Tailor Made Travel in Ethiopia, Africa, see ancient cultures, architecture, mountains, deserts, birds, Blue Nile falls... Small Group & Tailormade, personally bespoke itineraries with Arc Journeys
TRAVEL IN ETHIOPIA with Arc Journeys |
Please email us for the latest details on travel in
Ethiopia.
ETHIOPIA
|
|||||||||
| Main Index to Arc Websites | About Arc Journeys | Contact Details | Tips for fast navigation | ||||||
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
Considering its recent history, Ethiopia has recovered remarkably
well and it is now possible to appreciate its ancient history, culture,
peoples and landscape. It is one of the most interesting countries
in Africa where a whole mix of cultures have met throughout the ages
and left extraordinary monuments to the religions and empires. Its
history resounds with legendary names such as The Queen of Sheba and
the Ark of the Covenant. It encompasses a wide range of landscapes
including desert, mountains, fertile hills, the Rift Valley and the
Blue Nile.
We work with EET, an Ethiopian operator which works with local development
and environmental agencies and aims to develop tourism in line with
local development plans. They try to benefit both visitors and hosts
and remove the barriers between them. There is a wide variety of tailormade
itineraries available all over Ethiopia, such as the Simien Mountains,
Rift Valley Lakes, Tigray, Bale and Awash National Parks. Special
trekking and Birdwatching trips are available. A few examples are
given and more are available on request.
The Historic Route tour is a regular group departure on the second
Monday of each month between October and May. Details are given at
the end of this Dossier. The following information about Ethiopia was provided by EET and remains their property.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
We can arrange a wide variety of tours, appealing to all interests,
whether history and culture, trekking and mountain climbing (including
ascents of Ras Dejen in the Simien Mountains), birdwatching, safaris
in the Omo and Mago National Parks, rafting, horse riding and fishing.
We can arrange aeroplane and helicopter charters (minimum 3 hours).
We can also arrange extensions to your Ethiopian tour to Eritrea,
to Asmara and Keren, Messawa, the Red Sea Coast and the Dahlak Islands.
If your interest is birdwatching, ask for our special birdwatching
itineraries, which include 6 full tours and 4 short extensions.
Our operators have their our own vehicles, Toyota Landcruisers, 4WD
Toyota Minibuses and Coaster Buses, but if you would prefer to travel
by public transport, by buses or hired taxis, by horse, mule or on
foot, we can arrange it for you.
The Ethiopian guides can go with you all the way, and make sure you
do not miss anything, informing you about historical sites, local
culture and customs, birdlife and wildlife, and about social, economic
and political developments in the regions visited and the country
as a whole.
These tour itineraries and prices (detailed itineraries for each tour
are available on request) are based on what are essentially regular
routes for visitors, but we can tailor itineraries according to your
interest (and budget). We can alter and mix itineraries, and organise
expeditions to places away from traditional tourist routes, such as
the Afar Region, Gambella, and the capital of Emperor Teodros at Maqdela
in Wollo.
We include: all internal travel, flights, transfers, boat hire (on
Lake Tana); accommodation on a twin bed/full board basis; tents, food,
mule hire and porters when trekking; entrance fees and guides' fees.
Accommodation, unless specified otherwise, is in tourist class hotels
with en suite bathrooms.
We do not include: The international flight to Addis Ababa and airport
taxes but we can arrange flights for you on request.
NB Tour prices fluctuate according to the number of guests, and the
kind of vehicle (Coaster Bus or Toyota Landcruiser) deployed, which
in turn depends on the nature of the terrain..
The itineraries shown are only to give an idea of some of the possibilities and to help you plan your route. We prepare individual proposals and quotations free of charge and without obligation.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT ETHIOPIA
History
There is a growing consensus among archeologists and anthropologists
that the human species originated in Ethiopia. In 1994 the oldest
human remains ever discovered, the 4.4 million year old bones of Homo
Ramidus Afarensis, were found in Ethiopia's Afar region - the previous
record was held by "Lucy" or "Dinkinish" (Amharic for "wonderful"),
who at 3.4 million years was a relative youngster.
