feel the need to go.
This is the Danakil Depression, with its nomadic tribes and salts mine workers and endless camel caravans. The land that time forgot. A friend called it nature’s chemistry experiment, bubbling up to the surface in hot springs in all glorious sulphuric colors. And then the opportunity to peer into the earth’s crust – climbing onto camels to ascend the dome of an active volcano and glimpse its lava lake below.Surreal.

Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Addis Ababa
Arrive Addis Ababa Bole international airport meet our staff at exit  gate and assist to transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel of your choice.

Day 02: Addis Ababa
AM We exploring Addis Ababa beginning with a visit to the National Museum, one of the most important sub- Saharan museums in all of Africa? The museum is home to the fossilized humanoid Lucy, as well as an amazing collection of artifacts, royal items and art. We then visit the Ethnological Museum, which was the former palace of Haile Selassie.
PM we take time in St. George Cathedral, built in 1896 by Emperor Menelik and then continue on to Holy Trinity Cathedral. Holy Trinity Cathedral is the largest Orthodox Church in Ethiopia and has survived through many historical periods, as its interesting architecture can attest to. The Cathedral contains the thrones and the tombs of the emperor and some of the royal family. Visit Merkato, the largest open air market in Africa. Overnight at hotel of your choice.

Day 03: Addis Ababa- Mekelle (flight)
Early in the morning transfer to Bole international airport fly to Mekelle. Mekelle Town is a capital city for Tigrian Region which expanding from time to time. Here where we meet our ground transportation and be introduced with drives by escorting guide. The town is pleasant to walk and also we explore the castle of Emperor Yohannes and visit the museum built for commemoration of those sacrificed their life during the struggle against the Revolutionary government. Overnight Axum/Abraha Castle at Mekelle.

Day 04:  Mekele – Hammed Ela Drive
Drive to HamedEla via Berhale. At Berhale pay entrance have permission from Berhale Administrational bureau and also two police men and road guide and then proceed to Hammed Ela. The Danakil Depression can be said to ‘begin’ here. It is one of the most inhospitable regions on the face of Earth, but is nonetheless spectacular, full of eye-catching colors, as in the Salphur springs. The desert has several points lying more than 116 meters below sea level and temperatures can rise above 50C. Visit the Asale Salt Lake, where salt is still extracted using ancestral techniques. Camping at Hammed Ela.

Day 05:  Dallol Sulfur spring, Lake Assale Salt Bar and camel caravans.
Excursion to Dallol (116 meter below sea level, one of the lowest places in the world) colorful salts mining, visit Lake Assale, follow up camel caravans and walk with the Afar and people from highland. The traditional way of extracting Salt bar, which once used as local currency, packing on the Camel.   Youfll see how they prepare their traditional bread, how they travel, communicate & more. It is another unique experience. Back to HamedEla. Camping.

Day 06: Had Ela, Kusrewad and Erta Ale.
Drive to kusrewad here where we arrange the camel to ascend our logistics and for those who wish to ride, Local militia and rock guide apart from those who already with us. Late afternoon start walking to Erta eale. Around 5 pm 3 hours trek climb to Erta Ale volcano and overnight on the top of the mountain. Erta Ale is 613 meters tall, with a lava lake, one of only five in the world, at the summit. It is notable for being the longest existing lava lake, present since the early years of the twentieth century. Overnight on the Summit.

Day 07: Descend from Erta Ale and drive to Hammed Ela
Around 9 am we will be at foot base of the volcanic mountain where our cook and cars camp have our breakfast and drive to Hammed Ela via Kusrewad. So again we trace to the same way we came from on the sand to Hammed Ela overnight Berhale camping

Day 08:  Hammed Ela – Mekele.
Drive to Mekele through the town of Berhale.  Ascend to the Tigrian highland with the camel caravan and stop for photo over the depression. Overnight Mekelle.

Day 09: Mekelle – Addis Ababa
This morning our drivers gave we transfer to Mekelle airport for our flight to Addis. We say to them goodbye at the gate of airport. Arrival Addis afternoon at leisure and depending up on your departure time transfer to Bole international airport and fly back home.

