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A
JOURNEY IN DIVERSITY - DUBAI, ETHIOPIA & UGANDA
Countries
visited: UAE, Ethiopia and Uganda |
 |
Starting
off with an interesting insight into the culture the Sheikdoms
of the UAE, we see
how the
traditions of the Arab Sheikhs reside alongside the new
world. Dubai, the land of the future is where experiments
in the
architecture, technology, entertainments of tomorrow are
being tried and tasted. Next at Abyssinia, Africa’s
oldest empire and a centre of African Judeo/Christian history,
we explore Addis Ababa, Blue Nile Falls, Gondar, Lalibela,
Axum before venturing into the land of gorillas and chimpanzees
in Uganda – a dip into nature, at it’s best.
Surely, a Journey In Diversity.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Depart North America |
|
02
|
Arrive Dubai (UAE) |
| 03 |
Dubai & Desert
Safari |
|
04
|
Dubai / Addis Ababa |
|
05
|
Arrive Addis Ababa |
|
06
|
Addis Ababa |
|
07
|
Addis Ababa / Bahir Dar |
|
08
|
Bahir Dar / Gondar |
|
09
|
Gondar |
|
10
|
Gondar / Simien Mountains |
|
11
|
Simien Mountains / Gondar |
|
12
|
Gondar
/ Lalibela |
|
13
|
Lalibela |
| 14 |
Lalibela / Axum |
| 15 |
Axum / Addis Ababa |
| 16 |
Addis Ababa / Entebbe /
Kampala |
| 17 |
Kampala / Bwindi |
| 18 |
Bwindi – Gorilla
Tracking |
| 19 |
Bwindi / Kampala |
| 20 |
Departure transfer |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| World
Heritage Sites in: Ethiopia and Uganda covered
in this tour |
Rock-hewn
Churches, Lalibela (1978)
 |
The 11 medieval monolithic cave churches of this
13th-century 'New Jerusalem' are situated in a mountainous
region in the heart of Ethiopia near a traditional village
with circular-shaped dwellings. Lalibela is a high place of
Ethiopian Christianity, still today a place of pilmigrage and
devotion. |
Fasil
Ghebbi, Gondar Region (1979)
 |
In the 16th and 17th centuries, the fortress-city of Fasil
Ghebbi was the residence of the Ethiopian emperor Fasilides
and his successors. Surrounded by a 900-m-long wall, the city
contains palaces, churches, monasteries and unique public and
private buildings marked by Hindu and Arab influences, subsequently
transformed by the Baroque style brought to Gondar by the Jesuit
missionaries. |
Bwindi
National Park (1994)
 |
Located in south-western Uganda, at the junction of the plain
and mountain forests, Bwindi Park covers 32,000 ha and is known
for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species
of trees and over 100 species of ferns. Many types of birds
and butterflies can also be found there, as well as many endangered
species, including the mountain gorilla. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day 01: Depart
North America
Our spectacular journey across these countries starts off today
as we board our flight for Dubai.
Day 02: Arrive Dubai
Upon arrival at Dubai, the centre of the future world, we are
warmly received and transferred to our hotel for a good night’s
rest.
Overnight: Ascot Hotel (2 nights)
Day 03: Dubai & Desert Safari
We sample the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life
of Dubai as we explore Dubai. We cover Jumeira, the picturesque
palace, Sheikh Saeed House (former residence of the ruling
family) and the old part of Dubai where we visit the well stocked
museum located in Al Fahidi Fort. All aboard the Abra (water
taxi) to cross the Creek to the spice souk. Before savoring
the sights and sounds of the fish, fruit and vegetable market,
there is time to shop in the most famous landmark of Dubai
- the Gold souk.
Late afternoon we go off-road to the desert of golden sand
dunes on our 4x4’s. The Arabian roller coaster ride known
as dune bashing (desert driving) begins and we shriek and laugh
with excitement as we go up and down the dunes. The evening
is at the typical Arabian tents where a convoy of camels awaits
our arrival for short camel rides before an enjoyable Arabian
BBQ buffet dinner beside a blazing bonfire with traditional
cups of coffee and dates, underneath the pitch-black night
sky. One gets opportunity to dress in traditional Bedouin costumes
and try henna decorations with smoke flavored sheesha (hubbly-bubbly/water
pipe).
