E-Brochure2014-2015

SENAIT Ethiopia Tours (Sunny)www.senaitethiopia.com

SENAIT Ethiopia Tours (Sunny) Around Megenagna, on the way to Bole Airport,

kokeb BLDG, 1st Floor, # 104, P.O BOX 29977 Addis Ababa, EthiopiaTel: +251 118 60 23 43 Mob: +251 911 94 38 12 / +251 930 01 43 76

Email: info@sunnyethiopiatours.com OR sunnyethiopiatours@gmail.com Skype: sunnyethiopia1

www.senaitethiopia.com / www.sunnyethiopiatours.com

ETHIOPIA, located in the Horn of Africa

F.ederal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

(F.D.R.E)

Senait Ethiopia meaning ‘Beautiful Ethiopia, Excellent Ethiopia’ in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, is a private Ethiopian owned tour company which has been operating since 2008 that offers wide se-lections of tour package, tailor-made and customized tours throughout the beautiful & sunny country of Ethiopia. Senait Ethiopia Tours be-lieve in high standards of service, but charge very competitive price. It is a well-organized company with experienced travel staff who facilitates travel and will give you unforgettable memories.

SET operates on a serious belief that it’s making and breaking is in the hands of its customers. This is not just a hollow slogan. For a service pro-vider such as SET, the recommendations of our satisfied customers have more lasting effects than tons of literatures and promotional materials.

SET MissionMaintain ethical Client-Oriented Business by providing best valued, most cost effective, reliable and responsible tour services for the benefit of the local community.

The tour division is run by well experienced management, tour opera-tors, professional and polyglot tour guides who have certified from Ca-tering and Tourism Training Institute which is one of the affiliate mem-ber of World Tourism Organization, offering a variety of package and tailor made tours for individual and group travelers.

SET offers reasonable rates and reliable travel advice based on years of travel experience in Ethiopia.Unique features of SET » Competitive prices » Flexible payment options » Quality service » Highly qualified and friendly staff » Secured payment plan » Range of tourist class insured vehicles

About Us

Senait Ethiopia Tours cooperates with all other service principals; Airline companies, travel agents, Hotels, Car Rentals, National Parks, Game re-serves, Museums, Churches, Mosques, and is very close to attractive host communities.

Hence, our clients are welcomed everywhere and treated as friends. We respect and abide by rules and regulations. It provides a great contribution for the economic growth and promotion of the country.

Senait Ethiopia has strong connections with local community-based aid organizations. We can help you arrange visits of schools, health centers and orphanages, etc.

Price and Cost Effectiveness

No hidden costs and no late pricing surprises.We want our customers to exactly know what they are getting for their money. We want you to know our strengths, limitations as well as the con-ditions and environments of the various sites to be visited.

In case of tight schedule

There are times when you have a very tight schedule to keep, and very little time to keep it in. Even in such bottleneck situations, the experiences we have acquired, the dedication of our team, the smooth and cordial work-ing relationship that we have developed with various local administrations and service providers, give us the ability to be flexible, adjust situations, and optimize results even while actually conducting the tours.

Our LegalitySenait Ethiopia Tour is licensed by The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ministry of Trade and Industry; Business license No. 721/2001 and an accredited company from Ethiopia Ministry of Culture and tour-ism.

You are the welcome

SENAIT ETHIOPIA TOURS

The joy of traveling is that it can be en-joyed virtually anywhere in the world. Indeed

one of the best recommended countries for all breathtaking scenery, rugged but majestic moun-tains, exotic flora, fauna (mainly endemic mam-mals, birds, plants) and pristine cultural diversity maintained by perpetual history is undoubtedly Ethiopia. Located in the northeastern Horn of Af-rica, equidistant to the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, Ethiopia is the oldest nation in Africa. Its bedrock belongs to the earth’s first continent, a continent known by geologists as Gondwanaland. Africa forms the largest intact remnant of this. Lucy, the oldest hominid, whose remains were found in Ethiopia’s part of the Great Rift Valley in the place called HADAR, lived among her com-panions. Being huge, Ethiopia represents an amus-ing natural, cultural and historical diversity. Its favorable climatic conditions and landscape make Ethiopia the home of bird life and mammals. After the rains, it is decked with flowers and with more native plants than most countries in Africa. The country is endowed with peerless geological formations, varying from 116 meters below sea level that is the radiant sulfuric inferno. The Dan-akil Depression to the alpine peaks in the rugged Semien Mountains only the phenomenal Great Rift Valley cuts Ethiopia in two, forming a series of marvelous lakes, thriving with opulent in all life forms.

Ethiopia’s awe-inspiring diversity is well represent-ed in our tailor-made and package tours. There are options of an exciting adventure, off-road safaris, mobile camping, and guided trekking as well as cultural. Prices range from budget to family, luxu-ry and truly exotic vacation travel!

SPECIALIZATIONSHistorical holidaysFamily Adventure

Bird watching holidaysTrekking / walking vacations

Adventure holidaysOff-road Safari

Educational tripPhotography safari

Cultural holidays (Festival, ceremonies, events )Ecological toursPilgrimage tours

Arrangement for documentary filmsSpecial interest holidays

Flight and Hotel bookingsCar rentals ...

Why travel and tour to Ethiopia?

Authentic Service! Authentic Experience!

SENAIT Ethiopia Tours (Sunny) Around Megenagna, on the way to Bole Airport,

Kokeb BLDG, 1st Floor, # 104, P.O BOX 29977 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tel: +251 118 60 23 43 Mob: +251 911 94 38 12 / +251 930 01 43 76

Email: info@sunnyethiopiatours.com OR sunnyethiopiatours@gmail.com

Skype: sunnyethiopia1

Proposed Itineraries

LEGEND has it that Emperor Me-nelik I, the son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, brought the Ark of the Covenant from Jeru-salem to Axum, Ethiopia, where he settled and established one of the world’s longest known, uninter-rupted monarchical dynasties.This is only one example of Ethio-pian’s magnificent history, which encompasses legend and tradition, mystery and fact, from a powerful and religious ancient civilization. The well trodden path through Ethiopia’s famous and fascinating historical places takes you through a scenic, magnificent world of fairy tale names, such as Axum, Lalib-ela, Gondar and Bahirdar.

AXUM The northern Ethiopia ancient city of Axum, regarded as the cradle of Ethiopian culture and Christianity, is the country’s oldest extant urban settlement. From around 200 BC to 700 AD, Axum was the seat of an empire that extended across the Red Sea to Arabia, traded with In-dia and China, had its own alpha-bet, constructed great engineering works and which, in the 4th centu-ry, was one of the four great powers of the world.

LALIBELA Perched at an altitude of 2630 m, among wild craggy mountains and vast rocky escarpments, Lalibela is a strikingly singular town famed for its 12th century rock-hewn churches. No matter if you’ve vis-ited other rock-hewn churches in the rest of the world; nothing will prepare you for these.At the end of the 12th and begin-ning of the 13th centuries, King Lalibela of the Zaghwe dynasty

built a series of rock hewn church-es, carved into the rugged moun-tainsides. There are 11 churches in the town named after him, with others in the surrounding country-side.

GONDAR The next stop on the historic route, with its strategic hilltop location at an altitude of 2200 m in the Southern foothills of the Simien Mountains , is the graceful city of Gondar , site of numerous castle-like palaces, dating back from the seventeenth and eighteenth centu-ries.The city was founded by Emperor Fasilidas in the 17th century and remained the capital of Ethio-pia for the next two centuries. It’s known for its many medieval cas-tles and the design and decoration of its churches. Among the dozen edifices found on the precinct of the royal compound the earliest of the castles was created by Fasi-lidas himself and is still in such an excellent state of repair that it is still possible climb its stairs all the way to the roof which commands a breathtaking view over much of the city.

BAHIR DAR Ethiopia is associated first and foremost with desert and drought – not a little ironic, when you con-sider that the fertile Nile basin, on which Egypt depends, receives 90% of its water from the Ethiopi-an highlands particularly this Blue Nile River .Bahir Dar, set at an altitude of 1830 m, is a comfortable base for excursion by land and water to the Blue Nile waterfalls and a number of historic lake-side churches and

monasteries. Blue Nile Falls locally known as ‘Tis Isat’ (the water that smokes), about 30 km after it ex-its Lake Tana, plunges over a 45 m high rock face to form one of Af-rica’s most spectacular waterfalls. Lake Tana , with the surface area of 3,673 sq km, is the largest lake in Ethiopia . Besides being the source of the Blue Nile, Lake Tana is re-nowned for its varied birdlife as well as housing on its islands and peninsulas more than 20 monas-tic churches most of which were founded in or before the 15 th cen-tury, and are still in service today.

Semien MountainThe Simien mountains massif is one of Africa’s principal highlands, rising to Ras Deshan (4,535m),the fourth highest peak on the con-tinent. Situated 100km north of Gondar, the mountains provide an excellent trekking area, with defined paths and spectacular scenery. There is a good variety of wildlife including baboons, ibex, the Ethiopian wolf and a variety of birdsof prey such as the lammer-geyer. The National Park is made up of a rocky massif - cut by streams and gorges - which slopes down to grasslands It comprises of three general botanical regions. The low-er cultivated and grazing slopes; the forested alpine regions (up to 3600m),and the higher mountain grasslands with red hot pokers and giant lobelia. The park was created primarily to protect the Walia Ibex, a type of wild goat, and over 1000 are said to live in the park. There are also large families of the Gela-da baboon and the rare Simien fox. The Simien fox, although named after the mountains, is rarely seen by the visitor.

The Grand Historic Route of Ethiopia

Day 01: Arrival in Addis AbabaFlight from your country, arrive at Bole International airport, meet our staff member and transfer to your Hotel.

Day 2, Fly Addis Ababa/Axum Early morning flight to Axum. The most striking relics here are the giant obelisks that are believed to be thousands of years old. They are carved from single blocks of granite and the tallest was more than 100 feet high. Axum is also the centre for Ethiopia’s Orthodox Christians. Ethiopia is one of the oldest Christian countries in the world, and you visit the remains of a church dating from the fourth century. Nearby is a 16th century church where the crowns of the Ethiopian emperors are stored. The Ark of the Covenant is reputed to be here, and some of the ruins are associated with the Queen of Sheba. There’s plenty of time to see these fascinating sights, and you’ll have a local guide to show you around. Overnight Hotel.

