Dates: November 7-18, 2020
Destination: Ethiopia
Tour Leader: Lyndsay Harshman + Netsi Tessema
Focus: Churches, mountains, food + wildlife
Difficulty: Active, all levels supported
Gender: All
We’ll join tour leader Lyndsay Harshman and guide Netsi Tessema to explore the incredible country of Ethiopia. We’ll see the incredible churches of Lalibela and Gheralta, the medieval city of Gondar, and even learn to cook favorite Ethiopian dishes, and of course, taste wonderful coffee.
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About our tour leader, Lyndsay Harshman:
Lyndsay Harshman
If I tried to pinpoint my favorite thing about Africa, I think I’d have to say it’s the smell. I know, it’s an unusual answer, but the sense of smell is connected to all the other senses, and if you are aware of it, it will shape an entire experience. In two decades of traveling through twelve African countries and much of Latin America, I’ve learned to let my senses guide me and my awareness reign. In doing this, I’ve fine-tuned my experiences and observed more - I always try to apply this experiential knowledge to my travelers’ journeys. Travel is about experiences, how you interpret them and how they shape you.
I started exploring the world outside of North America at nineteen years old, first setting foot in Kenya. With warm African air flowing through my lungs, I didn’t look back. Nearly forty countries later, and so many return trips to Africa and Latin America that I’ve stopped counting, I’m continuing the tradition with my son (he loves the smell - and taste - of a mango tree in season). I look forward to guiding you through the journey of travel and finding the right experiences for your senses.
SUMMARY
DAY 1: nov 7 ::: ARRIVAL IN ADDIS ABABA
DAY 2: nov 8 ::: ADDIS ababa City tour
DAY 3-4: nov 9-10 ::: lalibela’s subterranean churches
DAY 5-7: nov 11-13 ::: gheralta’s churches in the sky
DAY 8: nov 14 ::: MEDIEVAL city of gondor
DAY 9-11: nov 15-17 ::: simien mountains national park
DAY 12: nov 18 ::: return to ADDIS for departure
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1
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Arrival in Addis Ababa
Upon arrival into Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport (ADD), you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel to rest and relax from your travels. No formal activities this evening, our trip leader Lyndsay will meet you on arrival either at the airport or hotel.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Day 2
Meals: B
Addis Ababa City Tour
We’ll take advantage of the rich culture and art history available in this bustling metropolis and take a peek into what lies ahead on our journey through Ethiopia. We’ll visit a vibrant marketplace and then learn Ethiopia cooking techniques with a private class. Return to freshen up before we meet as a group this evening.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Day 3
Meals: B
Flight: Addis Ababa - Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela and Explore the Famous Churches
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Lalibela, the town that holds Ethiopia’s most fascinating legend - the subterranean, monolithic rock-hewn churches. These towering edifices seem to be a ‘superhuman’ creation in scale and workmanship. Some are sculpted out of solid volcanic rock; others are connected by long underground tunnels and mazes; some are quarried enlargements of caves. Visit the first group of six churches this afternoon. We’re at 8,500 feet, so take it easy and relax this evening enjoying the mountain-side setting of the town of Lalibela.
Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 4
Meals: B | D
Flights:
Churches of Lalibela
We’ll rise early to avoid any potential crowds (this is relative as we are in Ethiopia!) and continue to the second group of churches including Bet Giyorgis, possibly the most elegant of the Lalibela churches and Bet Emanuel, whose elaborate exterior is praised by art historians. The afternoon is yours free to explore the town and its artisan booths and small coffee shops. We’ll meet at the lodge before sunset for a special dinner excursion. Bring layers, it can get chilly and we’ll be outside…but it will be worth it!
DAY 5
Meals: B | D
Flight: Lalibela - Addis Ababa - Mekele
Flight to Gheralta
After breakfast, we’ll fly from Lalibela to Mekele (via Addis). There, we’ll be met by our private 4x4 Land Cruisers and drive to Hawzen, the gateway to Gheralta, arriving in time for sunset. Our well-positioned lodge affords dramatic views over the Gheralta Mountains and comfortable accommodations.
Overnight in Gheralta.