Day 04: Dubai / Addis Ababa (flight)
We are transferred to the airport for our flight to Africa’s
capital, Addis Ababa where we are warmly received and transferred
to our hotel.
Overnight: Ghion Hotel (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 05: Arrive Addis Ababa
Arrival to Addis Ababa, once clearing through Customs & Immigration,
you will be met at the exit gate by our local representative
for a transfer to the hotel. We meet this evening for dinner
and orientation. Addis Ababa The name of the city, in Amharic,
means "new flower". Founded in 1886 by Menelik II,
it is located at 2,500 m (8202 ft) above sea level in one of
the highest parts of the Entoto Mountain chain (3,000 m/9842
ft above sea level). Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide
avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums and one of
the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the "Mercato".
Overnight: Ghion Hotel, Addis Ababa (2 nights) (D)
Day 06: Addis Ababa
We spend the day exploring Addis Ababa beginning with a visit
to the National Museum, one of the most important sub- Saharan
museums in all of Africa. The museum is home to the fossilized
humanoid Lucy, as well as an amazing collection of artifacts,
royal items and art. We then visit the Ethnological Museum,
which was the former palace of Haile Selassie. After lunch,
we take time in St. George Cathedral, built in 1896 by Emperor
Menelik and then continue on to Holy Trinity Cathedral. Holy
Trinity Cathedral is the largest Orthodox Church in Ethiopia
and has survived through many historical periods, as its interesting
architecture can attest to. The Cathedral contains the thrones
and the tombs of the emperor and some of the royal family.
Visit Mercato, the largest open air market in Africa. (B, L,
D)
Day 07: Addis Ababa / Bahir Dar (Flight)
This morning we take a short flight this morning north to Bahir
Dar, which is a pleasant city located on the shores of Lake
Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. After checking into our
hotel, we drive to the Blue Nile Falls, which is known locally
as Tissisat (smoking water) falls: 100 m (328 ft) wide, the
water plunges for 45 m (148 ft), giving rise to steam clouds
and rainbows. We climb down to the base of the falls for an
up-close look and then ascend the other side the round trip
will take about 1hour walking. Then we cross the Blue Nile
by boat to return to the point of departure. After lunch we
explore the city of Bahir Dar, including the market and the
Bezawit Palace (formerly the Palace of Haile Selassie). A short
drive from our hotel, we visit a Woyito Village, where we will
see the production of the papyrus boats known as Tankwas.
Overnight: Tana Hotel, Bahir Dar (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 08: Bahir Dar / Gondar (Drive)
There are 37 islands on Lake Tana and 30 of them have churches
and monasteries of considerable historical and cultural interest.
We visit the monastery churches of Ura Kidane Mihiret, Azoa
Mariam, Narga Silasie and Dago Stifanos. Ura Kidanemihiret
is the best known of the monasteries and has an important collection
of religious icons from the 16th to 18th centuries A.D. Azoa
Mariam is known for its paintings and we also have time to
visit the small museum. Daga Stifanos is the most sacred of
the monasteries and unfortunately, only open to men. It holds
the tombs of some of the former emperors of Ethiopia, as well
as a 16th century A.D. painting of The Virgin Mary. Upon arrival
into Gorgora village, we visit Debere Sina Church before continuing
by road to Gondar.
Overnight: Goha Hotel, Gondar (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 09: Gondar
Gondar was the first capital city of the Ethiopian Empire,
which began in 1632. In Gondar, there are a dozen castles built
by various emperors over the course of 236 years. The city
seems more European than African and also has Islamic influences.
In the morning visit Fasilidas' Palace, probably the most impressive
of all the castles found in the area and the oldest one! We
continue on to the bath of Fasiledes and Quskuam Church. In
the afternoon we visit the Church Of Debre Berham Selassie
(Light of the Trinity). The interior of Debre Berham Selassie
is decorated with beautiful frescos, cherubs and paintings.
