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Axum DAY 2 |
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Abba Libanos is one of the four rock-hewn churches south of the Jordan River. Separated from the surrounding rock on three sides, Abba Libanos is, in fact, a good example of cave churches. As in other churches, the Axumite influence is very much in evidence. Bete Amanuel is the finest of the group of four rock-hewn churches south of the Jordan River. The alternate projecting and recessing walls and other features imitate the Axumite architectural style. A spiral staircase leads up to the upper storey. Bete Amanuel is linked with the neighbouring Bete Merkorios with a sub-terranean tunnel opening into the stone floor of the Church. A few minutes away from Bete Medhane’alem is the Bete Mariam, standing in a spacious courtyard. It is the church to which most pilgrims go to on holy days. Most famous of these holy days are Christmas and Epiphany marked annually on the 7th and 20th of January. That is a day of much splendour and pageantry with the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant marching in procession while the debaters, clad in snow white attire and turbaned, sing and dance to the percussion of drums and hand-held bronze rattles. The deep square pool in the courtyard, is often dipped into by infertile women with hopes of one day becoming mothers. Visitors to the Lalibela rock-hewn churches would need at least a full day to visit with some detail the Lalibela complex and perhaps a little more if one is to watch the Timket (Epiphany) or Genna (Christmas) celebrations. Should that be the case, they can find a standard accommodation in the state-run Roha Hotel. Duration : Three Days Lalibella DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 |
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Gondar Once was the capital city of Ethiopia
during the reign of Emperor Fasiledes and his predecessors
from the seventeenth century onwards. This city is known for
its ancient castles and churches. No city in Ethiopia is so
densely clustered with churches as in Gondar. |
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The centrepiece of the imperial citadel is the two-storey basalt masonary, known as the Fasil Gimb (Fasiledes’s castle). Fasiledes’s tradition of castle building was followed up by his children and grandchildren who, with their magnificent palaces, churches and library immortalized the city. Further away from the imperial citadel lies the so-called bathing palace attributed to Emperor Fasiledes or his son Iyyasu I. It stands in a rectangular depression filled with water once a year for the Timket celebration (Epiphany). Gondar, as the traditional centre of Orthodox learning stages one of the finest Timket celebrations in the country. |
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Gondar Duration : Two Days DAY 1 DAY 2 |
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Bahar Dar Bahar Dar is the burgeoning capital city of the Amhara
Regional State. It is the centre of culture, trading and
industry of the region built at the shore of Lake Tana.
Bahar Dar is the port of the tankwa (papyrus boat) fleet,
which was once a link for the city with the many islands on
Lake Tana. The booming tourist industry in the region has
led to a considerable investment in hotels. From the visitor’s
point of view, the significance of Bahar Dar lies in its
proximity to Lake Tana Islands and the Blue Nile Falls. |
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With an area of 3000 sq.km. Lake
Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, is the largest lake in
Ethiopia. It is also an archipelago of 37 islands, twenty of
which shelter ancient churches. Some of the churches are the
repositories of the finest murals and rare illumination of
the Middle Ages period of the Ethiopian history. Security
consideration, known to have been very serious at one stage
of the country’s history is believed to have been
behind the decision of many churches to seek and find safe
haven on Lake Tana islands. An interesting feature typical
to Lake Tana is the tankwa (papayrus boat), operated by
lake-side people known as the Woytos.
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Not all churches and monasteries on
Lake Tana are open to women. But the church of Ura Kidane
Mehret on the Zeghe peninsula and another one on the
peninsula are exceptions. Ura Kidane Mehret, with a conical
thatched roof is one of the oldest houses of worship on Lake
Tana. Its vivid fresco, decorating the outer sides of the
walls depict scenes from biblical lore and tales from the
Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
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The Blue Nile, the largest river in
Ethiopia, placidly flows out of Lake Tana on its long
journey to the White Nile and the Mediterranean. And just
before a chasm, the 400m. wide silt-laden river roars down
along a 45m precipes into a pandemonium. As it does so,
billions of minute droplets dampen the air as far away as
one kilometre. They look like the white smoke of a forest
fire and that is why the local people called the spray Tis
Issat (the smouldering fire that forms rainbow).
