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| Addis Ababa - Addis Ababa City Tour
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Explore the urban side of Ethiopia on a tour of Addis Ababa. This sprawling city is the country's political capital and its cultural and commercial center. It is steeped in ancient history, as evidenced by the many churches scattered throughout the city. It is also the burial place of the former Emperor Haile Selassie and the imperial family. Your city tour will take you to different suburbs to explore the rich cultural diversity of Addis Ababa's population and see some of the city's landmarks. These include Meskel Square, which is one of the city's iconic squares and venue for the annual Meskel, the commemoration feast of the finding of the True Holy Cross of Christ, where thousands of people gather to celebrate each September. Addis Ababa University, formerly the imperial palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, is today the city's oldest and largest institution of higher learning. Finally, Entoto, which offers a magnificent view of the surrounding cityscape.
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| Addis Ababa - Addis Ababa Mercato
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Indulge yourself on a tour of the Mercato market, the largest in Africa. A drive through the vast area enables you to see the different sections of the market selling from local handicrafts and traditional costumes to spices and coffee. The maze of stores and vendors is always busy crowded, but the experience of this bustling market will surely leave an impression on you. Perhaps the most compelling section of the market is the recycling market. One can find sandals made from old tires, coffee pots made from used Italian olive cans, and other intriguing items, all recycled and refabricated into a new product before being sold to the public. |
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| Arba Minch - Nechisar National Park
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Stand on God's bridge in Nechisar National Park in southern Ethiopia. Ranked as one of the most scenic national parks in East Africa, Nechisar's most notable feature is the aptly named ""God's Bridge,"" a narrow strip of land that separates Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya and provides a stunning view of the park. The varied landscape includes forests, hot springs, escarpments and grasslands, creating an ecosystem of nature reserves considered one of the largest wildlife habitats in Ethiopia. The grassy white savanna plains are home to mammals such as lion, zebra, monkey, hyena and Swayne's hartebeest, while hippos inhabit the rivers along with huge crocodiles and water birds such as flamingo, kingfisher, pelican and giant Nile perch. The flora of the vast mountain forest and savanna landscapes also includes rows of acacia and giant fig trees scattered along the hillsides and river plains. |
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| Awash - Awash Bird Watching
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Gaze upon the stunning birds of the Awash National Park. Located on the southern tip of the Afar region east of Addis Ababa, this park is one of the most popular in Ethiopia where birds and wildlife alike can be enjoyed. Awash is one of Ethiopia’s national parks on the commercial bird circuit and its abundance of fruit and other low trees combined with long grasses makes bird spotting fun and easy. The park supports over 400 varieties of birds including the striking northern red bishop, many species of warbler and weaver as well as the exotic looking long-tailed paradise whydah. On the open grassland plains twitchers can enjoy several species of hawks and secretary birds as well as the Abyssinian ground hornbill. Other natural features to view at the park include the dramatic Awash Falls where the Awash River enters its massive gorge, the hot springs in the extreme north and dormant Fantale volcano situated on the southern flank of the park. |
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| Awassa - Fish Market
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Mingle among the morning bustle of the Awassa fish market. Awassa is a fresh water lake that is one of the smallest of the lakes in Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, but is it is rich in phytoplankton and zooplankton that support large populations of fish species. An active fishing industry exists in and around the town and the fish market on the shore of the lake is where life begins every morning as local fishermen arrive at the docks with the fruits of their hard-earned efforts. Accompanying the fishermen are hundreds of opportunistic marine birds that swoop above the boats in the hopes of catching a quick meal. Tilapia and catfish are among the most common catches and the fish that is caught is used mostly for local consumption. Lively, colourful and full of the freshness of morning the Awassa fish market is a great place to begin your day and even stop for a local-style breakfast. |
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| Axum - Axum Stelae Park
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Find your own truth on a visit to Aksum. This age-old city in the northern highlands of Ethiopia is generally accepted as the birthplace of Christianity in Ethiopia and the ancient stelae that litter the landscape date from around the 3rd to 5th centuries AD, predating the arrival of Christianity in Ethiopia. They represent some of the greatest monolithic monuments ever to be erected by mankind and were most likely funeral monuments for Aksum's ancient rulers. The largest now lies shattered across the ground allowing a close-up inspection of the carvings and, according to legend, covers the grave of the Queen of Sheba. If it were still standing it would be the tallest obelisk in the world. Another fallen stela bears a carving of two leaves supporting a square within a square surmounted by a triangle which some believe could be the earliest ever image of the Ark of the Covenant in Ethiopian art. The tallest remaining upright stela stands at just under 25 metres.