Afra

Posted by: Posted on: April 20, 2016

All tours customizable to your needs!
I had to go there myself. I mean, why intentionally travel to the hottest place on the planet? On the way, you get the idea. Dreamy landscapes that stretch forever, a hot nighttime wind that doesn’t ever let up. I had been told to drink a lot of water, more than you think you need. By the end of the first day, I was way behind. Only after liter number four did I feel the need to go.
This is the Danakil Depression, with its nomadic tribes and salts mine workers and endless camel caravans. The land that time forgot. A friend called it nature’s chemistry experiment, bubbling up to the surface in hot springs in all glorious sulphuric colors. And then the opportunity to peer into the earth’s crust – climbing onto camels to ascend the dome of an active volcano and glimpse its lava lake below.Surreal.

Tour Itinerary

Day. 01: Arrival of Addis Ababa and Sight seeing
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfer you to the hotel. Full day sightseeing of the Capital, which includes: historical sites including the National Archaeological Museum, to view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeleton was discovered in 1974. Continue to the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University; a great insight into the many different peoples of Ethiopia and their respective cultures. After visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral, visit the ‘Merkato’, the largest open-air market in East Africa. We will end the day with a drive to the top of Mount Entoto, which rises to an altitude of 10,500 feet and offers a panoramic view of the metropolis.
Day 2 another excursion today, this time north to Debre Libanos.
Passing through the Solulta plain, an area where many athletes do their training, we come to the Jemma Valley Gorge where we can expect to see the endemic Gelada baboon, a magnificent primate with a long mane. There is great scenery as the land drops nearly 1000 meters towards the Jemma River, which is one of the tributaries of the Nile.
Debre Libanos is an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, the monastery there was founded by the renowned 13th century mystic, Saint Teclehaimanot and there is a small cave near the church (which is of recent construction) where he is said to have stood for seven years on one leg, until the other wasted away and dropped off.
Leaving the Gorge we proceed to the church. After the church visitors can make the climb to the cave of St Teklehaimanot. If you continue up the hill from the cave from the top there’s a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside. We will set off back to Addis Ababa late afternoon.
Day3: Fly to Mekele and drive to Hamdela, Beginning the tour to Danakil Desert.
Early in the morning after breakfast transfer to air port to fly to Mekelle and meet the vehicle and guide at the air port and short break coffee bars in Mekelle. Then continue driving to Hamedela and Picnic lunch at Berhale where we arrange the permits and police escort. You will be around late afternoon at Hamdela campsite where you will be staying camping for two nights. On the way you will also admire some local Tigre and Afar tribes’ village and camel caravan carrying the salt bars to transport it to the nearest local town. O/n Camping Hamedela

Day 4: Excursion to Daloll depression.
After early breakfast drive to the Lake Asale, salty Lake and visit the salt workers and the merchant, then head to Dallol/Denakil Depression, which straddles the Eritrean border to the east of the Tigrian Highlands and is officially listed as the hottest and active place on the earth surface with an average temperature of 40 – 50 degrees Celsius. Most of this vast and unpopulated region lies below sea level at 116 Meters.
Camping at Hamdela

Day 5: Hamed Ela – Dodome – Erta Ale
Early In the morning, drive to Dodome. Here we will arrange camels to transport your luggage and water, and then you will start hiking to the Erta Ale Volcanic hills (613 meters above sea level) which is 15km one way, and walk to see the volcanic eruption. The eruption is so colorful and spectacular. At night, we will camp nearby the eruption, on the crater rim above the active lava lake.

Day 6 drive to Afrera.
Camping overnight, desert area of the Afar Region. One of the leak found which 115 below sea level. You will have good opportunity to explore many of desrt hot springs. Camping at the shore of the leak.

Day 7.drive to awash national park.
On this day you will see many of afar nomads with their huge amount of livestock.  The Afer people are one of Ethiopian ethnic group with amazing culture which is inspire traveler.
O/n Awash falls lodge.

