ETHIOPIA BY HELICOPTER WITH
Join us for a journey through one of Africa's least explored countries. . . ...visit the unique landscapes and cultures of the almost untouched regions of
ETHIOPIA
1
ETHIOPIA
DAY
ADDIS ABABA
THE SHERATON
Begin your journey in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa - the fourth largest city in Africa. On your arrival at Bole International Airport, your pilot and guide will meet you and take you to the Sheraton Hotel.
by helicopter with
Depending on your time of arrival, a city tour can be arranged. The National Museum, St George’s Cathedral, the Ethnological Museum and Haile Selassie’s palace are all worth seeing. Traditional song houses and local markets can also be visited. Overnight at the Sheraton Hotel.
TROPIC AIR DAY
2
LALIBELA
MOUNTAIN VIEW HOTEL
Today you depart for Lalibela, following the Blue Nile Gorge through truly stunning landscapes. You will arrive in Lalibela mid morning and in the company of an expert guide, you will visit some of the famous 12th century rock-hewn churches. The city of Lalibela is, together with Axum, one of the two most important holy cities in Ethiopia, due to its famous rock-hewn churches, the largest monolithic rock-hewn buildings in the world. The city and its churches have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Overnight at Mountain View Hotel, Lalibela.
DAYS
3/4
TIGRAY
GHERALTA LODGE
Our destination today is the Tigray region of Northern Ethiopia. On leaving Lalibela, we will fly over the spectacular Danakil Depression in the Afar region, in far North Eastern Ethiopia. You will also visit Irta Ale a volcano in a state of continuous eruption since 1967 and the most famous of the Danakil Depression’s volcanoes. We continue to Tigray, arriving for lunch. In the afternoon, and over the next couple of days, we will visit the amazing rock-hewn churches that are perched on top of steep hills, or carved into cliff faces, only accessible by narrow footpaths. Overnight at Gheralta Lodge.
DAYS
5/6 LAKE TANA
KURIFTU RESORT
After two days in Tigray, we depart for Lake Tana. On route we stop at the fascinating town of Aksum famous for Stellae and stone monuments. An early lunch will be arranged in one of the local hotels. We then continue our journey South, flying over the spectacular Simien Mountains, that stand over 4,500 meters tall, arriving at Lake Tana mid afternoon. Located in the Amhara region in the north-western part of the country, Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile and is the Ethiopia’s largest lake. The lake has 37 islands, many with monasteries of immense historical and cultural values, decorated with colorful paintings. We will spend two nights at the Kuriftu Resort, and enjoy a boat cruise to some of the islands that house historic nunneries and monasteries. Overnight Kuriftu Resort.
DAY
7
HARAR HARAR GUEST HOUSE After breakfast, we fly to the Eastern highlands, landing at Dira Dama airport. The 16th century walled city of Harar is Ethiopia’s Holy City for the Muslim community. Its characterized by narrow alleyways, whitewashed walls and more than 90 ancient mosques. Overnight at Harar Guest House.
DAYS
8/9
BALE MOUNTAINS BALE MOUNTAIN LODGE The Bale Mountains, in the south Eastern region of Oromia, is known for its abundant wildlife and Africa’s largest area of Afro-Alpine habitat. During our time here, we will explore the mountains - walking, horse trekking and scenic drives. We will also have an insight into the work of the Ethiopian wolf Conservation Program. Overnight at Bale Mountain Lodge.
DAYS
10/11
DAY
12
OMO DELTA
THE SHERATON
MURULLE HUNTER’S LODGE
ADDIS ABABA
Today we fly to Arba Minch where we will meet our vehicles and continue on to the Omo Delta. Over the next 2 days we will meet some of Africa’s most interesting tribes. We will witness a Hamer bull jumping ceremony, Surma stick fighting and meet the Mursi, Nyangatom and Kara people. Overnight at Murulle Hunter’s Lodge.
Today you will return to Addis Ababa - the final journey of our adventure follows the western wall of the Great Rift Valley. Spend a night at the Sheraton Hotel before departing the next day.
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ERITREA
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AXUM SI M IEN M OUN T A I NS N A T I ON A L PA RK
T I G R AY
Simien Mountains
f Ade n o f l Gu
Lake Tana
ETHIOPI A
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ADDIS ABABA
NECHISA R NATIO NAL PARK
YA BE L L O W I LDL I F E SA N C TUARY
Lake Turkana
UGANDA
K E N YA
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HA BABIL E EL EPH A N T SA N CTUA RY
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GRE AT
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ABIJATTA- SH ALLA LA KES NATIONAL PARK
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G A M BE L LA N A TIO N A L PA RK
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SUDAN
Bale Mountains BAL E M OUN T A I NS N A T I ON A L PARK
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THE BLUE NILE GORGE
LALIBELA
LALIBELA
DANAKIL DEPRESSION
DANAKIL DEPRESSION
DANAKIL DEPRESSION
IRTA ALE
SALT PLAINS & THE AFAR PEOPLE
TIGRAY REGION
ROCK CHURCHES OF TIGRAY
ROCK CHURCHES TIGRAY
AKSUM
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS
BALE MOUNTAINS
TROPIC AIR Tropic Air is a leading air charter company, with 20 years of flying experience, operating throughout East Africa. With both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, Tropic Air specializes in air charters and flying safaris. Providing support for filming and aerial photography, geo survey, and search and rescue, are also key areas of operation. Tropic Air Kenya, by choice, operates the Eurocopter AS 350 B3. Suited to a wide range of tasks, means that our Eurocopters can adapt from carrying tourists to carrying stretchers. Aircraft are fitted with satellite tracking software, pilots are trained in ‘first person on scene’ first aid, and all precautions are carried out to ensure maximum safety and comfort. We have one helicopter based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with our partners Aquarius Aviation and three helicopters based at Nanyuki airfield, Northern Kenya.
HELICOPTER SPECS
OUR PILOTS
Five passenger seats. Range: 360 Nautical Miles. Speed: 115 knots Endurance: 3.5 hours Air conditioned Intercom system with passenger headsets sling capacity Fitted satellite tracking software 2 sliding doors for photography
Ben Simpson: Director of Helicopter Operations, over 8,000 hours of fixed and rotar wing.
EQUIPMENT Baskets for geosurvey/excess Luggage Floats and Life Raft Camera mounts - nose and slide Medical equipment and stretcher
Its ability to fly in hot and dusty conditions, and its proven performance within high altitude environments makes this the ultimate helicopter for East Africa. AKSUM
Jamie Roberts: Managing Director and Founder, over 8,000 hours fixed and rotar wing. Mario Magonga: Chief Pilot, over 4,000 hours rotar wing. Roger Gower: Line Pilot: over 2,000hours rotar wing. Hamish Rendall: Line Pilot, fixed wing and rotar wing.
Tel: +254 (0) 7327 49315
info@robertssafaris.com
www.robertssafaris.com