Program: Wildlife & Main Historic Routes

Code: ATE0021

Duration: 15Nights (16days)

Transportation: Air + Land (4x4)

Season: 06-21September2009

Day1: City tour of Addis Ababa

Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Air Port. Meet there with us and transfer to your hotel for check in and after breakfast and siesta; drive to the Entoto Mountain for a panoramic view of Addis, Entoto Museum and the old palace of MenelikII (at Entoto Mountain), the National Museum where you can see different archaeological findings (including 3.18million years old skeleton of Lucy), Trinity Cathedral, Mausoleum of emperor MenelikII, Merkato – the largest open market in Africa, monuments and International Bureau buildings like African Union. Overnight – at Ghion Hotel (4*) – Addis

Day2: The Tis Issat of the Blue Nile and Monasteries on Lake Tana

After breakfast; fly to Bahar Dar (at 1830m above sea level). Transfer from Bahir Dar Airport (9km) and check – in at Tana Hotel then boat trip on Lake Tana to visit monasteries. You will visit only the most accessible and representative of the monasteries on the lake, still serving their original function: Ura Kidane Mehret, and Azwa Maryam (in Zeghie Peninsula), Kibran Church (prohibited for women) & Entos Eyesus. After lunch at Tana Hotel, drive to the small town of Tiss Abay(32km rough road) to visit the impressive Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tiss Issat or 'Smoke of Fire'. On the way; visit the everyday market of Bair Dar on which you can find the pottery, traditional hand-made woven clothes, and Woito Basket market. Then proceed to the Blue Nile falls. The waterfall throws up a continuous spray of water droplets which sprinkles up to a kilometer away. Today; much of the water is diverted for Hydroelectric Generation plant but it is worth visiting for the walk around, a Portuguese made bridge (17Century), Birds, and the country side. The area around the waterfall is amazingly fertile and so that the Amhara people who live here farm wheat, sorghum and Teff (from which Injera, the national bread, is made). After the fall, return to Bahir Dar & drive to the Bezawit hill top(5km from Gojam – Gondar Blue Nile Bridge/regional border) for the palace of Emperor Haile SelassieI (photographing & interring is not allowed), panoramic view of Bahir Dar, the Source of the Blue Nile, leaving its source of Lake Tana. Overnight – at Tana Hotel (3*) – Bahir Dar

Day3: Gondar Castles, Churches  & Simien Mountains National Park

After breakfast; fly to Gondar visit the 17century church of Debre Birhan Sillassie (Light of Trinity) unique in its murals, the Castles of emperor Fassiladas and his swimming pool, and palace of Empress Mentewab.Or drive to the Simien National Park for full day excursion. In Debark (101km from Gondar); collect entrance tickets and get a scout the proceed up to Sanaka Ber. Overlook the chained mountains of the Simien Park and Gelada baboons feeding on the ground at many places. Overnight - tented camp -Sanka Ber - Semien National Park

The Park in Brief: It has been recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1978 by UNESCO. In the mountains; three animals, unique to Ethiopia are found: the Walia Ibex, the Simien Jackal, and the Gelada baboon. These baboons will be easily seen in groups in many areas of the Semiens. They are also known as the 'the bleeding heart baboon' for they are red on their chest.

Day4: Chennek

After breakfast; drive and walk  to The Semien Mountains, as far as Chennek site for waliya Ibexes and spectacular views. Lunch in the mountains and after some siesta; hike to best views. Overnight - Tented Camp - Chennek

Day5: Axum -the birth Place of Ethiopian History 

After Breakfast; drive to Axum (about 7-8hrs drive). Photo stops on the way. Overnight - at Yeha Hotel (3*) - Axum

Day6: Full day in Axum 

The ancient city of Axum is the birth Place of Ethiopian History. Axum treasures: the archaeological museum, park of monolithic steles, the tombs of King Kaleb, and the legendary Bath and the ruins of ancient palace of the Queen of Sheba, St Mary of Zion and the sanctuary that houses the original Ark of the Covenant. It is strongly believed that the original Ark of the Covenant is resting right here for centuries! – Overnight - at Yeha Hotel (3*) - Axum

Day7: Axum to Lalibela 

Morning; fly from Axum to Lalbela. Afternoon; visit the first group of the Rock Hewn Churches (1.Bete/House of Medhane Alem, 2.House of Maryam, 3.House of Masqal, 4.House of Danagil, 5.House of Dabra Sina & 6.House of Golgotha). Overnight – at Roha Hotel or Jerusalem Guest House (3*) – Lalibela