Day 8 safari and game view Awash National Park,
The park established in 1966, the Park is home to more than 80 species of mammals and 454 species of birds, with major attractions, Trek along drive in Awash National Park, where one can see large herds of Beisa oryx and Soemmering’s gazelle and numerous mammal and bird species,ecolodge in the wilderness,  further drive to Addis Ababa  Admire Lake Beseka and the Fentale crater. Early evening enjoy a “farewell dinner” and coffee ceremony at a famous traditional Ethiopian restaurant. After sampling the various national dishes, enjoy an Ethiopian Folkloric show before your transfer to air port fly back to home

12 Days Meket community Tour

Posted by: Posted on: April 20, 2016

Day 1: Arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Air port
Meet and greet Wisdom Ethiopia Tour  representative at exit of luggage claim and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay Bole Ambassador hotel Addis Ababa.

Day 2: City tour in Addis Ababa
You will have an early breakfast and your first visit in Addis Ababa will be the National Museum (pre historic, cultural, archaeological attractions), Ethnographic Museum of Addis Ababa University (culture, dressing style, traditional practices of over 80 ethnic groups, and collection of traditional musical instruments). Lunch at Lucy Restaurant.
Your visit also comprises tourist attraction sites like Emperor Minelik’s Palace, St. Raguel’s Church (after a drive to Entoto Mountain – 3200 meter above sea level), Merkato, (the largest open market in Africa).In the evening, we will host you at one of the best traditional restaurants of Addis where you can see the folk dances of the Ethiopian people and taste Ethiopian variety of meals. Overnight stay Bole Ambassador hotel Addis Ababa.

Day 3: Drive to Dessie
After breakfast, you will drive to Dessie (400 Km from Addis). On the way, you will visit a very magnetic natural force of a cliff, known as “Gemsa Gedele” literally means ‘Bisected Cliff’. Then you will arrive in Dessie (late afternoon). You will check into a hotel. You will have dinner, rest & spend the night there. Overnight stay in Local Hotel.

Day 4: Drive to Lalibela
You will have breakfast & drive to Lalibela (approximately 265 Km from Dessie) through the spectacular and scenic landscape. You will check into a hotel. You will have dinner, rest & spend the night there. Overnight stay in Mountain View Hotel.

Day 5: Drive to Filakit – Werkhaye Mariam – Trek to Mequat Mariam
After breakfast, you will drive to Filakit (??? Km from Dessie) to Werkhaye Mariam,where you start your trek to Mequat Mariam Community site. You trek across the plateau following well worn paths (often bolder strewn) through the agricultural landscape of the highlands. The total walk time is about 3 hours plus stops. You will have dinner and stay the night Mequat Mariam. Overnight stay at Mequat Mariam Community Tukul.

Day 6: Trek Mequat Mariam to Wajela
Right after breakfast, an early morning trekking will take you to Wajela through along the escarpment for much of the way with staggering views of the river systems and farm land below. There is a good chance to see Gelada Baboon along these escarpments, and if you are lucky Rock Hyrax, even a Klipspringer. You will have lunch in the bush. You will have dinner and stay the night Wajela.
Overnight stay at Wajela Community Tukul.

Day 7: Trek Wajela to Aterow Aragawi.
Right after breakfast, an early morning trekking will take you to Aterow Aragawi. On the way visit the old church of Akat Abo. You will have lunch in the bush. You will have dinner and stay the night Aterow Aragawi.
Overnight stay night at Aterow Aragawi Community Tukul.

Day 8: Trek Aterow Aragawi to Yadukulay
Right after breakfast, an early morning trekking will take you to Yadukulay. You will have lunch in the bush. You will have dinner and stay the night Yadukulay.
Overnight stay night at Yadukulay Community Tukul.

Day 9: Trek Yadukulay to Taja and drive to Lalibela
After breakfast, you will trek to the village of Taja a short trek (1-2 hours). Then, your vehicle will be waiting for you and you will drive to Lalibela (50km back from Taja). Upon arrival in Lalibela, you will check into a hotel, take a hot shower of the last five days. You will have lunch in Lalibela. In the evening, you will rest, have dinner and stay the night in the hotel.
Overnight stay in Mountain View Hotel.

