Axum, Lalibela, Gondar, Lake Tana, Omo Valley Tribes

Crossroads of Ethiopia

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"It was a great privilege to have visited Ethiopia. Wonderful, good-natured people and the tribal area was everything that I hoped it would be." C. Moore

ETHIOPIA IS LIKE NO OTHER PLACE IN AFRICA, from its Orthodox Christian heritage, breathtakingly displayed in Lalibela's 12th century rockhewn churches, to its kaleidoscopic array of animist tribes in the Great Rift Valley. Our journey explores the genuine mystique of Ethiopia at fascinating places like Axum, Ethiopia’s holy city, as well as at the serene island monasteries in Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, and in the castles and battlements of imperial Gondar, seat of Ethiopian emperors. Southern Ethiopia has another world to show us in the remote savanna bushlands along the Omo River. Here we discover Ethiopia's amazing tribal heritage as we visit villages of traditional peoples like the Mursi, with their enormous clay lip plates, and the nomadic Karo, with their elaborate body painting and adornments. Our journeys are scheduled to witness the exuberance of the Timkat Festival (Epiphany), the biggest celebration of the year in Ethiopia, or the Meskal Festival (The Finding of the True Cross) held in September.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-3
Addis Ababa / Axum

In Addis, meet with a deacon of the Orthodox church, then fly to Axum, Ethiopia's most sacred city, where according to Ethiopian legend, the Ark of the Covenant resides within a special chapel at the Church of St. Mary of Zion.

Day 4
Lalibela

At Lalibela, we see the master craftsmanship of fantastic 12th century churches chiseled from solid rock.

Days 5-6
Gondar / Lake Tana

We explore medieval Gondar, set at 6,700 feet, Ethiopia's royal capital until 1868. Journey by boat to Lake Tana's medieval island-monasteries.

Days 7-12
Omo River Valley / Tribal Ethiopia

Head south into the Rift Valley along the Omo River. We visit the Dorze, Mursi, and other tribal peoples, each with their own language, dress, and customs. Overnights at the Omo Explorer's Lodge.

Days 13-14
Addis / Harrar

In Addis, meet with a deacon of the Orthodox church, visit the Ethnological Museum and National Museum, with its archaeological treasures including the hominid “Lucy.” Fly to Dire Dawa to visit ancient Harrar, with its thousand-year-old city walls and vibrant markets.

Days 15-17
Timkat Eve and Timkat Day

Orthodox priests in brilliant-hued gowns and throngs of parishioners wearing the dazzling white of traditional Ethiopian dress make Timkat spectacular. Ringing bells, blowing trumpets, wafting incense, and blessing rituals add to the mystique. Depart on Day 17.

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Tour Costs $5295 (7-8 members) $5595 (4-6 members) Single supplement: $850 Internal airfare: $1000-1350 (subject to change) *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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