Starting in September 2012
This is an extraordinary opportunity to meet some of the more remote ethnic groups of the fascinatingly diverse areas surrounding the Omo River in South West Ethiopia. In conjunction with local...
Starting in October 2012
The Simien Mountains of northern Ethiopia are quite simply among the most spectacular sites the continent has to offer. Formed millions of years ago by river systems cutting through the sandstone...
Starting in November 2012
This is a great itinerary that visits the very best of the northern historical circuit whilst offering a few hidden treasures as well, many of which are not offered, to our knowledge,by any other UK...
Starting in December 2012
This is a great itinerary that visits the very best of the northern historical circuit whilst offering a few hidden treasures as well, many of which are not offered, to our knowledge,by any other UK...
Starting in January 2013
We are proud to be able to offer this unique itinerary that gives a rare opportunity to share in the annual Timkat ceremonies in the company of village communities. Timkat is the most important...
This adventurous trip takes us from the unforgiving Danakil Depression, one of the lowest, hottest places on earth, to the mountains of Tigray. A journey of contrasts, the trip starts with a visit to...
Starting in February 2013
This new trip lets us explore a stunning part of the Ethiopian Highlands that is rarely visited, yet amazingly within easy walking distance of one of...
Ethiopia's capital is located more or less in the dead centre of the country and is the world's third highest capital at 2,400 m. Its name means 'New Flower' and it is a relatively modern city, founded in 1887 by the Emperor Menelik II. In just over a century it has grown from nothing into a modern metropolis of several million people. Its altitude lends it a comfortable climate and throughout the year the weather is temperate with just the occasional downpour.
Of all the Rift Valley lakes, Lake Langano is the most developed for tourism, lying adjacent to the Abiata-Shals National Park that is dominated by the two lakes for which it is named. Lake Langano is 18 km long and 16 km wide and its soft brown waters are set against the blue backdrop of the Arsi Mountains, which soar to 4000 m. Although the area around the lake is largely deforested, a variety of wildlife live here including hippos, monkeys, baboons, warthogs, and a huge variety of birds.
With stunning views in all directions, the town of Arba Minch is situated in a truly spectacular location. It lies at an elevation of 1,300m in the foothills of the Rift Valley and mountains rise up to almost 4,000m to the west. The town comprises 2 separate settlements, Sikela and Shecha that are 4 km apart and connected by a sealed road, so although the total population is around the 75,000 mark it still retains a small town atmosphere.
This fascinating town was the centre of the Axumite Empire, one of the most important and technologically advanced civilisations of its time and a major force in world trade between the 1st and 7th centuries AD. A further twist in the town's long history is speculation that it could have held the court of the Queen of Sheba and also that it is the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Whatever the truth of these matters it is undoubtedly the holiest city of the Ethiopian Orthodox church and there is a startling wealth of antiquities both to be seen and as yet still undiscovered.
Founded by Emperor Yohannes IV in 1881, Mekele is the main and most modern city in the Northern region of Ethiopia and tourism infrastructure is better than in other parts of the country. Set in a basin at 2,200m in the rocky Tigraian Highlands, the city is clean, organised and vibrant. There are many excellent restaurants and it makes a good base from which to explore the surrounding area.
Although Jinka is the administrative capital of the South Omo zone it exists ain almost isolation from the rest of the country and has a relaxed, rural feel. Set at an altitude of 1490m it is quite temperate and its Saturday market attracts traders from all over the area.
Mago National Park is bisected by the Mago River and is dominated by dense acacia woodland and patches of open savannah. Pristine rainforest lines the river and the highest peak is Mt. Mago at 2,528 m. Over 100 mammal species live here and once the huge herds of buffalo roamed this area but numbers have dwindled dramatically. However, it is still possible to see elephants, Defassa waterbuck, Lelwel hartebeest, greater and lesser kudu and Guenther's dik-dik.
This traditional town, not far from the Kenyan border, lies right down in the heart of the south Omo region and is an important transport hub, located at a three way road intersection. It is the main town of the Hamer people and is known throughout the area for its colourful Monday market, one of the most important in Hamer country.