Day 3, Fly Axum/LalibelaMorning flight to Lalibela, the world heritage city. After 40 minutes flight, you will arrive at Shimshaha ( Lalibela Airport),transfer to hotel and start to visit the 1st group churches which are included Bieta Medhanialem (Chapel of Holy Savior) which is the biggest and Bieta Mariam (Chapel of Mary): three aisled with mural paintings and a covered pillar containing inscriptions about the end of the world according to the gadl (act )of saintly king. Further visit of Bieta Denagel (Chapel of the Virgins), Bieta Meskel (Chapel of the cross) and finally, the “dou-ble – church” of Debre Sina and Bieta Golghotha (women are not allowed in the latter since it’s where the remains of King Lalibela are and also because it contains the tabernacle of the Holy Trinity). PM Visit of the second group of rock-hewn churches that are namely: Bieta Gabriel and Raphael, Bieta Merquorios, Bieta Emmanuel with unprecedented Axumite style and the Bieta Abaa Libanos (said to have been built by King Lalibela’s consort Meskal Kebra and visit the Bieta Ghiorghis which is the cru-ciform chapel of St. George. Overnight hotel.

Tour Code: SET 010Duration: 7days/ 6nightsMeans of Transport: Flight and DriveDescription: Visit the Historic part of the country and over four World Heritage sites

Tour to The Grand Historic Route of Ethiopia by Air

Day 5, Drive to BahirdarMorning drive 180km to Bahirdar, one of the lake shore town. On the way admire the beautiful landscape the Amhara people’s way of life and castle of Guzara. P.M drive 70KM round trip to visit Tississat named after the water falls of the Blue Nile River (the life blood for the Sudanese and Egyp-tians). Be informed that clients will walk about 30 minutes to arrive near to the water falls on Blue Nile. So they are expect-ed to wear appropriate clothes that match with hot weather and good shoes. Back to Bahirdar Overnight hotel.

Day 6, BahirdarIn the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Tana and visit the old island monasteries of Ura Kidane-Mihret, and Kebran Gabriel (closed for women). Most of the monasteries decorat-ed with frescoes and staffed with religious as well as historical treasures. There are 37 islands scattered about on the 3000 square kilometer lake which is the source of the Blue Nile. About 20 of these islands house, the churches and monaster-ies that are of immense historical and cultural interest. On the lake, be sure to notice the Tankwa boat, little papyrus boats that appear so flimsy yet are capable of carrying passengers and their goods around the lake as they have done for many centuries. Late afternoon window shopping and Bahirdar market with some city tour. Late afternoon drive to Bezawit palace for panoramic view of the town of Bahirdar, Lake Tana and Blue Nile River. Overnight hotel.

Day 7, Bahirdar/AddisMorning after breakfast departs to airport for the flight back to Addis and Attend farewell dinner in the famous Ethiopian Traditional Restaurant with live music and delicious meal, transfer to Bole International airport for flight and it will be the end of the tour.

Tour Code:: SET 011Duration: 6days/ 5nightsMeans of Transport: Flight and DriveDescription: Historic North Ethiopia and Mountain Trekking

Day 01: ADDIS ABABA - BAHIR DAR

After breakfast transfer to the Air-port for your flight to Bahir Dar. In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Tana and visit the old island monasteries of Ura Kidane-Mihret, and Kebran Gabriel (closed for women). Most of the monasteries decorated with frescoes and staffed with religious as well as histori-cal treasures. There are 37 islands scattered about on the 3000 square kilometer lake which is the source of the Blue Nile. About 20 of these islands house the churches and monasteries that are of immense

historical and cultural interest. On the lake, be sure to notice the Tankwa boat, little papyrus boats that appear so flimsy yet are ca-pable of carrying passengers and their goods around the lake as they have done for many centuries. Late afternoon window shopping and Bahirdar market with some city tour. Late afternoon drive to Beza-wit palace for panoramic view of the town of Bahirdar, Lake Tana and Blue Nile river Dinner and overnight in your hotel.

Day 02: BAHIR DAR - GONDAR

After breakfast Drive to Gondar. Lunch will be followed by an af-ternoon city tour of the 17th cen-tury town of Gondar with its castle compound. You will visit also one of the beautiful churches “Debre Birhan Sellassie” very known for its mural paintings as well as drive for a short visit of the village of the former Ethiopian Jews. Overnight

in your hotel.

Day 03: Gonder -Semein Moun-tain Enjoying the beautiful landscape of the area and before about 6 km from Gonder you will visit little village of Wolleka (Falasha Vil-lage), once the home of a thriving population of Falashas or Ethio-pian Jews. Before Christianity ar-rived, Judaism was for centuries the dominant religion of most of north-western Ethiopia. Further Drive in the Semien Mountain N.park until Chenek (about 3600 meter above sea level) enjoy the Roof of Africa, endemic animals like Walia Ibex, Semien Fox, Chila-da Baboon, Klipsprings etc. Over-night in your hotel.

The Grand Historic Route with Semien Mountains

Day 04: GONDAR - LALIBELA

Morning Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela, the world heritage city. After 40 minutes flight, you will arrive at Shimshaha ( La-libela Airport),transfer to hotel and start to visit the 1st group churches which are included Bieta Medhanialem (Chapel of Holy Savior) which is the biggest and Bieta Mariam (Chapel of Mary): three aisled with mural paintings and a covered pillar containing inscriptions about the end of the world according to the gadl (act )of saintly king. Further visit of Bieta Denagel (Chapel of the Virgins), Bieta Meskel (Chapel of the cross) and finally, the “double – church” of Debre Sina and Bieta Golghotha (women are not allowed in the latter since it’s where the remains of King Lalibela are and also because it contains the tabernacle of the Holy Trin-ity). PM Visit of the second group of rock-hewn churches that are name-ly: Bieta Gabriel and Raphael, Bieta Merquorios, Bieta Emmanuel with unprecedented Axumite style and the Bieta Abaa Libanos (said to have been built by King Lalibela’s consort Meskal Kebra and visit the Bieta Ghiorghis which is the cruciform chapel of St. George. Overnight hotel.

Day 05: LALIBELA - AXUM

Early morning flight to Axum. The most striking relics here are the Giant Obelisks that are believed to be thousands of years old. They are carved from single blocks of granite and the tallest was more than 100 feet high. Axum is also the centre for Ethiopia’s Orthodox Christians. Ethiopia is one of the oldest Christian countries in the world, and you visit the re-mains of a church dating from the fourth century. Nearby is a 16th cen-tury church where the crowns of the Ethiopian emperors are stored. The Ark of the Covenant is reputed to be here, and some of the ruins are associated with the Queen of Sheba. There’s plenty of time to see these fascinating sights, and you’ll have a local guide to show you around. Overnight hotel.

Day 06: AXUM - ADDIS -

Morning after breakfast departs to airport for the flight back to Addis and it will be the end of service. At-tend farewell dinner in the famous Ethiopian traditional restaurant with live music and delicious meal, transfer to Bole International air-port for flight and it will be the end of the tour.

GONDAR LALIBELA

AXUM

Tour code: SET 012Duration: 13 nights/14 DaysMeans of Transport: SurfaceDescription: It is the high-light of the Classic Historic Route that includes Ethio-pian ancient and historical towns of Lalibela, Axum, The semien Mountain, Gonder , Bahirdar and the surround-ing attractions.

Day 01, Arrival in Addis AbabaFlight from your country, arrive at Bole International airport, meet our staff member and transfer to Overnight hotel.

Day 02, Addis/ KombolchaFull day drive to Kombolcha through a scenic landscape over viewing the western edge of the es-carpment of the Ethiopian Rift Val-ley, up on arrival transfer to over-night hotel.

Day 03, Kombolcha/ LalibelaDrive to Lalibela, one of the eighth

wonder of the world en route over view Lake Hayq. This lake hosts an important monastery Overnight hotel.

Day 04, LalibelaAM visit the first group of rock hewn churches which are includ-ed Bieta Medhanialem (Chapel of Holy Savoir) which is the big-gest and Bieta Mariam (Chapel of Mary): three aisled with mural paintings and a covered pillar con-taining inscriptions about the end of the world according to the gadl (act )of saintly king. Further visit of Bieta Denagel (Chapel of the Virgins), Bieta Meskel (Chapel of the cross) and finally, the “double – church” of Debre Sina and Bieta Golghotha (women are not allowed in the latter since it’s where the re-mains of King Lalibela are and also because it contains the tabernacle of the Holy Trinity.PM Visit of the second group of rock-hewn churches that are namely: Bieta Gabriel and Raphael, Bieta Merquorios, Bieta Emmanuel with unprecedented Axumite style

and the Bieta Abaa Libanos (said to have been built by King Lalibela’s consort Meskal Kebra ) and visit also the Bieta Ghiorghis which is the cruciform chapel of St. George. Overnight Hotel.

Day 05, Lalibela Early morning you will have op-tional mule ride to Asheten Mari-yam Church situated at a very hill top to see the town of Lalibela and the surrounding attractions. Re-turn to the hotel for lunch.PM drive to the charming semi-cave church of Nakutoleab, a church of the early 13th century and bearing the name of its build-er. One amazing thing about this church is the year round water that wells from it’s ceiling that is said to have curative power. Overnight Hotel.

Day 06, Lalibela/ Mekele Lalibela - Mekele Drive to Alama-ta, Korem, Maichew and Mekele with some stopover at Yimrehane Christos Church on the way. Over-night hotel.

Day 07, Day trip on the way to Da-nakil depression This day you will visit the Atsbi claster churches and the Camel caravan on the way to Danakil De-pression. Here you will see many camels in line who load salt from Danakil Depression. Overnight Hotel.

Day 08, Mekele/ AxumDrive Mekelle-Axum, on the way visit Abraha- Atsbaha church, one of the Tigry rock hewn churches , Alnejashi mosque, over view-ing Debredamo Monastery, & also visit Yeha Temple which is dated as early as of the 5th century BC ( according to researchers made by Heinrich Mueller, it might even date of the 8th century BC). In its compound is also found the church of Abba Afse ( one of the nine Syr-ian saints ) further drive to Adwa, if we have time you will have some visit of the hospital otherwise we will back the next day. Overnight Hotel.

Day 09, Axum (Optional) Morning drive to Adwa to visit the hospital and back to Axum after 3-4 hour to visit Axum, once the centre of a great empire and the seat of learning for the an-cient Ge’ez language and literature. Axum is the prime historical site in the North of Ethiopia. Take a city tour of Axum that includes : The St. Mary church (where the Arc of the covenant is said to be kept), and the Stele Park. Further visit of the archaeological Museum of Axum, the ruins of the former palace of Queen of Sheba (Dungur Palace ), the ruins of the former tomb of King Kaleb and his successor king Gebre Meskal Overnight Hotel.

