Ethiopia is hot! Long viewed through the lens of civil war and famine, this country’s rapidly growing economy and interesting culture are letting people see anew its fascinating history, its African record of 10 World Heritage Sites (UNESCO) and people. A vacation here is a great complement to a bucket-list African safari in Kenya. A combined twelve nights, these two countries offer the best of an African vacation.
Tour Details
-
WhenOffered Year Round
-
InclusionsAll historic site and park entrance fees, english speaking guides, minivan and 4X4 shared vehicle with guaranteed window seat for wildlife viewing, all accommodations and meals as specified
-
Meeting PlaceWe will pick you up upon your arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
-
TransportationMinivan, and domestic flight in Ethiopia
-
AccommodationComfort to premier class hotels and lodges
-
Price$3,333 to $3,498.00 per person, double occupancy, based on wildlife season. Price Not included domestic & enter-countries international flight.
Tour Itinerary
Addis Ababa
On arrival in Addis Ababa our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfers to Harmony Hotel. An overview of the program and itineraries will be given. The rest of the day we visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeleton was discovered in 1974. We also visit the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers a panoramic view of the metropolis. In the evening, enjoy a “well come dinner” where we will taste various national dishes, watch dances of various ethnic groups of Ethiopia. A traditional coffee ceremony will also be served.
Harmony Hotel (L,D)
Bahir Dar
Board your early morning flight to Bahir Dar and drive to the small town of Tiss Abay to visit the Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or 'Smoke of Fire'.Even though much of the water has been diverted to power local hydroelectric generators, the Falls is still an intriguing sight. The surrounding area is extremely fertile and the Amhara people who live here farm wheat, sorghum and teff, the prime ingredient for making injera, the national bread and increasingly popular, gluten-free super-food you may have heard of back in the United States. After lunch board a cruise vessel on Lake Tana to visit the ancient monasteries. We will visit two of the most accessible monasteries; Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam. Your hotel is located on the shores of Lake Tana.
Kuriftu Resort (B, L, D)
Gondar, the Camelot of Africa
On our drive (180km) to this ancient Imperial city, we travel through a fertile landscape of wide open fields of a typical African tableau and then undulating farmland. The town was once the capital of Ethiopia, founded in 1635 by Emperor Fasilides, who built a palace and seven churches. The subsequent five emperors built their own respective palaces. Referred to as the Camelot of Africa, we visit the royal enclosure containing six castles, a complex network of connecting tunnels and raised walkways. Nearby is the Debre Birhan Selassie church with its sensational angelic ceiling and the bathhouse of Fasil where thousands of Ethiopians celebrate the Timkat festival every January
Goha Hotel (B,L,D)
Lalibela
Morning flight and then a full day of sightseeing in Lalibela, designated a Unesco World eritage Site in 1978. King Lalibela commissioned the construction of the 11 rock churches in the center of town to fulfill his dream of a New Jerusalem. There are no less than 1000 churches in the Lasta Region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves, but it's exceptional to find 11 churches of such master craftsmanship in one locale. These brilliant feats of engineering and architecture are often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World".
Mountain View Hotel(B,L,D)
Lalibela
Today we will visit the church of Yimrhane Kristos. This exquisite church, a masterpiece of Axumit wood and stone construction is renowned for its interior decoration, it’s beautiful wooden coffer ceiling inlaid with hexagons and medallions with both figurative and geometric motifs. Drive back to Lalibela. In the afternoon, we will visit the remaining rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
Mountain View Hotel.(B,L,D)
Axum, historical and archaeological wonders
Morning flight to Axum. The city is the heart of ancient Ethiopia, when the Kingdom of Axum was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include: monolithic steles or obelisks, the tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskal, and the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of her ancient palace. We visit the new and the old Cathedral of St Mary of Tsion and the sanctuary that houses the original Arc of the Covenant. The older of the two cathedrals, built in the 16th century, is believed to be built on an earlier 4th century church, and is the holiest church in Ethiopia.
Consular Hotel (B,L,D)
Addis Ababa and departure to Nairobi
In the morning transfer to the Airport and fly back to Addis and continue to the Merkato Outdoor Market. In the afternoon transfer to the airport to fly to Nairobi upon arrival into Nairobi, clients will be met and transferred to the Safari Park Hotel.
Overnight at the Safari Park Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis
Situated only 10km from the city centre and 20km from the international airport, the lively Safari Park Hotel is really an African-themed resort providing deluxe accommodation in 64 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and indigenous forest. All of the 204 distinctively designed and decorated rooms are airy and contain television, bathroom facilities and private balconies.
Nairobi - Masai National Reserve
Leaving Nairobi after breakfast, you travel towards Kenya's fertile highlands and head down the rift escarpment on the road built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. On the way spot the charming chapel built at the foot of the escarpment. Pass the impressive Longonot earth satellite station as you head across the valley to Narok; continue your travels across acres of wheat and barley, before reaching the Masai Mara in time for lunch. Following lunch set off on your first game drive, returning to the lodge as the sun sets.
Overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge on a full board basis.
Mara Sopa Lodge
The lodge is set in the Oloolaimutia Valley and built into the surrounding hillside landscape. The accent around the lodge is on the indigenous Masai people and the fabulous wealth of wildlife, birdlife and natural flora seen in every direction
Masai Mara National Reserve
Following an early breakfast, depart on a morning game drive, returning to the camp mid- morning. After lunch, and perhaps a siesta, set off on another game drive and visit to the Masai Village, returning to the lodge as the sunsets. (It is possible to pre-book an optional early morning Balloon Safari)
Overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge on a full board basis
Masai Mara - Lake Nakuru
Leaving the Masai Mara after breakfast, travel across the ‘breadbasket’ of Kenya, where acres of wheat and barley litter the landscape as you head north to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. Now travel across the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley, keeping an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle as you head up the Mai -Mahiu, before arriving at Lake Nakuru around midday. Once in the park, view game en route to the lodge. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets. The national park, known for its birdlife, offers a possibility to view flamingoes. It is also home to Black and White rhinos as well as the endangered Rothschild Giraffe.
Overnight at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge on a full board basis.
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Located on a range of hills that form the western limits of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, the newest member of the Sopa family, Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge offers spectacular views over the vastness of Africa
Lake Nakaru - Amboseli National Park
Following an early breakfast, continue to Lake Naivasha for a boat ride. Leaving the Rift Valley behind, proceed to Nairobi for an early lunch (or picnic lunch dependent on road conditions) and continue south towards Amboseli, arriving at your lodge by late afternoon.
Overnight at Amboseli Sopa Lodge on a full board basis.
Amboseli Sopa Lodge
Set on 200 acres of private land on the foothills of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, the lodge is perfectly poised to provide a luxurious base from which to explore the park and get some great pictures of this incredible mountain. The lodge is also close to where Ernest Hemingway lived whilst writing his famous novel, The Snows of Kilimanjaro. Each of the 47 rooms has their own private veranda on which to relax, sunbathe and take in the views
Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, depart for a full day game drive; later enjoy a hot picnic lunch. Return to the lodge by 1600hrs, giving time to unwind in your room or lounge, or even take a quick dip in the pool before dinner.
Overnight at Amboseli Sopa Lodge on a full board basis
Amboseli - Nairobi
Following an early breakfast, catch your last views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as you depart Amboseli. From here turn north across the beautiful and seemingly never‑ending Athi Plains arrive into Nairobi and be transferred to the international airport. Late this afternoon board your flight to Addis Ababa for a convenient connection on an overnight flight to Washington D.C. and many of the major European cities