Ethiopia has extensive historic sites, particularly in the north of
the country, where the visitor can see constructions dating from the
first millennium BC, the stelae and tombs of the Axumite kings, rock
hewn churches dating from the 4th century, the monasteries of Lake
Tana and the 13th century monolithic rock hewn churches of King Lalibela
in Wollo. In the east, the 1000 year old city of Harer, with its 99
mosques, is the fourth holiest place in Islam, after Mecca, Medina
and Jerusalem. South of Addis Ababa there are a number of neolithic
sites, including the 1.5 - 1.8 million year old site at Melka Kunture
(Oromia Region) and the 400 stelae at Dilla in Sidamo (Southern Region).
Elsewhere in the southern region there are remote, medieval monasteries
and in Jimma, in Oromia, there is the recently restored palace of
Abba Jaffar, the last independent king of the area
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
Country
Ethiopia has every variety of scenery, from the peaks of the Simien
mountains in north Gondar to the Dalol depression in the Afar region,
tropical forests, lakes, savanna and deserts. In Bale National Park
in Oromia, home to many endemic mammals and birds, visitors can see
unique alpine fauna and flora, volcanic lakes and trout filled streams.
For big game safaris, there are the Omo and Mago National Parks in
the Southern Region, with their fascinating Mursi and Hamer villages.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
People
Ethiopia is a land of enormous ethnic diversity, with people of Semitic,
Hamitic, Nilotic and Omotic stock. There are more than 80 ethnic groups
and as many languages. In terms of religion, Christians and Muslims
make up approximately 40% of the population each (Christians being
slightly more preponderant), the remaining 20% being animists and
others.
Under the new constitution, religious rights, and the cultural and
political rights of all ethnic groups are guaranteed.
What unites Ethiopia's many peoples is primarily their shared independent
existence. Ethiopia was never colonised and though occupied by Mussolini's
Fascists from 1935 - 194 1, its people put up a continuous, spirited
and vigorous resistance. While ex-colonies are characterised by their
resonances of former colonial powers, Ethiopia is Ethiopian and this
will be obvious to the visitor from the moment of arrival in Addis
Ababa. Courtesy and hospitality are prized qualities throughout the
country.
With its combination of history and culture, ethnic diversity, stunning
and varied scenery, wildlife and birdlife (there are more than 850
species recorded, with 29 endemic), Ethiopia is truly unique in Africa.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
Recent History
In 1974 the monarchy of Haile Selassie was overthrown, following a
series of demonstrations and strikes in the towns and land seizures
in the countryside. But the popular demand for democratic government
(and modernisation) was thwarted when a clique within the military
under the leadership of Mengistu Hailemariain seized power. Ethiopia
was then subjected to 17 years of bloody repression, war and famine.
Throughout Ethiopia and in Eritrea, people took up arms against the
dictatorship. Of the resistance movements within Ethiopia, the most
successful was the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front (TPLF) which
in 1989 joined with other forces to form the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary
Democratic Front (EPRDF).
By May 199 1, EPRDF forces had succeeded in toppling the dictatorship
and Mengistu fled to exile in Zimbabwe, from where the Ethiopian authorities
have so far unsuccessfully sought his extradition on charges of crimes
against humanity.
Within a month of the EPRDF victory, a national conference was convened,
representing more than 30 political parties and ethnic groups. The
conference adopted a National Charter, based on the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, and guaranteeing all the fundamental freedoms, of
speech, the press, of association and perhaps most importantly in
the case of Ethiopia, the right of all nationalities to self determination.
Ethiopia has more than 80 ethnic groups, and the lack of national
and cultural freedoms had caused endless conflict, including the 30
year old struggle in Eritrea. (Eritreans voted for independence in
a referendum organised in May 1993.)
The conference set up a Transitional Government, to prepare the country
for national elections, which took place in May 1995. A number of
opposition parties, mainly based in the USA among Ethiopian communities
there, boycotted these elections but international observers, representing
foreign governments, international organisations such as the UN, EC
and OAU, and various non-governmental organisations, found them to
be free and fair.
Before the elections, a new constitution was drawn up and submitted
to more than 26,000 local councils for discussion and ratification.
Under the new constitution, Ethiopia is a federal republic, consisting
of 14 Regions, essentially based on ethnicity. In southern Ethiopia,
Regions 7, 8, 9, 10 and I 1, with more than 40 separate ethnic groups
and languages, have combined to form one Region with Amharigna as
its official language.
The Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF)won most
of the seats in the National Parliament, while, member or allied parties
won control of regional assemblies. The next elections will be held
in 2000. In its programme for government, the EPRDF is giving priority
to agriculture, where nearly 90% of Ethiopians earn their livelihood.
At peace with itself and its neighbours, Ethiopia now has the chance
to devote its energies and talents to development. Food production
can be increased through the extension of irrigated agriculture and
the adoption of more efficient farming methods. There are export markets
in the Middle East for Ethiopian fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy
products. There are proven reserves of natural gas and coal, gold,
copper, tantalum, potash, zinc, iron ore, nickel and marble. Ethiopia
has the largest number of cattle, sheep and goats in Africa, and
is now expanding its leather industry.
Ethiopia only uses a fraction of its potential hydro electric power.
The Blue Nile, which has its source near Lake Tana, contributes to
80% of the main Nile flow and plans to increase existing power generation
are being implemented. In the Oromo and Afar Regions, projects have
started to exploit geo-thermal power.
However, Ethiopia's immediate prospects while finding its feet depend
on good harvests (which mean good rains) and a good price for its
coffee (60% of foreign currency earnings).
The current government believes that real development can only take
place in a democracy. It has also stressed that democracy cannot be
installed by decree, but is a process which involves the development
of a democratic culture and institutions, in which all citizens must
play a part. While this process will take decades, so far the extension
of human, democratic and national rights has been truly revolutionary,
and for the first time in Ethiopia's long history, a government has
been set up which genuinely represents the regions and Ethiopia's
many ethnic groups. Perhaps alone among African countries, Ethiopia
is acknowledging that it is a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic society.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
Security
Despite years of war and brutal massacres carried out by the previous
regime, in terms of crime and robberies, Ethiopia is still a very
safe country to visit, and Addis Ababa is still one of the safest
capitals in Africa. Visitors should of course take the usual precautions,
not carry large amounts of money with them and leave particularly
valuable items with hotel reception. Both men and women visitors should
be careful about hand or money bags, keeping them close at hand in
crowded places.
Like everywhere else, pick pockets and snatch thieves like to create
some kind of diversion before making their move, so visitors should
walk purposefully and be cautious about sudden introductions in the
street.
In Addis Ababa, such incidents as do occur tend to happen in the city
centre, in a circle linking the Ghion, Ethiopia and Ras Hotels.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
Health and health precautions
Ethiopia requires all visitors to have an up to date Yellow Fever
vaccination certificate. Generally, for their own protection, visitors
should be immunised or "topped up" against hepatitis A and B, Tetanus,
Typhoid and Polio.
Malaria - visitors to the Historic Route (Axum, Gondar, Bahir Dar
and Lalibela) need not worry about malaria, but should bring insect
repellent cream, gel or spray for mosquitoes. For other, lower altitude
areas, chloroquine resistant strains of malaria have been identified
so visitors should take both chloroquine and paludrine - ask your
doctor for a prescription.
For visitors sensitive to insect bites, it is advisable to bring antihistamine
cream or tablets. Some old buildings on the Historic Route, and some
old churches are prone to flea infestation.
(Rafters on the Omo River maintain that insects there pay no attention
to insect repellents, but then if you paddle through and occasionally
over, herds of hippos and schools of crocodiles all day, you cannot
really complain about getting bitten by insects at night.)
It is worth carrying some antiseptic cream, for minor cuts. Anti-diarrhoea
tablets (Immodium or Lomatil) should be carried as a precautionary
measure - if you do have a stomach upset, it might be some distance
to the nearest toilet and either of these tablets is guaranteed to
cement you up. (These only address the symptoms rather than what caused
them, so for anything more serious than a stomach upset medical advice
should be sought - there are government hospitals in most areas of
tourist interest.)
The temperatures in the highlands (on the Historic Route) are moderate,
rarely exceeding 3OC even at the hottest times of the year. However,
the sun is strong and visitors coming from cooler climates should
get a high protection grade (15) UV barrier cream, particularly for
the face. For the arms and legs, a lower protection grade would be
sufficient. With the dry weather, lip salves are recommended. For
visitors who make the boat trip on Lake Tana, or even some of the
longer mule trips around Axum or Lalibela, hats should be worn.