Day 10, Axum/ Semein Mountain Full day drive via Tekeze valley ( Limalimo ) to the Semien Moun-tain , the most marvellous of all

Abyssinian landscapes, spectacular scenery, a taste of Ethiopians remark-able wildlife, home to a variety of endemic animals ,birds , plants and has been declared a world Heritage Site by UNESCO o/n Semein lodge at Semien Mountain N.park. Overnight hotel.

Day 11, Semein Mountain/ Gonder Early morning Drive & trek in the Semien Mountain N.park until Chenek (about 3600 metre above see level) enjoy the Roof of Africa, endemic animals like Walia Ibex, Semien Fox, Chilada Baboon, Klipsprings etc Tis day you will have trekking for abou two hours around Chenek. Then late afternoon drive to Gonder. overnight hotel.

Day 12, Gonder/ BahirdarEarly in the morning start to visit the castle compound where you can see the Medieval castle of king Fasilidas, King Yohannes, King Eyasu, Kind Dawit, King Bakaffa and Queen Mentewab. Further visit of the churches of Debre Birihan Silassie with awesome wall paintings and the bath of King Fasilidas before proceeding to the visit of the Qusqwam monastery that was being built by Queen Mentewab and Gondar city tour. After-noon drive 180 km to Bahirdar one of the lake side town in the country & sun set viewing on Lake Tana Overnight hotel.

Day 13, BahirdarA.M Boat excursion over Lake Tana to the Zeghie peninsula and visit of two beautifully painted churches that are found hidden in the small for-est; Azoa Mariam and Ura Kidane Mihret on the way visit Kibran Gabriel and Entos monastery. P.M drive 70 km round trip to visit Tississat named after the Water Falls of the Blue Nile (the life blood of the Sudanese and Egyptians) of Bahirdar, window shopping & relax. Overnight Hotel.

Day 14, Bahirdar/ Addis AbabaFull day drive to Addis, over viewing the Blue Nile Gorge which has a spectacular view & is wider than the Grand American Canyon, the 1st bridge for the country( Portuguese bridge) Attend farewell dinner in the best Ethiopian restaurant with live music and Ethiopian delicious dish with free of charge, ( It will be a good opportunity to meet with Mr. Tad-dese to take your feedback about your Ethiopia tour while you are hav-ing dinner with him) then transfer to the airport for the night flight and it will be end of the service.

AXUM

The Lower Omo Valley is situated within Africa’s famous and, geologically-speaking, rapidly expanding Great Rift Val-ley. Here, in south-west Ethiopia’s awkwardly named “South-ern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region”, bordering Kenya and Sudan, the great Omo River dominates this dry savanna valley, resulting in some of Africa’s most well devel-oped and best preserved arid-zone riverine forests. The Omo River rises from the Shewan highlands and flows 470 miles (750 kms), mostly southwards, before entering Lake Turkana (previously Lake Rudolf) near the Kenyan border.

The importance of the Lower Omo Valley has been recognized by UNESCO, which has declared it a cultural World Herit-age site. It also contains two expansive national parks and several Important Bird Areas. This vast, scenic valley is how-ever most famous for its staggering cultural diversity. Over a dozen distinctive ethnic groups exist here, many of whom live lives little touched by the modern world. This is largely due to the area’s remoteness and prior near-inaccessibility, forming a natural barrier to modernization and the detribalization of the Omo Valley. Our tour aims to spend time with the Dorze, Konso, Arbore, Hamar, Benna, Karo, Ari and Mursi tribes (all now justly famous for their dress, body adornments and unique culture) and we will also encounter other tribes when visiting market villages. In addition, we will of course take time to enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife of this re-mote and fascinating region.

Omo Valley (Cultural Tours)

Tour Code: SET 013Duration: 8days/ 7nightsMeaning of Transport: SurfaceDescription: Tour to Omo valley:-

Day 01, Depart from your country, arrival at Bole International airport and transfer to hotel.

Day 02, Addis- ArbaminchDrive with 4x4 Land cruiser south west of Addis Ababa via Hossana , over viewing the Oromo and the Gurage tribes way of life with their thatched roof circular house sur-rounded by enset “ false banana” trees. Overlooking lake Abaya and lake chamo , one of the fertile and evergreen place in the country o/n Hotel.

Day 03: Arbaminch- Jinka In the morning on a boat sailing on Lake Chamo to see pelicans, hip-pos and the world’s largest croco-diles. and drive to Jinka (290km), one of the relatively big towns in the Omo Valley. On the way you will enjoy the Konso, Derashe, Aria

and Benna tribes. If the day falls on a Thursday, you will visit the color-ful market at key Afer. Dinner and overnight Hotel. Day 04: Arbaminch- Jinka In the morning on a boat sailing on Lake Chamo to see pelicans, hip-pos and the world’s largest croco-diles. and drive to Jinka (290km), one of the relatively big towns in the Omo Valley. On the way you will enjoy the Konso, Derashe, Aria and Benna tribes. If the day falls on a Thursday, you will visit the color-ful market at key Afer. Dinner and overnight hotel. Day 05: Jinka-Mursi- TurmiThis morning we do have an ex-cursion drive to the Mursi village through Mago National park. The Mursi inhabit northwestern part of the National Park and classified as the Omotic language. These people known for their lip plating, body decorating and stick fighting cul-ture. Women are still wearing lip plates by splitting their lower lip in order to beautify themselves. The lip-plates are purely symbolic and made of clay. Further drive to Turmi. Dinner and overnight hotel

Day 06: Turmi- Omorate- TurmiDrive to Oromorate a small village on the border with Kenya to visit the Dascenetch people and their fascinating local hut and culture of the Dasenech. The Dasenech have a decorative sense similar to the Karo tribe. The Dasenech people occupy the land on both side of the Omo River and the northern age of Lake Turkana. Back to Turmi and in the afternoon visit the Hammer village or if today is Monday visit the color full market of the Ham-mer tribes. Dinner and overnight Hotel.

Day 07: Turmi-ArbaminchDrive from Turmi to Arbaminch via Arbore. Visit the Arbore people at their town named Arbore and proceed to Konso. Visit the village of Konso (UNESCO World Herit-age Site) – The people of Konso are well known for their intricately ter-raced hillsides, fine woven materi-als, carved totems made of wood, decorated graves (mainly the king & his wife), impressive village, etc. Proceed to Arbaminch Dinner and overnight Hotel.

Day 08: Arba Minch - Ad-dis Ababa After breakfast, embark on a full day’s drive to Addis, visiting several Rift Valley Lakes, rich in aquatic bird-life, along the way. Evening a fare well dinner party in one of the traditional Ethio-pian restaurant with danc-es from different ethnic groups. Afterward, transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

OMO VALLEY,Cultural Route

Tour Code: SET 014Duration: 10 nights/11 daysMeans of Transport: DriveDescription: It is the highlight of the far southern part of the Omo valley with its immense cultural attractions of the country.

Day 1, Flight from your country, arrive at Bole International airport, meet our staff member and trans-fer Overnight hotel.

Day 2, drive to ArbaminchDrive with 4x4 Land cruiser south west of Addis Ababa via Hossana , over viewing the Oromo and the Gurage tribes way of life with their thatched roof circular house sur-rounded by enset “ false banana” trees. Overlooking lake Abaya and lake chamo , one of the fertile and evergreen place in the country Overnight hotel.

Day 03, Arbaminch – JinkaProceed to Jinka, admiring the De-rashe, Tsemay, Ari and Benna peo-ple on the way. If today is Thurs-day, you can visit the very colorful market for the Tsemay and Erbore people at Key Afer Overnight ho-tel.

Day 04, Jinka –Mursi/Mago-JinkaEnter Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people and their villag-es. Here for beauty women insert round clay plates in their lips. The men practice scarification based on the number of enemies or wild animals they have killed in battle Overnight hotel.Day 05, Jinka - TurmiDrive to Turmi, and if today is Saturday you can see the color-ful Hamer, Karo and Dassanech people at the market in Dimeka. Proceed to the Hamer villages and Overnight hotel.

Day 06, Turmi – Murulle - TurmiDrive to Murulle to visit the Karo people, with their interesting body decorations and scarification; ad-mire the view of the Omo River from Kortcho village back to Tur-mi overnight Hotel.Day 07, Murulle – Omorate-_Turmi

Morning excursion to Omorate, on the banks of the Omo river, to visit the Dassanech people. Then back to Turmi for the colorful Monday market if today is Monday visit the Hamer, Karo and Dassanech people. Witness Hamer dances (Evangadi) and seasonal marriage ceremonies with bull-jumping if you are lucky Overnight hotel.

Day 08, Turmi –YabelloVisit the Erbore villages and make a stop to admire the agricultural terracing practices of the Konso. Further visit of the Konso village, Gargesiyo, “ the southern New York”, a place which is the out come of food for a long period of time and looks like the previous New York sky sculpture buildings in USA Overnight local hotel.

Day 09, Yabello- YirgalemDrive to Yirgalem via Yabello, visit the Sidama people way of life, enjoy the evergreen place of the country, one of the most known coffee plantation field proceed to Dila, the place that you will explore the archeological site of Tutiti and Tutufela. Further drive to Yirgalem for overnight at Ar-egash Lodge, a place which is full of Jingle with animals and beauti-ful birds. Overnight Hotel.

Day 10, Yirgalem – LanganoMorning drive to Awassa, visit the biggest fish market in the country. Drive up to Mount Tabor for the panoramic view of Awassa town. Lake Awassa and the surrounding

attractions.

P.M drive to Abijata – shalla na-tional park, enjoy the scenery of the area, animals like Gazelle, Dik dik and the natural hot spring on shalla lake. Further drive to the Birding. The place is one of the fa-mous birding are in Ethiopia with many endemic aquatic birds. Pro-ceed to lake langano, the Golden lake in the country with free of Bilharzia, sanding, walk around the beach area Overnight Hotel.

Day 11, Langano – Addis AbabaLate Morning drive to Addis via the Rift Valley over viewing the rift valley lakes of Shalla, Abyata and Langano, Zeway and Koka admiring wonderful views, en-demic birds, pelicans, flamin-goes shopping some traditional goods, attend farewell dinner in the famous Ethiopian traditional restaurant with live music and delicious meal, transfer to Bole In-ternational airport for flight and it will be the end of the tour.

BALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Bale Mountains National park is the largest are of Afro-Alpine habi-tat in the whole of the continent. It gives the visitor opportunities for un surpassed mountain walking, horse trekking, scenic driving and chance to view many of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, in particular the mountain Nyala and Simien fox and birds , such as the thick-billed raven, wattled ibis, blue winged goose, Rouget’s rail. The high rain fall in the Bale Mountains, together with the great variation in altitude and topography, result in rich in diversity in the vegetation. Bale Mountain is accessible by car driv-ing, Horse trekking and walking.

