Tribes of the Omo Valley and Spectacular Festivals
Lost Worlds of Ethiopia
{"trip":{"TripID":10321,"Trip_Code":"ETHIOPIA","Trip_Name":"Lost Worlds of Ethiopia","TripYear":"2024","BrandName":"Wilderness Travel","BrandID":1,"Trip_Tag_Line":"see custom fields","Start_Location":"Addis Ababa, Ethiopia","End_Location":"Addis Ababa, Ethiopia","Number_Days":16,"Number_Nights":15,"DisplayOnWeb":true,"Book_On_Web":false,"Featured":false,"SpecialEvent":false,"BestSeller":false,"Short_Description":"From its Orthodox Christian heritage in the mountain highlands to the animistic tribes in the Great Rift Valley, Ethiopia holds a fascinating mix of cultures. In the highlands, we explore Axum—Ethiopia's holy city—and World Heritage-listed Lalibela, with its 12th century subterranean churches. A different side of Ethiopia thrives in the far south, where we visit the tribal cultures of the remote Omo Valley. Each trip is timed for a festival—January trips attend Timkat, the exuberant Epiphany celebration; in September, we'll witness Meskel, with its flickering bonfires and carpets of yellow daisies.","Long_Description":"","ActivityHighlight":"Rugged road travel by 4WD vehicle, easy walks, cultural explorations","TripType":"Small Group Adventure","HeaderImage":"","HeaderImageAltTag":"","ThumbnailImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/thumb-ETHIOPIA-omo-valley-tribes-stilts.jpg","MapImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/ethiopia-map.jpg","MapImageAltTag":"","FloatingImage":"","VideoLink":"","GroupSize":"","tripURL":"www.wildernesstravel.com\/trip\/\/Ethiopia\/omo-valley-timkat-meskal","ThisYear_Year":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails2":"","Price":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","SingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","AirPrice":"0","AirPriceCaption":"","FeePrice1":"0","FeePrice2":"0","FeePrice3":"0","FeeName1":"","FeeName2":"","FeeName3":"","ShowNextYearsPrice":true,"NextYear_Year":"2024","NextYear_PriceDetails":"$9,795 (7-8 members)<br>$11,495 (4-6 members)","NextYear_PriceDetails2":"Single supplement: $1,700<br>Internal airfare: $1,650-$2,350 (subject to change)","PriceNextYear":"9795","SingleSupplementPrice1NextYear":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2NextYear":"0","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","NextYearAirPriceCaption":"","AirPriceNextYear":"0","NextYearFeePrice1":"0","NextYearFeePrice2":"0","NextYearFeePrice3":"0","NextYearFeeName1":"","NextYearFeeName2":"","NextYearFeeName3":"","TripSavings":false,"TripSavingsDescription":"","VariablePricing":false,"PricingNoteTitle":"","PricingNotes":"","NewTrip":false,"MinAge":0,"TripRatingID":6,"TripRatingName":"2+","TravelFromDate":"2022-01-01","TravelToDate":"2050-12-31","BookFromDate":"2022-01-01","BookToDate":"2050-12-31","EventID":19,"EventName":"","AccountingGroup":"Africa","DepositRule":2,"DepositAmt":"600","FinalDays":90,"AutoConfirm":false,"AutoConfirmAmount":"0","PrivateAvailable":true,"OperationMonths":"","AccmRating":""},"itinerary":[{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":1,"Headline":"Arrive Addis (Itinerary 1)","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, trip members are met at the airport and transferred to the Sheraton Hotel, our comfortable base in Addis. In the afternoon, we gather for an orientation meeting, then enjoy a Welcome Dinner.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Arba Minch","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A long but scenic drive brings us to a mountain village of the Dorze people, famous for their weavings, with a chance to explore the weekly market. After lunch, we drive south to Arba Minch and check into our basic hotel, which has a panoramic view of Nech Sar National Park and its two lakes, Chamo and Abaya. Time permitting, we enjoy a walk to a scenic local spring. Overnight in Arba Minch.\r\nDriving Details: 7-8 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Jinka","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We drive through a scenic wonderland and a tribal kaleidoscope of communities, with a late afternoon arrival in Jinka, set at the edge of the dry savannas of 835-square-mile Mago National Park along the east bank of the Omo River. We'll visit Konso Village in the afternoon and enjoy our overnight at a basic hotel.\r\nDriving Details: 5-6 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Omo River Valley Tribes","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the savanna of the Omo River Valley live a fascinating mix of nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, from the Bume and Karo to the Bena and Hamar, coexisting in a harsh land that is all but forgotten by the rest of the world. For the most part, they have separate languages. There are few interactions between tribes except at markets. In the wet season, May to September, the tribespeople largely remain in their villages to take care of communal tasks such as honey gathering and cultivation. With the approach of the dry season, the men leave with their herds to find good pastures, moving to the grassy banks of seasonal watercourses. Most of the tribespeople wear simple cotton wraps, much decorative jewelry, and elaborate hairstyles. Many men have decorative scarring that indicates their tribal rank. The men of the Mursi tribe are renowned warriors and Mursi women are famous for the lip plates they use for adornment. The Mursi speak a Nilotic language and are a homogeneous group governed by their own ancient rituals.\r\n\r\nWe make daily excursions to visit villages and meet a wide variety of tribal peoples. Our itinerary in the Omo region is flexible and subject to local conditions. The following is a sample itinerary: At Korcho, a small Karo village, we visit some homes and watch a traditional dance performed by Karo men, women, and children. Photography is allowed during the dance performance. We may also have the chance to see the Karo's famous body-painting done. On one day, we head from our lodge to Kangatan and cross the Omo by boat to visit the Bume people, perhaps enjoying an optional hike beyond the main Bume village. On another day, we visit the main village of the Karo people, where we may have an opportunity to bargain for Karo handicrafts. Overnights at a basic lodge in the Omo Valley. each day\r\nDriving Details: Jinka to Mursi round trip on a dusty bush road, approximately 6 hours; Jinka to Turmi round trip on a gravel road, approximately 5 hours; Turmi to Omorate, approximately 1.5 hours on a gravel road.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Addis","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Private charter flight from Omo to Addis (avoiding a two-day drive!). In the afternoon, we enjoy a city tour of Addis, which may include the Ethnological Museum and the famous National Museum. Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Bahir Dar","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We fly to Bahir Dar, where we visit a church to meet the local deacon and also take a boat excursion out to an island monastery in Lake Tana. The town of Bahir Dar rose to prominence in the 16th century and is a center for commerce and government for the region. Around 20 of the 37 islands in the lake have monasteries, with some dating to the Middle Ages. Due in part to their difficult access, the lake's churches are well preserved and rich with the best of Ethiopian religious paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and other treasures. From a hilltop above the city, near the palace of the former Emperor Haile Selassie, there are panoramic views of the city and the lake. Overnight at a basic hotel at Lake Tana.\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 1-hour flight","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Simien Mountains","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After breakfast, we drive to Gondar, Ethiopia's royal capital until 1868 and set at an altitude of 7,500 feet. From here we head up into the Simien Mountains, a spectacular landscape of deep gorges, sharp ridges, and steep jagged peaks, including Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's highest peak at 14,930 feet. Simien Mountains National Park is home to unique wildlife that include the endangered walia ibex, Ethiopian wolf, and the gelada baboon, as well as more than 180 species of birds. Overnight at Simien Lodge.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Gondar","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We drive back to Gondar and spend the day exploring this medieval city, surrounded by mountains on all sides, with Lake Tana in view in the distance. Founded by Emperor Fassilides in the 17th century, Gondar has been called the “Camelot of Africa” because of its castles and fortress-like battlements. By European standards, the Gondar castles may not be elaborate, but their very presence in Africa makes them a rare and imposing sight. Ambassadors of the Ottoman Empire and of Louis XVI of France were once entertained here. Gondar's Debre Birhan Selassie Church is famous for its “winged angel” faces that decorate the entire ceiling. Gondar was also the home of the Falasha, the “black Jews” of Ethiopia, most of whom left for Israel in 1991. Overnight at a basic hotel in Gondar.\r\nDriving Details: 2.5-3 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Axum","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We fly to Axum this morning. The great mystery of Axum is its claim to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. This claim is connected to the legend of King Solomon, whose son Menelik is said to have brought the Ark here some 3,000 years ago (Menelik founded the Solomonic dynasty, of which Haile Selassie was the last emperor). After lunch, our explorations include the Church of St. Mary of Zion, where the Ark of the Covenant resides within a special chapel. There are actually two churches, the older constructed in the early 17th century and containing the crowns of many former Ethiopian rulers. The newer church was constructed by Emperor Haile Selassie, who opened it at a ceremony with Queen Elizabeth in 1965. The ruins of the original church, probably erected in the 4th century, still stand. Axum has a fascinating history. Archaeologists believe that the Queen of Sheba (1000 BC) visited Axum. Ruins thought to be the Palace of Sheba have been located a few miles outside of town. The first recorded kingdom in Ethiopia grew around Axum during the 3rd century BC, and it was in Axum in the 4th century that Christianity became the state religion, under orders of King Ezna. Axum became a vital trading crossroads between Asia and Africa, falling into decline only after the rise of Islam in the 7th century. Despite its decline, it remained Ethiopia's religious capital and the place where Ethiopian emperors came for their elaborate coronations. North of the town square are Axum's impressive monolithic stelae, or obelisks, the largest of which once weighed 500 tons. The largest still-standing stelae is 75 feet tall. All were carved from single pieces of granite and are decorated with carved doors and windows and metal ornaments with pagan symbols. At the base of each of the stelae is a stone altar with bowl-shaped depressions thought to be used for sacrifices. Overnight at a basic hotel.\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 30-minute flight","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Lalibela","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A morning flight takes us to Lalibela, where we spend a memorable day exploring some of Ethiopia's famous rock-hewn churches. This ancient town is known for its concentration of 12th century churches carved out of solid rock. There are no less than 1,000 such churches in the Lasta region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves. Some of the churches are cut into volcanic rock, some are quarried enlargements of natural caves, and others are connected by a maze of underground tunnels. The architectural styles vary widely, from Grecian pillars and Arabesque windows to Egyptian-style motifs. With their unique architecture and artistry, Lalibela's remarkable churches truly must be seen to be believed. In his youth, King Lalibela was attracted to the monastic life and later made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. After he came to power, he ordered these amazing churches created, and they were built without using mortar or wood and completed in the 12th century. The largest, Bete Medani Alem, is 100 feet long, 70 feet wide, 35 feet high, and has rock walls that are up to six feet thick. Its basilica has five naves. This particular church is thought to be a copy of the great cathedral of Saint Mary of Zion, built in the Ethiopian city of Axum in the 4th century. Dinner and overnight at a basic hotel in Lalibela. each day\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 30-minute flight","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":14,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Addis","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We fly back to Addis, with the remainder of the day to rest or explore on your own. Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel.\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 50-minute flight","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":15,"DayTo":15,"Headline":"Addis (Timkat Eve)","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our main focus today is to watch the vibrant processions of Timkat Eve. In the evening, we'll enjoy a Farewell Dinner. Overnight at Sheraton Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":16,"DayTo":16,"Headline":"Addis (Timkat Day) \/ Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Today is the main Timkat Day, and we watch the morning processions and celebrations around town, with day rooms at the Sheraton. Transfer in the evening to the airport to depart on homeward-bound flights.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":17,"DayTo":17,"Headline":"Meskel Festival Departure (September)","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Meskel, held each September, celebrates The Finding of the True Cross. The largest and most colorful Meskel celebrations are held in Addis, and our September departures are in Addis for the Meskel Eve ceremony. Meskel has been celebrated in Ethiopia for more than 1,600 years and commemorates the discovery of Jesus' cross by the Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great. The original discovery is said to have taken place on March 19, 326 AD, but the feast is celebrated in September, with the lighting of a bonfire on Meskel Eve. On Meskel Eve, branches are gathered and topped with yellow daisies then ignited. The branches symbolize the actions of Empress Helena, who when no one would show her the Holy Sepulchre, lit incense and prayed for help. Where the smoke drifted, she dug and found three crosses. Meskel coincides with the mass blooming in September of carpets of golden yellow “meskel daisies” (adey abeba in Amharic) in the highlands. The festival starts with the planting of a large tree in the main square on Meskel Eve. People bring poles topped with meskel daisies and place them around the tree to form the towering pyramid that will become the bonfire. In Addis, the celebration starts early in the afternoon, when a huge procession of flaming torches approaches the main square. The marchers include priests, students, brass bands, and people pulling floats bedecked with huge crosses. Thousands gather at the square to join in, and as evening darkens, the flames grow brighter. Dancing, feasting, and even gun salutes mark the occasion, and not until dawn does the burning pyramid finally consume itself. Any national holiday such as Meskel is an occasion for wearing traditional Ethiopian dress, and we enjoy mingling with the throngs of worshippers in Addis on Meskel Eve. Traditional instruments are usually played during important church occasions, and we may also see costumed horsemen, with their horses gaily caparisoned for the occasion.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":18,"DayTo":18,"Headline":"Addis","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, trip members are met at the airport and transferred to the Sheraton Hotel, our comfortable base in Addis. In the afternoon, we gather for an orientation meeting, then enjoy a Welcome Dinner.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":19,"DayTo":19,"Headline":"Addis","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Enjoy a city tour of Addis, which may include the Ethnological Museum and the famous National Museum. Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":20,"DayTo":20,"Headline":"Bahir Dar","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We fly to Bahir Dar, where we visit a church to meet the local deacon and also take a boat excursion out to an island monastery in Lake Tana. The town of Bahir Dar rose to prominence in the 16th century and is a center for commerce and government for the region. Around 20 of the 37 islands in the lake have monasteries, with some dating to the Middle Ages. Due in part to their difficult access, the lake's churches are well preserved and rich with the best of Ethiopian religious paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and other treasures. From a hilltop above the city, near the palace of the former Emperor Haile Selassie, there are panoramic views of the city and the lake. Overnight at a basic hotel at Lake Tana.\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 1-hour flight","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":21,"DayTo":21,"Headline":"Simien Mountains","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After breakfast, we drive to Gondar, Ethiopia's royal capital until 1868 and set at an altitude of 7,500 feet. From here we head up into the Semien Mountains, a spectacular landscape of deep gorges, sharp ridges, and steep jagged peaks, including Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's highest peak at 14,930 feet. Simien Mountains National Park is home to unique wildlife that include the endangered walia ibex, Ethiopian wolf, and the gelada baboon, as well as more than 180 species of birds. We'll overnight at a local lodge in this dramatic setting.\r\nDriving Details: 6-7 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":22,"DayTo":22,"Headline":"Gondar","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We drive back to Gondar and spend the day exploring this medieval city, surrounded by mountains on all sides, with Lake Tana in view in the distance. Founded by Emperor Fassilides in the 17th century, Gondar has been called the “Camelot of Africa” because of its castles and fortress-like battlements. By European standards, the Gondar castles may not be elaborate, but their very presence in Africa makes them a rare and imposing sight. Ambassadors of the Ottoman Empire and of Louis XVI of France were once entertained here. Gondar's Debre Birhan Selassie Church is famous for its “winged angel” faces that decorate the entire ceiling. Gondar was also the home of the Falasha, the “black Jews” of Ethiopia, most of whom left for Israel in 1991. Overnight at a basic hotel in Gondar.\r\nDriving Details: 4-5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":23,"DayTo":23,"Headline":"Axum","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We fly to Axum this morning. The great mystery of Axum is its claim to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. This claim is connected to the legend of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, whose son Menelik is said to have brought the Ark here some 3000 years ago (Menelik founded the Solomonic dynasty, of which Haile Selassie was the last emperor). After lunch, our explorations include the Church of St. Mary of Zion, where the Ark of the Covenant resides within a special chapel. There are actually two churches, the older constructed in the early 17th century and containing the crowns of many former Ethiopian rulers. The newer church was constructed by Emperor Haile Selassie, who opened it at a ceremony with Queen Elizabeth in 1965. The ruins of the original church, probably erected in the 4th century, still stand. Axum has a fascinating history. Archaeologists believe that the Queen of Sheba (1000 BC) lived near Axum. Ruins thought to be the Palace of Sheba have been located a few miles outside of town. The first recorded kingdom in Ethiopia grew around Axum during the 3rd century BC, and it was in Axum in the 4th century that Christianity became the state religion, under orders of King Ezna. Axum became a vital trading crossroads between Asia and Africa, falling into decline only after the rise of Islam in the 7th century. Despite its decline, it remained Ethiopia's religious capital and the place where Ethiopian emperors came for their elaborate coronations. North of the town square are Axum's impressive monolithic stelae, or obelisks, the largest of which once weighed 500 tons. The largest still-standing stelae is 75 feet tall. All were carved from single pieces of granite and are decorated with carved doors and windows and metal ornaments with pagan symbols. At the base of each of the stelae is a stone altar with bowl-shaped depressions thought to be used for sacrifices. Overnight at a basic hotel.\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 30-minute flight","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":24,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Lalibela","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A morning flight takes us to Lalibela, where we spend a memorable day exploring some of Ethiopia's famous rock-hewn churches. This ancient town is known for its concentration of 12th century churches carved out of solid rock. There are no less than 1,000 such churches in the Lasta region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves. Some of the churches are cut into volcanic rock, some are quarried enlargements of natural caves, and others are connected by a maze of underground tunnels. The architectural styles vary widely, from Grecian pillars and Arabesque windows to Egyptian-style motifs. With their unique architecture and artistry, Lalibela's remarkable churches truly must be seen to be believed. In his youth, King Lalibela was attracted to the monastic life and later made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. After he came to power, he ordered these amazing churches created, and they were built without using mortar or wood and completed in just a 23-year span in the 12th century. The largest, Bete Medani Alem, is 100 feet long, 70 feet wide, 35 feet high, and has rock walls that are up to six feet thick. Its basilica has five naves. This particular church is thought to be a copy of the great cathedral of Saint Mary of Zion, built in the Ethiopian city of Axum in the 4th century. Dinner and overnight at a basic hotel in Lalibela. each day\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 30-minute flight","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":25,"DayTo":25,"Headline":"Addis \/ Abjiatta-Shalla \/ Langano","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Fly to Addis and drive southwest through the Rift Valley toward Ethiopia's fantastic tribal country, with a visit to Lake Abijatta-Shalla National Park. Overnight at a basic hotel in the Rift Valley.\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 1-hour flight, approximately 3-hour drive","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":26,"DayTo":26,"Headline":"Arba Minch","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A long but scenic drive brings us to a mountain village of the Dorze people, famous for their weavings, with a chance to explore the weekly market. After lunch, we drive south to Arba Minch and check into our basic hotel, which has a panoramic view of Nech Sar National Park and its two lakes, Chamo and Abaya. Time permitting, we enjoy a walk to a scenic local spring. Overnight in Arba Minch.\r\nDriving Details: Approximately 6 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":27,"DayTo":27,"Headline":"Jinka","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We drive through a scenic wonderland and a tribal kaleidoscope of communities, with a late afternoon arrival in Jinka, set at the edge of the dry savannas of 835-square-mile Mago National Park along the east bank of the Omo River. We'll visit Konso Village in the afternoon and enjoy our overnight at a basic hotel.\r\nDriving Details: 5-6 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":28,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Omo River Valley Tribes","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the savanna of the Omo River Valley live a fascinating mix of nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, from the Bume and Karo to the Bena and Hamar, coexisting in a harsh land that is all but forgotten by the rest of the world. For the most part, they have separate languages. There are few interactions between tribes except at markets. In the wet season, May to September, the tribespeople largely remain in their villages to take care of communal tasks such as honey gathering and cultivation. With the approach of the dry season, the men leave with their herds to find good pastures, moving to the grassy banks of seasonal watercourses. Most of the tribespeople wear simple cotton wraps, much decorative jewelry, and elaborate hairstyles. Many men have decorative scarring that indicates their tribal rank. The men of the Mursi tribe are renowned warriors and Mursi women are famous for the lip plates they use for adornment. The Mursi speak a Nilotic language and are a homogeneous group governed by their own ancient rituals.