In the last 10 years, there has been a rapid growth in the number
of reported cases of AIDS, so visitors should take the necessary precautions
in the event of planned or unplanned sexual adventures. All visitors
are advised to take out standard holiday insurance covering health
emergencies in their country of origin.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
Clothing
Visitors should take light, summer clothes for the day time and something
warm for the evenings, like a sweater or jacket. The temperature drops
quite rapidly towards sunset. Simien or Bale mountain trekkers should
bring warm clothes and water proofs for unseasonal rains. (For the
Simiens, 3-4 season sleeping bags are necessary.)
As noted above, although the day time temperatures are not very high,
the sun is strong and people coming pale and pasty from a European
winter should be careful of sunburn - long sleeved shirts may be advisable.
For the same reason, people sensitive to the sun should take a hat
buy one in Ethiopia.
For walking around the historic sites or in the countryside, light
but strong walking shoes are recommended. Sandles will not provide
protection against stones or thorns - most Ethiopians living in the
countryside wear sandles or go barefoot but then they have hardened
and tougher feet.
There are small rains in March and April and the main rains are from
June to September - unless you are coming during the main rains, or
are trekking in the Simien, or Bale mountains, it is not necessary
to bring rain wear.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
Culture and Custom
Clothing
Whether Christian or Muslim, most Ethiopians tend to dress modestly
so short shorts and skimpy tops should be eschewed, for either sex,
unless of course one is at the beach, on the lakes or at a swimming
resort. Shorts and tank tops would strike most Ethiopians as underwear,
and while it is unlikely that any one would say anything (what ever
he or she might be thinking to themselves), attempting to go into
any religious site ..underdressed" would cause offence. Before entering
a church or mosque, visitors should remove their shoes.
Greetings
Handshaking is the usual mode of greeting, although friends or fan-lily
who have not seen each other for some time will kiss on each cheek.
(Displays of sexual intimacy, kissing or hugging, will arouse embarrassment
among most Ethiopians.)
Food
The national dish for most Ethiopians is injera, a flat, sour dough
pancake made from a special grain called tef, which is served with
either meat or vegetable sauces. One tears of a bit of injera, and
uses it to pick up pieces of meat or to mop up the sauce. Berbere,
the blend of spices which gives Ethiopian food its characteristic
taste can be hot for the uninitiated, although vindaloo or hot curry
aficionados will not have any problem.
When eating national food Ethiopians eat together, off one large circular
plate. Visitors and guests will have choice morsels and pieces of
meat placed in front of them, and when eating doro wot, chicken stew,
the pieces of meat are eaten last, after one has filled up on injera
and sauce. (If one were to finish the pieces of meat immediately,
other bits would be added.)
Vegetarians should try "fasting food", what Orthodox Christians eat
during Lent and other fasting periods, and which is free of meat and
animal products.
You eat with your right hand, and should always wash your hands before
eating - usually, a jug, basin and bar of soap are brought for that
purpose but in a restaurant you should make your way to the toilets.
For those who find Ethiopian food too spicy, in Addis Ababa there
are now Greek, Chinese, Armenian, Indian, Arabic, French and Italian
restaurants. Outside Addis Ababa, European style food, particularly
pasta, is available in all the large hotels.
Ethiopia produces its own wines - Dukam and Gouder are good, dry reds,
Crystal is a dry white and Axumite is a sweet red - and spirits, like
gin, ouzo and brandy. There are also traditional alcoholic beverages:
in Amharigna, generally understood throughout the country (see Glossary),
they are called tela (a local beer made from grain), tej (honey wine
or mead) and kati kala (distilled liquor).
Beggars
Ethiopia's misfortunes over the last 20 years have created large numbers
of destitute people, and this is particularly noticeable in Addis
Ababa, the population of which has trebled in recent years. Ale end
of the war, demobilisation of the massive standing army and reduction
of staff in many of the parastatal industries has created large scale
unemployment. With many people, begging has now become a business,
and one sees women carrying babies about, begging from people in cars
and passers by.