Day 10: Visit the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
After breakfast your first visit will be to the eleven Rock-hewn Monolithic (carved from a single rock) Churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World heritage site, with magnificent architecture & paintings inside the churches). In the evening you will get back to the hotel, rest, have dinner and relax. Overnight stay in Mountain View hotel.

Day 11: One more day to explore the Lalibela Rock-hewn Churches
Right after breakfast, an early morning drive will take you to historical churches around Lalibela like the Hill Church of Asheton Mariam (on the back of a mule or on foot), Yimerhane Kirsotos, Nakute LeAb or Genete Maryam. Overnight stay in Mountain View hotel.

Day 12: Flight back to Addis Ababa and departure back to home
After a relaxed breakfast, a short flight will bring you back to Addis Ababa. You will arrive in Addis Ababa midday/early afternoon where you will do some shopping for souvenirs.
Finally you will be taken to a farewell dinner depending on your scheduled flight; you will be transferred out to Bole International Airport for back home.

12 Days North Tigray Community Tour

Posted by: Posted on: April 20, 2016

Day 1: Arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Air port
Meet and greet Wisdom Ethiopia  representative at exit of luggage claim and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay Bole Ambassador hotel Addis Ababa.

Day 2: City tour in Addis Ababa
You will have an early breakfast and your first visit in Addis Ababa will be the National Museum (pre historic, cultural, archaeological attractions), Ethnographic Museum of Addis Ababa University (culture, dressing style, traditional practices of over 80 ethnic groups, and collection of traditional musical instruments). Lunch at Lucy Restaurant.
Your visit also comprises tourist attraction sites like Emperor Minelik’s Palace, St. Raguel’s Church (after a drive to Entoto Mountain – 3000 meter above sea level), Merkato, (the largest open market in Africa).In the evening, we will host you at one of the best traditional restaurants of Addis where you can see the folk dances of the Ethiopian people and taste Ethiopian variety of meals. Overnight stay Bole Ambassador hotel Addis Ababa.

Day 3: Drive to Dessie
After breakfast, you will drive to Dessie (400 Km from Addis). On the way, you will visit a very magnetic natural force of a cliff, known as “Gemsa Gedele” literally means ‘Bisected Cliff’. Then you will arrive in Dessie (late afternoon). You will check into a hotel. You will have dinner, rest & spend the night there. Overnight stay in Local Hotel.

Day 4: Drive to Meklle
You will have breakfast & drive to Meklle (380km from Dessie) through the spectacular and scenic landscape. You will check into a hotel. You will have dinner, rest & spend the night there. Overnight stay in Axum Hotel.

Day 5: Drive to Gohgot, East Tigray Highland
Right after breakfast, you will drive to East Tigray Highland. It is here that you would travel to start your trekking to Gohgot. Tucked under the cliff, the Gohgot guest house provides views over the valleys and villages. The Gohgot Eyesus rock church is a short hike away. In the evening, you will have dinner and stay the night at the Community Tukul. Overnight stay night at Gohgot Community guest house.

Day 6: Trek Gohgot to Shimbrety
You will have an early breakfast and trek from Gohgot to Shimbrety. Close to the Mariam Buzuhan rock church, the Shimbrety guest house sits on the western ridge of the Agame Mountains. Nearby there is an interesting rock tunnel that was carved through the ridge to give villages on the western side access to the church. In the evening, you will have dinner and stay the night at the Community Tukul. Overnight stay night at Shimbrety Community guest house.

Day 7: Trek Shimbrety to Erar
Right after breakfast, an early morning trek to Erar campsite. Constructed in an isolated section of the escarpment, the Erar guest house has wonderful views of the Adwa Mountains and the Nebulet pillars. With gelada baboons, birds of prey, natural springs, and the famous Mariam Kiat rock church, the Erar guest house offers something for everyone. In the evening, you will have dinner and stay the night at the Community Tukul. Overnight stay night at Erar Community guest house.