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Tour Code RTTC/037A
Duration : Two Days Bahar Dar Bahar Dar is a small commercial town situated on the southern tip of Lake Tana. The Lake provides access to many island monasteries and to the Blue Nile Falls. DAY 1 After early breakfast, visit the Blue Nile Falls which is about 30 KMs from Bahar Dar. After having sometimes, drive back to the city and continue to the airport for flight to Gondar. Tour Code RTTC/037B Duration : Three Days Bahar Dar DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 |
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Wild life in Ethiopia Ethiopia’s is one of the most important countries in Africa for biodiversity conservation. The geological past has placed a decisive role in making the country a beautifully endowed natural haven for many kinds of wild life, as the diversity resulted a great variety in climate, altitude and topography, The country is very rich for its large number of Endemic
species of wild life, birds and plants, chiefly on the
north, western and southeastern highland plateau. Some of
them are notably common over extensive areas of the plateau,
and one can observe a very big identified number of
species. |
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A. Ethiopia has more than 277
terrestrial mammals, 31 are endemic like Walia Ibex, Gelada
baboon, mountain Nyala etc... Unfortunately, over-hunting
and poaching threatened to decimate the country’s wild
life resource. It was this awareness and the need to put an
end to the devastating practice that led to the setting up
of national parks.
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B. As to birds 862 species have been
recorded of which 16 are Endemic and mostly very colourful
birds such as, Harwood’s Francolin, Spot-breasted
Plover, Yellow-fronted Parrot, Prince Ruspoli, Turaco,
Abyssinian Woodpecker, Abyssinian Catbird, Black-headed
Siskin etc.. What makes Ethiopia different from other
countries is that visitors can see these birds everywhere
when travelling around in this huge country.
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C. The endemic plants of Ethiopia do
not occur elsewhere, they occur only at certain altitudinal
level of the geographical area in the country. These are,
Acacia Prasinata, Acanthus sennii, Alchemilla haumannii,
Bidens macroptera, Cirsium englerianum, Echinops longisetus
Echinops ellenbechkii etc.
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Ethiopia is an outstanding
destination for all tourists intrested in bird watching
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The Mago National Park Mago Nation Park lies on the eastern bank of the River Omo. The Park covers an area of 2162 sq. kms. Temperature ranges between 14o and 41oC. Rainfall is low not exceeding 480 mm on average. The park offers the most attractive and beautiful landscape and scenery in the region. The Omo region is home for most of nomadic and semi-nomadic people with different fascinating ethnic groups culture like the Hamer, Mursi, Karo, Benna, Geleb, Surma, Arri and others. The main attraction is Murle-controlled Hunting Area, where conditions are very good for wildlife viewing. Oryx and Grant’s gazelle abound the Savannah area. Not far from the Mago Park is the 4068 sq. kms wide Omo
National Park with a prolific wildlife. |
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Tour Code RTTC/034
DURATION : Thirteen Days Omo Region DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 DAY 9
DAY 12 DAY 13 |
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Bale National Park |
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Weyb River in one of its courses
flows underground forming the Sof Omar Caves; the most
spectacular and extensive underground cave in the world.
Duration : Five Days Bale National Park DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 |
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The Nech Sar National Park (Arba Minch), The park just 514 sq. kms area is the smallest of
Ethiopia’s national parks. 78 sq. km of the park is
water. The rather temperate climate 11o and 26oC makes the
park area much more pleasant than the Abiata and Shalla
Parks. Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo border the park area. The
Rift Valley wildlife is plentiful. The best way to get there
is to travel to the nearby town of Arba Minch, 510 kms south
of Addis. Lake Chamo is famed for its large crocodile and
hippo population. Accommodation is readily available at Arba
Minch Bekele Molla Hotel. |
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Tour Code RTTC/033
Duration : Five Days Arba Minch DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 |
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The Great Rift Valley Lakes
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Lake Langano Lake Langano is located 200 KMs south of Addis Ababa. It
is a sand beach, which attracts many visitors. Along the
road to Langano one can observe beautiful landscapes.
Langano is a resort area and a paradise for holiday
makers. |
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Abiyata, Shalla Opposite Langano one can find Abiyata Shalla National
Park in the Rift Valley 887 sq. kms in size, 482 sq. kms of
which is water. Abiyata is a shallow soda lake surrounded
with acacia trees. The lake is exceptionally appropriate to
view thousands of flamingos and pelicans. The scene is very
unique and beautiful against the sunset. Bird life in the
park is extremely profuse. One of the lakes, Lake Shalla
with a depth of 260 meters is the deepest of the Ethiopian
Rift Valley lakes. None of the lakes is recommended for
bathing. The yellow masked weaver, the red-rumped buffalo
weaver, African fish eagle and a large variety of ducks and
geese are among the bird life of the park. Accommodation can
be held in neighbouring Langano with a choice of at least
two good hotels. |
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Wondo Genet
Wondo Genet is a paradise where you can enjoy magnificent views from the hotel terrace over the Rift Valley. Then, walk up the valley for another observation of the abundant bird life and the beautiful Colubus Monkey. Awassa Awassa is a progressive town of the southern part of the country and centre for political and commercial activities . As to the attraction of Awassa it is the place where different species of water birds can be observed around the lake and visitors also enjoy fishing. Tabor Hill near Awassa is a proper tower to enjoy the town complex. Duration : Two Days Abiyata, Langano, Wondo Genet, Awassa DAY 1 Then drive back to Langano for an overnight stay at Wabe Shebelle Hotel. DAY 2 |
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Awash National Park The Awash National Park, 211 kms. east of Addis Ababa is a rather small park, but rich with endemic wild life and bird species. Some 300 different species of birds have so far been recorded. The park covers an area of 827 sq. kms. Temperature in the park is extremely hot and can get as high as 42oC. The nights can at times get pretty chilly, with temperature sinking to 10o-22oC. |
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Wildlife in the park reflects the
dry nature of the park. Beisa Oryx, greater and lesser Kudu,
soemmering’s gazelle, Defassa waterbuck, different
types of monkey and cats are frequent sight in the park. A
3-4 hours drive from Addis along the Addis Ababa –
Harar road, which actually crosses the park, can get you
there comfortably.
