Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Africa. There is nowhere like it on the planet for wildlife, wild lands & rich traditions that endure. No other continent comes close to it for scale, variety and pure, raw impact. Prepare to fall in love.

Welcome to mystical Ethiopia – dubbed the Cradle of Humanity. Ethiopia is like nowhere else on the planet, a beautiful country blessed with a peerless history, fabulous wildlife & some of Africa's most soulful peoples. 

Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s sprawling capital in the highlands bordering the Great Rift Valley & the country’s commercial & cultural hub.  

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & also provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s sprawling capital in the highlands bordering the Great Rift Valley, is the country’s commercial & cultural hub. And yet, Addis - Africa’s fourth-largest city & its diplomatic capital - is also a traffic-choked, sprawling city of no discernible beauty which many foreign visitors try to transit as quickly as possible. Since its establishment in the 19^th century, Addis Ababa has always seemed like a magical portal, a gateway to another world.

And yet, Addis - Africa’s 4^th largest city & its diplomatic capital - is also a traffic-choked, sprawling city of no discernible beauty which many foreign visitors try to transit as quickly as possible. This urban center serves as the gateway to Ethiopia’s mythical & ancient world, and continues to earn its reputation for friendly people, delicious food & the world’s best coffee.

This urban center serves as the gateway to Ethiopia’s mythical & ancient world, and continues to earn its reputation for friendly people, delicious food, and the world’s best coffee. For the rural masses of Ethiopia it was, & is, a city whose streets are paved in gold; for a foreign visitor, the gateway of Addis Ababa is at the verge of an ancient & mystical world.

Its National Museum exhibits Ethiopian art, traditional crafts and prehistoric fossils, including replicas of the famous early hominid, "Lucy." The burial place of the 20^th century emperor Haile Selassie, copper-domed Holy Trinity Cathedral, is a neo-baroque architectural landmark.  By skipping out on the contradictions of this complex city, you run the risk of failing to understand Ethiopia altogether.

Later in the afternoon, meet the Tour-guide at 02.00 pm & embark on a 4 hour sightseeing tour to explore the vibrant neighborhoods & historic landmarks of Addis Ababa.

Despite its size, Addis retains a small-town feel with lively markets, donkey carts hurrying down main streets and traditional coffee shops.

See the richly decorated interior of Holy Trinity Cathedral which commemorates the patriots who fought the Italian aggression in the 1930s, then trace Ethiopia’s long history through the Museum of Ethiopia - rated one of the best sub-Saharan museums - which gives you a good introduction to Ethiopian history & culture, by showcasing an extensive collection of Ethiopian antiquities. There is also a replica of the 3.5 million year old skull of "Lucy" or Dinknesh (Amharic for ‘wonderful’), whose discovery made Ethiopia the Cradle of Mankind.

Explore Haile Selassie’s former palace, now the fascinating Ethnological Museum & go deep into the traditions of Ethiopia’s diverse communities as you view cultural materials from over 80 ethnic groups of the region. Drive up to the Entoto hills from where we get a panoramic view of the city.

Come back to the hotel to freshen up..

Evening, you will be invited for dinner at one of the best traditional restaurants of Addis to see the folkloric dances of the Ethiopian people & to taste the variety of meals of the Ethiopian people

Come back to the hotel.

Overnight.  D

Morning, meet the Tour-guide again at 08.00 am & proceed for a visit to a Non-profit Fistula Hospital, established in 1974 by the Hamlins, a pair of gynaecologists from New Zealand & Australia.  

The hospital cares for women with childbirth related injuries - the women are usually destitute, rejected by their husbands, and have often walked for days or weeks to get to the hospital. . It is an interesting insight into a side of life not many know about, and will help you understand rural customs and life, and is, of course, a very touching experience. We can also arrange donations to the hospital, if anyone wants to contribute. .

Return to the hotel to Check-out.

You will be transferred to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your short flight for Dire Dawa.

Arrive in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia’s 4^th most populous city which usually elicits strong reactions with its contrasting colourful storefronts, tree-lined streets, neat squares & foreign influence - a refreshing change from the filthy disorder & lack of character in most Ethiopian towns.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Dire Dawa - Aba Tenna Dejazmach Yilma International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort, provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days & see you off on your drive to Harar, where you will stay.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Dire Dawa founded in 1902 after the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway reached the area, is made up of 2 distinct settlements, divided by the trash-strewn Dechatu Wadi (seasonal river). When the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway could not reach the city of Harar due to its higher elevation, Dire Dawa was built nearby as an alternate. It is a major hub for many ethnic groups in Ethiopia, especially the Afar, Oromo & Somali.

Dire Dawa (which means "Place of Remedy") is one of 2 chartered cities in Ethiopia (the other being Addis Ababa) that lies at the foot of a ring of cliffs that has been described as "somewhat like a cluster of tea-leaves in the bottom of a slop-basin". The city is an industrial centre & home to several markets.