\r\n\r\nWe make daily excursions to visit villages and meet a wide variety of tribal peoples. Our itinerary in the Omo region is flexible and subject to local conditions. The following is a sample itinerary: At Korcho, a small Karo village, we visit some homes and watch a traditional dance performed by Karo men, women, and children. Photography is allowed during the dance performance. We may also have the chance to see the Karo's famous body-painting done. On one day, we head from our lodge to Kangatan and cross the Omo by boat to visit the Bume people, perhaps enjoying an optional hike beyond the main Bume village. On another day, we visit the main village of the Karo people, where we may have an opportunity to bargain for Karo handicrafts. Overnights at a basic lodge in the Omo Valley. each day\r\nDriving Details: Jinka to Mursi round trip on a dusty bush road, approximately 6 hours; Jinka to Turmi round trip on a gravel road, approximately 5 hours; Turmi to Omorate, approximately 1.5 hours on a gravel road.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":29,"DayTo":29,"Headline":"Addis (Meskel)","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Private charter flight from Omo to Addis (avoiding a two-day drive!), where we watch the processions of Meskel Eve. Overnight at Sheraton Hotel.\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 2.5-hour flight","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":30,"DayTo":30,"Headline":"Addis (Meskel) \/ Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We'll attend the Meskel day ceremonies this morning and have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. The celebrations last until evening, and we'll cap off the day with a festive Farewell Dinner before transferring to the airport for departure on homeward-bound flights. Day rooms at the Sheraton Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Addis Ababa \/ Tribes of the Omo River Valley","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After a tour of Addis, we fly to the Rift Valley's remote Omo region, a scenic wonderland and a tribal kaleidoscope of semi-nomadic tribes, from the Bume and Karo to the Bena and Hamar. Their body adornments, such as scarification, face painting, and lip plates, hold rich cultural symbolism. Our itinerary in the Omo region is flexible and we make daily excursions to visit villages and meet a wide variety of tribal peoples.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Addis \/ Ethiopian Highlands \/ Simien Mountains \/ Gondar","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We fly back to Addis and on to Bahar Dar in the highlands, where we boat out to an island-monastery in Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile. Heading up to the craggy Simien Mountains, we'll look for the park's unique wildlife, including gelada baboon. We'll explore mountain-ringed Gondar, called the Camelot of Africa because of its castles and battlements. It was the home of the Falasha, the “black Jews” of Ethiopia, most of whom left for Israel in 1991.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Axum \/ Lalibela","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the highland city of Axum, we visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, a revered Christian pilgrimage site. We'll spend a memorable day in World Heritage-listed Lalibela to explore extraordinary 12th century churches hand-carved out of the pink volcanic bedrock—and still in good condition a thousand years later. Their architectural styles vary from Grecian pillars to Egyptian-style motifs.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":15,"DayTo":16,"Headline":"Addis Ababa \/ Timkat or Meskel Festival","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Flying back to Addis, we experience Timkat, with its processions of Orthodox priests and parishioners in traditional dress (January), or the dancing and celebratory bonfires of Meskel (September). Both festivals offer superb cultural encounters. Depart on Day 16 via Addis Ababa.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2023","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/lost-worlds-of-ethiopia-itinerary-2023.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/lost-worlds-of-ethiopia-itinerary-2024.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/lost-worlds-of-ethiopia-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Spectacular festival on each trip: Timkat (January) or Meskel (September)","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":24982,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, 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He earned a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in social anthropology from Addis Ababa University, and worked as a travel consultant and trip leader covering nearly every part of Ethiopia. Daniel has a deep knowledge of the diverse cultures and people of his home country, making him an insightful travel companion and guide.","BioLong":"Daniel Ademe was born in western Ethiopia and has been in the tourism industry over the last two decades. He earned a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in social anthropology from Addis Ababa University, and worked as a travel consultant and trip leader covering nearly every part of Ethiopia. Daniel has a deep knowledge of the diverse cultures and people of his home country, making him an insightful travel companion and guide."},{"GuideID":850515,"First_Name":"Dawit","Last_Name":"Yehualashet","BioShort":"Dawit Yehualashet is a graduate of Bahir Dar Teachers College, where he studied history and graduated with distinction. He spent two years teaching at a secondary school, then joined Addis Ababa University in 1997 to begin his degree in history. He also earned a Masters degree in political science from Indiana State University. Dawit has been a WT Trip Leader since 2001, and continues to live up to his reputation as a fine guide with an impressive ability to impart historical, cultural, and archaeological knowledge, with great proficiency in English. He also loves traveling the wilder corners of Ethiopia and sharing his knowledge of the ethnic groups in the southern reaches of the country.","BioLong":"Dawit Yehualashet is a graduate of Bahir Dar Teachers College, where he studied history and graduated with distinction. He spent two years teaching at a secondary school, then joined Addis Ababa University in 1997 to begin his degree in history. He also earned a Masters degree in political science from Indiana State University. Dawit has been a WT Trip Leader since 2001, and continues to live up to his reputation as a fine guide with an impressive ability to impart historical, cultural, and archaeological knowledge, with great proficiency in English. He also loves traveling the wilder corners of Ethiopia and sharing his knowledge of the ethnic groups in the southern reaches of the country."}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Barbara B.","GuestLocation":"Sammamish, WA","GuestReview":"This was an awesome trip. The native tribes in the south were so interesting. The rock hewn churches of the north were a fascination."},{"GuestNames":"Diane M.","GuestLocation":"Elm Grove, WI","GuestReview":"This trip was fantastic! It is in my top tier of trips I have taken, and I have loved them all."},{"GuestNames":"Elsie M.","GuestLocation":"Providence, RI","GuestReview":"This trip was extraordinarily well planned, making each day value-packed in order to fit in the breadth of exposure to Ethiopia's historical and cultural heritage. Reflecting on all we were able to see, I am amazed."},{"GuestNames":"Jeff P.","GuestLocation":"Paradise Valley, AZ","GuestReview":"The group size, the leadership, and the itinerary make this the best way to experience Ethiopia."},{"GuestNames":"Julia D.","GuestLocation":"San Carlos, CA","GuestReview":"Great itinerary with a wonderful combination of cities and tribal cultures."},{"GuestNames":"Sandra C.","GuestLocation":"New York, NY","GuestReview":"This was my third trip with WT and it certainly won’t be my last. The itinerary was fascinating, our Trip Leader delightful, and the WT office wonderfully responsive."},{"GuestNames":"Teresa B.","GuestLocation":"Bethesda, MD","GuestReview":"This was a spectacular trip to an amazing country, led by a fantastic guide!"},{"GuestNames":"William N.","GuestLocation":"Long Beach, CA","GuestReview":"The highlight of the trip by far was being in Lalibala over Christmas—thousands of pilgrims in a magnificent setting, singing, ululating, oozing spirituality. A photography paradise."}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10321,"SimilarTripID":10435,"Trip_Code":"MELADISC","Trip_Name":"Discover the Secrets of Melanesia"},{"TripID":10321,"SimilarTripID":10533,"Trip_Code":"NAMGREEN","Trip_Name":"Namibia: Green Season Safari"},{"TripID":10321,"SimilarTripID":10344,"Trip_Code":"GHANA","Trip_Name":"Tribal Ghana, Togo, and Benin"},{"TripID":10321,"SimilarTripID":10484,"Trip_Code":"NAMBOTS","Trip_Name":"Ultimate Namibia and Botswana"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":73338,"ProductID":83640,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Vendor Ops Payment","Vendor":"Ethiopian Rift Valley Safaris","Address1":"P.O.Box:3658","Address2":"","City":"Addis Ababa","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Lost Worlds of Ethiopia","Day":1,"Sequence":0,"Duration":15,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":11,"ProductID":85032,"SelectType":"Mandatory","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Donation","Vendor":"Wilderness Travel","Address1":"1102 Ninth Street","Address2":"","City":"Berkeley","State":"CA","Postal":"94710","Product":"Optional Donation to Omo Child","Day":1,"Sequence":0,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":11,"ProductID":85032,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Donation","Vendor":"Wilderness Travel","Address1":"1102 Ninth Street","Address2":"","City":"Berkeley","State":"CA","Postal":"94710","Product":"Optional Donation to Omo Child","Day":1,"Sequence":0,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73338,"ProductID":83641,"SelectType":"Mandatory","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Internal Flight","Vendor":"Ethiopian Rift Valley Safaris","Address1":"P.O.Box:3658","Address2":"","City":"Addis Ababa","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Internal airfare","Day":1,"Sequence":1,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":11,"ProductID":54,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Single Supplement","Vendor":"Wilderness Travel","Address1":"1102 Ninth Street","Address2":"","City":"Berkeley","State":"CA","Postal":"94710","Product":"Single Supplement","Day":1,"Sequence":2,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false}],"CustomFields":{"Custom_Trip_Level_5":"","Custom_Trip_Name_Addendum":"Adventure","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Addendum":"A visa is required for your trip. For more information, please see the \"Visas\" section of the enclosed Pre-Departure Information.","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"","Custom_Welcome_Insurance_Intro":"We recommend you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect your travel investment against the unexpected. ","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-05T11:45:58 --><p>Optional Donation: Your invoice includes an optional donation of $50 per person to the Omo Child. You can learn more about this worthy project on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/donation\/Omo-Child.pdf\">our website<\/a>. Wilderness Travel actively collaborates with the organizations and communities of the special places we visit, and we invite you to join us in supporting this effort. If you would prefer to opt out, just let us know.<\/p>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/karos-adorned\/ \">blog post<\/a> by one of our recent travelers, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/karos-adorned\/ \">blog post<\/a> by one of our recent travelers, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Ethiopia<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:01:18 --><p><strong>DAYPACK: <\/strong>To carry any camera gear, water bottle, and personal items needed during the day.