DAY 6
Meals: B | L | D
Churches of Gheralta: Abuna Yemata
During our time in Gheralta, we’ll focus on the dramatic ‘Churches in the Sky.’ Their name is a hint – if you are afraid of heights or suffer from vertigo, we can arrange an easier option for you to still experience some of the Gheralta area churches without facing the challenge of hiking with significant altitude and sheer cliff faces. Please advise us in advance if you prefer the easier exploration of Gheralta.
After a fortifying cup of Ethiopian coffee and breakfast, we drive about seven miles to access one of Gheralta’s famous rock-hewn churches, Abuna Yemata (Guh), named for one of the nine saints who came to Ethiopia. A short hike brings us to the foot of the perpendicular rock mountains of Guh, which appear as though they are pillars touching the sky. The church is carved into the cliff face and is, arguably, the most spectacular of all rock churches in Ethiopia. The interior of the church is reached via a small fissure in the rock and is noted for its beautiful frescoes. It is truly awesome that such great works of art have existed for centuries in such an unusual place - seemingly closer to the moon than to the earth. Return to Gheralta Lodge for the afternoon at leisure relaxing, bird watching or exploring the grounds of the lodge and taking in the amazing vistas.
Overnight in Gheralta.
Note: You must be prepared to climb a sheer 20-ft +/- section of rock wall with hand and foot holds (ropes are available). Narrow footpaths skirt high cliffs to access the church. Churchgoers make this journey weekly and the priest accesses the church daily on the same route. It can be nerve-wracking but is manageable and we found it to be less intimidating in person than expected.
Day 7
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Meals: B | L | D
Churches of Gheralta: Mariam Korkor
Relax at the lodge after breakfast or visit one of the nearby “easy” churches with our guide. After lunch, we’ll drive 30 minutes to the base of Mariam Korkor, a church high in the Gheralta massif. Mariam Korkor offers a challenging hike and expansive views – truly otherworldly!
Be ready for a steady hour+ hike to the top, surrounded by astonishing vistas of the red mountains. We may be passed on the trail by local pilgrims or women from the villages below delivering food to the priests high in the mountain. We’ll visit both churches in the compound and learn about the paintings from the on-site priests. Along our journey we may spot endemic birdlife. You won’t soon forget this view…or the rush you’ll have on the last approach to the small cave door! Hike back down the mountain and return to our lodge for dinner and a celebratory beverage, reflecting on our day.
Overnight in Gheralta.
Day 8
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Meals: B | D
Flights: Mekele - Gondar
Medieval Gondar
We rise very early to depart for the Mekele airport and our flight to Gondar, the jumping-off point into the Simien Mountains. Spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating city of Gondar on a guided tour. A former capital of Ethiopia, Gondar holds some of the country’s most unique and surprising architecture – from Moorish-influenced castles to sunken baptismal pools still used today. This evening enjoy a lavish local dinner before retiring at our hotel for a restful night.
Overnight in Gondar.
Day 9
Meals: B | L | D
Simien Mountains National Park
After breakfast, we’ll explore the Royal Enclosure on a guided tour before winding our way through the medieval town of Gondar and rising into the foothills of the Simien Mountains. On arrival at our lodge, enjoy a late lunch, soak up the views and settle into your room. We’ll plan on taking it easy this afternoon – we are at 9,500 feet – but should you be used to the altitude and have energy, you can hike on trails from the lodge. Bird watching and the vistas from the verandas are enough to entertain for hours. We’ll meet for sundowners in the early evening and hope for fiery skies, accompanied by good wine and snacks. The fire will be roaring inside during dinner. Rest well and prepare for the high-altitude adventures tomorrow!
Overnight at Limalimo Lodge
DAY 10-11
Meals: B | L | D
Explore the Simien Mountains National Park
We have two full days to experience the wilderness, wildlife and drama of the Simiens. We’ll take our time, make many stops and cover a lot of ground. Be prepared for rough roads, long distances, changeable conditions, high altitudes and…gobsmacking vistas at each turn. Our private vehicles are comfortable, late-model 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers and well-equipped for such conditions and will carry ample drinking water and tasty picnic lunches from the lodge. The order of the days will depend on how the group is feeling, weather conditions and the latest wildlife reports from our rangers.