Tour Code: SET 015Duration: 14days/ 13nightsMeans of Transport: SurfaceDescription: Touring in the Omo valley & Bale Mountains:-

Day1, Depart from your country, arrival at Bole International air-port and transfer to Hotel.

Day 2, Addis- ArbaminchDrive with 4x4 Land cruiser south west of Addis Ababa via Hossana , over viewing the Oromo and the Gurage tribes way of life with their thatched roof circular house sur-rounded by enset “ false banana” trees. Overlooking lake Abaya and lake chamo , one of the fertile and evergreen place in the country o/n Hotel

DAY 3, Arbaminch In the morning on a boat sailing on Lake Chamo to see pelicans, hip-pos and the world’s largest croco-diles. Afternoon we go to the vil-lage weavers chencha to meet with representatives of the nation Dorze familiarity with their life o/n hotel. DAY 4, Arbaminch- TurmiMorning drive to Turmi. On the way visit the Konso, Tsemay, Er-bore tribes and arrive in afternoon. Then you will visit the beautiful market of the hamer tribes and to-gether with other tribes of the ben-na, ari and karo. After the market, if you are lucky you will see the bull Jumping ceremony around Turmi. Overnight hotel.

Omo Valley Cultural Route with Bale Mountain

DAY 5, Turmi- karo - TurmiWe’re going to Murulle to meet with the tribe Karo, whose mem-bers are known for their adorn bodies with which the various patterns and scars. Then go back to Turmi for lunch and drive to Dimeka to visit the colorful market of Dimeka. Overnight hotel.

DAY 6 , Turmi- JinkaMoving in Jinka. Along the way, you can see the decorated trib-al Benna, Ari and their village . Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 7 , Jinka – Mursi/Mago park- JinkaMoving in national park Mago. Meeting with the Mursi tribe! Women have taken mursi inserted

into the lower lip plate, and the men inflict a scar on the forearm by the number of killed enemies or wild animals. Back to Jinka and drive to see market in key Afer. Night at the hotel.

DAY 8, Jinka- KonsoIn the morning we go to Konso and see their market. In the afternoon visit the village people Konso - Gargesie. Near the village lies a gi-ant cleft, within which many rock formations resembling the outline of their forms in New York. Night at hotel.

DAY 9 , Konso- YirgalemGoing to a Yargalem Yabello, on the road watching the original life of the people of Sidamo, which are mainly engaged in breeding camels and cultivation of coffee. Calls in Deal, where the newly discovered ancient steles. We came to lodge Aregash who hid in the jungle. Do not miss the 7chasov evenings to come visit you are the real wild hy-enas. Night at the hotel.

DAY 10 , Yirgalem- Bale MountainAfter breakfast you will see the fish market in Awassa and goes our way to the mountains of Bale. In the afternoon we will have to make a trek during which you can meet some of the endemic animals such as mountain nyala, Menelik ante-lope, warthogs, and a wide variety of birds. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 11 , Senetie plateau In the morning we go on the pla-teau of Seneta, habitat simian fox wolves, and then we visit Mount Tulu Dimtu (4377m), the second-highest mountain in Ethiopia. We will also visit Harenn forest, in or-der to see lots of birds and watch the locals grow coffee. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 12, Bale Mountain- LanganoIn the morning start driving to Langano. On the way visit the Oromo people’s way of life, their village and the beautiful scenery of the area. Up on arrival transfer to Lodge near to Lake Langano. Lake Langano is the only bilharzias free like in Ethiopia that people can swim. Relax near to the beach side. Overnight Sabana lodge near to the lake.

DAY 13 LanganoIn the morning after breakfast drive to Abjata Shalla national park. Enjoy the aquatic birds near to the lake of Abjata and Shalla. Enjoy the hot spring water and the beautiful view. Or drive to Wen-dogenet to swim in the natural hot spa and enjoy the evergreen natu-ral forest. Afternoon free to relax in lake Langano to swim.

DAY 14 , Back to AddisMorning after breakfast drive to Addis through the East Africa Rift valley. Overview the Rift valley lakes of Abjata, Shalla, stopover in lake Zeway and Koka for birding. Further drive to Debrezeit for see the creator lakes of Hora and Bish-oftu. Proceed to Addis Ababa, sou-venir shopping, we are waiting for dinner at one of the most famous restaurants of Ethiopia. You will see the dances of various peoples of Ethiopia, transfer to airport, flight to your country and it will be end of the trip.

Tour Code: SET 016Duration: 14days/ 13nightsMeans of Transport: SurfaceDescription: Touring in the Omo valley, Bale Mountains: and Awash National Park-

Day1, Depart from your country, arrival at Bole International airport and transfer to Dreamliner hotel.

Day 2, Addis- ArbaminchDrive with 4x4 Land cruiser south west of Addis Ababa via Hossana , over viewing the Oromo and the Gurage tribes way of life with their thatched roof circular house surrounded by enset “ false banana” trees. Overlooking lake Abaya and lake chamo , one of the fertile and ever-green place in the country o/n paradise Lodge

DAY 3, Arbaminch In the morning on a boat sailing on Lake Chamo to see pelicans, hippos and the world’s largest crocodiles. Afternoon we go to the village weav-ers chencha to meet with representa-tives of the nation Dorze familiarity with their life o/n paradise Lodge.

DAY 4, Arbaminch- TurmiMorning drive to Turmi. On the way visit the Konso, Tsemay, Erbore tribes and arrive in afternoon. Then you will visit the beautiful market of the hamer tribes and together with other tribes of the benna, ari and karo. Af-ter the market, if you are lucky you will see the bull Jumping ceremony around Turmi. Overnight splendor lodge.

DAY 5, Turmi- karo - TurmiWe’re going to Murulle to meet with the tribe Karo, whose members are known for their adorn bodies with which the various patterns and scars. Then go back to Turmi for lunch and drive to Dimeka to visit the colorful market of Dimeka. Overnight splen-dor lodge.

DAY 6, Murulle –Omorate-_TurmiMorning excursion to Omorate, on the banks of the Omo river, to visit the Dassanech people. Then back to Turmi for the colorful Monday mar-ket if today is Monday visit the Ham-er, Karo and Dassanech people. Wit-ness Hamer dances (Evangadi) and seasonal marriage ceremonies with bull-jumping if you are lucky. Other-wise you will visit the hammer tribe’s village and their way of life o/n hotel.

DAY 7, Turmi- JinkaMoving in Jinka. Along the way, you can see the decorated tribal Benna, Ari and their village . Overnight at the hotel Jinka Resort.

DAY 8, Jinka – Mursi/Mago park- JinkaMoving in national park Mago. Meet-

Omo Valley, Bale Mountain & Awash Park

ing with the Mursi tribe! Women have taken mursi inserted into the lower lip plate, and the men inflict a scar on the forearm by the number of killed enemies or wild animals. Back to Jinka and drive to see market in key Afer. Night at the “Jinka Resort”.

DAY 9, Jinka- KonsoIn the morning we go to Konso and see their market. In the afternoon visit the village people Konso - Gargesie. Near the village lies a giant cleft, within which many rock formations resembling the outline of their forms in New York. Night at New Kanta Lodge.DAY 10, Konso- YirgalemGoing to a Yargalem Yabello, on the road watching the original life of the people of Sidamo, which are mainly engaged in breeding camels and cultivation of coffee. Calls in Deal, where the newly discovered ancient steles. We came to lodge Aregash who hid in the jungle. Do not miss the 7chasov evenings to come visit you are the real wild hyenas. Night at the “Aregash Lodge”

DAY 11, Yirgalem- Bale MountainAfter breakfast you will see the fish market in Awassa and goes our way to the mountains of Bale. In the after-noon we will have to make a trek during which you can meet some of the endemic animals such as mountain nyala, Menelik antelope, warthogs, and a wide variety of birds. Overnight at the hotel “Goba”

DAY 12 , Senetie plateau In the morning we go on the plateau of Seneta, habitat simian fox wolves, and then we visit Mount Tulu Dimtu (4377m), the second-highest mountain in Ethiopia. We will also visit Harenn forest, in order to see lots of birds and watch the locals grow coffee. Overnight at the hotel “Goba”

DAY 13, Bale Mountain- Awash National parkMorning drive to Awash National Park via Asela and Bekoji, the birthplace of many of the Ethiopian athletes. Visit the Oromo people’s way of life and the Arsi-Bale rugged mountains. Overnight Fuafuate Lodge inside the park.

DAY 14 , Back to AddisVisit Awash National Park in the morning. We’ll see oryx, baboons, Soemmerring’s gazelle, greater and lesser kudus, warthogs etc. Then take an easy drive to Debrezeit for see the creator lakes of Hora and Bishoftu. Pro-ceed to Addis Ababa, souvenir shopping, we are waiting for dinner at one of the most famous restaurants of Ethiopia. You will see the dances of various peoples of Ethiopia, transfer to airport, flight to your country and it will be end of the trip.

Tour Code: SET 017Duration: 12 nights/13 daysMeans of Transport: SurfaceDescription: It is the highlight of the far southern part of the Omo valley with its immense cultural Attractions of the country.

Day 1, Addis Ababa and depart to bahirdarDepart from Belgium flight to Addis arrive at Bole International airport meet our company rep-resentative and drive to Bahirdar on the way visiting the Amhara and Oromo people way of life, the Portuguese bridge and Blue Nile Gorge with nice scenery o/n hotel. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 2, Blue Nile Falls and GonderMorning drive 70KM round trip to visit Tississat named after the water falls of the Blue Nile River (the life blood for the Sudanese and Egyptians). Be informed that clients will walk about an 30 minutes to arrive near to the water falls on Blue Nile. Back to Bahird-ar for lunch and drive to Gonder

once the capital of Ethiopia in the 17th century. Overnight hotel. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3, Drive Gonder – Semien MountainMorning you will be taken to visit the castle compound where you can see the medieval castle of king Fasilidas, King Yohannes, King Eyasu, King Dawit, King Bakafa and Queen Mentewab further visit of the churches of Debre Birhan Selassie with awesome wall paint-ings. P.M drive to Semien Moun-tain to visit the marvelous scenery of the Semien Mountain , the endemic animals of Walya Ibex, Chilada Baboon and birds. Over-night in semien Lodge. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4, Semien Mountain “ Roof of Africa” After breakfast, drive to Sankaber and trek around. Sankaber lies within the Park and found at an altitude of 3825msl. It is the place to see troops of Gelada Baboon on the way. They are very attractive and so taking picture of

them is unforgettable. These are a different primates found only in Ethiopia and live on vegetables and soft roots. Walk to the won-derful view points around Sank-aber. Lunch box will be taken on the site/view point. Later, drive to Chenek and walk around to see the scenic mountains and views in the surrounding. Chenek lies at an altitude of 3800 m ASL in the valley at the bottom of the second highest pick called Buahit 4000 m ASL. It is the ideal place to see one of the endemic mammals found in the park, the Walia Ibex. They adapt living in the gigantic cliff age and high altitude. This adapta-tion comes from habitat loose be-cause in the past they used to live at around 2500 m ASL. The males are big in size while the females are smaller. With such a colossal horn curved to the back, the males are easily spotted sleeping on the rock or standing near the giant lobelia. They are very solitary, the female are very close to each other and the family is organized by the dominant mother. It is very com-

HISTORIC ROUTE, SEMIEN MOUNTAIN AND OMO VALLEY

mon to see one of the high altitude plant called giant Lobelia. When it grows fully, it reaches a height of 9 to 12 meters with a flowering part on the top. For this plant it is quiet a struggle to grow at such high altitude where the weather is very difficult. But nature has it all in it. Overnight in semien Lodge.