Look for Arab, French, Italian & Greek styles in some of the architecture & design.

Lying to the north & west, the colonial quarter in European-influenced ‘new town’, known as Kezira features wide streets & a French-built train station gives you a 19^th century feeling.

To the east is the more colourful ‘old town’, known as Megala, which has a distinctly Muslim (&, coincidentally, a slightly Mexican) feel with its Islamic-style architecture & several markets. Dominating these is the popular Kafira Market, which has local produce.

An identifying feature unique to Dire Diwa is that most residents are addicted to chewing the narcotic leaves known as "Chat". In the afternoon, in many places, Dire Dawans sit in communal circle & consume khat, with several cups of coffee & there could be heated discussions. Avoid political topics, especially with the Ethiopian Somalis or Somali refugees. Other than that, you could have an interesting experience with the lightly narcotic drug.

At night & early in the morning, the Dechatu River Basin has a heart-warming sunset & sunrise scene. Ancient rock art sites, including the Porc Epic Cave, are outside of town.

But, you are proceeding straight to the old walled, medieval Muslim town of Harar, nearby.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

UNESCO World Heritage listed Harar in eastern Ethiopia is a place apart. It is easy to feel lost, both geographically & in time. It is the east’s most memorable sight & shouldn’t be missed.

Harar is surrounded by a centuries-old defensive wall that has several large gates, including Duke's Gate.

The ancient Muslim walled city is known for its mazelike narrow alleys & traditional houses decorated inside with flat hanging baskets. With its 368 alleyways squeezed into just 1 sq km, has plenty of old-world charm - more reminiscent of Fez in Morocco than any other city in the Horn.

Its more than 99 uniquely constructed mosques & shrines, animated markets, crumbling walls & charming people will make you feel as if you have floated right out of the 21^st century. Wherever you look, there is a noteworthy feature: traditional Harari houses, 16^th century gates & watchtowers.

Harar continues to bear the significant handprint of the trade that once flourished here, from India, the Middle East & the rest of Africa. The Harari people are the small remnants of a unique, pre-industrial urban culture that has existed since the 1500s. Until 1974, the Harari, lived exclusively inside the stone walls of Harar, where they specialized in trade.

Having a car at your disposal helps when you want to explore the outskirts of Harar, but, for the most part, you are best off discovering the city on foot. The old walled city with its ancient gates & markets is endlessly fascinating & you could spend all day just walking around.

Take your time discovering the specialised market streets. The Shoa Gate Market Street is known for its incense & spices; the Recycling Market is where you will find locals beating scrap into all permutations of utensils; the Smuggler’s Market is brimming with clothes and electronics, many of which have made their way here from China; & Mekina Girgir (which, loosely translated, means sewing machine-sound street) is where you will find an array of tailoring units operating on old-fashioned pedal-operated machines. As you navigate this maze, look for stores selling traditional medicine, jewellery, wooden products, stone carvings, woven garments & baskets.

As if that wasn’t enough, there are many chances to get up close & personal with wild hyenas.

Evening, meet the Tour-guide & proceed for a visit to one of Harar's two infamous hyena feeding sites,  located 1.5 km east on the edge of town to see the "Hyena men" as he feeds wild hyenas every night.

Taking you even further off the straight & narrow and down a path of intrigue is the relationship that the town has long shared with hyenas. The first sight of Africa’s second-largest predator is usually of vague shadows & luminous green eyes as they skulk in & out of the shadows.

Most evenings at dusk, around the outskirts of the city, you can witness the human-hyena interaction that Harar is famous for.

The much maligned beasts approach the “hyena men” from out of the dark, in small packs of three or four, in response to what clearly is a familiar call. As the pack grows more confident, they dart forward with their peculiar gait until all reservations are lost & they approach the ‘hyena’ men to be fed, literally climbing on top of them to make a show of it. The creatures behave playfully as they are fed. If you are game, you can feed them yourself, under the supervision of the experts, holding the meat stick in your hands or mouth.

Come back to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Overnight.  B L D

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & proceed for a 8 hour sightseeing tour of this fascinating city, so different from the rest of Ethiopia.

You could choose to spend all your time in one of the several local Museums, admiring coins & artefacts that illustrate how the arts & mercantile trade thrived in the town. But the streets of Harar’s old town are where you will witness a distinctive ethnic identity, language & culture that serve as a living Museum. Little wonder, then, that British orientalist Sir Richard Burton was one of Harar’s distinguished visitors.

Visit the market, traditional Harari houses, and all the sights within the walled city, not forgetting the coffee factory, because Harar is, after all, famous for producing the best coffee in Ethiopia.