<\/p>","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:02:35 --><p><strong>ALCOHOL:<\/strong> Ethiopia offers a good selection of local beers and some wines, though most wine is more like mead or honey wine. You may want to bring your favorite alcoholic beverage from the duty-free shops.<\/p><p> <\/p><p><strong>ALTITUDE: <\/strong>Altitude Sickness, also known as Mountain Sickness, can occur when above 8,000ft. You will be spending one day at an altitude of approximately 10,700ft in the Simien Mountains. Though unlikely, you may feel shortness of breath, heart-pounding and lack of energy due to low oxygen in the air. Symptoms of acute altitude sickness may include headache, lassitude, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. In most cases, the symptoms are temporary and usually abate as altitude acclimatization occurs. It is crucial that you inform your Trip Leader immediately of any symptoms or discomfort, however minor, so that they can help you and monitor the situation.<\/p><p> <\/p><p><strong>PHOTOGRAPHY: <\/strong>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate, and always use gestures or simple phrases to ask permission. If people do not wish to be photographed, please honor their requests. We normally urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities. However, in Ethiopia, it is common for the local people (especially in the Omo area) to ask for money in exchange for having their photos taken -- please follow your Trip Leader's guidance on this. (We would love to see some of your photos upon your return - especially shots including your Trip Leader and fellow travelers). We have a Wilderness Travel <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/\">photo blog<\/a> and invite you to contribute! <\/p>","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:02:56 --><p><strong>ARRIVING IN ADDIS<\/strong><br \/>If you are staying at the Sheraton Addis, we've found that the most convenient way to transfer to the hotel from the airport is to utilize the Sheraton Shuttle. The shuttle is available 24 hours a day and there's no need to leave the terminal to access it. After collecting your luggage and completing customs processing, proceed to arrivals, where you will see a readily visible Sheraton Shuttle booth attended by a hotel representative. <\/p><p>If you are staying a different hotel, Wilderness Travel will be happy arrange a separate transfer for you at no additional charge.<\/p><p> <\/p>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:03:15 --><p><strong>DEPARTING ADDIS<\/strong><br \/>On your final morning, day rooms are held at the Sheraton. A complimentary airport transfer will be provided for all trip members.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:03:46 --><p>If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to our local contact (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground.<\/p><p>We recommend using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsapp.com\/\">WhatsApp<\/a>, and suggest you download the free app and enter the local emergency contact number(s) in advance of your trip.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:04:02 --><p><strong>ETHIOPIAN RIFT VALLEY SAFARIS:<\/strong><br \/>Attn: Dawit Yehualashet<br \/>+251 911335722<br \/>dawit@ervstours.com <\/p><p> <\/p>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:00:45 --><p><strong>VISA:<\/strong> US citizens need a visa for Ethiopia. While US citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival in Addis (the consular fee is currently $70 per visa, subject to change), we recommend you get your visa in advance.<\/p>","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:01:00 --><p><strong>LUGGAGE REQUIREMENTS:<\/strong> Please limit your luggage to one soft sided suitcase and a daypack, as there is limited space in our vehicles. All your clothing and gear must fit into this bag, without exception. A 44-lb. weight limit applies on domestic flights in Ethiopia, with one carry-on item allowed in the main cabin. You can store extra luggage at the Sheraton in Addis during the trip. 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If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 and ask for the<\/p>","System_References":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:51 --><p>We'd be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this trip.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:51:32 --><p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and special WT Expeditions that aren't listed in our catalog. You can also access a complete library of our detailed itineraries and browse the customized reading guides for each of our adventures.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. 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Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:36:23 --><p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travclcxinsurancc.com. 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Please practice social distancing, steer clear of potential COVID-19 exposure, and take an at-home antigen or lab based PCR test before you depart.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. 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Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-13T09:24:57 --><p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. 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Overview
From its Orthodox Christian heritage in the mountain highlands to the animistic tribes in the Great Rift Valley, Ethiopia holds a fascinating mix of cultures. In the highlands, we explore Axum—Ethiopia's holy city—and World Heritage-listed Lalibela, with its 12th century subterranean churches. A different side of Ethiopia thrives in the far south, where we visit the tribal cultures of the remote Omo Valley. Each trip is timed for a festival—January trips attend Timkat, the exuberant Epiphany celebration; in September, we'll witness Meskel, with its flickering bonfires and carpets of yellow daisies.
Arrive: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Depart: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Highlights
- Spectacular festival on each trip: Timkat (January) or Meskel (September)
- The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the medieval castles of Gondar
- Tribal villages of the Karo, known for their body painting, and the Bume and Mursi tribes
- Small group size—maximum 8—for greater flexibility and more authentic cultural encounters
Itinerary
Download Itinerary
Expand All Days
After a tour of Addis, we fly to the Rift Valley's remote Omo region, a scenic wonderland and a tribal kaleidoscope of semi-nomadic tribes, from the Bume and Karo to the Bena and Hamar. Their body adornments, such as scarification, face painting, and lip plates, hold rich cultural symbolism. Our itinerary in the Omo region is flexible and we make daily excursions to visit villages and meet a wide variety of tribal peoples.
We fly back to Addis and on to Bahar Dar in the highlands, where we boat out to an island-monastery in Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile. Heading up to the craggy Simien Mountains, we'll look for the park's unique wildlife, including gelada baboon. We'll explore mountain-ringed Gondar, called the Camelot of Africa because of its castles and battlements. It was the home of the Falasha, the “black Jews” of Ethiopia, most of whom left for Israel in 1991.
In the highland city of Axum, we visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, a revered Christian pilgrimage site. We'll spend a memorable day in World Heritage-listed Lalibela to explore extraordinary 12th century churches hand-carved out of the pink volcanic bedrock—and still in good condition a thousand years later. Their architectural styles vary from Grecian pillars to Egyptian-style motifs.
Flying back to Addis, we experience Timkat, with its processions of Orthodox priests and parishioners in traditional dress (January), or the dancing and celebratory bonfires of Meskel (September). Both festivals offer superb cultural encounters. Depart on Day 16 via Addis Ababa.
Dates & Pricing
Payment & Cancel Schedule
$600 due at time of reservation
90 days prior to departure: Balance
Cancellation & Transfer Schedule
Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!
61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
Included
- Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- Accommodations in a 5-star hotel and very rustic lodges
- All meals
- A glass of wine or beer with dinner
- All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
- All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
Not Included
- Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
- Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
- Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
- Optional travel insurance
- Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
- Visa fees
Trip Leaders
Daniel Ademe
View Profile
Dawit Yehualashet
View ProfileWhat the Trip is Like
The trip is Level 2+, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. This is a rugged trip in a very remote region. Participants should be fit, healthy, and have no mobility restrictions. Medical facilities on the trip will be far away and often non-existent. Some mornings, we have departures as early as 5:30 am! Trip members must be prepared for some walking and some long days of rugged vehicle travel.
Review Trip Level Details
Our trip is designed so that anyone in good physical condition can participate. We encourage you to make an effort to get in good physical condition with exercise beyond your normal routine.
The highlands have a temperate climate and an elevation ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. It can be cool at night. The southern part of Ethiopia is dry and hot. Ethiopia's rainy season is March through September, with drier weather in January. However, rain can occur at any time of the year, making the roads muddy and sometimes impassable.
Accommodations at the Sheraton in Addis are excellent, as is the food at that international-standard hotel. Outside of Addis, we stay in "best available" hotels. Although there are private bathrooms in the rooms, you must expect only cold-water showers! Outside of Addis, our meals will be simple and lack variety because there are limited resources in the countryside. Ethiopia has some good beers, but the local wines are not distinguished. You may want to bring your favorite alcoholic beverage from a duty-free shop. Electricity in hotels in rural areas can be intermittent and sometimes generators are operated only during certain hours of the day.
Road travel in rural Ethiopia is very challenging. Our vehicles may break down or get flat tires on occasion, and that can delay the trip. We use vans for the trip, but they may not compare favorably with the vehicles you may be familiar with from safari countries such as Botswana and Kenya. While we are on our rural road journeys, there are no organized toilet facilities available. We will make "pit stops" from time to time so trip members can get out of the vehicle and find a private spot behind a bush.
In Ethiopia, air schedules can often be altered and new government regulations are implemented suddenly. We ask that you bring flexibility and a spirit of adventure to this unique journey, and take pleasure in the knowledge that you will be visiting a fascinating country.
Client Testimonials
"This was an awesome trip. The native tribes in the south were so interesting. The rock hewn churches of the north were a fascination."
Barbara B.
Sammamish, WA
"This trip was fantastic! It is in my top tier of trips I have taken, and I have loved them all."
Diane M.
Elm Grove, WI
"This trip was extraordinarily well planned, making each day value-packed in order to fit in the breadth of exposure to Ethiopia's historical and cultural heritage. Reflecting on all we were able to see, I am amazed."
Elsie M.
Providence, RI
"The group size, the leadership, and the itinerary make this the best way to experience Ethiopia."
Jeff P.
Paradise Valley, AZ
"Great itinerary with a wonderful combination of cities and tribal cultures."
Julia D.
San Carlos, CA
"This was my third trip with WT and it certainly won’t be my last. The itinerary was fascinating, our Trip Leader delightful, and the WT office wonderfully responsive."
Sandra C.
New York, NY
"This was a spectacular trip to an amazing country, led by a fantastic guide!"
Teresa B.
Bethesda, MD
"The highlight of the trip by far was being in Lalibala over Christmas—thousands of pilgrims in a magnificent setting, singing, ululating, oozing spirituality. A photography paradise."
William N.