The regime sponsored famines of the 1980s, and the high profile deliveries
of western aid, Live Aid and Band Aid, have had their impact on people's
customs and traditions and have undermined values of self reliance
and pride. Since foreigners are seen as dispensers of charity and
aid, children routinely ask them for money, whether they need it or
not. Unfortunately, begging is on the increase in many of Ethiopia's
historic sites.
There is no easy answer to the question of whether one gives to beggars
or not. At the end of the day it is up to the individual to decide
whether to give or not, but giving young children money does contribute
to the formation of negative habits. People who have been crippled
(often as a result of the war), the blind or the very old are obviously
deserving cases. You should be aware however that if you give to one
person, a flood of others will come running up.
Tipping
Although there is a service charge in most hotels and restaurants,
visitors might like to leave a small tip, of around one or two birr,
depending on the size of the bill.
In some of the tourist locations young children and adults rush to
provide services for visitors, such as looking after shoes when visitors
are inside churches, carrying bags and cameras. Over tipping can end
up doing harm; in too many tourist locations around the world, young
children are lured away from their education by the possibility of
earning what seems to be a lot of money. As time passes, and they
are replaced by other youngsters, they remain uneducated and often
unemployable. There is also the damaging impact socially of young
people receiving in a day what their father might earn in a week.
Again, there is no easy answer to this, and inevitably visitors when
confronted by poverty, will want to help in the most immediate way
possible. However, giving money to individuals does not really address
the problem. Our operators have good links with indigenous self help
and development associations, as well as with local councils in tourist
locations and is always happy to facilitate donations in cash or kind,
for school or clinic building for example. In contributing to such
projects, visitors will be helping the entire community
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
Photos
Visitors should be sensitive about intrusive photography, people should
be asked for permission before their photographs are taken. Generally,
there will not be any objection but in some areas, particularly among
nomads, among Afar and in the Omo Valley, people will often ask for
money. Photography in churches is allowed, but in many areas of tourist
interest, particularly in the north, there is a charge for video photography.
(This also applies to the Blue Nile Falls.) As elsewhere, there are
laws and regulations about taking photographs in sensitive areas like
airports and around military camps.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
Currency and Prices
Currency The currency is the birr, the rate of which is fixed against
the US dollar every two weeks following a foreign currency auction.
Throughout 1996, the rate has fluctuated between 6.32 and 6.42 birr
to US$ 1.00. There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that
can be brought into Ethiopia, but visitors must declare all currency
in their possession on arrival, and change foreign currency in banks
or authorised foreign exchange dealers. (The unofficial rate for the
US$ is only about 10% more than the bank rate.) On leaving the country,
visitors will be asked to surrender to customs officials the currency
declaration filled in on arrival.
Food Prices: Restaurant prices depend on where you eat, it can vary
from 3 birr in the cheaper restaurants to about 25 birr to 35 birr
per head in a restaurant with national music and dancing, or for European
dishes in the state sector hotels. (In the Hilton and private restaurants
serving non-Ethiopian food, visitors will pay considerably more.)
These prices do not include drinks: a bottle of local beer can cost
between 3.50 birr to I I birr, a bottle of local wine from 10 to 50
birr.
Fresh fruit is cheap, but in many areas on the Historic Route in the
north, is not easily available.
Taxis Fares are largely a matter of negotiation - a price should be
agreed before commencing the journey. Foreigners are expected to pay
more, taxi drivers will often tell you this frankly, but most journeys
within the city should not cost more than about 10 birr. (From the
airport to town is about 30 birr.) There are mini-buses and shared
taxis, which are very cheap (less than a birr for journeys in town),
but the visitor may have some difficulty in catching the right one.
Admission fees: There is an admission fee to Ethiopia's historic sites,
varying from I 0 birr in some places to I 00 birr for the churches
in Lalibela, and to all National Parks.
There are differential rates for visitors, resident foreigners and
nationals in admission fees and also in the state sector and some
private hotels. Ibis is to ensure that access to Ethiopia's heritage
is affordable for the domestic tourist, while a reasonable income
is made from foreign visitors.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
Travel to and in Ethiopia
Air: The international flight constitutes on average around 30% of
the cost of a holiday, and so that Ethiopia can maximise the benefits
from the development of its tourist industry, our ground operator
likes to encourage its clients to fly the national carrier, Ethiopian
Airlines (EAL), which recently celebrated its 50th birthday, generally
provides excellent service and has an excellent safety record.
