A place where the hidden beauty of life is obvious
Why Ethiopia should be your
next destination What if we told you there is a destination that has it all. A place for history buffs and mountain adventurers. A meeting point of cultural engagement, where the world’s religions coexist. A place determined by geography where endemic wildlife thrives, and Africa’s greatest river is born. Would you believe us? It seems the very notion of travel was created in order to explore Ethiopia, a land that satisfies our curiosity to encounter new cultures, learn from history, and enjoy beautiful landscapes, all with the spice of adventure! The only major African country to avoid European colonization, Ethiopia is an incubator of ancient culture, tribal customs, and religious passion. The fabled kingdom of Abssynia is home to Africa’s only written script, epic tales of kings and queens, and a homegrown way to tell time. Thanks to its cultural diversity, Ethiopians offer some of the best and most varied food in Africa, and their traditional dances and local music can compete with any country on the world stage. Are you still doubting? Ethiopia is rich in ecosystems including high alpine, tropical forests, savannahs, and deserts. A place where volcanoes are born and mountain ranges give cover to a wide variety of animals. If you choose Ethiopia, we are sure you will want to come back over and over to experience more of the only country on earth that seems to exist in its own universe.
Maps have a special kind of magic to entice the most curious of travelers. Throughout history, maps of Ethiopia—referred to as Abyssinia— have presented the highland kingdom as a place of wonder and mystery, inspiring explorers, monks, and adventurers to wander and discover. Accept this gift to inspire your future journey to Ethiopia.
Enkwandenametachu! (Welcome!)
Ancient tribes The Southern Culture Route
The Southern Culture Route takes travelers to the heart of Ethiopia’s most diverse tribal lands in the Omo Valley to witness animist cultures that strike a chord with the true African experience. Ethiopia has more than 80 ethnicities living within its borders, all speaking different languages with different customs, and the journey through the Omo Valley brings you closer to those tribes who for centuries have lived in isolation from the rest of the world. An adventure unlike any in Africa, you will see firsthand the way these tribes live, dress, eat, and socialize. You will also experience some of their most intimate customs and ancient ceremonies, acts of courage and passion that seem to defy modernity. You will realize that these tribes are now tethered to global tourism and wonder how over the next decades, the Karo, Hamer, Erbore, Surma, and Mursi will face decisions on how to carry their people forward in a changing world. Here today, the traveler can still catch a glimpse of the past. We strive to treat the people of these tribes as well as their lands with respect. Sustainability is key, so we use local tour associations that benefit the entire village. Cultural tourism requires a delicate balance of respect and understanding in order to preserve what has already existed for so long.
6- 12 days
Airplane Overland
Culture
Landscape
Adventure
History
Spiritual Roots The Northern Historic Route Once the world’s longest-running monarchies, the Ethiopian Empire, led by its own King of Kings, ruled these highlands for hundreds of years, drawing its legitimacy from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, an ancient faith that became a state religion in the 3rd century. The historic route is a journey through dramatic history that allows you to walk through the past and experience the intimate bond between society and religion. Travelers go to Axum, the Horn of Africa’s most important pre-Christian civilization, and then on to Tigray’s ancient rock churches carved into the sandstone of the majestic Gheralta valley. Visit the great castles and royal bathes built by the kings of Ethiopia over 400 years ago in Gondar and the isolated monasteries located on the islands of Lake Tana. The journey takes travelers over 2,000 kilometers through the countryside, mountains, and desert. The overlanding experience also gives you a chance to enjoy local culture and see the landscapes that exist in between these incredible historic sites.
8 - 12 days
Airplane Overland
Culture
Landscape
Adventure
History
Vast Ethiopia North and South, Culture and History The traveler who truly wants the complete Ethiopian experience will be drawn to our Vast Ethiopia tour. Over the course of three weeks, you will participate in the tribal culture on the Southern Culture Route and travel through time on the Northern Historic Route. If moving to Ethiopia is not an option, this is the best way to see the country’s many faces: tribes and churches, dances and prayers, castles and savannahs, a wide array of people who live in today’s Ethiopia, and so much more. On this journey, the diversity of Ethiopia’s culture will astound you, and sharp transitions in the geography will keep you on your toes. You get everything, and even then, we can guarantee you will still want to see more of this beautiful country.