The Kerreyu Lodge on the edge of the Awash gorge, though scanty, provides accommodation. But one is better off for accommodation at Nazareth, 95 km back on the road to Addis. Interesting features of the park are the Hot Springs and the Awash Falls, where the Awash River falls into a huge gorge. |
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Tour Code RTTC/032
Duration : Two Days Awash National Park DAY 1 DAY 2 |
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Trekking Seimen Mountain The National Park constitutes one of the major mountain
massifs in Africa. The region includesMany summits above
4000 meters (13000ft) and culminates in the highest point in
Ethiopia. Ras Dashen is 4543 meters (14,901 feet). It is the
fourth highest mountain in Africa and can be reached by
travelling through the peak and the temperature normally
falls below freezing point at night. |
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Hill walking and Horse trekking (ADABA & DODOLA) The two towns are situated in the foothills of a vast and strikingly beautiful mountain range raising to 3700m above sea level and can be reached from Addis Ababa within 5-hours drive via Langano and Shashamene. The hill and valley are covered with forest and the highlands are distinguished and clean, healthy and uncultivated land. It is in this forest where you can find species of numerous birds, Colobus monkey and other wild animals. The forests are exciting and one can walk up to the hill or horse trek through the forest to observe the wild animals and the nature of the area. Then, an experience of spending the night in charming huts constructed in traditional fashion or tent could be set in the splendid environment of the natural forest with campfire. Harar Ethiopia possesses as much of Islamic heritage to be
proud of as it has a Christian one. The eastern city of
Harar, 500 km east of Addis Ababa, is the centre of that
heritage. It was, founded in 1520 by Amir Abu Bakr Mohammed.
The one time grandeur of Harar began to wane with the
increase of the pressure of war and particularly the Oromo
migration into the interior of the emirate. A later ruler,
Nur Ibn al-Wazir walled off the city to ward off possible
attackers. The old fortified city, complete with six gates
is still intact. So is the most famous mosque: the Jami
Mosque. |
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The city had only five gates until
1889. Menelik’s forces, led by Ras Makonnen
incorporated the city-state into Ethiopia. The now main gate
leading to the modern sector of the city is the Duk Berr
(the gate of the duke) opened by Ras Makonnen, Emperor Haile
Selassie’s father. The Harar markets are famous not so
much for the commodities they offer as of the variety of
ethnic groups they attract. The Harari and Oromo women in
their dresses and gold shawls, the Amhara women in their
white Shamma, Somalis with their camels, all speaking their
languages converge on the city markets at least once a week.
It is not uncommon to see one or two foreign tourists in
quest of antiques, in this case the ancient Harari coins.
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Hyena Men Finally, the hyena men, that is men at the
outskirts of the city feeding the hyenas. Routinely, the
hyenas from the surrounding mountains descend on the city
for the daily feed of bones, offal or the like the men hurl
at them. At times the hyenas come close to the feeder and
take the meat from his hand or even from his mouth. And how
about that! |
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Tour Code RTTC/036A
Duration : Three Days Awash, Harar and Dire Dawa Dire Dawa is situated 517 KMs southeast of Addis Ababa. It is a beautiful commercial city. It was founded more than a century ago, during the construction of Ethio-Djibuti Railway Line. Dire Dawa has many social, cultural, educational institutes and several industries. Harar is 50 KMs from Dire Dawa, surrounded by mountains. It is an old walled city established between the 7th and 9th Centuries. The unique part of Harar is the attraction of the Hyenaman, who feeds the hyenas every evening in the open air. DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 Tour Code RTTC/036B Awash, Harar & Dire Dawa (By Road & Return By Air) DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 Rainbow Exclusive Car
Rental & Tour Services |
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