Day 5, Semien Mountain- AxumMorning view of the beautiful scenery of the Semien and drive to Axum Enjoying the western side of the dramatic Simien Mountain, Pass Limalimo, the most challeng-ing road in Ethiopia but awesome landscape, cross the Tekeze Valley and arrive in Axum. If we have time you will visit the historical sites of Axum including the St. Mary church (where the Arc of the covenant is said to be kept) and the stele park. Overnight hotel.Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6, Flight Axum to Addis and drive to Wassa Morning flight back to Addis and drive to Langano via Rift valley

over viewing the rift vally lakes of Koka, Zeway, and Langano with their aquatic birds. On the way enjoy the oromo peoples way of life. This day you can visit the Ab-jata- Shalla National park with the aquatic birding life and some wild life animals. Overnight Resort.

Day 7, Awassa- KonsoDrive to Konso via Yabello , visit the Sidama people way of life, enjoy the evergreen place of the country, the scenic landscape and one of the most known coffee plantation field around Yirgachefe, visit the borena peoples with their herd of cattle Overnight Kanta Lodge. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8, Konso- JinkaIn the morning visit the village of Konso people - Gargesie. Near the village is a huge crevice, inside of which a lot of rock formations resembling the shape of its forms in New York. Proceed to Jinka, admiring the Derashe, Tsemay, Ari and Benna people on the way. o/n Jinka Resort hotel. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9, Jinka –Mursi/Mago-Jinka- TurmiEnter Mago National Park to visit the Mursi Tribe. known for their lip plates and face painting. The women first started using the lip plates as a way to disfigure them-selves so the slave traders would be appalled by the way they look and not take them into slavery… later it became a sign of beauty used to get a husband. Then after-noon drive to Turmi. The Hamar women are striking; wearing beautiful colorful beaded skins, ornate necklaces, and metal ban-gles around their wrist and ankles. Famous for their hairstyle — a crown of long dread-lock braids covered in ocher — the Hamer women are the most decorated of

the Omo people If today is Thurs-day, you can visit the very colorful market for the Ari, Benna tribes at Key Afer. We will over night lodge. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10, Turmi – Karo – TurmiDrive to Murulle to visit the Karo people, with their interesting body decorations and scarification; admire the view of the Omo River from Kortcho village. Then back to Turmi for lunch. And Afternoon visit the Hammer village. over-night lodge.Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11, Turmi- ArbaminchToday we drive to Arbaminch and on the way we go to the village of the tribe Arbor. Admire the Konso, tsemay, derashe tribes again and their way of life. Further drive to Arbaminch overnight Similar. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12, ArbaminchMorning boat trip on Lake Chamo to see crocodile, Hippopotamus and aquatic birds and afternoon visit the Dorze people & their house at a place called Chencha . overnight LodgeBreakfast and Dinner

Day 13, Arbaminch – AddisMorning drive back to Addis via Hossana ( different route). This is one of the most fertile and ever-green scenic road and people enjoy the landscape. Then attend farewell dinner in the famous Ethiopian traditional restaurant at Habesha 2000 with live music and delicious meal, you will be transfer to Bole International airport for the night flight that depart at after mid night and it will be the end of the tour.

The Simien Mountains National Park is located in the northern edge of the central plateau of Ethiopia overlooking the Tekeze Gorge. It is a part of Simien mountains massif in Northern Ethiopia, which lies at elevations between about 2000m and 4543 m of above sea label, tak-ing in Ras Dejen, the highest peak of the Horn of Africa. The park is found in the northern parts of the North Gondar Zone of the Amha-ra National Regional State.

The geographic location extends from 1309’57” to 13019’58” North latitude and from 37054’48” to 38024’43” East longitude. With its present total area of about 13,178 hectare, the park lies in three woredas of the zone, namely, De-bark, Adiarkay and Janamora. The Simien Mountains National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Ethiopia with a core area of around 140km2.The Simien Mountains National Park is 130 km from Gondar, the capital of North Gondar zone of

ANRS and about 882km from Addis Ababa. It covers both the highlands and the lowlands. The steep escarpments separating these two significant landscapes were formed by volcanic activi-ties and subsequent erosion over millions of years. They give the mountain scenery spectacular appearance.

Tour Code: SET 018Duration: 7 days/ 6 nightsMeans of Transport: Surface & Trekking Description: The Simien Mountains National Park abd Trekking.

Day 1, Gonder/SankaberMorning flight to Gonder. The flight depart at 7:00 am. We will meet you in the morning at Gonder Airport or your hotel in Gonder. Drive to the first camp (Sankaber) via Debark (the small town) you will be rewarded with very impressive views of the low

land areas to the north and west. You will most certainly encoun-ter troops of the endemic gelada baboons. The gelada baboon, only found in Ethiopia, is often referred to as the bleeding heart baboon or the lion monkey be-cause their coat is shaggy resem-bling a lion, whilst their chest has a marked red heart or patch. The gelada baboon can be found in good numbers is quite easy to approach. Sankaber camp is situ-ated at an altitude of 3250 meters on an impressive view point be-tween the northern escarpment and the southern wazla. Before you arrive the camp you have about 2hrs. Walk.

Day 2, Sankaber - GeechFrom Sankaber Camp the path to Geech Camp will stretch for approximately ten kilometers.(5-6hrs). The initial stages of this path lead through extensive ar-eas of highland grasslands and heather forests. This path offers some of the most impressive

Trekking to The Simien M o u n t a i n s National Park

views of the escarpement. One of the best views is of the Jinbar Wenz waterfall which plummets down the Geech Abyss. After descend-ing down to the Jinbar Wenz River a short ascent remains to Geech village. In this area, cultivation is done in a two-year cycle. One side of the valley is planted whilst the other side lies fallow. You will no-tice extensive soil erosion in this area as a result of the combination of such factors as slope steepness, cultivation, overgrazing, erosive rainfall and limited land resources. We pause in Geech village as we are invited into one of the local houses for a coffee ceremony. Here you will participate in this very impor-tant social tradition of Ethiopia as well as gain an insight into the tra-ditional lifestyle. Just above Geech village is the campsite which will serve as your base for two nights. The campsite has great views of the mountains and is characterized by giant Lobelia plants. These plants can grow up to 10 meters in height and may live for as long as twen-

ty years, at which point they first flower before dying.

Day 3, Geech- ChenekThis day we will be waking to the best viewpoints in the National park. First we walk to Imetegogo, the view here enables one to look 360 to all directions this one of the best view in the national park. We trek to Chenek, we will be walking through the Giant lobelia trees and under these trees African field Rats are common. After picnic lunch we walk on the edge of Enatye es-carpments (4000m. above sea lev-el), which is another breathtaking view in the national park; finally we descend to Chenek. Chenek is the best place to see the endemic Waliya Ibex and more Gelada Ba-boon. It takes 6 - 7 hours walk. O/n Camping at Chenek.- (3600m)

Day 4, Chenek- AmbiquoWe walk to Ambiquo climbing Buhit (14530ft/4430m) Mountain the 2nd highest peak next to Ras Dashen in Semien Mountain rang-es, giving excellent views over the whole area. After refreshment at the summit, you descend towards Chero Laba crossing the Mesheha River, we will reach to Ambiquo and resting for the night here, be-fore the big day on Ras Dashen. The walk of this day takes 7- 8 hours. O/n Camping at Ambiquo - (10496ft/3200m).

Day 5, Ambiquo - Ras Dashen – Ambiquo- Chiroleba :Very early morning start walking toward mount Ras Dashen.You get up in the pre dawn chill for what will be the most challenging day of the Trek. To reach the sum-mit can take up to 6 hrs. You will head up the valley from campsite to the small village of Mizma, from where you will climb steeply up wards, eventually reaching an im-pressive amphitheatre made up of

three major buttresses of expanded rock, one of which is your goal, Ras Dashen. It is then an easy scramble to the summit, Ras Dashen, which is the fourth highest peak in Africa (14901ft/4543m). After taking in the impressive views descend back to Ambiquo for an overnight. The whole round trek takes from 8-10 hours .O/n Camping at Chiro leba.

Day 6, Chiroleba- Chenek and drive to GonderMorning start to trek to Chenek. You will arrive at Chenek around 1 pm and then the vehicle can reach the campsite of Chenek, so they will drive directly from Chenek campsite via Debark to Gondar. Overnight Hotel.

Day 7, Flight to AddisMorning relax in the hotel and at 10:00 am, transfer to Gonder air-port for the flight to Addis. Arrive in Addis Ababa bole airport at 1:40 and it will be end of the service.

Tour Code: SET 019Duration: 7 nights/ 8 daysMeans of Transport: Drive/TrekkingDescription: Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) is the largest re-maining alpine habitat on the African continent. It was declared in 1970 and is currently 2200km2 in area. The Park contains the biggest con-tinuous area of Afro-alpine (~1000 km2, circa 17.5% of all Afro-alpine) and a large proportion of the second largest moist tropical forest in Ethi-opia. Bale Mountains National Park gives you opportunities for unsur-passed mountain walking, horse trekking, scenic driving and the changes to view many of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, in particular Ethiopian wolves/ Semien fox, Menelik’s Bushbuckand Mountain Nyala. It sup-ports the largest population of Ethiopian wolves (~350 individuals, 55% of the global population), Mountain Nyala (~1000 individuals, 50% of the global population), and many other endemic species and important populations like giant mole-rats, the Bale monkey are found in the park. In the park, birds such as the Thick-billed Raven, Wattled Ibis, Blue-winged Goose, Rouget’s Rail, etc. scenic driving and the changes to view many of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, in particular the Mountain Nyala and Semien Fox, and birds such as the Thick-billed Raven, Wattled Ibis, Blue-winged Goose, Rouget’s Rail, etc can easily be seen in Bale Moun-tains National Park. Bale is the southern-most breeding population of golden eagles, wattled cranes and a large breeding population of bearded vulture. The wetlands and forests of Bale are the source of major rivers which provide a significant proportion of the perennial water supply to approximately 10 million people in South-eastern Ethiopia and Somalia.

Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa and transfer to the Hotel, city tour: A representative from Senait Ethi-opia Tours welcomes you on your arrival at Addis Ababa Bole Inter-national Airport and transfer to hotel. After refreshment, city tour of Addis Ababa. O/n Dream liner/Similar Hotel.

Day 2: Bale Mountains - Dinsho Lodge: After breakfast, we start a full day’s drive to the Bale Mt. National Park, traveling thorough the southeast part of the capital, where fertile land is cultivated by the Oromo people. We arrive at Dinsho (Park HQ) in the afternoon, in time for a walk around to see three of the endemic mammals: Menelik’s Bushbuck, and Mountain Nyala. And birds Blue-winged goose, Spot-breasted lapwing, Abyssin-ian long claw, Wattled ibis, Black-headed siskin, Rouget’s rail, and of course other species, too. Over-

Bale Mountain Trekking

night camping that is surrounded by juniper trees and numerous species of wildlife.

Day 3: Dinsho - Geysay Valley.The whole day visit around Dinsho and Geysay Valley. In time hike to see three of the endemic mammals: Me-nelik’s Bushbuck, Mountain Nyala and Ethiopian wolf. The rest of the day arranges the trekking staff. O/n Camping.

Day 4: Wolla Valleys (Kotera) - Camping: Accompanied by your guide, a scout and packhorses we trek 5 hrs through the lush highland vegetation to our first campsite. The air here is clean and crisp and the scenery utterly stunning. O/n camping.

Day 5: Wassema Valley – Camping: After breakfast we resume trek that will last for approx. 7-8 hrs. The trek offers the chance to see Ethiopia’s en-demic Abyssinian Wolf. Overnight camping at the base of Wassema Mountain. O/n camping

Day 6: Gebre Guracha – Camping: Today we trek through the highlands, crossing Batu mountain on the way to Gebre Guracha. Wild flowers abound, the dominant plant being the Helichrysm, or ‘everlasting’

flowers. The Everlasting plant can be seen in several forms, but the grey bushes of H. splendidum are the most striking with their yellow flowers. Several rodent species are found in the area. O/n camping

Day 7: Sanetti Plateau to Goba Town - Wabe Shabele hotel: After breakfast we trek for 5 hrs to the highest peak in the Bale Mountains, Tullu Deemtu (4377m, 14357ft) which is part of the Sanetti Plateau. The vistas are sim-ply unbelievable and so photogenic. Here you will find small alpine lakes and typical afro-alpine vegetation that includes the Giant Lobelia and shrubs such as ‘Everlasting’. Vistas reach out to the strange pinnacles of Chorchora Peak and across the sheer-sided Tegona River Gorge. There are views to the steep-sided vol-canic plug of Konteh Tullu and the long, craggy ridges of Mount Batu. The car will meet us here and drive us down to Goba town for an overnight stay at Wabe Shebele Hotel.

Day 8: Drive back to Addis evening Departure: Drive back to Addis Ababa with stops on the way at rift valley Lakes. Evening a fare well dinner party in one of the traditional Ethiopian restaurant with danc-es from different ethnic groups. Then transfer to The Airport for your flight back home.

Ethiopia, with more than 800 bird species in which some are the en-demic birds and most the endemic birds are found in the southern part of Ethiopia to the Jima river valley, the rift valley lakes, the hot spring of Wondogenet area, in the Bale mountain area, the Awash national park. Yabello, the Nech sar park and in the north to the Debre Birhan, the Nile gorge Debre Libanos area and the lake Tana areas. Our bird watching itineraries can be mixed with historical route or Omo valley tour programs. However, the programs here under are the most know bird watching tour program including in the search of Ethiopian En-demic birds.

Tour Code: SET 020Duration: 11 days/ 10 nightsMeans of Transport: Surface Description: It is the highlights of the best birding tours that include the area of Addis Ababa, Geferssa, Sululta & Debre-Libanose monas-tery Debralibanose, Rift valley Lakes Region, BaleMountain, Negelle , Yabello and the surrounding area.

Day 1, Flight from your country, arrive at Bole International airport, meet our company representative and transfer to hotel

Day 2, A day tour to Debra Libanose Monastery via Sululta plains, which holds large number of wintering paratactic passerines and a va-riety of Afro tropical species. The endemic Abyssinian sis kin, Whit billed starling, Rupell’s Black chat, Lanner Falcon, Verreaux’s and Taw-ny eagle are one the target birds. The Egyptian and White backed vul-tures, Lammergeyer, Erick’s francolin, Rufus breasted sparrow hawk, little and common rock Thrush, Red collared window bird, Abyssin-ian woodpecker, White Backed black Tit, White Winged cliff chat

and Brown woodland warbler are amongst the species we may see. Beside, the beautiful endemic Ge-lada Baboon can be easily seen at the edge of Debra Libanose gorge .we drive back to Addis Ababa in late afternoon. hotel.

Day 3, Leaving Addis Ababa we drive down to the lakes region. We shall have launch lake Ziway, where we are spending more time this afternoon. Lake Ziway is one of the bird paradises in the Ethio-pian rift valley. It accommodates a great number of aquatic birds. Lesser black backed and Great headed and gulls, lesser jacana, skimmer, red shank, black her-on, African pygmy Goose , Tem-minck’s and little stints, common snipe, woodland king fisher and black tailed Godwit are some of the species can be seen here .Late after noon we drive down to Langano resort for an over night staying. En route we may have one short stop at the acacia Wood land of the cat-tle development ranch for few spe-cies like the Black billed and Black wood Hoopoes, Yellow vented Eremomela, Grey flycatcher, Ol-iveceous and buff bellied Warbles, Red faced Crombec, wood headed Buffalos weavers and ring necked dove. Overnight Lodge Day 4, A pre breakfasts birding in the acacia woodland near by Langano resort. This woodland provides many birds like the Black checked and common Waxbills, Abyssinian black Wheatear, Ded-eric and Klaas’s Cuckoos Doran and Rattling cist colas. The red billed and Von de Deck en’s horn-bills, Banded Barbet, Spotted Eagle Owl, Red headed weaver, African pygmy kingfisher, Nubian and Bearded woodpeckers, Brubru, Grey flycatcher, Northern Black Tit, Hempric’s Hornbill and some of the species we expect in this

Bird Watching Tours

productive compound. After breakfast, we drive to Bale Mountains. The elegant endemics of Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck are the beauty of the Bale Mountains NP, in addition to the bird life. Overnight hotel

Day 5, Today we shall have a full day binding in the forests near Goba and on Sanattie plateau. Sanattie is the largest moorland tract in the whole Africa and it is the home to the rare Ethiopian Wolf and the Gi-ant mole Rats. Abyssinian Woodpecker, Abyssinian catbird, White backed Black Tit, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Yellow crowned Canary, Somali chestnut winged starling, Olive Pigeon, Mountain Buzzard, Af-rican snipe, Thekla Lark, Malachite sunbird, Mottled and Alpine swifts, Moorland Francolin, Golden Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Watteled Crane, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Ruddy shelduck, Verreaux’s’ Eagle, Yellow bellied and common waxbills, Tropical Bouboo, Rufus breasted. Sparrow Hawk, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Black winged Lovebird, Bale Parisoma and Slender billed Starlings are amongst of interesting birds of the Bale Mountains National Park. The beautiful Ethiopian Wolf (endemic), Abyssinian Hare, Klipspringer, Giant Mole Rats and different species of grass rats are some of the mammals that we expect in this magnificent moor-land region. We return to Goba this evening. Overnight hotel

Day 6, Proceed to Negelle Borena (some 285 km) via Harenna forest. En route, stop at Ganalle River for the rare and localized endemic species of Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco. Our day drive to Negelle brings us to great va-rieties of the low land species like Shelly’s & Golden-breasted Starlings. Overnight Local hotel

Day 7, A full day bird watching in and around Negelle area; the localized Sidamo Lark and Salvador’s Serine are our target birds for today. Overnight Motel

Day 8, Drive to Yabello (265 km) with many road-side stops. The Red-napped Shrike, Black caped Social Weaver, Lesser Kestrel, eastern violet backed Sunbird, the endemics White-tailed Swallow and Steersmen’s Bush Crow are one of the best birds we are looking for along this productive rout. Overnight Motel

Day 9, After morning birding around Yabello, we drive to Lake Awassa, the smallest and shallowest lake of the Ethiopian Rift System. Today we may not have any spe-cial stoppage unless we see special things in order to get enough time in Awassa this afternoon. The Hue-gljne’s Robin Chat, Willow and Lesser swamp Warblers

and Red breasted Wryneck. The Woodland and Grey Kingfisher, Spotted creeper, Painted snipe, Purple swamp Hen, Western banded Snake eagle, Giant Kingfisher, African Thrush, Senegal Thick knee, Green shank, Black headed Batis, Little and Spec-tacled weavers, Red shouldered Cuckoo shrike and Beautiful sunbirds are one of the most interesting birds inhabiting Lake Awassa and the surrounding woodlands. Overnight hotel

Day 10, Drive to Wondo Genet forests at the mid-day. The Yellow fronted Parrot, Abyssinian woodpecker, Double-toothed barbet, Yellow fronted thinker bird ,Half collared kingfisher, Narina’s Trogon, White checked Turaco, Red shouldered and emerald cuck-oo, Yellow bellied waxbill, Scaly francolin, Abyssini-an ground Thrush, Spectacled and Grosbeak weaves, Lemon and Tambourine Doves are one the species inhabiting in Wondogenet. Ayer’s hawk Eagle, Fan-tailed and Thick billed Ravens, African Little spar-row hawk, Crested Eagle, African Harrier Hawk, Sharp’s starling, Broad billed Roller, Blue headed Coucal, Scaly and Lesser Honey Guides are Some of an excellent birds we are expecting to see in this lush forest. Overnight Resort

Day 11, After early birding and breakfast we drive back to Addis Ababa. En route, we shall have few stoppages at Lake Abjata Shalla which is one of the best birding area in the rift valley, Lake Ziway, Koka and Hora creator. Attend the farewell dinner in the best Ethiopian traditional restaurant with live music and delicious dish, transfer to airport for the evening flight.