16 - 21 days
Airplane Overland
Culture
Landscape
Adventure
History
Danakil Depression Walk through a geolgical rainbow No matter how long you have been traveling the world, nothing compares to the geological journey into the Danakil Depression. The Danakil is located in the northern part of the Great Rift Valley and home to some of the most astounding terrain in the Horn of Africa. Over 100 meters below sea level, this inverted world of rock and heat is harsh yet beautiful. Despite the average temperatures of 40° Celsius, the Afari people have survived through a nomadic existence and a local economy based on salt trading. Go to Dallol, where a volcanic explosion has created a crater of mineral pools that have painted the landscape a vivid palette of greens, oranges, yellows, and reds. Climb over surreal salt formations, and trek through the night to Erta Ale volcano where you will sleep near the massive crater and peer into an active lava lake boiling in the caldera. These are the places that make Ethiopia more than just history and culture.
4 - 10 days
Culture Adventure
Airplane Overland
(optional)
Landscape History
Simien Mountains Climb to the roof of Africa 6 - 10 days
Culture Adventure
Airplane Overland
(optional)
Landscape History
The Simien Mountains are considered Ethiopia’s most impressive national park where adventure seekers find the country’s highest peak, Ras Dashen (4,620m). The famous mountain range, just north of Gondar, is home to Ethiopia’s big three endemic species: Gelada Baboon, Walia Ibex, and the Simien Fox. After two days in Gondar, customize your itinerary with a series of day hikes or set off on a multi-day backpacking tour that combines dramatic landscapes, local culture, and odd animals. Both hikers and passengers can reach the high camp of Chennok, where you walk through herds of the passive Gelada baboons and eavesdrop on their squeaky conversations. Then watch the sunset over the afro-alpine landscape before tucking in for a cold night. Experienced hikers looking for a challenging trek at higher altitudes can opt to hike Ras Dashen and stand on top of Ethiopia. Every tour includes a park scout and a mountain guide. We also offer camping gear, cooks, and mules.
Religious Holidays Feel the heartbeat of the people
Include a religious festival in your itinerary and make this fascinating country truly come alive. Learn about ancient doctrine and traditions, follow a holy procession through town, and watch the faithful sing and pray all night under a blanket of stars. You will see why these holy days are the heartbeat of the people. Far and wide, Ethiopia is rife with shrines and holy places, which allow you to understand how the devoted and pious clergymen across the country have safeguarded their traditions from globalization: people still arrive on foot, music is still heard through a drum, meat is still cooked over an open fire. It is an orquestra of love and patience. With a bit of planning around the religious calendar and with our expertise, we can help you choose the right festival and find a way for you to get lost in these wildly popular celebrations.
Lidet (Ethiopian Christmas): January 7th* Witness the patience and elation of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians as they break fast at midnight and celebrate with a spectacular mass of song and joyful church music. The holiday evokes pure bliss with feasting and drinking. Lalibela is a special place for Christmas. Timket (Epiphany): January 19th* Follow a the holy procession of priests, deacons, and Christians through the streets one day and wake up early the next to splash in the holy waters when believers commemorate Christ’s baptism in the River Jordan. For Timket, Gondar is the most famous, and Axum and Lalibela are good options. Fasika (Ethiopian Easter): 55 days after Lent in mid-April Try some of Ethiopia’s finest vegetarian cuisine, such as lentils, split peas, garbanzos, fruit, and a variety of vegetable stews accompanied by injera (flatbread made from teff) during the Easter fast. On the eve of Easter, go to mass and light candles for loved ones. The next day, families give gifts. Easter is especially colorful in the holy cities of Axum and Lalibela. Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year): September 11th* New Year’s day is not exactly religious. The day marks the end of the 13-month calendar and coincides with the start of springtime in the highlands. Many families decorate their homes with the yellow Meskel flower
while the youth sing, dance, and exchange greetings. The Tigray churches of Gheralta can be fun for this holiday, where you can spend time with priests on their day off. Meskel (Finding of the True Cross): September 27th* Meskel is a festival of fire and smoke that celebrates the finding of the True Cross of Christ. According to the 4th century legend, a fire’s smoke led to the discovery of the cross. The country’s largest celebration takes place on Meskel Square in the capital Addis Ababa, where after a mid-day mass, thousands of candles welcome an enormous bonfire. The Gurage and Dorze tribes in the south are known for their passionate Meskel celebrations. Kulubi (Feast of Saint Gabriel): July 26th, December 28th* Walk with pilgrims to Kulubi, located near the city of Dire Dawa, following the processions and ceremonies of devotion and witnessing how pilgrims take on arduous tasks to fulfill their vows and provide gifts to the church. Eid Al-fitr (Ramadan): May 23rd, 24th, 2020* Go east to Ethiopia’s cultural center of Islam to witness how the religion’s most important holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan, is celebrated with the sacrifice of thousands of animals to provide feast for every neighbor in town. Share the celebration and see this holiday on full display in Harar.
* Important: These dates are subject to change, as holidays are pegged to the Ethiopian or the Islamic calendars.