First stop is at the bustling Feres Magala Square with several minor points of interest. Most conspicuous is the monument to those who died fighting against Menelik’s conquest of Harar, with its 5 original gates. To the east is the rather unimpressive Medhane Alem Cathedral, built by Ras Makonnen on the site of an Egyptian mosque.

Walk through the main market Gidir Magala (previously known as the Muslim market) - the city’s biggest butchery. Watch how the locals hide their meat purchases from the black kites that fearlessly swoop down trying to steal them.

Elbow your way through the Shoa Gate Market (also known as the Christian Market) to find etan (incense) from the Jijiga area; it is used in the famous coffee ceremonies. This odoriferous market also has spices & bark, roots & twigs used in the preparation of traditional medicine plus heaps of vegetables.

Proceed to the 1889 French Catholic mission’s St Mary Catholic Church - one of just two churches in Old Harar, a haven of peace & a good spot if you need to unwind. The carved wooden door is particularly attractive. Emir Nur’s Tomb

Walk to the Islamic Emir Nur’s Tomb which resembles a spiky green beehive. Devoted to the ruler who built the city’s walls. He & his wife, are buried inside.

A holy Islamic city, Harar has many mosques, including the 16^th century Grand Jami Mosque with its tall white minarets. Harar’s great mosque is the only one inside the wall big enough to host both men & women. Though according to local tradition, a mosque has stood on the site since the 12^th century. While not architecturally distinct, its white-tile minarets can be seen from all over the city. However, it is off-limits to non-Muslims.

Also visit the Tomb of Sheikh Abadir - Harar’s legendary founder & second emir, an important pilgrimage site. His tomb still attracts worshippers seeking solutions to daily struggles & if their prayers are answered, devotees return with gifts of rugs, incense or expensive sandalwood. Non-Muslims are usually refused entry, but might be allowed in during the Thursday night gatherings (around midnight) when devotees come to play drums, read the Quran & pay respect. 

Next, stroll by the late 19^th century sharp-edged charmless Ras Makonnen’s Palace - don’t expect a fairy-tale castle. You can climb to the top floor & soak up the views, if you want. Next door is Queen Taitu’s Palace, neatly restored and now shelters a training centre for craft makers.

Punctuate your explorations, however, with visits to some Museums.

Near the middle of the walled city & often mistakenly called Rimbaud’s House, is the Arthur Rimbaud Centre in a house built by an Indian merchant, on the site where the French poet once lived. This Museum dedicated to French poet Arthur Rimbaud & is a haven of historical photos, snippets from Rimbaud’s literature & a series of illustrated wall panels about his life. There is an excellent photographic exhibition of 20^th century Harar - with several of the photos taken by Rimbaud - that show some similarities to the city of today but also significant differences.

Close to Rimbaud’s House, the conspicuous Ras Tafari’s House was built by a wealthy Indian trader & many of its features, such as the Ganesh carving above the door, are Eastern in origin. Haile Selassie spent his honeymoon here: hence the house bears his pre-coronation name. It is now home to a well-organised Sherif Harar City Museum that houses a private collection of weaponry, coins, jewellery, household tools, old manuscripts & cultural dress. The copper & bronze coins on display are particularly significant, because the town used to mint its own money. The owner will probably offer to show you his book-restoration workshop upstairs.

Further afield, the Harar Community Centre Museum, built to resemble a traditional home and constructed using porous stone & mud (so it is always cool), introduces you to local identity through architecture. For instance, each section of the floor is raised to a different height & families take a seat according to age & hierarchy. The niches in the walls serve as shelves for various possessions, books & traditional handicrafts. Baskets & pots typically adorn the walls – often making you feel like you have walked into a shop, rather than a humble residence.

Depending on the available time, you may also briefly step into Enay Abida Crafts Centre for an opportunity to interact with the locals. It was created to produce & sell crafts, but also serves as a training centre for the artisans. You will run into locals involved in making baskets, ornaments, wooden household items & an assortment of jewellery. Ask about the social & decorative importance of what they produce - for the Harari people have long been known for the quality of their crafts. You will also find a range of these products for sale.

Another good way to interact with the locals is to embark on a walk along the town’s market streets, each defined by the goods sold there.

Finally, we drive to the Coffee Factory & spend an hour there.

Come back to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Overnight.  B L D 

Early morning at 04.00 am, depart for Afar. The long scenic drive not only gives you impressions of the Ethiopian landscape, but you will also witness a lot of Ethiopian "life", as people tend their fields, collect wood & take laden donkeys to the market

The Afar Region is the homeland of the Afar people. The Afar Triangle, the northern part of which is the Danakil Depression, is part of the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia, and is located in the north of the region. It has the lowest point in Ethiopia and one of the lowest in Africa. The southern part of the region consists of the valley of the Awash River, which empties into a string of lakes along the Ethiopian-Djibouti border.