Bahar Dar, with its wide avenues of palms and scenic lakeside location is one of Ethiopia's most attractive towns. Located on the southern shore of Lake Tana, it is an ideal base from which to explore the lake and surrounding area. Once no more than a sleepy fishing village it has grown in size during recent times and palm-lined avenues and lakeside vistas make it an attractive place to stay. There are good amenities for travellers and the town itself has become an important industrial centre partly as a result of the hydro-electric dam built at nearby Tis Abay.
Harar is one of the most impressive of Ethiopia's historic destinations and brings together remoteness and ancient history, reflecting the long and colourful existence of the country. Located in the East of Ethiopia it has survived since the late first millennium BC being a strong hold of Islam. Harar has been ruled by seventy two successive Imams since its formation, through which time quite unique, strong and authentic Muslim traditions have been created. The Adare, Somali, Oromo and Argoba tribes are the main settlers in the area.
The city has many cultural and religious links with the Mediterranean and Arab world's due to its history of trade. It is one of the main Muslim pilgrimage destinations in the world and has many fascinating sites including the old walled town which was established in the 1540's and contains 90 mosques. An ancient tradition of the town which has become one of its main attractions is the feeding of the Hyenas. Everyday a selected member of the city moves out of the city and calls the Hyenas that live in the surrounding areas. He then proceeds to feed them by hand.
Up until the beginning of the 17th century Ethiopia had what was is locally referred to as a 'mobile capital'. But in 1632 Fasilidas took the throne and proclaimed Gonder as his capital, where it remained for the next 200 years. As king and emperor Fasilidas not only ushered in a period of relative calm in Abyssinia's turbulent history he also built a stupendous fort at this strategically location - added to by his successors - most of which is still perfectly intact today. But what makes the Gonder castle complex important to today's visitors, however, is not so much the size and grandeur of the buildings themselves but as the symbol they represent. Wandering around the fort's spectacular turreted citadels, vast banqueting halls and bathhouses leaves you in no doubt whatsoever as to the importance of this Christian kingdom 400 years ago.
The isolated town of Lalibela, situated high up in the Lasta Mountains, is famous throughout the world for its incredible rock-hewn churches. At 2,630 m and perched among wild mountains, the setting is fantastic. From the 10th to the mid 13th century it was the capital of the Zagwe Dynasty that ruled the country and it was under the direction of its most famous King, Lalibela, that the churches were carved. He gathered together the greatest craftsmen possible and some estimates think a many as 40,000 people were required to create the churches.
Climbing to an altitude of 4,620m, stretching 100 miles east to west, the Simien Mountains are the largest chain in Africa. With their vaulting granite columns, towering escarpments and plummeting valleys, they are also among the most spectacular. Besides the colourful Ahmaric tribes, the Simien Mountains are also home to a vast assortment of wildlife, and it is not unusual to have spotted Gelada Baboons, the Simien fox, bushbuck and the magnificent Lammergeier vulture within minutes of entering the park. But the wonder of the Simiens does not lie so much with the animals or the people that live there, it is simply to watch the sun rise or fall over a land that time forgot.
Visa Information:
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your tour, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required.
Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your tour. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes.
UK passport holders require a visa for Ethiopia, which can be obtained on entry, bought in person at the relevant embassies or through a visa company such as Travcour;
Travcour (UK)
Tempo House
15 Falcon Road
Battersea
London SW11 2PJ
Tel: 020 7223 5295
Fax: 020 7738 2617
Email: info@travcour.com
Website: www.travcour.com
This ideally should be done prior to your tour but no sooner than 6 weeks before departure " as it is valid from date of issue. We recommend getting your visa before arriving as the process can be very lengthy and therefore significantly delay the beginning of the tour.
If you wish to get your visa on arrival you can pay in US$ ($20 at time of writing) but we do not advise this as it is often a very lengthy process.
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/embassy for up to date visa information.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE), and is arranged by Travel & General Insurance Service Limited. Both companies are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Au
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Ethiopia though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend protection against Malaria and Yellow Fever but that you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend:
• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• You inform us now of any pre-existing medical conditions or medication.
To be on the safe side you can also check on www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
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