Tigray Churches A temple with a view Standing on the airy deck of a sandstone tower 200 meters above the ground, you may come to realize what a band of Syrian monks saw and found in the craggy mountains of Gheralta, a majestic valley of red rock in the northern region of Tigray. With sweeping views of the desert below, it’s easy to understand how praise and devotion to the creator could become their primary preoccupation. Combine history and culture with a hefty dose of trekking to visit the half-dozen churches sheltered by nature, and wonder at the paintings and books, treasures that have survived the ages and are still being used today.
4-5 days
Culture Adventure
Airplane Overland
Landscape History
Lalibela Churches The Bedrock of Faith The legend says the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela were built by angels. After a few days wandering through the corridors, from church to church, you can see why. In fact, King Lalibela commissioned these houses of worship in the 12th century. They were chiseled directly into the basalt bedrock, out of sight from invadors on the horizon. Over 800 years later, Lalibela is the site of the world’s most amazing feat of medieval architecture, and the churches continue to attract believers on a daily basis and provide a singular backdrop for any of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church holidays. Combine the journey with long walks to the surrounding monasteries, enjoy the town’s stunning panoramas from the shoulders of the Lasta Mountains, and experience a version of faith and devotion seen nowhere else in the world.
4-5 days
Culture Adventure
Airplane Overland
Landscape History
Coffee & Culture Be part of the ceremony ‘Buna’, coffee in Amharic, is a centerpiece of Ethiopian life. Ages ago, the coffee tree was discovered in Ethiopia and changed the world forever. In Ethiopia today, coffee play a large role in both economy and culture. This off-the-beaten-track tour takes travelers to the southwestern region of the country where high quality coffee is grown for export and tribal communities continue a way of life tied to their land and cattle. First, visit a large coffee plantation in the region of Jimma, a former kingdom with its own striking history and, depending on the season, see how coffee is picked and sorted. Next, drive on to the rarely-visited region north of the Omo River where the Surma tribes, Suri and Me’en, live. Spend several days in their villages, experiencing ceremonies and eating local food. In this region, customize your itinerary to visit other tribes like the Dizi, Tishena, and Zilmamo.
8-10 days
Culture Adventure
Overland
Landscape History
Harar Enter the walled city Harar stands as one of the most fascinating cities in the world. A crossroads of African and Arabian history, Harar is where culture, language, and style converge. Its creation is unknown, but by the 11th century, this unique place became the center of Islam in the Horn of Africa. The 16th century was a golden age, a time when poets penned the beauty of the town and coffee was the drink of choice. Walk through the Jugol, the famous walled city, where today little has changed. Experience the street life, colorful markets, numerous mosques, and old houses. When night falls, friendly hyenas slowly enter the city, and the courageous Hyena Man offers them food. Also see the craggy mountains around Harar and visit the savannahs of Awash National Park. While driving through the countryside, enjoy the panoramic views of eastern Ethiopia.
4-6 days
Culture Adventure
Airplane Overland
Landscape History
Great Rift Valley Land of Lakes Feel the ‘rift’ while traveling through the heart of the Great Rift Valley, a gigantic geographical feature stretching 6,000km from the Middle East to Mozambique. As it passes through Ethiopia, the long valley features spectacular lakes teeming with migratory birds. See how the Rift Valley cultures depend on these lakes for survival and ride in a
motor boat to view birds, hippos, and crocodiles living on the shores. Then, climb out of the valley into the Bale Mountains, where views from 4,000 meter peaks remind you just how intense the geological history of Ethiopia really is. Finally, end your tour on a game drive through Awash National Park near the spectacular Awash Falls.
6 - 8 days
Culture Adventure
Overland
Landscape History
Bird Spotting The Pursuit of Rare Birds
Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most prolific bird watching destinations with over 800 listed bird species and at least 16 endemic species. It is a must-visit for any serious birder. Bird populations swell in the drier months, from November to February, and our specialized guides will uncover the best spots for twitching the following: fish eagles, flamingos, storks, orioles, among others. The endemic Wattled Ibis, Rouget’s Rail, and Blue-winged Goose await your lens. Our most successful birding itineraries concentrate on Ethiopia’s Southern regions, the Great Rift Valley, and the Bale Mountains. All birding tours are guided by members of Ethiopia’s Wildlife and Natural History Society, making the identification of dozens of birding sites efficient.
6 - 10 days
Culture Adventure
Overland
Landscape History
Trekking Tours Bale Mountains As an area of natural beauty and ecological importance, the Bale Mountains will treat visitors to spectacular views, including old growth forests, crystalline streams, and alpine landscapes. Trekking through the Bale Mountains takes hikers though meadows and thick forested valleys rich in colorful flora. The Bale range is seen as one of Ethiopia’s most important sources of biodiversity and has become a classic destination for trekking tourism. Hikers stay in comfortable huts run by community leaders and have the opportunity to interact and learn how the Oromo people live in concert with the surrounding forest.