Tour Code: SET 021Duration: 15 days/14 nightsMeans of Transport: Bike

DAY 1—Arrival in Addis flight to MekeleFlight from your country, arrive in Bole International airport and take another domestic flight to Mekele. Not the most interesting city on the planet but has a pretty cool vibe as this is the town where jeep cara-vans taking tourists into the Danakil starts from. It is also a pretty big city with some cool side streets and an area with nice restaurants and cobbled streets. Also an old castle and museum can be visited. A few cool local bars for those that want some cold beers and dance with the locals to Ethiopian music can be found [highly recommended]. what is coming we need to be rested and prepared for the best mountain biking tours. Overnight hotel.

DAY 2 --125KMS to Berhale---CampBy the end of this day you will have entered into a new world, one you didn’t know existed and the days that follow even more so. We start the day with a semi

tough climb out of Mekele and onto a plateau and flat for 25kms or so where we turn off onto a wild dirt road that leads to Berhale and the Danakil. A long epic, and i truly mean epic, downhill waits. We may start seeing camels and some Afar people walking the road. At the bottom is a flat road into Berhale but passing by some small Afar villages and huts. Berhale is where the cara-vans arrive to drop off the salt and is like a Wild West town but with camels and Afar homes. As the day goes on camels arrive by the hundreds with their loads and camp beside us. Go wander and enjoy this spectacle. Overnight Camping.

DAY 3--Short Trail ride to small Afar village Sunrise and all the camels are gone. The caravans leave in the dark to beat some of the relentless sun. Easy day so we have a chance to wander the village and see the wild wells they have carved as well as the making of goat bladders for desert water bottles. A water bottle with legs and a neck and the neck is the drinking spout. We are on ancient camel trails now for the next 2 days. Hundreds of years of camel hooves and now fat, knobby tires--enjoy as we ride among the caravans coming and going. Real easy and short day camp in a real Afar vil-

ETHIOPIA BIKING TOURS

The best Biking to the desertThis trip includes the biking to Danakil Depression, the active volcano ( Ert’ale),

tha salt lake of Afdera and the Gheralta cluster churches

lage. A chance to start immersing into their culture, they are called the toughest tribe in the world as they survive in the world’s most inhospitable place. Caravans meander past our camp until night. Overnight Camping.

DAY 4--The Epic Canyon trail ride into the Danakil. This is a magical and tough day. 1 km down the road we enter a canyon with rock so old you feel it. A small stream runs all the way through it so as we gradually keep going lower we ride through the stream and rocky trails that years of camels have grooved out. I cannot describe this experi-ence but we were all in awe and for the mountain bik-ers is like being a kid in a candy store. Winding through this ancient canyon, twisting between narrows in the can-yon, passing loads of camels coming and going from the Danakil. And yes it is getting hotter and hotter now. As the canyon ends we hit a gravel/lava road that takes us to Hamed Ella. You are officially on the moon now, enjoy. Things turn surreal immediately as you enter the world’s most inhospitable terrain. This road is rough, it there are no trees and Afar huts occasionally dot this alien surface. It is officially really hot now. A tough 15kms or so brings us to Hamed Ella. A remote

N.B- This trip is recommend-ed from late October to End of February.Have a wonderful biking,

A tough 15kms or so brings us to Hamed Ella. A re-mote outpost village here for only 8 months. We have huts for shade. This is our base camp for the next 2 1`/2 days Later in the day your guides will take you to a desert reef. This was the Red Sea at one time. And as you stand on ancient sea fans and nothing but lava and desert surrounding you, the camel caravans come roll-ing past. Surreal and wonderful. Enjoy as this was well earned.NOTE--Hydration now is incredibly important. Our 4x4’s are loaded with water.There is a military camp here with a generator where you can find a cold beer and cokes. The generator can-not keep up with the blazing heat but at least the drinks are not +40 C. Your definition of a cold drink is about to change. Your first desert sunset as the camels andworkers roll right past camp as they come in from the salt mine. Overnight Camping.

DAY 5---Desert riding from base camp to Dallol sul-fur volcano Sunrise and the Afar chief handing out salt orders to the awaiting caravans starts the day before breakfast. Wander and enjoy this scenario. We then hit a brutal rocky road for about 10kms to a sulfur/salt/pot-ash road that is a way smoother and leads us through endless salt/potash desert to Dallol about another 8kms away. We have tribal elders and local military guards with us as this is mandatory rules when traveling here as so remote. We get to the base of the volcano and climb for maybe 15 minutes to its top. There awaits a Dali painting for you to enter. Nothing like this on the planet. Mushroom sulfur and twisted, tortured rock surround you as you walk until you hit the

sulfur lake. It will stun you visually and physically. And you get a chance to tip toe over it on sulfur that has crusted over. Remember it is 50C out, sulfur waft-ing around you and the heat from the sulfur lake. It takes its toll on you but will be one of most memorable days of your lives, guaranteed! We get down and find the only shade for miles in a nearby small desert can-yon. Lunch and recover before biking salt flats back to camp. Sunset and camels ends the day. Overnight Camping.

DAY 6--Ride to salt mine and to a large bubbling sul-fur pool. Another memorable day as we finally see this ancient salt mine still used to this day and where all the salt you have seen on camels for 3 days now, comes from. Visioning lines of camels in wavering desert air, just like the movies but no couch and AC but popping corn here is easy. Time itself stands still here. Enjoy ,Off to a large sulfur pool and some great freeing salt flat riding and then off to a small outcropping of rock that sits like a ship in a calm sea. We set up tarps and shade here. Sun is relentless now. Food/water and a break before getting back to camp and our last sunset here. Overnight Camping.

DAY 7/8--To Erta Ale. The world’s largest lava lake. Approximately 50kms/day

These are the two days of some of the toughest riding in the world. A combination of sand, salt and lava takes us to a small Afar village in the middle of the desert where we camp and negotiate with the tribal chief to go through his land. These 2 days are bike and hike days as when the sand gets to thick you have to carry or walk it. But this is why we are here. To do what no-body has done, ride the heart of the Danakil. On the second day much the same but less bike/hiking but the last 10kms is a lava road up to the base of the volcano where we camp. You wanted tough, here it is. You can see about 6-7 other ancient and dead volcanoes. The miles of lava stretching to the sand came from all of these. Its truly wild and raw. Overnight Camping.

DAY 8---Hike up to top and campWe are up real early to beat the sun and arrive on top shortly after sun-rise. Takes three hours but what you are about to see is the true, raw power of earth. We camp on the edge of the walls created from the explosion and can see the ancient dried lava flow work its way to the desert floor. We have huts to stay out of sun, camels bring our food and water and bags. Day trip to the crater. A path takes us down the walls and hike on the lava flow to Ertale crater. Only 4 in the world and none of them can you stand on its edge and look into hell. A night hike to its edge is even wilder. En-joy as this part of the world has no rules, feels incredible and freeing. Overnight Camping.

DAY 9 To Lake Afdera--a true salt lake We have 4 x 4’s and for those wearing out you can sit in the truck anytime. We will try to get as far as we can today and leave the moun-tains edge before sunrise. The road near the lake was being paved. But before that is desert riding with

not too much hike/biking. We will camp outside of town on the beach with palm trees and a small natural hot springs to soak in or swim in the salt lake. A few vol-canoes surround the lake. Cold beers are shipped in from the town, and these are actually cold and well earned. Dinner in this outpost town with real Ethiopian food. Overnight Camping.

Day 10 Wet salt process tour. Day off to relax at the “SPA”

DAY 11---Ride to Tribal village and leaving the Danakil Semi tough day but starts easy on paved flats but we have to get out of the world’s lowest spot and that takes some climbing. No a lot today but the road gets pretty rough but stay in a really cool tribal village that is worth experiencing. Has electricity and some good local food and tribal dress. Overnight Camping.

DAY 12--Tough day to Gheralta and the beautiful Ghealta Lodge Climbing and more climbing to start the day and a good part of the day. A few valleys and wild rough scenery until we get to the paved road the leads to Mekele but we turn off to Gheralta and its unique and almost Arizona like mountains where its churches lay often in its cliffs edges. Very peaceful. Support trucks there always if need them The Gher-alta Lodge is a stunning lodge overlooking Gheralta mountains. Beautiful rooms and food. Over-night Camping.

DAY 13--50-80KMS-Ride/Hike to two churches This is a great days riding and a pure joy after all we just went through. We ride to two churches today. One we bike to at base of

mountains and passing through lo-cal villages, past cactus and Gheral-ta’s magical mountains all around. Very very different than the high-lands. The other is back the way came with a turn off and a hike up to a cave like church overlooking when we came. You can get in the truck to do this last section Back to the Lodge for Sunset and drinks as they are marvelous here. Over-night Camping.

DAY 14---ABUNE YEMATAThis is the end of our trip and what a spectacular way to finish it with a short ride to the wild trail/climb Abune Yemata. Gheralta’s most well known church. This church and entrance lay on a ledge 2,000ft off the ground and yes the hike up is at times not for the faint of heart. Our local guides will get you there safe but your heart maybe up a few notches. The final few feet are across a flat ledge that dead ends and this is where they carved this incredible cave like church almost 900 years ago. Stunning paintings and pillars inside all while you look out over the drop. We have arranged a priest drum ceremony here and we can think of no bet-ter place and experience to end this wild adventure. Back to the lodge for a great meal and sunset drinks. Tomorrow is back to Mekele and flying to Adiss. Overnight Camp-ing.

DAY 15--FLIGHT TO ADISS AND DEPARTUREMorning flight to Addis, relaxes in the hotel, attend farewell dinner in the best traditional restaurant with live music and decision meal. Transfer to the airport for the night flight.

TRIP RATING WILL BE GIVEN UP ON ARRIVAL.

