Abyssinia & Wild Paradise Islands
Ethiopia & Madagascar in 16 Days • 13 Nights in Destination
Emma
Travel crafter
A journey of discovery that takes you around Ethiopia, from unearthing medieval cave churches to meeting the people of age-old tribes, followed by encountering the tropical delights of the Nosy Mitsio islands.
First, discover Ethiopia and its rich cultural heritage, from Addis Ababa, to Lalibela, via Gondar and Bahir Dar. Meet the incredible Dorze and Konso people and get to know the Daasanach and Mursi tribes. Next, jet over to the paradisiacal islands of Madagascar; Nosy Be, Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely to discover the rich habitat and relax on their white sand beaches.
Arrive at your UK/Ireland departure airport ready to board a flight* to Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. Night on board.
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Arrive at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's sprawling capital in the highlands bordering the Great Rift Valley. A representative will be at the airport to give you a warm welcome to Ethiopia and assist you with the transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure either resting in the hotel or exploring the city. Dinner* and overnight stay in Addis Ababa.
* Please note: If you arrive at the hotel after 9:00 p.m, dinner will not be included. Instead, you will have the option to reserve a cold packed dinner for an additional charge in the next step of the booking process.
Accommodation
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, transfer to Addis Ababa airport and take a flight to Lalibela, the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. Lalibela is noted as The "New Jerusalem", an epicenter for internationally renowned rock-hewn churches known as 'Eight wonders of the world'. Physically created from the rock in which they stand, these towering edifices seem to be a superhuman creation due to the scale, workmanship and concept. After lunch, begin to explore the rock-hewn churches of the remarkable king Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches; Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha. “Bet” means house in Amharic, and in this instance stands for church. Transfer back to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Lalibela.
Accommodation
475 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, continue exploring the rock-hewn ‘Bet’s’ of Lalibela, heading this time to the Southeastern Cluster of churches. Unearth the history of Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, visit the most famous of all, Bet Giyorgis, a huge monolith in the shape of a cross, constructed in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia. Lunch included. Spend the afternoon taking part in a traditional coffee ceremony with a local family, experience the Ethiopian way to drink coffee which is served up to three times, and each serving, named abol, tona and baraka, will be weaker than the previous. Tradition says that the first one is for pleasure, the second one is to provoke contemplation, and the third one serves as the blessing to the drinkers. Transfer back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Lalibela.
Accommodation
475 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
Moderate
Early 6am rise this morning as you set-off to Gondar by road. Enjoy breakfast on-route. Arrive at the hotel for check in and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon your Gondar discovery will commence, discover Gondar Castle, the Fasil Pool, and Debre Birhan Trinity Church. Known as "the Camelot of Africa" it’s famous for its medieval castles and churches, and also known as the Imperial City of Fasilides. The Kings of Ethiopia based their power in Gondar for two centuries. The city was the first capital of the Ethiopian empire, there are a number of castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. Many picturesque ruins lie in the royal enclosure like fairytale castles, dating back to the 17th century. The castles reflect the glory of Gondarine kings and are characterized by lime mortar style. Transfer back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Gondar.
Accommodation
20 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
After breakfast, drive from Gondar to Bahir Dar. The drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture and the traditional agricultural methods still in use today. Lunch included. Embark on a boat to visit the ancient island monasteries on the lake. The monasteries are famous for their typical Ethiopian religious paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and other ancient church treasures. The monasteries you visit include; Ura Kidane Mihret famed for its iconic paintings, and continue onto the southern end of the heart-shaped lake to the 14th century island monastery of Kibran Gebriel. End the day watching the sunset at Bezawit Hill where you can see the outside of Emperor Haile Selassie I’s summer residence. Transfer back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Bahir Dar.
Accommodation
155 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
After breakfast, your adventure continues to the Gughe Mountains. Transfer to Bahir Dar airport and fly to Addis Ababa where you will take another flight to Arba Minch. Upon arrival in Arba Minch, lunch and ascend into the Gughe Mountains to visit the Dorze people, known for their tall beehive-like houses and their fine cotton weaving. Have the unique opportunity of meeting the Dorze, a minority ethnic group known for their durable beehive huts that can stand up to two stories high, some even feature fireplaces and are only made of bamboo, enset and other local materials. The Dorze were once warriors, but today they are famous for their cotton weaving and making brightly coloured clothes. Transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Arba Minch.