Long Beach, CA
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
Submit the form below to download itinerary
Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
{"trip":{"TripID":10321,"Trip_Code":"ETHIOPIA","Trip_Name":"Lost Worlds of Ethiopia","TripYear":"2024","BrandName":"Wilderness Travel","BrandID":1,"Trip_Tag_Line":"see custom fields","Start_Location":"Addis Ababa, Ethiopia","End_Location":"Addis Ababa, Ethiopia","Number_Days":16,"Number_Nights":15,"DisplayOnWeb":true,"Book_On_Web":false,"Featured":false,"SpecialEvent":false,"BestSeller":false,"Short_Description":"From its Orthodox Christian heritage in the mountain highlands to the animistic tribes in the Great Rift Valley, Ethiopia holds a fascinating mix of cultures. In the highlands, we explore Axum—Ethiopia's holy city—and World Heritage-listed Lalibela, with its 12th century subterranean churches. A different side of Ethiopia thrives in the far south, where we visit the tribal cultures of the remote Omo Valley. Each trip is timed for a festival—January trips attend Timkat, the exuberant Epiphany celebration; in September, we'll witness Meskel, with its flickering bonfires and carpets of yellow daisies.","Long_Description":"","ActivityHighlight":"Rugged road travel by 4WD vehicle, easy walks, cultural explorations","TripType":"Small Group Adventure","HeaderImage":"","HeaderImageAltTag":"","ThumbnailImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/thumb-ETHIOPIA-omo-valley-tribes-stilts.jpg","MapImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/ethiopia-map.jpg","MapImageAltTag":"","FloatingImage":"","VideoLink":"","GroupSize":"","tripURL":"www.wildernesstravel.com\/trip\/\/Ethiopia\/omo-valley-timkat-meskal","ThisYear_Year":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails2":"","Price":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","SingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","AirPrice":"0","AirPriceCaption":"","FeePrice1":"0","FeePrice2":"0","FeePrice3":"0","FeeName1":"","FeeName2":"","FeeName3":"","ShowNextYearsPrice":true,"NextYear_Year":"2024","NextYear_PriceDetails":"$9,795 (7-8 members)<br>$11,495 (4-6 members)","NextYear_PriceDetails2":"Single supplement: $1,700<br>Internal airfare: $1,650-$2,350 (subject to change)","PriceNextYear":"9795","SingleSupplementPrice1NextYear":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2NextYear":"0","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","NextYearAirPriceCaption":"","AirPriceNextYear":"0","NextYearFeePrice1":"0","NextYearFeePrice2":"0","NextYearFeePrice3":"0","NextYearFeeName1":"","NextYearFeeName2":"","NextYearFeeName3":"","TripSavings":false,"TripSavingsDescription":"","VariablePricing":false,"PricingNoteTitle":"","PricingNotes":"","NewTrip":false,"MinAge":0,"TripRatingID":6,"TripRatingName":"2+","TravelFromDate":"2022-01-01","TravelToDate":"2050-12-31","BookFromDate":"2022-01-01","BookToDate":"2050-12-31","EventID":19,"EventName":"","AccountingGroup":"Africa","DepositRule":2,"DepositAmt":"600","FinalDays":90,"AutoConfirm":false,"AutoConfirmAmount":"0","PrivateAvailable":true,"OperationMonths":"","AccmRating":""},"itinerary":[{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":1,"Headline":"Arrive Addis (Itinerary 1)","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, trip members are met at the airport and transferred to the Sheraton Hotel, our comfortable base in Addis. In the afternoon, we gather for an orientation meeting, then enjoy a Welcome Dinner.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Arba Minch","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A long but scenic drive brings us to a mountain village of the Dorze people, famous for their weavings, with a chance to explore the weekly market. After lunch, we drive south to Arba Minch and check into our basic hotel, which has a panoramic view of Nech Sar National Park and its two lakes, Chamo and Abaya. Time permitting, we enjoy a walk to a scenic local spring. Overnight in Arba Minch.\r\nDriving Details: 7-8 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Jinka","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We drive through a scenic wonderland and a tribal kaleidoscope of communities, with a late afternoon arrival in Jinka, set at the edge of the dry savannas of 835-square-mile Mago National Park along the east bank of the Omo River. We'll visit Konso Village in the afternoon and enjoy our overnight at a basic hotel.\r\nDriving Details: 5-6 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Omo River Valley Tribes","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the savanna of the Omo River Valley live a fascinating mix of nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, from the Bume and Karo to the Bena and Hamar, coexisting in a harsh land that is all but forgotten by the rest of the world. For the most part, they have separate languages. There are few interactions between tribes except at markets. In the wet season, May to September, the tribespeople largely remain in their villages to take care of communal tasks such as honey gathering and cultivation. With the approach of the dry season, the men leave with their herds to find good pastures, moving to the grassy banks of seasonal watercourses. Most of the tribespeople wear simple cotton wraps, much decorative jewelry, and elaborate hairstyles. Many men have decorative scarring that indicates their tribal rank. The men of the Mursi tribe are renowned warriors and Mursi women are famous for the lip plates they use for adornment. The Mursi speak a Nilotic language and are a homogeneous group governed by their own ancient rituals.\r\n\r\nWe make daily excursions to visit villages and meet a wide variety of tribal peoples. Our itinerary in the Omo region is flexible and subject to local conditions. The following is a sample itinerary: At Korcho, a small Karo village, we visit some homes and watch a traditional dance performed by Karo men, women, and children. Photography is allowed during the dance performance. We may also have the chance to see the Karo's famous body-painting done. On one day, we head from our lodge to Kangatan and cross the Omo by boat to visit the Bume people, perhaps enjoying an optional hike beyond the main Bume village. On another day, we visit the main village of the Karo people, where we may have an opportunity to bargain for Karo handicrafts. Overnights at a basic lodge in the Omo Valley. each day\r\nDriving Details: Jinka to Mursi round trip on a dusty bush road, approximately 6 hours; Jinka to Turmi round trip on a gravel road, approximately 5 hours; Turmi to Omorate, approximately 1.5 hours on a gravel road.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Addis","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Private charter flight from Omo to Addis (avoiding a two-day drive!). In the afternoon, we enjoy a city tour of Addis, which may include the Ethnological Museum and the famous National Museum. Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Bahir Dar","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We fly to Bahir Dar, where we visit a church to meet the local deacon and also take a boat excursion out to an island monastery in Lake Tana. The town of Bahir Dar rose to prominence in the 16th century and is a center for commerce and government for the region. Around 20 of the 37 islands in the lake have monasteries, with some dating to the Middle Ages. Due in part to their difficult access, the lake's churches are well preserved and rich with the best of Ethiopian religious paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and other treasures. From a hilltop above the city, near the palace of the former Emperor Haile Selassie, there are panoramic views of the city and the lake. Overnight at a basic hotel at Lake Tana.\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 1-hour flight","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Simien Mountains","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After breakfast, we drive to Gondar, Ethiopia's royal capital until 1868 and set at an altitude of 7,500 feet. From here we head up into the Simien Mountains, a spectacular landscape of deep gorges, sharp ridges, and steep jagged peaks, including Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's highest peak at 14,930 feet. Simien Mountains National Park is home to unique wildlife that include the endangered walia ibex, Ethiopian wolf, and the gelada baboon, as well as more than 180 species of birds. Overnight at Simien Lodge.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Gondar","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We drive back to Gondar and spend the day exploring this medieval city, surrounded by mountains on all sides, with Lake Tana in view in the distance. Founded by Emperor Fassilides in the 17th century, Gondar has been called the “Camelot of Africa” because of its castles and fortress-like battlements. By European standards, the Gondar castles may not be elaborate, but their very presence in Africa makes them a rare and imposing sight. Ambassadors of the Ottoman Empire and of Louis XVI of France were once entertained here. Gondar's Debre Birhan Selassie Church is famous for its “winged angel” faces that decorate the entire ceiling. Gondar was also the home of the Falasha, the “black Jews” of Ethiopia, most of whom left for Israel in 1991. Overnight at a basic hotel in Gondar.\r\nDriving Details: 2.5-3 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Axum","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We fly to Axum this morning. The great mystery of Axum is its claim to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. This claim is connected to the legend of King Solomon, whose son Menelik is said to have brought the Ark here some 3,000 years ago (Menelik founded the Solomonic dynasty, of which Haile Selassie was the last emperor). After lunch, our explorations include the Church of St. Mary of Zion, where the Ark of the Covenant resides within a special chapel. There are actually two churches, the older constructed in the early 17th century and containing the crowns of many former Ethiopian rulers. The newer church was constructed by Emperor Haile Selassie, who opened it at a ceremony with Queen Elizabeth in 1965. The ruins of the original church, probably erected in the 4th century, still stand. Axum has a fascinating history. Archaeologists believe that the Queen of Sheba (1000 BC) visited Axum. Ruins thought to be the Palace of Sheba have been located a few miles outside of town. The first recorded kingdom in Ethiopia grew around Axum during the 3rd century BC, and it was in Axum in the 4th century that Christianity became the state religion, under orders of King Ezna. Axum became a vital trading crossroads between Asia and Africa, falling into decline only after the rise of Islam in the 7th century. Despite its decline, it remained Ethiopia's religious capital and the place where Ethiopian emperors came for their elaborate coronations. North of the town square are Axum's impressive monolithic stelae, or obelisks, the largest of which once weighed 500 tons. The largest still-standing stelae is 75 feet tall. All were carved from single pieces of granite and are decorated with carved doors and windows and metal ornaments with pagan symbols. At the base of each of the stelae is a stone altar with bowl-shaped depressions thought to be used for sacrifices. Overnight at a basic hotel.\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 30-minute flight","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Lalibela","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A morning flight takes us to Lalibela, where we spend a memorable day exploring some of Ethiopia's famous rock-hewn churches. This ancient town is known for its concentration of 12th century churches carved out of solid rock. There are no less than 1,000 such churches in the Lasta region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves. Some of the churches are cut into volcanic rock, some are quarried enlargements of natural caves, and others are connected by a maze of underground tunnels. The architectural styles vary widely, from Grecian pillars and Arabesque windows to Egyptian-style motifs. With their unique architecture and artistry, Lalibela's remarkable churches truly must be seen to be believed. In his youth, King Lalibela was attracted to the monastic life and later made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. After he came to power, he ordered these amazing churches created, and they were built without using mortar or wood and completed in the 12th century. The largest, Bete Medani Alem, is 100 feet long, 70 feet wide, 35 feet high, and has rock walls that are up to six feet thick. Its basilica has five naves. This particular church is thought to be a copy of the great cathedral of Saint Mary of Zion, built in the Ethiopian city of Axum in the 4th century. Dinner and overnight at a basic hotel in Lalibela. each day\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 30-minute flight","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":14,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Addis","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We fly back to Addis, with the remainder of the day to rest or explore on your own. Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel.\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 50-minute flight","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":15,"DayTo":15,"Headline":"Addis (Timkat Eve)","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our main focus today is to watch the vibrant processions of Timkat Eve. In the evening, we'll enjoy a Farewell Dinner. Overnight at Sheraton Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":16,"DayTo":16,"Headline":"Addis (Timkat Day) \/ Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Today is the main Timkat Day, and we watch the morning processions and celebrations around town, with day rooms at the Sheraton. Transfer in the evening to the airport to depart on homeward-bound flights.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":17,"DayTo":17,"Headline":"Meskel Festival Departure (September)","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Meskel, held each September, celebrates The Finding of the True Cross. The largest and most colorful Meskel celebrations are held in Addis, and our September departures are in Addis for the Meskel Eve ceremony. Meskel has been celebrated in Ethiopia for more than 1,600 years and commemorates the discovery of Jesus' cross by the Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great. The original discovery is said to have taken place on March 19, 326 AD, but the feast is celebrated in September, with the lighting of a bonfire on Meskel Eve. On Meskel Eve, branches are gathered and topped with yellow daisies then ignited. The branches symbolize the actions of Empress Helena, who when no one would show her the Holy Sepulchre, lit incense and prayed for help. Where the smoke drifted, she dug and found three crosses. Meskel coincides with the mass blooming in September of carpets of golden yellow “meskel daisies” (adey abeba in Amharic) in the highlands. The festival starts with the planting of a large tree in the main square on Meskel Eve. People bring poles topped with meskel daisies and place them around the tree to form the towering pyramid that will become the bonfire. In Addis, the celebration starts early in the afternoon, when a huge procession of flaming torches approaches the main square. The marchers include priests, students, brass bands, and people pulling floats bedecked with huge crosses. Thousands gather at the square to join in, and as evening darkens, the flames grow brighter. Dancing, feasting, and even gun salutes mark the occasion, and not until dawn does the burning pyramid finally consume itself. Any national holiday such as Meskel is an occasion for wearing traditional Ethiopian dress, and we enjoy mingling with the throngs of worshippers in Addis on Meskel Eve. Traditional instruments are usually played during important church occasions, and we may also see costumed horsemen, with their horses gaily caparisoned for the occasion.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":18,"DayTo":18,"Headline":"Addis","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, trip members are met at the airport and transferred to the Sheraton Hotel, our comfortable base in Addis. In the afternoon, we gather for an orientation meeting, then enjoy a Welcome Dinner.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":19,"DayTo":19,"Headline":"Addis","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Enjoy a city tour of Addis, which may include the Ethnological Museum and the famous National Museum. Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":20,"DayTo":20,"Headline":"Bahir Dar","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We fly to Bahir Dar, where we visit a church to meet the local deacon and also take a boat excursion out to an island monastery in Lake Tana. The town of Bahir Dar rose to prominence in the 16th century and is a center for commerce and government for the region. Around 20 of the 37 islands in the lake have monasteries, with some dating to the Middle Ages. Due in part to their difficult access, the lake's churches are well preserved and rich with the best of Ethiopian religious paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and other treasures. From a hilltop above the city, near the palace of the former Emperor Haile Selassie, there are panoramic views of the city and the lake. Overnight at a basic hotel at Lake Tana.\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 1-hour flight","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":21,"DayTo":21,"Headline":"Simien Mountains","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After breakfast, we drive to Gondar, Ethiopia's royal capital until 1868 and set at an altitude of 7,500 feet. From here we head up into the Semien Mountains, a spectacular landscape of deep gorges, sharp ridges, and steep jagged peaks, including Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's highest peak at 14,930 feet. Simien Mountains National Park is home to unique wildlife that include the endangered walia ibex, Ethiopian wolf, and the gelada baboon, as well as more than 180 species of birds. We'll overnight at a local lodge in this dramatic setting.\r\nDriving Details: 6-7 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":22,"DayTo":22,"Headline":"Gondar","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We drive back to Gondar and spend the day exploring this medieval city, surrounded by mountains on all sides, with Lake Tana in view in the distance. Founded by Emperor Fassilides in the 17th century, Gondar has been called the “Camelot of Africa” because of its castles and fortress-like battlements. By European standards, the Gondar castles may not be elaborate, but their very presence in Africa makes them a rare and imposing sight. Ambassadors of the Ottoman Empire and of Louis XVI of France were once entertained here. Gondar's Debre Birhan Selassie Church is famous for its “winged angel” faces that decorate the entire ceiling. Gondar was also the home of the Falasha, the “black Jews” of Ethiopia, most of whom left for Israel in 1991. Overnight at a basic hotel in Gondar.\r\nDriving Details: 4-5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":23,"DayTo":23,"Headline":"Axum","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We fly to Axum this morning. The great mystery of Axum is its claim to be the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. This claim is connected to the legend of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, whose son Menelik is said to have brought the Ark here some 3000 years ago (Menelik founded the Solomonic dynasty, of which Haile Selassie was the last emperor). After lunch, our explorations include the Church of St. Mary of Zion, where the Ark of the Covenant resides within a special chapel. There are actually two churches, the older constructed in the early 17th century and containing the crowns of many former Ethiopian rulers. The newer church was constructed by Emperor Haile Selassie, who opened it at a ceremony with Queen Elizabeth in 1965. The ruins of the original church, probably erected in the 4th century, still stand. Axum has a fascinating history. Archaeologists believe that the Queen of Sheba (1000 BC) lived near Axum. Ruins thought to be the Palace of Sheba have been located a few miles outside of town. The first recorded kingdom in Ethiopia grew around Axum during the 3rd century BC, and it was in Axum in the 4th century that Christianity became the state religion, under orders of King Ezna. Axum became a vital trading crossroads between Asia and Africa, falling into decline only after the rise of Islam in the 7th century. Despite its decline, it remained Ethiopia's religious capital and the place where Ethiopian emperors came for their elaborate coronations. North of the town square are Axum's impressive monolithic stelae, or obelisks, the largest of which once weighed 500 tons. The largest still-standing stelae is 75 feet tall. All were carved from single pieces of granite and are decorated with carved doors and windows and metal ornaments with pagan symbols. At the base of each of the stelae is a stone altar with bowl-shaped depressions thought to be used for sacrifices. Overnight at a basic hotel.\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 30-minute flight","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":24,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Lalibela","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A morning flight takes us to Lalibela, where we spend a memorable day exploring some of Ethiopia's famous rock-hewn churches. This ancient town is known for its concentration of 12th century churches carved out of solid rock. There are no less than 1,000 such churches in the Lasta region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves. Some of the churches are cut into volcanic rock, some are quarried enlargements of natural caves, and others are connected by a maze of underground tunnels. The architectural styles vary widely, from Grecian pillars and Arabesque windows to Egyptian-style motifs. With their unique architecture and artistry, Lalibela's remarkable churches truly must be seen to be believed. In his youth, King Lalibela was attracted to the monastic life and later made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. After he came to power, he ordered these amazing churches created, and they were built without using mortar or wood and completed in just a 23-year span in the 12th century. The largest, Bete Medani Alem, is 100 feet long, 70 feet wide, 35 feet high, and has rock walls that are up to six feet thick. Its basilica has five naves. This particular church is thought to be a copy of the great cathedral of Saint Mary of Zion, built in the Ethiopian city of Axum in the 4th century. Dinner and overnight at a basic hotel in Lalibela. each day\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 30-minute flight","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":25,"DayTo":25,"Headline":"Addis \/ Abjiatta-Shalla \/ Langano","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Fly to Addis and drive southwest through the Rift Valley toward Ethiopia's fantastic tribal country, with a visit to Lake Abijatta-Shalla National Park. Overnight at a basic hotel in the Rift Valley.\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 1-hour flight, approximately 3-hour drive","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":26,"DayTo":26,"Headline":"Arba Minch","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A long but scenic drive brings us to a mountain village of the Dorze people, famous for their weavings, with a chance to explore the weekly market. After lunch, we drive south to Arba Minch and check into our basic hotel, which has a panoramic view of Nech Sar National Park and its two lakes, Chamo and Abaya. Time permitting, we enjoy a walk to a scenic local spring. Overnight in Arba Minch.\r\nDriving Details: Approximately 6 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":27,"DayTo":27,"Headline":"Jinka","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We drive through a scenic wonderland and a tribal kaleidoscope of communities, with a late afternoon arrival in Jinka, set at the edge of the dry savannas of 835-square-mile Mago National Park along the east bank of the Omo River. We'll visit Konso Village in the afternoon and enjoy our overnight at a basic hotel.\r\nDriving Details: 5-6 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":28,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Omo River Valley Tribes","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the savanna of the Omo River Valley live a fascinating mix of nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, from the Bume and Karo to the Bena and Hamar, coexisting in a harsh land that is all but forgotten by the rest of the world. For the most part, they have separate languages. There are few interactions between tribes except at markets. In the wet season, May to September, the tribespeople largely remain in their villages to take care of communal tasks such as honey gathering and cultivation. With the approach of the dry season, the men leave with their herds to find good pastures, moving to the grassy banks of seasonal watercourses. Most of the tribespeople wear simple cotton wraps, much decorative jewelry, and elaborate hairstyles. Many men have decorative scarring that indicates their tribal rank. The men of the Mursi tribe are renowned warriors and Mursi women are famous for the lip plates they use for adornment. The Mursi speak a Nilotic language and are a homogeneous group governed by their own ancient rituals.