Ert’ale and Danakil Depres-sion:The Danakil Desert is located be-tween the Ethiopian plateau and the Red Sea. The salt plain near Dallol is the lowest part at 116 me-tres below sea level. In prehistoric times, the territory was in the form of a gulf. According to geologists, this is a sea bed that emerged for a brief moment in the history of the planet; the Afar depression will in fact form a future ocean with the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.This geological anomaly means that the entire area is very unstable. There are numerous active volca-noes and frequent earthquakes, to-gether with secondary manifesta-tions such as the stupendous colors of the salt surfaces, caused by the geysers with their various different chlorides. This inhospitable ter-ritory is home to nomadic sheep-herding Afar people.This trip includes the trip to Dan-

akil Depression, the active volcano ( Ert’ale), the afar people

Tour Code: SET 022Duration: 4 nights/ 5 daysMeans of Transport: Surface

DAY 1— Flight to Mekele and drive to Ahmed Ella. Morring domestic flight to Me-kele. Not the most interesting city on the planet but has a pretty cool vibe as this is the town where jeep caravans taking tourists into the Danakil starts from. It is also a pretty big city with some cool side streets and an area with nice res-taurants and cobbled streets. You will have entered into a new world, one you didn’t know existed and the days that follow even more so. We start the day from Mekele and onto a plateau and flat for 25kms or so where we turn off onto a wild dirt road that leads to Berhale and the Danakil. A long epic, and i tru-

ly mean epic, downhill waits. We may start seeing camels and some Afar people walking the road. At the bottom is a flat road into Berh-ale but passing by some small Afar villages and huts. Berhale is where the caravans arrive to drop off the salt and is like a Wild West town but with camels and Afar homes. Further drive to Hamed Ella over-night camping.

DAY 2--To Erta Ale. The world’s largest lava lake. Today we drive to Ert’ale. Stop Over in Kursewad for the permit. A combination of sand, salt and lava takes us to a small Afar village in the middle of the desert where we camp and negotiate with the tribal chief to go through his land. To do what nobody has done, visit the heart of the Danakil. The last 10kms is a lava road up to the base of the volcano where we camp. You wanted tough, here it is. You can see about 6-7 other ancient and

Danakil and Erta’le Active Volcano Tour

Danakil Depression and Ert’ale is recommended from late October to mid April.

dead volcanoes. The miles of lava stretching to the sand came from all of these. Its truly wild and raw. Overnight Camping.

DAY 3--The Epic Canyon trail into the Danakil. Early morning descend Ert ale, have your breakfast at Waydodom where the base of the area and drive to Ahmed Ella o/n local Camping

DAY 4--- Visit the desert Desert from base camp to Dallol sulfur volcano Sunrise and the Afar chief handing out salt orders to the awaiting caravans starts the day before breakfast. Wander and enjoy this scenario. We then hit a brutal rocky road for about 10kms to a sulfur/salt/potash road that is a way smoother and leads us through endless salt/potash desert to Dallol about another 8kms away. We have tribal elders and local military guards with us as this is mandatory rules when traveling here as so remote. Noth-ing like this on the planet. Mushroom sulfur and twisted, tortured rock sur-round you as you walk until you hit the sulfur lake. It will stun you visually and physically. And you get a chance to tip toe over it on sulfur that has crusted over. Remember it is 50C out, sulfur wafting around you and the heat from the sulfur lake. It takes its toll on you but will be one of most memorable days of your lives, guaranteed! We get down and find the only shade for miles in a nearby small desert canyon. and afternoon drive to Me-kele. Overnight Hill top hotel.

DAY 5- - Morning flight to Addis Ababa, city tour in Addis including Mount Entoto, national Museum, the resting place of our famous LUCY, Merkato, the biggest open market in Africa, monuments and souvenir shopping. Attend farewell dinner in the best traditional restaurant, transfer to airport for the flight and it will be end of the service.

Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa between the tropic of Cancer and the Equator. The country covers an area of 1,251,000 square kilometers and has 75 million inhabitants. In contrast to most Af-rican countries, Ethiopia was never colonized and has long enjoyed its independence. This has meant that the country has taken on a prestigious role in the context of Africa as a whole; in fact, the Afri-can Union has its headquarters in Ethiopia’s capi-tal, Addis Ababa.

1. Safety: Ethiopia is a safe destination. Neverthe-less, when travelling in any developing country, common sense is a traveler’s best friend. Safety is one of the main factors that are considered while Senait Ethiopia Tour organizes its trips.

2. Most Popular Sites: Senait Ethiopia offers sev-eral untouched historical and natural sites.Every site has got its uniqueness depending upon the interest of the tourist. However, the most fa-mous sight is perhaps Lalibela, an ancient rock-hewn church and Axum steles.

Other famous areas include: Lake Tana in Bahr Dar, the ancient cities of Gondar and Harar, as well as the southeastern area of the peoples of the Omo valley.The Jimma area is interesting for those who wish to know the origin of Coffee.

3. Health Requirement: Visitors must have vac-cination certificates against Yellow Fever. Any person who visited or transited cholera-infected countries within six days before arrival, is required to have a vaccination certificate against Cholera. Malaria occurs in most parts of the country, espe-cially the lowland. Visitors should take preventive dose against malaria, before, during and after the tour.

4. Clothing: Visitors should take light, summer clothes for the day time and something warm for the evenings, like a sweater or jacket. The temper-ature drops quite rapidly towards sunset. Simian or Bale Mountains trekkers should bring warm clothes and water proofs for un seasonal rains. Shoes must always be removed before entering churches and mosques.

5. Drink: Tella, a traditional beer brewed from barely or corn and hops, is a local drink generally unavailable in modern hotels and restaurants. Fermented sorghum known as borde is a dual-purpose food- drink among Ethiopia’s lowland peoples and pastoralists. In Addition, there are bottled Ethiopian beers, local wine and mineral water that most find to their liking.

6. Photography: In the smaller towns the locals may expect a small payment in return for being photographed. Video photography in famous tourist attractions occasionally carries a small charge. Photography may be prohibited on the bridge and near military camps.

7.Tipping: In most hotels and restaurants, a 10 per cent service charge is added to the bill. Tip-ping is a fairly frequent custom, but amounts are small.

8. Land: Ethiopia, as large as France and Spain combined, has an area of 1,112,000 square kilom-eters. About 65 percent is presently cultivated.Cities: Capital--Addis Ababa (pop. 4 million). Other cities--Dire Dawa (237,000), Nazareth (189,000), Gondar (163,000), Dessie (142,000), Mekele (141,000), Bahir Dar (140,000), Jimma (132,000), Awassa (104,000).

USEFUL INFORMATION

Terrain: High plateau, mountains, dry lowland plains.

9. Climate: Throughout most of the country there are two seasons: the dry season prevails from Oc-tober through May; the wet season runs from June to September. Temperate is cold in the highlands and hot in the lowlands.

10. Topography: Ethiopia has an elevated central plateau varying in height between 2,000 and 3,000 meters. In the north and center of the country there are some mountains whose peaks rise over 4,000 meters. The most famous Ethiopian river is the Blue Nile (or Abbay), which runs a distance of 1,450 kilometers from its source in Lake Tana, to join the White Nile at Khartoum.

11. Economy: About 85 percent of the populations earn their living from the land, mainly as subsist-ence farmers. Agriculture is the backbone of the national economy and the principal exports from the sector are coffee, chat, oil seeds, pulses, flowers, vegetables, sugar and foodstuffs for animals. There is also thriving livestock sector, exporting cattle on the hoof and hides of skins.

12. People: Ethiopia’s population is estimated around 77 million. Ethiopia is composed of about 83 ethnic groups. Based on the language they speak, they can be divided into Semitic, Cushitic, Nilotic and Omotic stocks.Annual growth rate: 2.7%.Ethnic groups (est.): Oromo 40%, Amhara 25%, Tigre 7%, Somali 6%, Sidama 9%, Gurage 2%, Wolaita 4%, Afar 4%, other nationalities 3%.13. Religion: Three of the world’s major religions Judaism, Christianity and Islam have had their fol-lowers here since they were founded and thus have

grown with indigenous expressions and pro-tected in Ethiopia before anywhere else.Religions (est.): Ethiopian Orthodox Chris-tian 40%, Sunni Muslim 45-50%, Protestant 5%, remainder indigenous beliefs.Today, almost 99 % of Ethiopians are adher-ents of one of these three main religions with the rest followers of animist traditional sprit or ancestral worship of one kind or another.

14. Airport: The main Airport is Bole Interna-tional Airport in Addis Ababa. It has various international connections. Domestic flights are also available to various regions of the country. The Historic route has daily flights from Addis Ababa, in the sites as Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela, Axum and Dire Dawa South (Arbaminch and Jinka and South-west some cities are also connected (Jimma, Tum. Tepi and Gambella).There is USD 20 departure tax for interna-tional flights and 10 birr embarkation fee for domestic flight in each airport.

15. Hotels: Addis Ababa has hotels that cater for all pockets, from the luxurious Sheraton and Hilton hotels to the tourist class hotels. Outside Addis, mainly in the ‘Historic Route’, there are best available standard hotels. How-ever, to visit the remote and the people of the wilderness, some new lodges are operating and beside our camping equipments are of high standard.

1. Bookings: - Contracts and agreements will be valid consequent to Senait Ethiopia Tour (SET’s) confirmation of the booking by fax, e-mail, letter or telephone. At the time of con-firmation, a deposit of 30% of the total cost is requested. The remaining amount of the total cost shall be paid 30 days before the com-mencement of the tour. Unless prior arrange-ments have been made, SET is not indebted to conduct the tour if complete payment has not been received.

2. Cancellations: - Abolition of confirmed bookings received more than 30 days prior to departure are subject to a cancellation fee of US $50 per person. Cancellation received be-tween 30 and 15 days prior to departure will be subject to a penalty of 50% of the total rate of the tour. Cancellations received less than 15 days prior to departure will be subject to relinquishment of the entire tour rate. SET strongly recommends trip cancellation insur-ance.

3. Responsibility and Liability: - Only the laws of Ethiopia govern SET’s liability to passengers transported in its own vehicles and all claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the court of Ethiopia in which the cause of action arises. Although every possible care is taken to safeguard you and your property,

SET accepts no liability for loss or damage of any personal effects. SET will dispose its best efforts to assist visitors when dealing with third parties such as hotels, air lines and other transport companies and travel agents. However, SET cannot be held responsible for any loss or harm such as sickness, injury, death or additional costs incurred due to denied boarding, overbooking, cancellation or delay caused by the third party.

4. Prices: - SET’s tour prices can be provided upon request.

5. Itineraries: - Only selected itineraries are arranged here, however, numerous types of tours that suit the traveler’s convenience can be organized. Combined tours can also be arranged on request.

6. Itinerary Changes While every effort is made to adhere to the specifics mentioned in the agreed itinerary, changes may be required at times. However, we honestly and professionally try to meet the conditions of the original program.

7. Insurance Getting travel insurance, which is available from your own country, is strongly recom-mended.

Terms & Conditions

Around Megenagna, on the way to Bole Airport,

Kokeb BLDG, 1st Floor, # 104, P.O BOX 29977 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tel: +251 118 60 23 43 Mob: +251 911 94 38 12 / +251 930 01 43 76

Email: info@sunnyethiopiatours.com OR sunnyethiopiatours@gmail.com

Skype: sunnyethiopia1