Accommodation
178 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
After breakfast, depart Arba Minch and travel by road to Turmi. On-route, stop in Konso for a visit with the Konso people, known for their totems built in honour of the dead, as well as their intricate agricultural terracing techniques. The Konso are agricultural people, cultivating subsistence crops on terraces that reduce soil erosion, leading a way of life that goes hand in hand with nature. The lands of the Konso have been declared as a World Heritage Site. Lunch included. After the visit, continue to Turmi, home of the Hamer tribes. Finally, visit the Hamer village in Turmi. The Hamar, found mostly in the fertile Omo Valley, are pastoralists who place great importance on cattle. Transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Turmi.
Accommodation
318 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
After breakfast, drive to Omorate to meet the Daasanach tribe. The Daasanach range across a large territory following the western banks of the Omo River to Lake Turkana. Lunch included. Local tradition, reinforced by that of the Turkana, recounts that the Daasanach migrated to their current homeland from a region called Nyupe, to the west of Turkana. Like the Turkana, Samburu and Gabbar of northern Kenya, the Dasenech or Geleb were originally herders, living an almost nomadic lifestyle. The abundant water frontage and fertile soil of their present territory has subsequently pushed them towards a more diverse subsistence economy, based around fishing and agriculture as well as herding livestock. Transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Turmi.
Accommodation
318 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
Early in the morning, depart Turmi and head to Mago National Park by road via Jinka and enjoy breakfast on-route and lunch included. The most renowned of the tribes that live in Mago are the striking Mursi with their distinctive body ornamentation, such as lip plates, piercings and face paintings and are featured often in travel publications. The Mursi women, like the Suri, insert discs into their lower lips adding to their unusual appearance, adorned with beads, strange and elaborate headdress creations and scant beaded-leather clothes. After visiting the Mursi village, transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Jinka.
Accommodation
236 Reviews
Activities
Moderate
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Jinka airport and fly back to Addis
Ababa. Lunch included. Located at the foot of the Entoto Mountains, Addis is the capital of Ethiopia, founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik. Known locally as the "new flower", the city is dotted with Eucalyptus trees and surrounded by mountains. Addis is a regional hub with quite a cosmopolitan feel, offering interesting sights and delicious Ethiopian cuisine. Transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Addis Ababa.
Accommodation
Breakfast* at the hotel. Sadly, it’s time to bid farewell to Ethiopia after a truly unforgettable experience. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Nosy Be. Known as the 'perfume island' for its scents of Ylang Ylang, sugar cane and spices, Nosy Be is the main island of Madagascar's archipelago. After your arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to start discovering this beautiful island. Overnight stay in Nosy Be.
* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
Accommodation
511 Reviews
After breakfast, your guide will greet you at your hotel ready for your Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely Tour. First, you head for the stunning volcanic island of Nosy Komba by speedboat. Once you arrive, visit the artisanal fishermen’s village and its traditional dugouts, with its embroidery and crafts market. Then, visit the small private park and discover some incredible species that inhabit the island, such as the boa constrictor, chameleons and land tortoises, but most significantly the macaco lemur. Next, your excursion takes you towards the protected underwater natural reserve of Nosy Tanikely. Swim and snorkel in the warm, crystal-clear waters, and look out for the magnificent spectacle of corals and anemones, myriads of multicolored fish, crustaceans, groupers and with luck spot some sea turtles. Finally, take a stroll to the lighthouse to discover the dogfish and lemurs perched in the trees, lizards, chameleons and butterflies that will accompany you along the way. Lunch included. After this adventurous day, head back to your Nosy Be hotel. Overnight stay in Nosy Be.
Accommodation
511 Reviews
Activities
Active
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you have the whole day at your leisure. Choose to spend the day relaxing, swimming in the ocean or soaking up the sun on the soft, white-sand beaches, while you recharge and take in the beautiful natural surroundings of this magical island. If you are really wanting to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime trip, we recommend one of the exciting excursions listed below. Overnight stay in Nosy Be.
* Lokobe Reserve Excursion with Boat Transfers and Picnic Lunch: A nature lover's dream. Visit this natural reserve that shelters several endemic animal species. In addition to the black lemur, see the weasel lemur with yellow stripes that lives on Lokobe. Discover endemic reptile species, in particular the Malagasy tree boa, the short-tailed chameleon, the panther chameleon as well as the Mantella frog.