Day8: A full day in Lalibela

Early morning; Hike to Asheten Mariam (optional) for an excellent panoramic view of the region and a mountain Church named Asheten. After breathing on the top (more than3000m), descend down to the town of Lalibela. After lunch and a short siesta, continue exploring the fascinating churches (Second group): 7.Bete Amanuel, 8.Bete Marqorewos, 9.Bete Abba Libanos, 10.Bete Gabriel -Rufael and11. Bet Giyorgis - the most elegant of all Lalibela churches, which lies somewhat isolated in the southwest part of the town on a sloping rock terrace. After dinner at your hotel, attend and participate a shoulder to shoulder dance (Ethiopian traditional dance) and taste Tej (alcoholic drink produced from Honey) at best Lalibela live dance (Azmari) center. Overnight – at Roha or Jerusalem Hotel (both3*) - Lalibela

Day9: Awash National Park

Morning; flydis  from Lalibela to Addis Ababa and then drive to Awash National Park (225 modern asphalt road). Lunch at Dreamland Hotel - Debrezeith 47km from Addis. After lunch; proceed to Awash Park and stopover at Lake Beseka (Nearby the park) for several birdlife. Game view after having entrance tickets at the head office of the Awash National Park. Overnight – at best local hotel (Genet Hotel) – Awash Sebat. Awash National Park: - Awash National Park is located at 212km, east of Addis Ababa with an area of 756 Sq. km. It is the oldest and most developed wildlife reserve in Ethiopia. The park is entirely established on the plain of the Rift Valley. With the exception of 2,007m high Mountain Fentale. The park is predominantly covered with acacia trees and savannah grassland. The main tourist attractions of the park include lesser and greater kudu, Beisa Oryx, dik-dik, cheetah, lion, Somme ring’s gazelle and others. Bird species: secretary birds, Abyssinian ground hornbill, turaco birds and etc. Another interesting feature is the 150m – deep Awash River Gorge that makes up the park's southern boundary and with impressive waterfall at its head.

Day10: Hot Springs and Fentale Creater Lake

Full day visit. Take an early morning game drive and then return to the lodge/hotel for breakfast. Then drive with picnic lunch into the park to visit the Filwoha Hot Springs, where guests can take a hot bath. Then proceed to the Fentale crater, which still shows signs of activity with smocking steam vents. Overnight – at best local hotel (Genet Hotel) – Awash Sebat. Or Lodge in the Park.

Day11: Dinsho

 Bale Mountain national Park is place of endemism. It inhabits endemic mammals such as mountain Nyala, Red fox and Menelik's Bush-buck. Moreover it is the shelter of birdlife. Weyb River is one of its course forming the SofOmar Caverns, one of the most spectacular and underground cave in the world. Tuesday; 15Septemeber2009: After breakfast; drive from Awash National Park to Bale Goba founded at the bottom of Bale Mountain. Hike and game view at Dinsho (head quarter of Bale Mountain is here). Expected game views: Nyala, Red fox and Menelik's Bush-buck and others. . Overnight – At Dinsho guest house- Dinsho.

Day12: The Red Fox and the Bale Mountains

Today; it is the time to see the endemic Red Fox (Wolf). This fox is found at Simien Mountains too. But the chance to discover this endemic at Semien Mountains is too narrow. Here, for the fox; 100% sure and certain. Experience the breath at the top of Saneti Plateau until late afternoon and descend down to Bale Goba. Overnight – At Wabishebelle Hotel – Bale Goba.

Day13: SOfOmar – A spectacular Natural cave 

After breakfast; drive to SofOmar caverns for full day. The SofOmar cave system is one of the most spectacular and extensive underground caverns in the world. It is formed by the Weyb River and carved a new channel through limestone foothills. The 16 km cave system is an extraordinary natural phenomenon of this area. The dry, cool caves contain many marvels of natural architecture, including 20 meters high pillars of stone, flying buttresses, fluted archways and tall airy vaults. You can explore the caves on foot, without special climbing equipment, but proper precautions have to be taken. You must bring full of high power Torches. After noon, drive back to Bale Goba. Overnight – At Wabishebelle Hotel – Bale Goba.

Day14: Langano

After breakfast; drive from Bale Goba to Langano (291km). Visit the Ostrich farm at lakes Shalla – Abijata national Park. Overnight – at Savannah Lodge (best of all lodges in Langano) - Langano

Day15: Shalla – Abijata Lakes

Full day visit. After breakfast; explore the Shalla – Abijata Lakes. Different species of Aquatic birds like the Pink Flamingos, Dukes, Gosse, and many others are abundant at these lakes. Lake Langano - is a fresh breath taking atmosphere. Lake Langano with its beautiful white sand beach is bilharzias and crocodile free water body. Possible activities at this lake: swimming, trekking and bird watching in the forest along the shore. Overnight – at Savannah Lodge - Langano

Day16: Langano – Addis- Departure 

Driving back to Addis Ababa (212km best asphalt road) through the Great Rift Valley lakes lunch on route. Transfer to air port for your departure (end of your trip.)

Action Tours – the right choice, a company of action to serve you better! This Itinerary can be amended to any other sightseeing up on request