Travellers to Ethiopia should also be aware of another reason for
flying EAL - on the domestic circuit, priority is given to those who
use EAL for their international flight. The cheapest and quickest
way to get around Ethiopia's historic sites in the north is by air.
Most of Ethiopia's major towns and sites of tourist interest are accessible
by air, and fares are still cheap by international standards.
However, in the last couple of years the increase in the number of
visitors to Ethiopia has put pressure on EAL's domestic capacity,
and visitors should be prepared for cancellations and delays.
Road: The best way to experience the variety of scenery that Ethiopia
has to offer is travel by road. But road conditions in Ethiopia are
poor and given the nature of the terrain a road journey to Axum for
example takes three days, while the flight from Addis Ababa takes
two hours. The scenery by road is of course incomparable, but many
travellers lack the time.
The toll exacted by poor roads (and the 100% customs duty) makes vehicle
hire relatively expensive, when compared to some other countries.
There are cheap, but generally uncomfortable, public and private buses
running between most towns.
Rail: The rail link between Djibouti and Addis Ababa has deteriorated
over the last couple of decades due to lack of investment and while
Ethiopia has recently secured renovation grants, rail enthusiasts
should be prepared for delays.
Travel to Eritrea: Many tourists like to combine visits to Ethiopia
and Eritrea. Separate visas are required for both countries. There
are reasonable road links between the two countries, and flights between
Addis Ababa, Asmara and Assab.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
Souvenirs
Most of the arts and artifacts in Addis Ababa (and certainly along
the Historic Route - Axum, Lalibela, Gondar and Bahir Dar) reflect
the Orthodox Christian tradition: silver crosses, icons, paintings
on animal skin, and woven garments - items with a Christian motif.
A well stocked shop will also be able to offer Harari silver and basket
work, and wooden carvings from the south and south west.
Other things visitors might like to bring back are filigree work in
solver and gold, woven carpets, amber and of course coffee - the very
name comes from Kaffa in south western Ethiopia. If you are looking
for larger mementoes, you can buy Ethiopian stools, chairs and other
furniture from private shops and from the state sector Ethiopian Tourist
Trading Corporation, next to the airport.
Like many countries, Ethiopia is facing a problem with the theft and
illegal purchase of national treasures. Visitors should only buy what
appears to be antiques from authorised shops, ask for a stamped receipt,
and if in doubt, check with the National Museum in Addis Ababa whether
the item may be exported or not.
Visas: Visitors require a visa, currently US$70.00.
Miscellaneous: Electricity Voltage is 220 and plugs are of the two
pin variety.
Guide Books The Spectrum Guide to Ethiopia is now available in a revised
edition, and the revised edition of The Bradt Guide to Ethiopia will
be available by mid-1997.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
HISTORIC ROUTE - scheduled group tour 12 days, Historic Route: Axum,
Lalibela, Gondar and Bahir Dar.
Day 1 Depart London on Ethiopian Airlines. (flight not included)
2 Arrive Addis Ababa, city tour.
3 Fly to Axum. The obelisk park, the tombs and castles of Axumite
Kings, the church of Mariam Tsion. Axum Museum, then drive to Yeha
(55 km) for the pre-Axumite temple and the church of Abune Aftse,
returning to Axum late afternoon.
5 Fly to Lalibela. Tour of the rock hewn churches inside the town.
6 Trip by mule or on foot to outlying churches.
7 Fly to Gondar, tour of castles and churches.
8 Trip to Gorgora, at northern end of Lake Tana.
9 Drive to Bahir Dar, visit source of Nile and other sites.
10 Blue Nile Falls and boat trip to island monasteries.
11 Return to Addis Ababa.
12 Depart.
For this tour we run scheduled departures starting on the second Monday
of each month (Day 2 in Addis Ababa being the second Tuesday of each
month) from October to May. Minimum 4 persons. Price varies depending
on number of participants but averages around £1250
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
Example 2.
13 days, Historic Route, with Rift Valley Lakes
Day I Depart (London, Frankfurt/Rome etc) on Ethiopian Airlines.