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| Bahir Dar - Blue Nile Falls
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Marvel at the misty spray of the Blue Nile Falls. This famous waterfall – also known locally as Tis Issat or Tis Abay (smoking water) – is situated on the Blue Nile River, close to the city of Bahir Dar and is considered one of Ethiopia’s best known natural tourist attractions. At their peak the falls reach a height of 45 meters where the crashing water sends up a continuous misty deluge that produces colourful rainbows that shimmer across the gorge, especially when the river is full. Reaching the viewpoint of the falls requires a small amount of physical effort, but once there you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the thundering, foaming water as well as a small lush rain forest that is home to a vast selection of monkeys and birds and various endemic species of plants. Notable figures who have visited the Blue Nile Falls include Queen Elizabeth II and James Bruce, a Scottish traveller and writer who spent many years tracing and exploring the Blue Nile River. |
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| Bahir Dar - Local Market Tour (Spice Market)
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Get a taste of the local life at the market in Bahir Dar. Far from being a spectacle for tourists, the market here is an authentic and lively place where farmers come to sell their crops and livestock, and locals come to replenish their supplies. It's always a riot of colors and sounds, and while it's known for its wide selection of exotic spices, you can buy just about anything from fabrics to vegetables to handicrafts. Merely walking past the local market, your olfactory senses will be awakened by the pleasant aroma of spices wafting through the fragrant air and the braying of donkeys scarcely piercing the lively chatter. Although sometimes crowded and confusing, the market is undoubtedly nonetheless a great place to interact with locals, learn more about Ethiopian culture, and buy authentic products to take home. |
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| Bale Mountains - Trek in Bale Mountains
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Set off for an exhilarating trek in the Bale Mountains National Park. This stunning park rewards visitors with a dramatic landscape ranging from wild, rugged alpine scenery to a thick, damp cloud forest that is home to an astonishing array of endemic species and the densest concentration of large mammals in Ethiopia. Considered one of the ultimate destination for hikers, wildlife watchers, nature enthusiasts and bird watchers, the park is home to both the rare mountain nyala and graceful Menelik’s bushbuck, while the wind-blown Sanetti Plateau is famed for its sightings of Ethiopian wolf. Your exploration of the park will take place on horseback as you amble through an exquisite wilderness, go fishing or even try some local coffee and honey with an authentic local community. Tulu Dimtu is the highest peak in the park where buzzards soar overhead as you stand on what feels like the top of the world. |
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| Dallol - Dallol (coloured salt concretion)
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Feel the heat on a visit to Dallol, one of the hottest places on earth. This volcanic explosion crater is found in the Danakil Depression in the Erta Ale Range in northern Ethiopia and is also one of the lowest regions on the continent. The landscape features immense salt flats, the Erta Ale volcano and colourful, bubbly sulphur pools that pour steam from vents in the ground. It is surrounded by bright yellow, red and orange mineral deposits that give the terrain an out-of-this-world feel. Another unique sight in this desolate and weird landscape are pools of oily mineral water that bubble up onto the flat plains and salt-encrusted mini-mountains that rise up in fantastic forms, while nearby, iron-rich rock fans out into flat mushroom shapes. Marvel at this extra-terrestrial terrain as the ground crackles hollowly underfoot and small mineral chimneys babble from one-holed spouts. |
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| Dallol - Salt Canyon
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Step out into the heat and wander among the bizarre towers and pillars of salt in the Dallol salt canyon. Located on the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea, this other-worldly canyon forms the heart of the Danakil Desert, one of the hottest places on earth, and its eerie, haunting landscape is often compared to a scene from a science fiction novel. The pinnacles and towers of the canyon are composed of sodium chloride, potassium and magnesium where the pillars of salt have been created over time through erosion. Some of the pillars rise up to 40 metres high and the pinkish hue of the canyon is due to the presence of halite and potassium deposits in the salt. A highlight among these unearthly hills and plains is a surreal looking desert castle, the contours of which have been entirely moulded by nature over the years. |
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| Dire Dawa - Kefira Market
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Stir up your senses at the Kefira market. Surrounded by the dusty plains of Ethiopia, Dire Dawa is a vibrant city with colourful shop fronts and tree-lined streets where the melange of Arab, French, Italian and Greek architecture is delightful to admire. Divided by the seasonal Dechatu Wadi River, the city consists of two settlements and it is to the east where visitors will find Dire Dawa’s lively traditional markets. The enormous Kefira market spills out across narrow lanes and attracts traders from miles around, including Afar and Somali herders, Oromo farmers and Amhara merchants. Most wear their traditional cultural dress and arrive with camels, donkeys and horse-drawn carts accompanied by a cacophony of sights and sounds. The market’s medieval feel is charming and authentic, taking visitors into a time gone by as they browse through the goods on sale. |
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| Erta Ale - Volcano
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Hike to the summit of a glowing caldera filled with dancing fountains of lava on a visit to the Erta Ale volcano. This continually active, basaltic shield volcano is one of the best known in the world and is situated in the Afar region of north-eastern Ethiopia in the Danakil Depression, one of the lowest areas on the planet and also considered one of the hottest places on earth, with average daily temperatures hovering around a sizzling 35 degrees Celsius. Summiting the volcano usually begins at dusk when temperatures are more tolerable and after a moderate trek through geologically fascinating terrain the peak is reached under inky skies when the bubbling, hissing, molten vista can be seen at its best. Cross stark, beautiful landscape of dark-grey lava flows that could be as new as two days old and watch in awe as the lava leaps and bubbles within its glowing bowl. |