6 - 8 days
Culture Adventure
Overland
Landscape History
Mekdela: The Steps of Tewodros
Lalibela to Abuna Yosef
This moderate overnight trek gives visitors the chance to relive one of Ethiopia’s most incredible chapters of history. Mekdela was the site of the dramatic undoing of one of Ethiopia’s national heros: Tewodros II. After uniting much of Northern Ethiopia and winning respect, his empire slowly deteriorated. To fend against his enemies he sought the help of the British and even took British hostages to get the Queen’s attention, which led to the invasion of 30,000 troops and his ultimate suicide. Spend two days hiking to and from this rarely visited gem in the Welo highlands. Spend the night with the Mekdela tourism association where a guide will show you Tewodros’ gravesite, the location of his former palace, and the 10-ton cannon he ordered his hostages to build, known as Sevastopol. You will be able to visualize how Mekdela came to be Tewodros’ impenetrable rock as well as his everlasting tomb.
Combine your visit to the historic Lalibela rock-hewn churches with trekking in the highlands to experience Ethiopia’s rich history and natural beauty. After spending a few days in Lalibela, start your hike into the stunning panoramas of the arid escarpment where basalt towers and dramatic precipices fall into the valleys below. Spend two nights in a typical highland village, eating meals with local families who live in traditional huts and lead a way of life tied to their farm animals. Enjoy the summit day by hiking through afro-alpine meadows before finally reaching Abuna Yosef (4,300m). On the mountaintop, the vultures surfing the high winds will keep you company before you turn around and hike out, back to Lalibela.
5 days
Overland
6 -8 days
Airplane (optional)
Overland
Culture
Landscape
Culture
Landscape
Adventure
History
Adventure
History
Travel tips Some people like to know it all before they go, some people like to be surprised. Most fall somewhere in between, but everyone appreciates a tip or two for a well-planned journey.
E-visas are available for all nationalities, be sure to double-check the website at https://www.evisa.gov.et/ as there are several scam sites fishing for unaware travelers. Those who arrive on Ethiopian Airlines receive a discount on domestic flights, for which Ethiopian Airlines is the only operator, with over 25 regional airports. Book flights on or around holidays in anticipation. Overland travel is a great way to see the country, but remember that mountainous topography makes land travel long. The 1-hour flight to Lalibela, for example, takes nearly 2 days by road. Climates vary between the central highlands, the southern forests, and eastern scrubland. The rainy season falls between May and September, but travelers encounter rainy days in March, April and October. Dress appropiately. The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB) and ATMs are available in all major cities. Exchange any foreign currency at authorized banks and hotels. Visitors may change back surplus Ethiopian Birr at the airport before departure. All visitors should have valid yellow fever vaccination certificates. Immunization for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Polio is recommended. Popular destinations such as the Omo Valley and the Rift Valley do pose a risk for malaria, especially at the end of the rainy season. Consult a physician about prophylaxis and pack repellent. In the highlands—Addis Ababa, Harar, Axum, Mekele, Gondar, and Lalibela— malaria is not a problem.
Why you should
trust us
with your experience Travelers have depended on us for more than 10 years. Today, Vast Ethiopia Tours is a top leader in a growing sector and can customize tours and accommodate groups of all sizes in every major language with qualified guides and the comfort and safety of reliable vehicles. Our team has grown beyond Ethiopia where we have two international tour consultants as well as a growing network of sales and promotion partners in Europe and the USA. Here at home, we have a diverse staff representing Ethiopia’s many ethnicities and regions; 15 employees who do their best to make sure every visitor is on the receiving end of a carefully planned itinerary and a high quality tour. At the end of the day, we do it for the love. In Amharic, we use the word fiker for love, and our fiker for Ethiopia runs deep. Put your travel plans in our hands and feel assured, because we love Ethiopia. We love its diversity, beauty, and people. We want every traveler to discover the many reasons to love this land, so this love can be shared with the rest of the world. But in order to love Ethiopia, you must first come. We welcome you with all our fiker!
Habtu Tekeba
Founder and Managing Director
Photography by Attila Lorant, www.attilalorant.photography Editorial design by Ignacia Carreno . ignacia.c@gmail.com Text by Nicholas Parkinson . nico.parco@gmail.com Š All rights reserved for Vast Ethiopia Tours. It is forbidden any use, total or partial, of the content in this document, including reproduction, editing, distribution, or dissemination by means of any technology platform, support, or computer network without prior written permission from Vast Ethiopia Tours
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