Day 2 Arrive, transfer to hotel, city tour.
Day 3 Fly to Axum, tour of historical sites and Mariam Tsion church.
Day 4 Fly to Lalibela, tour of churches in Lalibela itself.
Day 5 Fly to Gondar, tour of castles and churches.
Day 6 Drive to Bahir Dar, visit source of Nile and other sites.
Day 7 Blue Nile Falls and boat trip to island monasteries.
Day 8 Fly back to Addis Ababa.
Day 9 Drive to Lake Langano for overnight.
Day 10 Visit Lakes Shalla and Abiata, and proceed to Wondo Genet,
oln Wondo Genet Lodge.
Day 11 Wondo Genet.
Day 12 Back to Addis Ababa
Day 13 Depart.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
Example 9.
15 days, trekking on the west bank of the Omo, among the Surma
Day 1 Depart London on Ethiopian Airlines.
Day 2 Arrive Addis Ababa, city tour.
Day 3 Fly to Turn, o/n camping or local hotel depending on weather..
Day 4 Start trekking to Maji, passing Yekir Demoze mountain,
Day 5 - 6 hours. o/n camping or local hotel.
Day 5 Trek from Maji to Adikas,
Day 4 - 5 hours, o/n camping.
Day 6 Adikas to Kibish, 5 hours, camp at Lala Meru, near Kibish River.
Days 7&8 Stay at camp, visit Surma villages.
Day 9 Trek to Kormu, 3 hours, camp near chiefs house.
Day 10 Trek from Kormu to Magalogne, 3 hours, camp near hot springs.
Day 11 Start return to Turn, reaching Adikas.
Day 12 Adikas to Maji
Day 13 Maji to Turn.
Day 14 Fly from Turn to Addis Ababa, souvenir shopping, farewell dinner.
Day 15 Depart.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
Example 8.
15 days, Hosanna, Arba Minch, Omo Valley and Awassa
Day 1 Depart London on Ethiopian Airlines.
2 Arrive Addis Ababa, city tour. We drive south, visit Neolithic site
of Melka Kunture (1.5-1.8 million years old) and rock hewn church
of Adadi Mariam, camping at Hosanna.
4 Early start for Arba Minch (40 springs). Visit Nech Sar Park.
5 Leave for Mago park, passing Konso and Jinka, camping in Mago Park
HQ.
6 Drive through Mago, visiting Mursi villages. oln camping.
7 Visit Karo, Bume and Hamer villages, o/n camping by Omo River.
8 Drive south to Omorate, o/n camping.
9 Cross Omo river, into Omo National Park, o/n camping.
10 Leave Omo park, return to Omorate and cross river, proceed to Turmi.
11 Drive to Chew Bahir (Lake Stephanie) and on to Erbore, oln camping.
1 2 From Erbore we drive to Arba Minch, visit to crocodile market.
1 3 We leave Arba Minch for Lake Awassa.
14 Drive back to Addis Ababa, passing Rift Valley Lakes.
15 Depart.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
Example 3.
15 days: Gondar, Simien Mountains, Ras Dashen, with optional extension
to Axum, Lalibela and Bahir Dar.
Day 1 Depart London on Ethiopian Airlines.
2 Arrive Addis Ababa, city tour.
3 Fly to Gondar, tour of castles and churches.
4 Leave for Debark, and enter Simien National Park, camping at Michibi.
5 Trek from Michibi via Sankaber to Geech.
6 From Geech to Mount Imetgogo and back to Geech.
7 Trek from Geech to Chenek.
8 From Chenek to Hambiquo.
9 From Hambiquo climb Ras Dashen returning to Hambiquo.
10 From Hambiquo to Alquso.
11 From Alquso to Abergina.
12 From Abergina to Michibi.
13 From Michibi to Debark, met by vehicles, returning to Gondar.
14 Return to Addis Ababa.
15 Depart.
Extension
14 Drive to Bahir Dar, visit source of Nile and other sites.
15 Blde Nile Falls and island monasteries. 16 Fly to Lalibela, tour
or rock hewn churches inside the town. 17 Trip by mule or on foot
to outlying churches. Fly from Lalibela to Axum, the obelisk park,
the tombs and castles of Axumite Kings, the church of Mariarn Tsion.