Debre Berham Selassie is rumored to once have been the proposed
final resting-place of the Ark of the Covenant and we will
visit the colorful market of Gondar. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Gondar / Simien Mountains (Drive)
We head off today to the Simien Mountains (Simien National
Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The road passes over
mountainous areas of wild beauty, drawing close to the Simien
Massif (in Amharic, Simien means north). In the park, many
of the mountain peaks exceed 4,000 m (13123 ft); the highest
is Ras Dejen, at 4,543 m (1905 ft) above sea level. These mountains
consist of volcanic masses that have been eroded away by centuries
of rain. Today they have amethyst-colored peaks and deep gullies,
which have been further deepened by rivers. The crevices play
host to the Walya, the ibex. We reach to the Simien Mountain
before lunch, so in the afternoon we will have about 4hours
trekking in the first campsites area of Sankaber and where
we can see Gelada baboons and if we are luck the Walya ibex.
Overnight: Simien Park Eco Lodge, Simien Mountains (1 night)
(B, L, D)
Day 11: Simien Mountains / Gondar (Drive)
We will have around 3-4 hours trekking in the mountain before
we return to Gondar. After lunch we drive back to Gondar and
on the route we visit the village of the Felasha (African Jews),
famous for their ceramics. We arrive back in Gondar early evening.
Overnight: Goha Hotel, Gondar (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 12: Gondar / Lalibela (Flight)
A short flight this morning takes us to Lalibela. The city
contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th
century and are carved out of the pink granite rock; they have
been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each church
(Bet) has a unique architectural style; all are superbly carved
and most of them are decorated with well-preserved paintings.
The entire city may be described as a sculpture dedicated to
the glory of God. The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the
first group of churches, known as the Northern Group of Churches.
Bet Medihanialem is the largest, supported by 72 pillars and
houses the 7kg (15 lbs) gold Lalibela Cross. We go through
a tunnel from Bet Medihanialem to Bet Mariam, in which there
is a pillar that it is said that Jesus Christ leaned against
when he appeared in a vision to King Lalibela. Bet Mariam also
contains fabulous carvings of various birds and animals. We
also visit Bet Danaghel; a chapel built in honor of martyred
nuns. Bet Golgotha and Bet Mikael are twin churches and many
believe that a visit to Bet Golgotha alone can guarantee your
place in heaven! The twin churches also contain many important
religious items and some of the best examples of early religious
art in the country. The last church we visit today is Bet Giyorgis,
one of the more recent churches and best preserved. We walk
return to our hotel and on the way back if time allows we will
have a over stops in the souvenir shops and around the city
center.
Overnight: Roha Hotel, Lalibela (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 13: Lalibela
In the morning we go on foot for an approximately 3-hour hike
(those who prefer can ride mules) to visit the Eastern Rock
Churches. Bet Amanuel is one of the most beautifully carved
churches in Ethiopia in the Aksumite style. Bet Merkorios has
a wonderful painting of The Three Wise Men, which dates back
to the 15th century A.D. We also stop to see Bet Abba Libanos
and Bet Gebrieal-Reafael, which might have once been the home
of the royal family before becoming a church. This afternoon,
we visit the Nakutelab Rock Hewn Church, built under a natural
cave. Tonight, we have a special treat, participating in The
Coffee Ceremony, a ceremony of hospitality in Ethiopia. (B,
L, D)
Day 14: Lalibela / Axum (Flight)
Today we take a flight to Axum - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The legends narrated in the Kebre Nagast (Book of Kings) recount
how the city of Axum as early as the 10th century B.C was already
the city in which the Queen of Sheba resided. It is recounted
that the son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon brought
the Ark of the Covenant to Axum and it remains there to this
day, preserved in a sanctuary. Famous long before the time
of Christ, Axum was the capital of the long Axumite reign,
one of the oldest African empires and represented a crucial
connecting-point between Africa and Asia for almost a thousand
years. We visit the stelae: granite monoliths dating from pre-Christian
times and decorated with symbolic engravings. In ancient times,
there were seven stelae, now one of them is in Rome - Mussolini
took it there during Italy's invasion of Ethiopia. There is
also a visit to the church of Saint Mary of Zion. A chapel
in the church is believed by many to contain The Ark of the
Covenant. "The Guardian" who is the only person who
is allowed into the chapel and the only person who may set
eyes on it guards it. There is also a small museum here, which
contains the crowns of Ethiopian kings and other treasures.