Day 8: Trek Erar to Enaf
After breakfast, you will trek to Enaf. At 3,000m, the Enaf guest house has stunning views across the whole Agame massif and valleys. The Debre Giyorgis church, found between Gohgot and Enaf, is built with an ancient layering technique and well worth the challenging climb to see it. In the evening, you will have dinner and stay the night at the Community Tukul. Overnight stay night at Erar Community guest house.

Day 9: Trek Enaf to Mugulat
Right after breakfast, an early morning trek to Mugulat campsite. Further north along on a spur running off the ridge is a new community guest house just perched above the village of Mugulet. Here visitors can hear the sounds of village life while resting and taking in the wonderful landscape. In the evening, you will have dinner and stay the night at the Community Tukul. Overnight stay night at Mugulat Community guest house.

Day 10: Trek and drive to Axum
Right after breakfast, you trek a short walk to meet a vehicle to take you to Axum. You will arrive in Axum late in the afternoon. You will check into a hotel and take a break. Dinner will be at the hotel. Overnight stay in Consular

Day 11: City Tour in Axum
You will have breakfast and will visit all day to the Steale of Axum, the Inscription of Ezana, Queen Sheba’s Palace, the famous St. Mary of Zion Church, ruins of ancient palaces (built until 4th century A.D.), with lunch break in between then outside Axum you can visit also the tombs of Kings Kaleb & Gebre Meskel dating to 6th century. In the evening, you will get back to the hotel and spend the night there.
Overnight stay in Consular

Day 12: Flight back to Addis Ababa and departure back to home
after a relaxed breakfast, a short flight will bring you back to Addis Ababa. You will arrive in Addis Ababa midday/early afternoon where you will do some shopping for souvenirs.
Finally you will be taken to a farewell dinner depending on your scheduled flight; you will be transferred out to Bole International Airport for return flight back home.

11 days trekking to holy highland Abone Yosf and Lalibela.

Posted by: Posted on: April 20, 2016

Day 1: Arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Air port
Meet and greet by Wisdom Ethiopia Tours  representative at exit of luggage claim and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay Bole Ambassador hotel Addis Ababa.

Day 2: City tour in Addis Ababa.
You will have an early breakfast and your first visit in Addis Ababa will be the National Museum (pre historic, cultural, archaeological attractions), Ethnographic Museum of Addis Ababa University (culture, dressing style, traditional practices of over 80 ethnic groups, and collection of traditional musical instruments). Lunch at Lucy Restaurant.
Your visit also comprises tourist attraction sites like Emperor Minelik’s Palace, St. Raguel’s Church (after a drive to Entoto Mountain – 3000 meter above sea level), Merkato, (the largest open market in Africa).In the evening, we will host you at one of the best traditional restaurants of Addis where you can see the folk dances of the Ethiopian people and taste Ethiopian variety of meals. Overnight stay Bole Ambassador hotel Addis Ababa.

Day 3: Drive to Dessie.
After breakfast, you will drive to Dessie (400 Km from Addis). On the way, you will visit a very magnetic natural force of a cliff, known as “Gemsa Gedele” literally means ‘Bisected Cliff’. Then you will arrive in Dessie (late afternoon). You will check into a hotel. You will have dinner, rest & spend the night there. Overnight stay in Local Hotel.

Day 4: Drive to Lalibela.
You will have breakfast & drive to Lalibela (approximately 265 Km from Dessie) through the spectacular and scenic landscape. You will check into a hotel. You will have dinner, rest & spend the night there. Overnight stay in Mountain View Hotel.

Day 5: Trek Lalibela to Ad Medhane Alem.
Right after breakfast, trek from Lalibela to Ad Medhane Alem. It is the starting point for the adventure, the Ad Medhane Alem house acts as a base camp for the trek. During their 5 hour walk from Lalibela, visitors can see large heather plants and catch their first glimpses of the gelada baboons. In the evening, you will have dinner and stay the night at the Community Tukul. Overnight stay night at Ad Medhane Alem Community Tukul.