The earliest surviving written mention of the Afar is from the 13^th century Andalusian writer Ibn Sa'id. Afar society has traditionally been organized into independent kingdoms, each ruled by its own Sultan. Among these were the Sultanate of Aussa, Sultanate of Girrifo, Sultanate of Dawe, Sultanate of Tadjourah, Sultanate of Rahaito, & Sultanate of Goobad. Along with the closely related Somali and other adjacent Afro-Asiatic-speaking Muslim peoples, the Afar are also associated with the medieval Adal Sultanate that controlled large parts of the northern Horn of Africa.

Many of the historic cities in the Horn region, such as Maduna, Abasa, Berbera, Zeila & Harar, flourished with courtyard houses, mosques, shrines, walled enclosures & cisterns during the kingdom's Golden Age.

Immediately on arrival by late afternoon, visit on of the local Afar tribe, to see how these nomads live in their wood & thatched huts - witnessing them go about their daily lives, baking bread in earthen ovens, milking their goats, watering their camels etc - learning about their customs is truly a fascinating experience, like why the women smoke themselves. 

After spending an hour in the village, proceed to an eco-lodge, located on Elalyetu, a hill overlooking the hot springs of Bilen amidst the vast sea of reeds which fringes them.

Check-in & relax.

Early morning at dawn, Check-out & depart for Addis Ababa.

But first, pay a visit to the local hot springs where the Afar people water their camels & goats and then stop at Awash National Park which takes its name from the Awash River; the longest river in Ethiopia. 

The 225 Sq. km Awash National Park is one of the popular parks of Ethiopia. However, you won’t find the thrill of staring slack-jawed at lions crunching through bones, here. The landscapes in the park are beautiful, looking over the Awash Gorge. You can drive deep into the park, near the hot springs. Awash NP is home to more than 80 species of mammals, 45% of these are Ethiopia’s distinctive Semi-arid species.

The Ilala Sala Plain in the southern part of the Park, where a game drive is a must are best viewed at sunrise & sunset to see herds of Beisa oryx & Soemmerring’s gazelle. The Park was once, & probably still is, a major habitat for one of the largest populations of the Beisa Oryx in Africa.

You will have a chance to other wildlife, such as Anubis baboons, Salt's dik-dik, greater & lesser kudu, Common warthogs, Colubus monkeys, Bat-eared foxes & jackals & Abyssinian hares. You would be very lucky to see leopards, lions & other cats, which are there but so few in numbers. 

It is a must for birders and the volcanic landscape of blister cones & fissures is interesting. There is also an opportunity to see open grass land birds like the Kori bustard (the heaviest flying bird in the world), Abyssinian ground horn bill, Secretary bird (hunting snakes in the savanna grass land) &different species of bustards.

Continue on to Addis Ababa.

Check-in on arrival by early evening.

Early morning, you will be transferred to the Airport for the short flight to Bahir Dar.

Arrive in Bahir Dar the capital of the Amhara region, is the 3^rd largest city in Ethiopia, inhabited by the Amhara people, the country's ethnically & geographically 2^nd largest ethnic largest group.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Bahir Dar Ginbot Haya Airport,  you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & also provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in & relax for an hour.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Bahir Dar is one of Ethiopia's most attractive towns & some people like to describe Bahir Dar as the Ethiopian Riviera. The moniker may sound strange, but when you pull into town & see the wide streets shaded by palm trees & sweeping views across Lake Tana’s shimmering blue waters, you will understand.

Clean & well-maintained by African city standards, it got somewhat popular with national tourists as the lake & easy climate even made it the emperor's choice for his summer residence.  In the 16^th & 17^th centuries, various temporary Ethiopian capitals were established in the vicinity of Lake Tana. It was here that the Jesuits attempted, with disastrous consequences, to impose Catholicism on the Ethiopian people. One moss-covered Jesuit building, which was built by the well-known Spanish missionary Pedro Paez, can still be seen today in the compound of St George’s Monastery

Being a relatively flat city with wide streets, Bahir Dar is an excellent city for cycling, and bikes can be rented at various locations in the city. There are numerous places to play pool, enjoy draft beer in garden style bars and have fresh fruit juices and the choice from big menus in plenty of cafés and restaurants.

Bahir Dar makes a pleasant base to explore the Blue Nile falls and the island monasteries of Lake Tana.

Shortly after, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & proceed for a visit to the Blue Nile Falls.

Smaller than Victoria Falls, but amazingly scenic, the Blue Nile Falls as James Bruce - the 18^th century Scottish traveler described it: "A magnificent sight that ages added to the greatest length of human life, would not efface or eradicate from my memory”

You will drive through the countryside to the village of Tis Abay & from there, walk to the Falls. Spend an hour there, enjoying the scenery.

If you take an optional boat trip ask the 'driver' to take you to the place where the river flows out of the lake. Here, you have a high probability of spotting hippos.