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| Gondar - Palace of Fasil Ghebbi
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Explore the royal enclosure of Fasil Ghebbi. The remains of this fortress city are found within the Gondar region and stand as a structure of historical importance. The city was founded by Emperor Fasiladas who broke from previous rulers’ tradition of living a nomadic lifestyle in tents together with their subjects and possessions, and instead erected a permanent, protected compound. The construction of Fasil Ghebbi began in 1636 with the castle complex including the living quarters of the ruler, temples, libraries, gardens, banquet hall, a complex of swimming pools, stables and other buildings. The main castle was completed at the beginning of the 1640s and resembled those of medieval Europe, thanks to its massive towers, crenellated walls and two floors, which at the time was a novelty in traditional architecture of Ethiopia. Each successive ruler of Ethiopia brought something new to the appearance of the castle complex, erecting palaces and temples, many of which survive to the present day. |
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| Harar - Hyenas Feeding
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Merge into the shadows of the night as you watch hyenas feed in the streets of Harar. This spellbinding activity is not one you will find easily anywhere else in the world and written records indicate that spotted hyenas have been present in the walled Ethiopian city of Harar for at least 500 years, where once they sanitised the city by feeding on its organic refuse. Later they were fed by local farmers to prevent livestock loss. Today this practice has been stepped up a notch and turned into a mesmerising show with a few local residents calling hyenas on a nightly basis to feed them. Stare in fascination as the hyena men howl into the night and animals emerge to feed from their hands and later take meat from their mouth. Watching this spectacle is organised through a guide at a negotiable rate and if you are brave enough you can feed a hyena too! |
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| Jinka - Key Afer Market
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Mingle with tribesmen on Thursdays at the Key Afer market. The spectacular and picturesque Omo Valley is home to some of the most ornate and interesting tribes in Africa, many of whom visit the market in Key Afer every week. This is one of the largest markets in southern Ethiopia where the rather ordinary town is transformed into a hive of colorful activity where tribes from the surrounding areas come to buy and sell their wares and livestock. In addition to household goods, fabrics, and foodstuffs, there is also a large livestock market where traders from as far away as the capital come to buy livestock and where decorative tribes such as the Hamer, Banna, and Karo stock up on basic necessities. Take advantage of the market's friendly and vibrant atmosphere to get a feel for some of the indigenous tribes of the Omo Valley and maybe even make a purchase or two of your own. |
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| Jinka - Mago National Park (Jinka 4x4)
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Meet the Mursi at the Mago National Park. Located in south-western Ethiopia, this park is divided into two by the Mago River with the Tama Wildlife Reserve in the west and the Murle Controlled Hunting Area in the south. The dominant vegetation zones in this dramatically beautiful region are the rivers and riverine forest, the wetlands along the lower Mago and around Lake Dipa, and various grasslands on the more level areas. Although thick vegetation makes animals difficult to spot, the wildlife is rich, with 81 recorded species of mammals including hartebeest, roan antelope, elephant, lion and leopard. Tthe main attraction at Mago is the Mursi who live in villages that lie along the Mago River. They are among one of the last tribes in Africa who still prescribe to the body modification practice of wearing lip plates – large wooden or pottery disks that are inserted into the lips of girls and women as an expression of social adulthood. |
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| Turmi - Dasanech Village
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Travel to the most southerly tip of Ethiopia to encounter the Dasanech people. This nomadic tribe lives in the Omo Valley on the border of Lake Turkana in Kenya and despite having water nearby, their lands are semi-arid with day-time temperatures averaging around 35 degrees Celsius. The Dasanech people are the most southerly of all the tribes who live in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley and just as with many other surrounding tribes, cattle are central to their lives, providing households with meat and milk, and leather for clothing, houses and mattresses. Cattle are also status symbols with wealthier families owning larger herds. All the Dasanech people ritually adorn themselves to express status and tribal identity by sculpting their hair with animal fat, scarifying limbs and torsos, wearing jewellery and painting their bodies with yellow clay. During ceremonies, ritual dancing takes place with men brandishing wooden sticks and women holding wooden batons. |
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| Wenchi - Horse Riding
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| We 02/07 | |
| For guided tours only - In House | | |
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| Mount your steed for a scenic descent to the Wenchi Crater Lake. This picturesque lake lies within an extinct volcanic caldera and presents visitors with a host of tranquil outdoor experiences. One of the ways to reach the lakeshore is via horseback for a 4 kilometre meander beginning on the rim of the crater at Kala. Panoramic landscapes in varying hues of green will grab your attention on the way down as you pass by friendly locals and their herds of goats. Once you have reached the lake your route will take you past stunning waterfalls before you reach the harbour. The small island of Deber is located within the lake and is home to the monastery of Wenchi Chirkos, a 13th century edifice that was founded by an Ethiopian saint. Lush alpine vegetation, rich bird life and small varieties of wildlife will keep you enthralled during your ride. |
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