We will spend one full day venturing high into the park above Chenek (11,880 ft) for the best chances to spot the endemic Walia ibex, getting out of the 4x4s to stretch our legs on the picturesque hiking trails, often coming upon troops of impressive Gelada monkeys, complete with their fancy crimped hairstyle. You can always choose your pace and the distance as our vehicles are there for support. The other full day will be spent closer to the lodge hiking, bird watching and sitting with and observing the geladas – they are not aggressive towards us and are excellent portrait subjects. At the end of each day we will return to the lodge for a hot shower, sundowner drink and delicious dinner. The lodge’s set menu includes Ethiopian specialties and international dishes with a local flavour.
Overnight at Limalimo Lodge
DAY 12
Meals: B
Flights: Gondar - Addis Ababa
Return to Addis Ababa for the Departing Flight
Enjoy a final morning overlooking the Simien Mountains before transferring back to Gondar for our flight to Addis. Back to the big city life! Refresh and rest in a day room before your evening airport transfer to ADD and your onward flight home.
PRICE STARTING AT: $5750 PER PERSON
BASED ON DOUBLE ACCOMMODATIONS
Single Supplement: $1217 (king bed)
Local flights (if using Ethiopian Airlines Internationally): $655 per person
Deposit: $1950 per person due today
Final Balance: Aug 9, 2020
6 travelers (minimum): $6240 per person
7+ travelers: $5750 per person
Payment plan available, please inquire
ACCOMMODATIONS
Radisson Blu Hotel is centrally located within Ethiopia’s capital city—adjacent to the United Nations and 6 kms from Bole International Airport. The hotel is also a short distance from the Imperial Palace, Meskel Square and Holy Trinity Cathedral. The 212 elegant rooms and suites offer premium amenities such as climate control and free high-speed WiFi. Savour French bistro fare from the on-site restaurant or try a refreshing cocktail or Ethiopian Rift Valley wine at the hotel’s Signature Bar. Enjoy a hearty start to your day at the breakfast buffet or take advantage of 24-hr room service. The Rainforest Day Spa provides massage services as well as a fitness center exclusively for hotel guests.
In a 10-hectare rocky area, with four large ficus trees and a breath taking view of the Gheralta mountains’ landscape, an Italian family built a traditional 5 bungalow lodge, a restaurant with cozy lounge and bar area.
Enrica and Silvio Rizzotti aim to offer a family style retreat– but with impeccable standards of finishing, maintenance and cleanliness – and good, simple cooking prepared with local products. The layout of the project has been studied not to interfere with the rare natural beauty of this African site, in pleasant high-desert surroundings, both rural and wild.
The structures were built using local techniques and materials traditionally used by the farmers of the Tigrai region: stone walls, wooden ceilings, thatched or stone-made roofs. The internal finishing has been planned to be modern and functional with en suite bathrooms.
Mebratu, the farmer who originally tilled the land, is now the chief guard of the lodge and his traditional house has been preserved to remember the way of life of the Tigrinya farmers.
Seemingly set at the edge of the world with a backdrop of the Simien Mountains, Limalimo Lodge combines simple luxuries and elegant design in a stunning setting. The lodge promotes sustainable tourism with minimal environmental impact and provides new employment opportunities to the local community and artisans throughout Ethiopia. The lodge partners with AWF and a portion of each guest’s stay contributes to a conservation fund.
The staff provide guests with unrivaled service, the chef serves some of Ethiopia's best food, and the lodge offers prime access to the Simien Mountains. The main lodge area is perched on top of the hill with views along the dramatic escarpment and lowlands below. The restaurant and bar area give you plenty of space to relax in. With spectacular views over the Simien, landscape you can laze on the terrace or curl up by the fire with a glass of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley wine.
The 12 rooms are scattered among the trees with views over wooded hillsides. All rooms are en-suite with twin or double beds. Each room offers double sink basins, solar-heated showers and locally produced linens. By choice of the lodge, no internet is available.
Included:
Hotel accommodation on a double/twin room occupancy
Meals as indicated
Ground transportation as detailed
Drinking water throughout the tour
English speaking professional guide
Expertise of tour leaders, Lindsay Harshman and Netsi Tessema
All entrances fees and taxes
All tours as detailed
Not Include:
Airfare (International and domestic)
Meals not detailed in itinerary
Early check-in
Alcoholic drinks
Gratuities
Any other personnel expenses