Day 6: Trek Ad Medahne Alem to Agaw Beret .
You will have breakfast & trek to Agaw Beret. Constructed by Frankfurt Zoological Society, the Agaw Beret guest house sits at 4,000m and is the highest community lodge in Ethiopia. The guest house is located in a secluded area with a view to the Abuna Yosef summit, the third highest peak in Ethiopia. Overnight stay night at Agaw Beret Community Tukul.

Day 7: Trek Agaw Beret to Tadios Amba.
Right after breakfast, trek from Agaw Beret to Tadios Amba. Visitors to the Tadios Amba guest house will experience spectacular views down the ridge to Geneta Mariam and have an opportunity to visit the Mekina Medhane Alem built church hidden in a cave. Overnight stay night at Tadios Amba Community Tukul.

Day 8: Trek Tadios Amba to Geneta Mariam & back to Lalibela.
After breakfast, you will trek to Geneta Mariam. Geneta Mariam sitting at 2,500m, the Geneta Mariam guest house is the last stop on the Abuna Yosef trek. On this day you will meet a vehicle to take you to back to Laliblela. Overnight stay in Mountain View hotel.

Day 9: Visit the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela.
After breakfast your first visit will be to the eleven Rock-hewn Monolithic (carved from a single rock) Churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World heritage site, with magnificent architecture & paintings inside the churches). In the evening you will get back to the hotel, rest, have dinner and relax. Overnight stay in Mountain View hotel.

Day 10: One more day to explore the Lalibela Rock-hewn Churches.
Right after breakfast, an early morning drive will take you to historical churches around Lalibela like the Hill Church of Asheton Mariam (on the back of a mule or on foot), Yimerhane Kirsotos, Nakute LeAb or Genete Maryam. Overnight stay in Mountain View hotel.

Day 11: Flight back to Addis Ababa and departure back to home.
After a relaxed breakfast, a short flight will bring you back to Addis Ababa. You will arrive in Addis Ababa midday/early afternoon where you will do some shopping for souvenirs.
Finally you will be taken to a farewell dinner depending on your scheduled flight; you will be transferred out to Bole International Airport for return flight back home.

Trekking to Meket and Lalibela

Posted by: Posted on: April 20, 2016

Day 1: Arive Addis Ababa After breakfast Trek to intoto Mountain and visit the Museum and church.

Day 2: fly to Lalibela   from Lalibela Airport drive to boya over night at community lodge.

Day 3: from Boya trek to Ayenamba    over night at community lodge.

Day 4: from Ayenamba to Genete Maryam.

Day 5: Genete Maryam to Tadiwos Amba.

Day 6: Tadiwos Amba to Abune Josef.

Day 7: Abune Josef to Addi medehanialem.

Day 8: Addi medhanialem to Lalibela over night hotel.

Day 9: visit the church round Lalibela over night hotel.

Day 10: Fly buck to Addis Ababa. Diner in traditional restaurant and  back to home

Trekking to Lasta Lalibela for 7 night 8 Days

Lalibela 0001 Eth Lalibela Ethiopia Existing
Posted by: Posted on: April 20, 2016

Transport: Surface and Air.
Day 01:  Arrive Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa. Afternoon city tour of Addis Ababa which include the national museum, ethnographic museum and Merkato.
O/N: Ambassador  hotel

Day 02:  Addis Abab-Lalibela (2500m)
In the morning, fly to Lalibela. The rest of the day,  visit the first group of rock-hewn   churches from 1200 AD.
O/N: hotel.

Day 03: Lalibela –Merebarbu (3500m)
In the morning visit the second group of rock-hewn churches.  In the afternoon, trek  to Merebarbu enroute visitng Asheten Mariam monastery church from the 13th century.
O/N: camping at Merebarbu.

Day 04:  Merebarbu-Wedebye  (3700m)
Start the 4 hours trekking from Merebarbu to Wedebye (3600 to 3800).
O/N:  Camping at Wedebye .