19 Fly from Axum to Addis Ababa. 20 Depart.
SOUTHEAST ASIA & INDOCHINA
INDIA & THE HIMALAYAS
|
SOUTH AMERICA
THE ARCTIC
AFRICA
|
AUSTRALASIA
UK/EUROPE
WORLDWIDE
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Small Group & Exclusive Tailormade Holidays at standard tour rates
Arc Journeys specialise in designing personalised itineraries to suit your requirements which need cost no more than a standard tour. You tell us what you would most like to do and see and we prepare itineraries for you to consider- it's as simple as that! The result is more than just a holiday, it is a unique experience. Whether you want a totally tailormade service or a combination of standard tours we will arrange it and we provide quotes free of charge and without obligation.
We can arrange all this and more:
ROMANTIC HIDEAWAYS, HUG AN ORPHAN ORANGUTAN, DOG SLEDDING IN THE ARCTIC, CRUISE IN THE GALAPAGOS, ESCAPE THE MILLENNIUM, SNORKEL CORAL REEFS, CLIMB VOLCANOES, WHALE-WATCHING, GREAT TRAIN JOURNEYS, JUNGLE RIVER CRUISES, GOURMET'S CYCLE TOURS, EXCLUSIVE HOTELS OR LOCAL HUTS, TREK THE HIMALAYAS OR THE ANDES, CAMEL, HORSE, ELEPHANT OR WALKING SAFARIS, APPRECIATE ARCHITECTURE, ARTS, CRAFTS, TEXTILES, MUSIC, FESTIVALS, DANCE AND CUISINE.
Arc Journeys Destinations
South East Asia
Visit ancient temples and traditional villages, relax in exclusive hideaways, witness colourful festivals, learn about textiles, local cooking or music and dance, cruise jungle rivers, meet orangutans or trek the jungles and volcanoes .... We are acknowledged experts on this region; this is what the Indonesia, Malaysia & Singapore Handbook says about us: "Arc Journeys have excellent cultural and natural tours run by people who understand and care for the country, its people and environment."
Australasia
Meet the koalas & 'roos, visit the wineries, stroll deserted beaches, dive The Reef, climb The Rock, experience the open spaces and untouched wilderness. Escape the crowds. Accommodated self-drive, treks, 4WD tours, gourmet cycle tours...indulge in the Aussie way.
India and The Himalayas
Walk through small villages among 8000m peaks, receive blessings from a Buddhist Lama, stay in magnificent palaces, search for rhino and tiger. Himalayan treks, rail journeys, camel & horse safaris, palace hotels, houseboats or homestays...
Africa
Meet the curious lemurs, look out for the Big 5, climb Kilimanjaro, visit villages where time has stood still. Luxury lodges or camping expeditions, Self-drive or escorted 4WD safaris, horseback safaris, rail journeys, treks, fly- in tours ......
South America
Discover the mysteries of the Incas, explore colonial towns and Indian markets, hear the music and festivals, trek the Andes, take great train journeys, cruise the Amazon and the Galapagos, meet blue footed boobies and giant turtles. Small group tours and tailormade itineraries.
The Arctic
Dog sledding, polar bears, birds & whalewatching, cruise Alaska, Greenland or rivers, touch an iceberg, see the Northern Lights or midnight sun, experience the wilderness of the Arctic. Small group tours and tailormade itineraries.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
Email
David Halford Travel 102 Stanley Rd Cambridge CB5 8LB UK
UK Tel 0207 681 3175 Fax +44 0207 6813175
Australia Tel & Fax +61 3 9923 6158
Home page http://www.travelarc.com Alternative website http://members.aol.com/ArcJourney/index.htm
Some tips for fast navigation through our pages
We have tried to make this website as simple as possible but if you get lost simply click on MAIN INDEX and you will be returned to this page. We have removed all unnecessary graphics so that the pages are quick to access, read and print from any kind of browser. Pages with images are marked "slow graphics" after their link. Although we have generally cut out fancy graphics we have packed in plenty of information and the indexing system should allow you to access what you want very quickly. The pages start with a PAGE INDEX and a general description and get more detailed if you are interested enough to keep scrolling down.
Return to Main Index Return to Page Index
| Home page http://www.travelarc.com |