\r\n\r\nWe make daily excursions to visit villages and meet a wide variety of tribal peoples. Our itinerary in the Omo region is flexible and subject to local conditions. The following is a sample itinerary: At Korcho, a small Karo village, we visit some homes and watch a traditional dance performed by Karo men, women, and children. Photography is allowed during the dance performance. We may also have the chance to see the Karo's famous body-painting done. On one day, we head from our lodge to Kangatan and cross the Omo by boat to visit the Bume people, perhaps enjoying an optional hike beyond the main Bume village. On another day, we visit the main village of the Karo people, where we may have an opportunity to bargain for Karo handicrafts. Overnights at a basic lodge in the Omo Valley. each day\r\nDriving Details: Jinka to Mursi round trip on a dusty bush road, approximately 6 hours; Jinka to Turmi round trip on a gravel road, approximately 5 hours; Turmi to Omorate, approximately 1.5 hours on a gravel road.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":29,"DayTo":29,"Headline":"Addis (Meskel)","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Private charter flight from Omo to Addis (avoiding a two-day drive!), where we watch the processions of Meskel Eve. Overnight at Sheraton Hotel.\r\nTravel Details: Approximately 2.5-hour flight","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":30,"DayTo":30,"Headline":"Addis (Meskel) \/ Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We'll attend the Meskel day ceremonies this morning and have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. The celebrations last until evening, and we'll cap off the day with a festive Farewell Dinner before transferring to the airport for departure on homeward-bound flights. Day rooms at the Sheraton Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Addis Ababa \/ Tribes of the Omo River Valley","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After a tour of Addis, we fly to the Rift Valley's remote Omo region, a scenic wonderland and a tribal kaleidoscope of semi-nomadic tribes, from the Bume and Karo to the Bena and Hamar. Their body adornments, such as scarification, face painting, and lip plates, hold rich cultural symbolism. Our itinerary in the Omo region is flexible and we make daily excursions to visit villages and meet a wide variety of tribal peoples.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Addis \/ Ethiopian Highlands \/ Simien Mountains \/ Gondar","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We fly back to Addis and on to Bahar Dar in the highlands, where we boat out to an island-monastery in Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile. Heading up to the craggy Simien Mountains, we'll look for the park's unique wildlife, including gelada baboon. We'll explore mountain-ringed Gondar, called the Camelot of Africa because of its castles and battlements. It was the home of the Falasha, the “black Jews” of Ethiopia, most of whom left for Israel in 1991.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Axum \/ Lalibela","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the highland city of Axum, we visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, a revered Christian pilgrimage site. We'll spend a memorable day in World Heritage-listed Lalibela to explore extraordinary 12th century churches hand-carved out of the pink volcanic bedrock—and still in good condition a thousand years later. Their architectural styles vary from Grecian pillars to Egyptian-style motifs.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":15,"DayTo":16,"Headline":"Addis Ababa \/ Timkat or Meskel Festival","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Flying back to Addis, we experience Timkat, with its processions of Orthodox priests and parishioners in traditional dress (January), or the dancing and celebratory bonfires of Meskel (September). Both festivals offer superb cultural encounters. Depart on Day 16 via Addis Ababa.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2023","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/lost-worlds-of-ethiopia-itinerary-2023.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/lost-worlds-of-ethiopia-itinerary-2024.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/lost-worlds-of-ethiopia-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Spectacular festival on each trip: Timkat (January) or Meskel (September)","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":24982,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, 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He earned a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in social anthropology from Addis Ababa University, and worked as a travel consultant and trip leader covering nearly every part of Ethiopia. Daniel has a deep knowledge of the diverse cultures and people of his home country, making him an insightful travel companion and guide.","BioLong":"Daniel Ademe was born in western Ethiopia and has been in the tourism industry over the last two decades. He earned a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in social anthropology from Addis Ababa University, and worked as a travel consultant and trip leader covering nearly every part of Ethiopia. Daniel has a deep knowledge of the diverse cultures and people of his home country, making him an insightful travel companion and guide."},{"GuideID":850515,"First_Name":"Dawit","Last_Name":"Yehualashet","BioShort":"Dawit Yehualashet is a graduate of Bahir Dar Teachers College, where he studied history and graduated with distinction. He spent two years teaching at a secondary school, then joined Addis Ababa University in 1997 to begin his degree in history. He also earned a Masters degree in political science from Indiana State University. Dawit has been a WT Trip Leader since 2001, and continues to live up to his reputation as a fine guide with an impressive ability to impart historical, cultural, and archaeological knowledge, with great proficiency in English. He also loves traveling the wilder corners of Ethiopia and sharing his knowledge of the ethnic groups in the southern reaches of the country.","BioLong":"Dawit Yehualashet is a graduate of Bahir Dar Teachers College, where he studied history and graduated with distinction. He spent two years teaching at a secondary school, then joined Addis Ababa University in 1997 to begin his degree in history. He also earned a Masters degree in political science from Indiana State University. Dawit has been a WT Trip Leader since 2001, and continues to live up to his reputation as a fine guide with an impressive ability to impart historical, cultural, and archaeological knowledge, with great proficiency in English. He also loves traveling the wilder corners of Ethiopia and sharing his knowledge of the ethnic groups in the southern reaches of the country."}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Barbara B.","GuestLocation":"Sammamish, WA","GuestReview":"This was an awesome trip. The native tribes in the south were so interesting. The rock hewn churches of the north were a fascination."},{"GuestNames":"Diane M.","GuestLocation":"Elm Grove, WI","GuestReview":"This trip was fantastic! It is in my top tier of trips I have taken, and I have loved them all."},{"GuestNames":"Elsie M.","GuestLocation":"Providence, RI","GuestReview":"This trip was extraordinarily well planned, making each day value-packed in order to fit in the breadth of exposure to Ethiopia's historical and cultural heritage. Reflecting on all we were able to see, I am amazed."},{"GuestNames":"Jeff P.","GuestLocation":"Paradise Valley, AZ","GuestReview":"The group size, the leadership, and the itinerary make this the best way to experience Ethiopia."},{"GuestNames":"Julia D.","GuestLocation":"San Carlos, CA","GuestReview":"Great itinerary with a wonderful combination of cities and tribal cultures."},{"GuestNames":"Sandra C.","GuestLocation":"New York, NY","GuestReview":"This was my third trip with WT and it certainly won’t be my last. The itinerary was fascinating, our Trip Leader delightful, and the WT office wonderfully responsive."},{"GuestNames":"Teresa B.","GuestLocation":"Bethesda, MD","GuestReview":"This was a spectacular trip to an amazing country, led by a fantastic guide!"},{"GuestNames":"William N.","GuestLocation":"Long Beach, CA","GuestReview":"The highlight of the trip by far was being in Lalibala over Christmas—thousands of pilgrims in a magnificent setting, singing, ululating, oozing spirituality. A photography paradise."}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10321,"SimilarTripID":10435,"Trip_Code":"MELADISC","Trip_Name":"Discover the Secrets of Melanesia"},{"TripID":10321,"SimilarTripID":10533,"Trip_Code":"NAMGREEN","Trip_Name":"Namibia: Green Season Safari"},{"TripID":10321,"SimilarTripID":10344,"Trip_Code":"GHANA","Trip_Name":"Tribal Ghana, Togo, and Benin"},{"TripID":10321,"SimilarTripID":10484,"Trip_Code":"NAMBOTS","Trip_Name":"Ultimate Namibia and Botswana"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":73338,"ProductID":83640,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Vendor Ops Payment","Vendor":"Ethiopian Rift Valley Safaris","Address1":"P.O.Box:3658","Address2":"","City":"Addis Ababa","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Lost Worlds of Ethiopia","Day":1,"Sequence":0,"Duration":15,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":11,"ProductID":85032,"SelectType":"Mandatory","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Donation","Vendor":"Wilderness Travel","Address1":"1102 Ninth Street","Address2":"","City":"Berkeley","State":"CA","Postal":"94710","Product":"Optional Donation to Omo Child","Day":1,"Sequence":0,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":11,"ProductID":85032,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Donation","Vendor":"Wilderness Travel","Address1":"1102 Ninth Street","Address2":"","City":"Berkeley","State":"CA","Postal":"94710","Product":"Optional Donation to Omo Child","Day":1,"Sequence":0,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73338,"ProductID":83641,"SelectType":"Mandatory","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Internal Flight","Vendor":"Ethiopian Rift Valley Safaris","Address1":"P.O.Box:3658","Address2":"","City":"Addis Ababa","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Internal airfare","Day":1,"Sequence":1,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":11,"ProductID":54,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Single Supplement","Vendor":"Wilderness Travel","Address1":"1102 Ninth Street","Address2":"","City":"Berkeley","State":"CA","Postal":"94710","Product":"Single Supplement","Day":1,"Sequence":2,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false}],"CustomFields":{"Custom_Trip_Level_5":"","Custom_Trip_Name_Addendum":"Adventure","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Addendum":"A visa is required for your trip. For more information, please see the \"Visas\" section of the enclosed Pre-Departure Information.","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"","Custom_Welcome_Insurance_Intro":"We recommend you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect your travel investment against the unexpected. ","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-05T11:45:58 --><p>Optional Donation: Your invoice includes an optional donation of $50 per person to the Omo Child. You can learn more about this worthy project on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/donation\/Omo-Child.pdf\">our website<\/a>. Wilderness Travel actively collaborates with the organizations and communities of the special places we visit, and we invite you to join us in supporting this effort. If you would prefer to opt out, just let us know.<\/p>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/karos-adorned\/ \">blog post<\/a> by one of our recent travelers, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/karos-adorned\/ \">blog post<\/a> by one of our recent travelers, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Ethiopia<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:01:18 --><p><strong>DAYPACK: <\/strong>To carry any camera gear, water bottle, and personal items needed during the day.<\/p>","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:02:35 --><p><strong>ALCOHOL:<\/strong> Ethiopia offers a good selection of local beers and some wines, though most wine is more like mead or honey wine. You may want to bring your favorite alcoholic beverage from the duty-free shops.<\/p><p> <\/p><p><strong>ALTITUDE: <\/strong>Altitude Sickness, also known as Mountain Sickness, can occur when above 8,000ft. You will be spending one day at an altitude of approximately 10,700ft in the Simien Mountains. Though unlikely, you may feel shortness of breath, heart-pounding and lack of energy due to low oxygen in the air. Symptoms of acute altitude sickness may include headache, lassitude, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. In most cases, the symptoms are temporary and usually abate as altitude acclimatization occurs. It is crucial that you inform your Trip Leader immediately of any symptoms or discomfort, however minor, so that they can help you and monitor the situation.