Day 05:  Wedebye-Abune Yosef  (3900m)
Continue the trek for ~4 hours to Abune Yosef (4130). En route enjoying the  stunning view covered by afro alpine types of vegetations you will have the chance to spot endemic mammals like Gelada Baboon and Simen Fox.
O/N: Camping at Abune Yosef.

Day 06: Abune Yosef-Degosach-Yimrhane Kirstos
From Abune Yosef, the third highest pick in the Ethiopia, we will trek on the plateaus of Degosach en route visiting different villages. At Yimrhane Kirstos,  you will visit the 12th Century built up cave church which is very famous for its unique style of architecture, construction and interior decorations.
O/N: camping at Yimrha.

Day 07: Yimrha-Arbatu Ensesa-Lalibela
In the morning, walk down hill to visit Arbatu Ensesa, a rock-hewn church from the 4th century AD. At the same point, meet your driver for the drive to Lalibela en-route visiting Bilbala Cherkos.
O/N:Roha hotel.

Day 08: Lalibela-Addis Ababa-Departure
Fly back to Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, city tour of Addis Ababa and  diner at Habesha 2000  Traditional Restaurant   back home.  End of tour.

Tribe and Imperial tour 13 days

Posted by: Posted on: April 20, 2016

Ethiopia is one of those rare Africa destinations with two distinct diversified regions of historical and geographical uniqueness. Travel to the northern part of the country with its 17 centuries of Christian history. Visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites and learn about interesting historical parallels with Jerusalem and Queen of Sheba, the famous leader of the Axumite Empire. Proceed to southern Ethiopia and be amazed on how the culture and lifestyle is so different from their fellow Ethiopians to the north. Visit four distinct tribal villages and feel as though you have stepped back in time.1

1 . Addis Ababa

Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfer you to the Harmony Hotel. Enjoy the morning of leisure and enjoy lunch at the hotel. This afternoon visit historical sites including the National Archaeological Museum, to view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeleton was discovered in 1974. Continue to the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University; a great insight into the many different peoples of Ethiopia and their respective cultures. After visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral, we will end the day with a drive to the top of Mount Entoto, which rises to an altitude of 10,500 feet and offers a panoramic view of the metropolis.

Harmony Hotel (L,D) or  Similar hotel

2. Gondar UNESCO site

Fly to Gondar, once the old imperial capital founded in 1635 by Emperor Fasillides who built a palace and seven churches. Refered to as the “Camelot of Africa”, visit the royal enclosure containing six castles, a complex network of connecting tunnels and raised walkways. Proceed to the fascinating DebreBirhan Selassie Church with its walls and ceiling decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history.

Goha Hotel (B, L, D) or Similar hotel

3. Lalibela UNESCO site

This morning fly to the most unique Christian sites of Ethiopia. Lalibela’s churches are collectively referred to as ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’. Legend has it that Emperor Lalibela had been instructed, in a vision from God, to build the new Jerusalem after returning from Jerusalem which was sacked by the Muslims. Visit the 11 majestic, rock churches that are still used as places of worship by Lalibelans. Since its relatively remote location, Lalibela has yet gained the worldwide exposure and has been compared as the “Petra of Africa”.

Mountain View Lodge (B, L, D) or Jerusalem hotel

4. Lalibela

Visit the exquisite church of YimrhaneKristos. This is a masterpiece of Axumit wood and stone construction which is renowned for its interior decoration and beautiful wooden coffer ceiling. Notice the inlaid of the hexagons and medallions with both figurative geometric motifs. Return back to Lalibela and revisit the rock churches that were not visited on the day of arrival. Return to the Mountain View Hotel offering expanding views of the region.

(B, L, D)

5. Axum UNESCO site

Fly to the heart of ancient Ethiopia, the capital of the Kingdom of Axum which was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include monolithic steles or obelisks, the tombs of King Kaleb and King GebreMeskal, the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of her ancient palace. Also visit the new and the old Cathedral of St Mary of Tsion (Zion) and the sanctuary that houses the original Arc of the Covenant. The older of the two cathedrals, built in the 16th century, is believed to be built on the ruins of an earlier 4th century church, and is the holiest site in Ethiopia.