Overnight: Yeha Hotel, Axum (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 15: Axum / Addis Ababa (Flight)
We take a flight back to Addis Ababa this morning. After lunch,
we enjoy a free afternoon; you may want to visit one of the
many museums or the interesting Mercato or have a free time
for shopping..
Overnight: Ghion Hotel, Addis Ababa (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 16: Addis Ababa / Entebbe (flight) / Kampala (drive 42
Kms)
Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, we will be warmly welcomed
and transferred to our hotel. Evening is free to walk through
the streets of this East African city or laze using the many
facilities that the hotel offers.
Overnight: Serena Kampala/ Sheraton Hotel (B)
Day 17: Kampala / Bwindi – 530 km
After breakfast, we start on our eye hunt for gorillas. Our
drive to Bwindi starts through the rolling green hills of the
Switzerland of Uganda (Kabale) with beautiful scenery and terraced
farming to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Best known for
its Mountain Gorillas the Montane Forest also attracts spectacular
birds. There are 23 of the 24 Albertine Riff endemics including
the African Green Broadbill, Bar Tailed Trogon and other beautiful
forest species. The nature walk will lead you to the Munyaga
Waterfall and a chance to see Primates such as the Grey Cheeked
Mangabey Blue monkeys and other species.
Overnight: Gorilla Forest Camp (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 18: Bwindi – Gorilla Tracking
It is our day for the incredible Gorilla tracking into one
of the most exciting wildlife experiences of our lifetime.
With only 650 gorillas left in the world, we have to be fit
and ready to walk quietly in the green forest of tropical Africa.
The tracking can take between 2 and 6 hours with Park Guides
interpreting the flora and fauna and the lifestyle of the Gorillas.
Gorillas are darling creatures and when we see them it will
be sight not to be forgotten. Later in the afternoon as we
get back to our lodge, we have time to relax at the Camp or
an option of taking a forest walk. (B, L, D)
Day 19: Bwindi / Kampala – 530 km
After breakfast we bid farewell to the many friends we have
made at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as we head off
for Kampala. Lunch at a local restaurant before we arrive early
evening at the hill city of Kampala. Evening is free to relax
and maybe a walk through the East African sokoni (market).
Overnight: Serena Kampala Hotel / Sheraton Hotel (1 night)
(B)
Day 20: Departure transfer
After a journey in Diversity, we bid farewell as we are transferred
to the airport for our flight back home or join one of the
many Bestway’s small group experiences. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
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Back
to top
|
Departure Dates |
|
2008
Jan
09 (Timket Festival in Ethiopia) Feb 20, Mar
12, Apr 02, May 28, Jun
25, Jul 23, Aug 27, Sep
24, Oct 29 & Nov 26
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| 2008 |
5895 |
880 |
| *
For West Coast departures add $ 250 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- Accommodation
as mentioned or similar category
- Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch,
D=Dinner)
- All
transfers and sightseeing with services of local English
speaking guides.
- Entrance
fees to museums, sites and game parks
- Domestic
airfares Addis Ababa/Bahir Dar, Gondar/Lalibela & Axum/Addis
Ababa
- Gorilla
Permits in Uganda
|
- International
airfares (see Note
below)
- Visas
& Insurance
- Tips
/ Gratuities
|
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
NOTE:
International airfares range from ex East Coast to UAE, Ethiopia and Uganda (all
combined) at $ 1800 per person plus taxes (approx $ 300). |
| Estimated
International Airfare(
not included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
N/A |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
N/A |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 15
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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