Later, embark on a boat trip on Ethiopia’s largest water body - Lake Tana (3,600 Sq. Km) to visit the island monasteries where you can experience a great calmness.

On the islands of the lake, there are some of the world's oldest churches & monasteries. In some of these monasteries, women are not allowed to enter. Be cautious & aware of the traditions and rules of the Ethiopian Orthodox church when you visit (but don’t worry, we are here to guide you accordingly).

Among others, the 14^th century Ura-Kidane Mihret is the largest & most impressive Monastery on the peninsula, situated near one of the prettiest & most secluded inlets in the area, which you will visit.

You will also have the opportunity to visit Azwa Mariam, Mehal Zege, Kibran Gabriel, Entos Eyesus & guess just how far back Christianity goes in this region. Christianity has a long history in Ethiopia, and the whole ancient culture, architecture & art surrounding it, is fascinating

Come back to the shore to Mango Park to sit & watch the pelicans. You will see the local boatsmen feeding the pelicans in front of the lakeside "promenade" just before sunset.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions). Tonight, you may join the locals in one of their cultural bars to see some traditional music & dance - you may even get the chance to try out some local dances yourself.

Overnight.  B L D 

Early morning, depart for Gonder - the royal & ancient capital of Ethiopia, driving through a patchwork quilt landscape of barley, tef, beans & wheat fields.

On arrival, Check-in at the hotel & relax for a while

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

It is not what Gondar is, but what Gondar was that’s so enthralling. The city lies in a bowl of hills where tall trees shelter tin-roofed stone houses, but rising above these & standing proud through the centuries, are the walls of castles bathed in blood & painted in the pomp of royalty.

Emperor Fasilidas founded Gondar as his imperial seat in 1636 & the city was both the capital & a great commercial center from the 17^th - mid 19^th century.  It was the home of many emperors & princesses who led the country from the 12^th century to the last decade of the 20^th century. It served as the capital of both the Ethiopian Empire & the subsequent Begemder Province.

The city holds the remains of several royal castles, including those in Fasil Ghebbi (the Royal Enclosure), for which Gondar has been called the "Camelot of Africa" although this description does the royal city a disservice: Camelot is legend, whereas Gonder is reality.

Surrounded by fertile land & lying at the crossroads of three major caravan routes, it is easy to understand why Emperor Fasiladas (reigned 1632 - 67) made Gondar his capital in 1636. To the southwest, lay rich sources of gold, civet, ivory & slaves, to the northeast lay Massawa & access to the Red Sea, and to the northwest, lay Sudan & Egypt.

At the time of Fasiladas’ death, Gondar’s population already exceeded 65,000 and its wealth & splendour had become legendary. Drifting through the old palaces, banqueting halls & former gardens, it is not difficult to imagine the courtly pageantry, ceremony & intrigue that went on here.

The city flourished as a capital for well over a century before infighting severely weakened the kingdom. In the 1880s what remained of Gondar was extensively looted by the Sudanese Dervishes. Despite this, & further damage sustained by British bombs during the liberation campaign of 1941, much of Gondar remains intact.

Although Gondar is fairly spread out, it’s still a great place to navigate on foot. The Italian-built piazza marks the centre of town and packs in most shops and services travellers need.

Immediately on arrival, first stop will be a Non-profit Women’s Project set up in 1994 by a British man to help single mothers who have no skills or means of income. Here, we also have the opportunity to give back, or support them by buying some of the pottery, scarves & other handicrafts that they produce to support themselves. 

After spending 2 hours there, continue on to the hotel.

Check-in & relax for a while.

Afternoon, around 02.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide & proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing of this ancient city. You will visit the various ruined buildings including the remains of a bathing pool.

First stop will be the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the imperial Castle Compound of Gondar. See the1640 Fasilides Castle - home of King Fasilides & his ‘Bath’ used today for the religious ceremony of Timkat (Epiphany). On this major festive occasion, a nearby river is diverted to fill an area the size of a small swimming pool & Worshippers plunge into the cold water in a re-enactment of the baptism of Christ in the River Jordan. 

Visit Iyasu Palace - home of Emperor Iyasu I. An earthquake & bombings by the British destroyed its once ornate & lavish interior, but the structure itself remains mostly intact & is the largest in the area; the 17^th century AD Church of Quskuam Mariam; the residence of Empress Mintwab.

Then it is on to the 17^th century Debre Birhan Selassie Church, a short distance away.

One of the country's famous churches, it seems more like a fortress than a church at first glance. This is because the local churches were once vulnerable to attacks by the Sudanese. Churches like this were once quite common in the area, but this is the only church to survive the Sudanese attacks, making it even more of a treasure. There are twelve towers guarding this church, each representing one of the twelve apostles. Marvel at the amazing intricately painted frescoes of angels on the ceiling & walls.