Consular Hotel (B,L, D)

6. Arba Minch

Fly to Addis Ababa and connect with your afternoon flight towards southern Ethiopia and to the town of Arba Minch. On arrival,board your exclusive 4×4 exclusive 4-passenger vehicle for a short drive will to the village of the Dorze tribe. Walk amongst the Dorze people and appreciate their beehive-shaped homes. This tribe are respect as expert weavers. Also, they are expert farmers and witness their ingenious terracing technique, allowing them to farm efficiently along the mountainside and yet prevent soil erosion.

Paradise Lodge (B, D) or Ezana hotel

7. Jinka

Visit the colorful village of the Konso tribe. A pagan society, the Konso erect eerie wooden totems, replete with phallic symbols over the graves of the dead. They also have numerous cults based around the breeding and veneration of serpents. The cornerstone of Konso culture, however, is a highly specialized and successful agricultural economy that, through terracing buttressed with stone, enable these people to extract a productive living from the none-too-fertile hills and valleys that surround them. This will be an excellent day to mingle among the people, take photographs with them and learn firsthand about a culture virtually untouched by the outside world. Later in the afternoon arrive in Jinka, located at the foot of Mago National Park.

Eco Omo Lodge (B,L,D) Orit Hotel

8. Jinka

This morning drive to a Mursi tribal village. The tribe is renowned for the now-uncommon custom of their women, upon reaching maturity, having their lower lips slit and circular clay discs inserted. Return back to Jinka for lunch and this afternoon proceed to the Ari Village compound. Learn and understand how the local people process different foods and alcohol.

(B, L, D)

9. Turmi

This morning proceed to Dimeka to visit the colorful Hamer tribe. They are well known for their remarkable hairstyles made of ochre, water, and binding resin., resulting in copper-colored locks. This is a sign of wealth for this tribe. The Hamers are also considered the masters of body decoration. Continue to the town of Turmi.

Buska Lodge (B, L, D) Turmi lodge

10. Turmi

Turmi is our new base as we explore the region and meet the different tribes who share this valley but live a life uniquely their own. Drive to the Murulle area. Murile (also spelled Muelle and Murli) lies on the banks of the Omo River, and is a popular base for exploring this area. The two main tribes who live here are the Karo and the Hamer, both of whom practice scarification and have elaborate hairstyles. The Karo are experts in body painting, using clays and locally available vegetable pigments to trace fantastic patterns on their faces, chests, arms and legs. These designs have no special symbolic significance but instead are created for fun and aesthetic effect, as each artist tries to outdo another. Karo men also sculpt and shave their hair into extravagant shapes, with special ochre “caps” of hair usually containing several ostrich feathers.

(B, L, D)

11. Arba Minch

On the return drive to Arba Minch visit the Arbore tribe who are known for herding cattle and depend on plant cultivation for their basic food. They provide cereal grains for neighboring tribes through trading partnerships. They are considered pastorals and have their own unique physical appearance with the women covering their heads with black cloth and known to wear very colorful necklaces and earrings. Body painting using natural colors are made from soil and stone. Traditional dancing is practiced by the tribe and wealth is measured by the number of cattle a tribesman owns.

Paradise Lodge (B, L, D)

12. Lake Langano

This morning enjoy a refreshing wildife cruise on Lake Chamo. While cruising view crocodiles.hippos and a variety of colorful bird life. After lunch in Sodo, visit AbiyataShalla National Park to view two lakes with its population of flamingos and the hot springs at Shalla. Continue to your Lake Lagano accommodation, a resort offering both a serene beach front as well as as a vast cliff-top with a breath taking view over the lake.

Sabana Beach Resort (B, L, D)

13. Return to Addis Ababa and departure

This morning commence our drive to Addis Ababa and stop at Lake Ziway to view the colorful birds. On arrival in the capital city enjoy an early evening dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant offering a folkloric show and the popular coffee ceremony. After sampling the various national dishes, proceed to the airport for your late night flight back to home.

(B, L, D)