** Nosy Iranja Excursion with Boat Transfers and Picnic Lunch: Nosy Iranja is a paradise island formed by two small islets connected by a 2 km long, idyllic white-sand bank. Known as ‘Turtle Island’ as turtles lay their eggs on the beaches. It’s a natural paradise, whales can even be seen there from July to December. Enjoy a seafood lunch.
*** Sunset in Mont Passot: End your day by enjoying the sunset at Mont Passot, the second highest point of Nosy Be. From the top of the hill, you can enjoy a 360 degree view of the Indian Ocean and some of the twelve volcanic lakes of the island. The most beautiful moment is at sunset, the sky takes on a range of colors from orange to pink, fuchsia to red and blue: a truly exciting moment. This excursion can be done after the Lokobe Reserve or Nosy Iranja Excursions.
Please note: Due to the timings, it is not possible to do both the Lokobe Reserve Excursion and Nosy Iranja Excursion, please choose one of them.
Accommodation
511 Reviews
Activities
Active
Active
Light
Breakfast at the hotel.* Today, sadly it's time to end your adventure to Madagascar and its islands. Bid farewell to the spice-scented island of Nosy Be and you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to the UK/Ireland.
* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
Arrive in UK/Ireland and end of your trip.
Included activity for day 3
Duration 08:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:30 Approx
Physical rating:
Visit the Northwestern Cluster of Churches
Explore the Northwestern Cluster of rock-hewn churches; Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha.
Included activity for day 4
Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:30 Approx
Physical rating:
Visit the Southeastern Cluster of Churches
Unearth the history of Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos, and the most famous of all, Bet Giyorgis, a huge monolith in the shape of a cross.
Included activity for day 4
Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 15:00 Approx
Physical rating:
Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
Take part in a traditional coffee ceremony with a local family. Ethiopian coffee is served up to three times. Tradition says; 1st is for pleasure, 2nd to provoke contemplation, 3rd serves as the blessing to the drinkers.
Included activity for day 5
Duration 11:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:00 Approx
Physical rating:
Gondar City Tour
Known as "the Camelot of Africa" it’s famous for its medieval castles and churches, and also known as the Imperial City of Fasilides. Discover Gondar Castle, the Fasil Pool, and Debre Birhan Trinity Church.
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Suggested activity for day 14
Duration 08:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx
Physical rating:
Lokobe Reserve Excursion with Boat Transfers and Picnic Lunch
Discover nocturnal and diurnal lemurs,reptiles, endemic chameleons, tropical birds among others in this natural reserve.
Suggested activity for day 14
Duration 09:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx
Physical rating:
Nosy Iranja Excursion with Boat Transfers and Picnic Lunch
Nosy Iranja is a paradise island formed by two small islets connected by a sand bank. It offers postcard-like reflections, and hosts a variety of sea life such as turtles and whales (July-December).
Suggested activity for day 14
Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 16:00 Approx
Physical rating:
Sunset in Mont Passot
End your day by enjoying the sunset at Mont Passot. From the top of the hill, you can enjoy a 360 degree view of Nosy Be, the Indian Ocean and some of the twelve volcanic lakes of the island.
Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
International flights: UK/Ireland - Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa - Nosy Be, Nosy Be - UK/Ireland.*
Internal flights: Addis Ababa - Lalibela, Bahir Dar - Addis Ababa - Arba Minch, Jinka - Addis Ababa.*
13 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
13 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners.
All transfers
Visits and entrances fees as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide.
All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
Lake Tana Boat Cruise.
ATOL Protection.
*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase
Visa (required)*, entrance **, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
* Ethiopia: online Visa before arrival is recommended and can be done through the following website: www.evisa.gov.et Approx. price: £45.
* Madagascar: required and costs approx. £31 to be paid on arrival in cash.
** £45 Lalibela Churches entrance fee payable directly on spot.
IMPORTANT: This trip is not suitable for a person with reduced mobility due to the nature of the excursions and the terrain.
However, please note that this tour can be taken privately. There will be a private guide and a specifically designed itinerary to ensure maximum enjoyment. The excursions will be taken via alternative routes with ease of access and the pace will be dictated by the passenger.
To take part in the private tour it is required that the person with reduced mobility is accompanied by a dedicated person at all times, to assist in any necessary situations, such as getting in and out of the transport vehicle, on excursions, and so on.
* Documentation of the internal flights will either be available in the "My bookings" section in your "Customer Area" 14 days before your trip or delivered to you on arrival at your destination. It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger in the given boxes at the end of the reservations process.
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.
If you have reduced mobility/require the use of a wheelchair and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +44 20 8068 3176 or via our contact form.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
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