Ethiopia suggested Tailor made holidays

HISTORICAL ROUTE & LAKE LANGANO

A fifteen-day itinerary, commencing in Addis Ababa, where you will have the opportunity to visit Mercato, Africa’s largest market and climb the Entoto Hills for a panoramic view of Addis. A true journey through time discovering ancient and modern Ethiopia.

Whatever time of year you visit Addis Ababa you will enjoy a spring-like climate. Even though it is near the equator this is offset by being the world’s third highest capital. Modern Addis intermingles with the old and traditional - high rise buildings dominate imperial structures that, in turn, dwarf small thatched huts. Escape the bustling city and head for the lovely town of Bahar Dar on the shores of Lake Tana with its island monasteries and breathtaking Tissisat Falls. From here carry on to Gonder, north of the lake, which is bursting with castles and churches including Emperor Fasilidas’ remarkable, ornate bathing pool in his castle.

Continue via Debark, the gateway to the Simien Mountains, to ancient Axum, the home of the ‘Ark of the Covenant’ a site of annual pilgrimage for Ethiopians. Nothing can prepare you for the wondrous rock-hewn churches at Lalibela, one of the most important religious sites in the Christian world. Finally spend two nights contemplating all you have seen by serene Lake Langano, one of the Rift Valley Lakes, surrounded by acacia woodland.

Cost per person from £1,536.00 (based on two people travelling in a twin/double room)

HISTORICAL ROUTE & THE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS

A journey through Ethiopia taking in the best of its culture and history and the most unspoilt region of the country, the Simien Mountains. Leave behind Addis Ababa with its eclectic mix of modern high rises and imperial remains and fly to the delightful town of Bahar Dar from where you will explore Lake Tana and the nearby Tissisat Falls. Spend some time in Gonder, once an important trading town and home to a myriad of castles and churches, before entering another world - the Simien Mountains National Park.

You will be amazed at the raw beauty of the Simien Mountains, an area rich in wildlife and home to endemic mammals, such as the Simien fox and ibex. Drive to Debark, a small market town at an altitude of 2700 metres and the gateway to the mountains. Here your scout will join you before you continue onwards over the Lama River and climb the plateau to reach the Sankaber camp. Continue through stunning scenery, passing Amhara villages and across huge escarpments, from where there are amazing views over the endless plains, to Geech where you will have the opportunity to climb to the summit of Mietgogo. Walk along the edge of the escarpment, looking out for Gelada baboons, to Chenek camp. 

Your disappointment at leaving the beautiful Simiens will soon be forgotten when you reach Axum with its palaces and churches, home to the Art of the Covenant and the Queen of Sheba’s bath. We leave Ethiopia’s amazing rock-hewn churches to last when you arrive at Lalibela, a centre of pilgrimage for Ethiopians. Every day singing can be heard from the churches and when you enter them the air is heavy with incense. Return to Addis Ababa to visit ‘Lucy’ in the National Museum.

Cost per person from £1,379.00 (based on two people travelling in a twin/double room)

A Silk Steps inclusive holiday price includes:
• Private return transfers between airports and hotels (unless otherwise specified)
• The services of English speaking guides and representatives at each stage of the tour. Between most places you will travel unescorted
• Accommodation in a standard room (shared twin) with private facilities (unless otherwise specified) with breakfast
• Government taxes and compulsory service charges
• All tours and sightseeing as specified, inclusive of entrance fees
• Economy class air travel within all countries on the scheduled services of the national or domestic carrier as specified in each tour
• The services of our local representative
Extras:
• International flights - please contact us for up-to-date prices
• Travel insurance
• Meals - unless otherwise stated
• Optional sightseeing other than specified
• International airport departure tax payable overseas
• Visa fees
• Single supplement (on request)

Because of its high altitude, Ethiopia has a temperate climate despite its proximity to the equator. The average daytime temperature is 16°C and at night it can drop to 10°C. The rainy season runs from June to September and the best time to visit is from  

For up to date weather details try BBC weather   www.bbc.co.uk/weather/