The tour ends & you return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Overnight.  B L D

Morning, depart for Debark, the entry point for venturing to Simien Mountains, one of Africa’s most beautiful ranges

No matter how you look at them, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Simien Mountains is awesome. This massive plateau, riven with gullies & pinnacles, offers tough but immensely rewarding trekking along the ridge that falls sheer to the plains far below. High up in the Simien Mountains, we look down on landscapes similar to those of the Grand Canyon (only greener!) - a high plateau that gives way to deep, sloping valleys. Simien Mountains are often called God's playground because of their unique formations.

Simien Mountains National Park is an exotic setting with unique wildlife & breath-taking views on a landscape shaped by nature & traditional agriculture.

The main attraction of the Simien Mountains National Park is its biosphere: the steep cliffs & the cool climate at the altitude of the Erica tree line (3600 - 4000m) have created conditions that are appropriate for the survival of an ibex species endemic to the Simien Mountains.

57 tree species & a variety of herbaceous plants, 22 large, 13 small mammals & about 180 bird species have been recorded. Despite the severe restriction of their habitat over the last centuries, several hundred animals have survived up to the present.

Apart from the Walya ibex, many other animal species are found in the Park, for example the endemic Simien fox or Ethiopian wolf, several birds of prey, the endemic Gelada baboon, the Klippspringer & Menelik's bushbuck.

It is not just the scenery (& altitude) that will leave you speechless, but also the excitement of sitting among a group of gelada baboons or watching magnificent Walya ibex joust on rock ledges.

Immediately on arrival, proceed for a visit to the western escarpments where you will encounter troops of the endemic Gelada baboons (found only in Ethiopia). - the only grass-eating baboons left in the world. They are often referred to as the bleeding heart baboon or the lion monkey. Their coat is shaggy resembling a lion whilst their chest has a marked red heart or patch.

After spending time there, continue on to a very special traditional style Eco-lodge, with wonderful views from the top.

Check-in & relax.

Balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight.  B L D  

Morning, enjoy another Nature Walk in the Park.

Trekking in the National Park offers a unique combination of animals & incredible landscapes. The scenery is dramatic in the extreme, with stomach-turning cliffs dropping away & birds of prey soaring on the thermals above them. Curiously-shaped rock pinnacles pierce the horizon & waterfall-carved valleys stretch up to grassy plains spotted with palms & cacti. It’s with good reason that this region of Ethiopia is known as the Roof of Africa, as most of the hike will be at an altitude of 3,000 - 4,000 metres. The solitude in such a pristine natural environment is wonderful, especially given the endless seas of over-populated agricultural land which has taken over 95% of the country. Nature or wildlife lovers are richly rewarded for their efforts in reaching the “Roof”.

In time, depart for Gondar.

Check-in on arrival.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration.

Evening, we will go out for more of that great local food & fun with a traditional Cultural Show.

Overnight.  B L D   

Morning, you will be transferred to Terminal? - Gondar Atse Tewodros Airport for your flight to Lalibela.

Arrive in Lalibela in the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia, known for its distinctive rock-cut churches dating from the 12^th & 13^th centuries.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Lalibela Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & also provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

The small rural town of Lalibela with its extraordinary monolithic churches, built during the reign of 12^th century King Lalibela, is known around the world & is a pilgrimage site for Coptic Christians.   

When the King’s rivals began to increase in power, Lalibela sought the support of the powerful Ethiopian Orthodox Church by building the churches in this small town.

Lalibela is history & mystery frozen in stone, its soul alive with the rites & awe of Christianity at its most ancient & unbending. No matter what you have heard about Lalibela, no matter how many pictures you have seen of its breathtaking rock-hewn churches, nothing can prepare you for the reality of seeing it for yourself. It is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but truly a world wonder.

Spending a night vigil here during one of the big religious festivals, when white-robed pilgrims in their hundreds crowd the courtyards of the churches, is to witness Christianity in its most raw & powerful form.

With its cobblestone streets, distant views, good food & lack of cars, the town itself is a pleasant surprise.

Later in the afternoon, around 02.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide & embark on a 4 hour sightseeing tour.

King Lalibela's goal was to create a New Jerusalem for those who could not make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (and to create a sacred city to rival powerful Aksum, with its Ark of the Covenant). According to some reports, he had been to the Holy Land himself & was inspired by what he saw. But the king made no attempt to copy the churches of the Holy Land; in fact, Lalibela's sacred architecture could not be more unique.

The churches of Lalibela were not constructed - they were excavated. Each church was created by first carving out a wide trench on all four sides of the rock, then painstakingly chiseling out the interior. The largest church is 40 feet high & the labor required to complete such a task with only hammers & chisels would have been astounding.

Popular legend has it that angels came every night to pick up where the workmen had left off. One of the churches, Bet Maryam, contains a stone pillar on which King Lalibela wrote the secrets of the buildings' construction. It is covered with old cloths and only the priests may look on it.