<\/p><p> <\/p><p><strong>PHOTOGRAPHY: <\/strong>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate, and always use gestures or simple phrases to ask permission. If people do not wish to be photographed, please honor their requests. We normally urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities. However, in Ethiopia, it is common for the local people (especially in the Omo area) to ask for money in exchange for having their photos taken -- please follow your Trip Leader's guidance on this. (We would love to see some of your photos upon your return - especially shots including your Trip Leader and fellow travelers). We have a Wilderness Travel <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/\">photo blog<\/a> and invite you to contribute! <\/p>","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:02:56 --><p><strong>ARRIVING IN ADDIS<\/strong><br \/>If you are staying at the Sheraton Addis, we've found that the most convenient way to transfer to the hotel from the airport is to utilize the Sheraton Shuttle. The shuttle is available 24 hours a day and there's no need to leave the terminal to access it. After collecting your luggage and completing customs processing, proceed to arrivals, where you will see a readily visible Sheraton Shuttle booth attended by a hotel representative. <\/p><p>If you are staying a different hotel, Wilderness Travel will be happy arrange a separate transfer for you at no additional charge.<\/p><p> <\/p>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:03:15 --><p><strong>DEPARTING ADDIS<\/strong><br \/>On your final morning, day rooms are held at the Sheraton. A complimentary airport transfer will be provided for all trip members.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:03:46 --><p>If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to our local contact (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground.<\/p><p>We recommend using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsapp.com\/\">WhatsApp<\/a>, and suggest you download the free app and enter the local emergency contact number(s) in advance of your trip.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:04:02 --><p><strong>ETHIOPIAN RIFT VALLEY SAFARIS:<\/strong><br \/>Attn: Dawit Yehualashet<br \/>+251 911335722<br \/>dawit@ervstours.com <\/p><p> <\/p>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:00:45 --><p><strong>VISA:<\/strong> US citizens need a visa for Ethiopia. While US citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival in Addis (the consular fee is currently $70 per visa, subject to change), we recommend you get your visa in advance.<\/p>","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:01:00 --><p><strong>LUGGAGE REQUIREMENTS:<\/strong> Please limit your luggage to one soft sided suitcase and a daypack, as there is limited space in our vehicles. All your clothing and gear must fit into this bag, without exception. A 44-lb. weight limit applies on domestic flights in Ethiopia, with one carry-on item allowed in the main cabin. You can store extra luggage at the Sheraton in Addis during the trip. Be sure to label your bag and lock it.<\/p>","Custom_Carry-On":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-01T18:01:36 --><p><strong>CARRY-ON: <\/strong>Valuable or essential items, such as well broken-in hiking boots, camera equipment, binoculars, and prescription medications, should be hand carried on your flights to avoid loss or damage.<\/p><p> <\/p>","Custom_name_slug":"ethiopia-omo-valley-festival-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"Explore Axum, rock churches of Lalibela, imperial Gondar. Meet the tribal people of the Omo River Valley. See the Timkat Festival or Meskal Festival.","Custom_List_Description":"Explore Axum, the rock churches of Lalibela, Lake Tana, imperial Gondar, and meet the tribal peoples of the Omo River Valley. Trips witness either the Timkat Festival (January) or Meskel Festival (September)","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Ethiopia Guided Tour | Tribes & Festivals of the Omo Valley","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"","Custom_References":"","Custom_Visit_Our_Website":"","Custom_Helpful_Links":"","Custom_About_Private_Journeys":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2022-12-23T12:05:59 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport:<\/strong> Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date & Time: <\/strong>Day 1, anytime<br \/><br \/><strong>Meeting Place:<\/strong> After collecting your luggage, exit the terminal and walk straight towards the ramp. Our local representative will be waiting for you holding a Wilderness Travel sign. The Sheraton hotel also provides a shuttle service for its guests, but Wilderness Travel provides you with its own private vehicle and local representative. Make sure you do not turn left or right, but walk straight ahead towards the ramp area to meet our local representative.<\/p>","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2022-12-23T12:06:56 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport: <\/strong>Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date & Time:<\/strong> Day 16, anytime after 3:00 pm<br \/><br \/>On Day 16, day rooms are held at the Sheraton. We suggest evening departures. A complimentary airport transfer will be provided for all trip members.<\/p>","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2022-12-23T12:09:17 --><p>You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from Ethiopia.<br \/><br \/>There are many online consolidators for booking travel, but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact Exito Travel at 1-800-655-4053 in the US or 1-800-670-2605 in Canada. They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. More information can be found on Exito's website at <a href=\"https:\/\/exitotravel.com\/\">www.exitotravel.com<\/a>.<br \/><br \/>Depending on your routing, it is necessary to depart from the US one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the US.<br \/><br \/><strong>Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip.<\/strong> Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip.<\/p>","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-19T12:55:55 --><p>RECOMMENDED HOTELS<\/p>","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-19T12:57:45 --><p><strong>Addis<\/strong><br \/><br \/>Sheraton Addis: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriott.com\/en-us\/hotels\/addlc-sheraton-addis-a-luxury-collection-hotel-addis-ababa\/overview\/?EM=DNM_SHERATONADDIS.COM\">www.sheratonaddis.com<\/a><br \/>Hilton Addis Ababa: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hilton.com\/en\/\">www1.hilton.com<\/a><\/p>","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"Tribes of the Omo Valley and Spectacular Festivals","Custom_Lodging":"3 nights at the 5-star Sheraton in Addis, 12 nights very rustic hotels and lodges","Custom_Meals":"All meals included","Custom_Activity":"","Custom_Difficulty":"Rugged road travel by 4WD vehicle, easy walks, cultural explorations","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"","Custom_Travel_Insurance":"","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"The trip is <strong>Level 2+, Moderate<\/strong>, according to our trip grading system. This is a rugged trip in a very remote region. Participants should be fit, healthy, and have no mobility restrictions. Medical facilities on the trip will be far away and often non-existent. Some mornings, we have departures as early as 5:30 am! Trip members must be prepared for some walking and some long days of rugged vehicle travel.","Custom_Terrain":"","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-08T15:59:44 --><p>Our trip is designed so that anyone in good physical condition can participate. We encourage you to make an effort to get in good physical condition with exercise beyond your normal routine.<\/p>","Custom_Weather":"The highlands have a temperate climate and an elevation ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. It can be cool at night. The southern part of Ethiopia is dry and hot. Ethiopia's rainy season is March through September, with drier weather in January. However, rain can occur at any time of the year, making the roads muddy and sometimes impassable.","Custom_Accommodations":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-08T15:59:15 --><p>Accommodations at the Sheraton in Addis are excellent, as is the food at that international-standard hotel. Outside of Addis, we stay in "best available" hotels. Although there are private bathrooms in the rooms, you must expect only cold-water showers! Outside of Addis, our meals will be simple and lack variety because there are limited resources in the countryside. Ethiopia has some good beers, but the local wines are not distinguished. You may want to bring your favorite alcoholic beverage from a duty-free shop. Electricity in hotels in rural areas can be intermittent and sometimes generators are operated only during certain hours of the day.<\/p>","Custom_Cuisine":"","Custom_Transportation":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-08T15:59:38 --><p>Road travel in rural Ethiopia is very challenging. Our vehicles may break down or get flat tires on occasion, and that can delay the trip. We use vans for the trip, but they may not compare favorably with the vehicles you may be familiar with from safari countries such as Botswana and Kenya. While we are on our rural road journeys, there are no organized toilet facilities available. We will make "pit stops" from time to time so trip members can get out of the vehicle and find a private spot behind a bush.<\/p><p>In Ethiopia, air schedules can often be altered and new government regulations are implemented suddenly. We ask that you bring flexibility and a spirit of adventure to this unique journey, and take pleasure in the knowledge that you will be visiting a fascinating country.<\/p>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:16 --><p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual loris of physical exertion, or activities you ma not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 and ask for the<\/p>","System_References":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:51 --><p>We'd be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this trip.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:51:32 --><p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and special WT Expeditions that aren't listed in our catalog. You can also access a complete library of our detailed itineraries and browse the customized reading guides for each of our adventures.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-17T11:00:24 --><p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions -- even if it's just the two of you -- yet still enjoy a guided adventure.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:34:09 --><p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br \/>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:36:23 --><p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travclcxinsurancc.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-19T13:27:44 --><p><strong>COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:<\/strong> Please double-check COVID-19 entry requirements for any countries you may be traveling to or transiting through, on this website: <a href=\"apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions\">apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions<\/a><\/p>","System_Pre-Trip_Safety":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:37:06 --><p><strong>PRE-TRIP SAFETY:<\/strong> In the next weeks, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy. Please practice social distancing, steer clear of potential COVID-19 exposure, and take an at-home antigen or lab based PCR test before you depart.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"","System_Questions?":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T13:47:31 --><p>Our Area Specialists are you single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about yout trip!<br \/>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-13T09:24:57 --><p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. The Trip Leader for each departure is listed on the "Dates & Prices" tab on our Pilgrim's Way webpage:<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>$600 due at time of reservation <br \/>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p><\/body>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!<br>61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<br><\/p>"}}