King Lalibela's project for gaining the church's favor had two unexpected results: the creation of a holy place of unparalleled beauty & the king's conversion to a religious life. After laboring for 20 years, he abdicated his throne to become a hermit, living in a cave and eating only roots & vegetables. To this day, Ethiopian Christians regard King Lalibela as one of their greatest saints.

There are 11 UNESCO World Heritage listed churches, assembled in 3 Groups. You will visit the Western section today. Most are joined by tunnels & trenches, and & contain many old treasures: beautiful coloured frescoes, carved bas-reliefs, ancient books & processional crosses. All the churches are still in use today as a place of worship.

See Bet Giyorgis, a cross-shaped church entirely carved out of a giant rock, said to be the most finely executed & best preserved church. This is the most prominently featured church on the Lalibela postcards.

Spend some time there before returning to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Overnight.  B  L D 

Today, the full day is at your leisure for independent exploration or to relax.

Stroll around town, catch up on postcards, or possibly visit some locals in their homes (you may get invited home for a "coffee ceremony", where the beans are roasted, pulverized & the most delicious coffee in the world is made before your eyes!).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 09.00 am & proceed for a full day 8 hour visit to the other churches.

You will visit the Northern Group today. Get up on a mule & ride to the hill top to see the 13^th century semi monolithic Church of Asheton Mariam. Getting to the top of the hill rewards you with great & unforgettable scenery of the area.

See Bet Medhane Alem - home to the Lalibela Cross & believed to be the largest monolithic church in the world, probably a copy of St Mary of Zion in Aksum. It is linked to Bet Maryam (possibly the oldest of the churches), Bet Golgotha (known for its art & said to contain the tomb of King Lalibela), the Selassie Chapel & the Tomb of Adam.

Continue on to the Eastern Group.

Amanuel (possibly the former royal chapel), Bet Merkorios (which may be a former prison), Bet Abba Libanos & Bet Gabriel-Rufael (possibly a former royal palace) are linked to a holy bakery. The best way to access this group is to enter via Bet Gabriel-Rufael, then via a dark trench next to the church you will access Bet Merkorios, Amanuel and Abba Libanos.

The churches have been in continuous use since they were built in the 12^th century. The first Europeans to see these extraordinary holy sites were Portuguese explorers in the 1520s, one of whom noted in his journal that the sights were so fantastic, he expected readers of his descriptions would accuse him of lying.

The tour comes to an end & you return to the hotel.

Morning, you will be transferred to the Lalibela Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys Rep / Tour-guide who will ensure your comfort & immediately proceed on a 4 hour sightseeing tour to explore the vibrant neighborhoods & historic landmarks of Addis Ababa.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Despite its size, Addis retains a small-town feel with lively markets, donkey carts hurrying down main streets and traditional coffee shops.

Later in the afternoon, meet the Tour-guide & wander in the bustling vibrant & colorful Merkato - the largest open-air market in East Africa with bright displays of fabric, handicrafts &  produce from around the country - where vendors offer all manner of weird & wonderful things - vegetables, coffee, traditional clothes & handmade baskets, recycled metal goods - you name it!

With what is left of the day, may be you want to catch up on your souvenir shopping.

But an Ethiopia visit is not really complete without an authentic Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony & Cuisine experience.

Early evening, you will be transferred to the comfortable, clean ‘home’ of Daniel & Tigist, in the calm & green suburbs of Addis.

They are from the Oromia region of Ethiopia but love to experiment & cook fusion dishes from around the country. Tigist learned to cook helping her mother around the house as a child & ran her own kitchen after marrying Daniel. The cosmopolitan professional couple enjoys discussing diverse subjects from food & history to politics. Daniel, a tourism professional, has a Master's degree in Social Anthropology. Their kids also speak English & may join in the discussions.

The experience commences with visit to the Keta / Asco market, 15 minutes away from their home. Here, you will be introduced to local ingredients that you will use in your cooking class later. The local Market is known for its spices, cereals, vegetables & other industrial materials. While the market opens on all days, Saturdays are especially interesting for visitors as all the locals shop today & it offers a kaleidoscope of the various cultures & tribes prevalent here.

The cooking class will take place in their home kitchen. Ethiopian cuisine is comprised of a variety of spices in its wots (stews) & tibs (curry), making the cuisine hot & piquant.

Tigist will show you how to make a traditional Ethiopian dish as well as how to pour & cook the perfect Injera (traditional fermented bread). You might learn to make Shiro (chickpea or broad bean stew) or Tibs (stir-fried meat with vegetables & spices).

And finally, it is time to ‘reap what you sow’ (eating what you just cooked).

You will eat as Ethiopians do, from communal plates lined with Injera which acts like an edible plate with other dishes piled on top. Teff flour is used to make the soft, spongy injera bread, which is perfect to mop up the delicious juices & gravies that soak through it. The diners tear off into morsels to eat with hands (fork & spoon on special request only) & even feed each other in a gesture called gursha that is meant to strengthen bonds.

(If you are interested in learning to make a ‘specific’ or additional dish, they will be happy to oblige although it will extend the cooking time).

And now comes the grand finale that is synonymous with Ethiopian heritage.

The rituals & ceremony around certain types of foods are very prevalent all over the world. In some places, it isn’t so much as the food itself than it is about the ritual & ceremony around the preparation & serving.

An invitation to attend a coffee ceremony is considered a mark of friendship or respect & is an excellent example of Ethiopian hospitality.

The traditional ‘buna’ Coffee Ceremony is an important part of Ethiopian culture & involves roasting coffee beans, preparing boiled coffee in a vessel akin to the ibriks used to make Turkish coffee & finally ‘drinking’.

Ethiopia is the largest coffee producer in Africa & the 5^th largest producer in the world. Coffee industry is a major part of the GDP. But, there is one distinction that makes Ethiopia different from the other major producers like Kenya & Colombia. While their internal consumption is 3% & 14% respectively, Ethiopians drink 50% of their production. Proving that Ethiopians take their coffee extremely seriously.

Coffee isn’t just Ethiopia’s national drink. It is had throughout the day but never consumed alone. Unlike in other cosmopolitan cities of the world, where ‘coffee-to-go’ is almost a norm these days, in Ethiopia every meeting includes coffee & coffee always requires company.

It is more than just a cup of coffee for Ethiopians. It is a cultural celebration of an Ethiopian staple - an integral part of the social & cultural life in the country.

‘Buna tetu’ which translates to ‘come drink coffee’ is a famous communal tradition in Ethiopia. Families will send children to knock on their neighbours’ homes to invite them to come share some coffee. This bonding nature of Ethiopians is a key thread in the fabric of its society.

The coffee brewing has many special elements. The Ceremony involves processing the raw, unwashed coffee beans into finished cups of brewed coffee. Before this event, the dining room undergoes some preparatory rites for the ritual. Firstly, the coffee cups are all arranged on a table along with snacks. Freshly cut grass is displayed on both the floor & the table. And sweet incense is burnt as a way to clarify the space.

Preparing a traditional cup of coffee or buna can take more than an hour & actually drinking it can be longer, especially during festivities & celebrations. Drinking coffee is sensory experience in Ethiopia unlike any other.

The process begins with washing & roasting the beans on an iron pan called mitad. The person preparing the beans is typically dressed in the traditional Ethiopian clothes called habesaha semis. When the coffee beans are roasted, the mitad is taken to the guests so that they can inhale & smell the roasting beans. This is a huge part of the Ethiopian Coffee sensory experience.

The coffee beans are then brewed in a traditional mortar before putting them in a jebena (a traditional clay pot made specifically for preparing coffee comes in various shapes & sizes and hold essential value in every Ethiopian household)  in which the water has already been set to boil.  Jebena’s have one, two or three spouts depending on the region where they are made & used.

Once coffee beans have been added to the simmering water, it is left to steep in the jebena. When the coffee foam discharges from the top hole of the jebena, it is removed from the heat & left to allow all the solid coffee particles to settle at the bottom of the pot. Once all the coffee cups are gathered on the rekebot (coffee platter), coffee is poured into the first cup. This first cup is culturally not for consumption but to confirm the murky liquid is free of all coffee grind.

The drinking ceremony can finally begin and coffee is offered with multiple seasoning options including sugar, salt, or rue. Often coffee will be accompanied by traditional Ethiopian snacks.

Traditional cup of Ethiopian coffee served with aromatic incense, usually frankincense & myrrh. The incense is ignited by a hot coal to produce smoke that is said to carry away any bad spirits. Conversations start flowing freely as sweet incense dissipates in the room. From abol - the first cup of coffee, to tona - the second cup & finally to bereka - the last cup of coffee, the jebena is refilled until the settles coffee bits squeeze out their very last taste & guests are finally satisfied.

It is considered impolite to leave the ceremony without consuming at least 3 cups. Ethiopians believe that your spirit transforms when you complete all 3 rounds. Of course, you are free to take as many cups as you wish afterward.

It is clear that the coffee culture in Ethiopia is as much of a ritual as it is about drinking that cup of coffee - a great way to slow down & engage with your friends & neighbors.

The 4 hour Cooking experience, that we are sure will stay with you for a long time, comes to an end & you are ready to depart for the hotel.

Reach the hotel.

Overnight.  B  L D 

Alas, like all good things, the wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say good-bye to enchanting Ethiopia  & go home. But, we sure hope that you may want to discover a bit more of “Cradle of Mankind” with its amazing history, wonderful cultures, friendly faces & stunning landscapes, on your next visit. 

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk if you have the time to walk out). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for the flight back home. B

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