Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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GILLES BARBIER
FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL 78
Ethiopia is truly a world unto itself, from its Orthodox
Christian heritage, revealed in stunning rock-hewn
churches, to its kaleidoscopic array of animistic tribes
that coexist in a harsh land all but forgotten by the rest
of the world. We’ve created an in-depth adventure that
takes in the full sweep of this storied land, uncovering its
mystique at such intriguing places as Axum, Ethiopia’s
holy city and a World Heritage Site, and encountering
thriving indigenous tribal cultures including the Mursi,
famous for their striking clay lip plates. Each of our trips
is timed for a unique festival—January
departures attend Timkat, the exuberant
Epiphany celebration; in September
you’ll witness Meskel, with its flickering
bonfires and carpets of meskel daisies.
Days 1-6 Addis / Axum / Lalibela /
Gondar / Lake Tana From bustling Addis,
fly to Axum in the highlands, Ethiopia’s
most sacred city, where according to
Ethiopian legend, the original Ark of the
Covenant resides within a special chapel in
the Church of St. Mary of Zion. Lalibela’s
astounding 12th century rock churches
and Gondar’s towering medieval castles
offer a further glimpse into the history
of Ethiopia, and we also bring you to an
island-monastery on Lake Tana that’s
filled with religious paintings, illuminated
manuscripts, and other treasures.
Days 7-9 Rift Valley / Jinka Heading south into vast
Rift Valley savannas, we introduce you to Ethiopia’s
fantastic tribal country at the villages of the Dorze tribe,
known for their cotton weavings and beehive huts, and we
visit Lakes Chamo and Abaya and the lively market town
of Jinka.
Days 10-12 Tribes of the Omo River Valley A fascinating mix
of nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes reside in the savannas
of the Omo River Valley. Our visits include the Karo, who use
pulverized red and yellow chalk-like minerals to create
elaborate face and body decorations for ceremonial dances.
We also hike to a village of the Bume, famed for their singing
and storytelling skills, and meet the Mursi, whose men are
renowned warriors who practice scarification and shave their
heads in geometric patterns.
Days 13-15 Addis / Timkat or Meskel Festival Our private
charter flight whisks us back to Addis, avoiding a long drive.
In Addis, we explore the fascinating museums and open-air
markets, then witness Timkat’s lively processions of Orthodox
priests in vividly hued gowns and throngs of parishioners in
dazzling traditional dress (January departures), or the dancing,
feasting, and massive bonfires of Meskel (September departure).
Depart on Day 15.
Journey with us into the many worlds of Ethiopia, from traditional tribal cultures to exuberant
festivals. PHOTO: JIM ZUCKERMAN
HIGHLIGHTS
• The rock-hewn churches
of Lalibela, the medieval
city of Gondar
• Tribal villages of the Karo,
known for their body
painting, and Bume and
Mursi tribes
• Spectacular festival on
each trip: Timkat (January)
or Meskel (September)
• See traditional dances of
the Karo
• Small group size—
maximum 8—for greater
flexibility and cultural
encounters
DETAILS
• 15-day trip begins and
ends in Addis Ababa
• 3 nights at the 5-star
Sheraton in Addis,
11 nights best-available
hotels and lodges
• All meals included except
1 dinner
DATES
Jan 6-20, 2017 Timkat Festival
Jan 11-25 Timkat Festival
Jan 17-31 Timkat Festival
Sep 13-27 Meskel Festival
Jan 6-20, 2018 Timkat Festival
Jan 11-25 Timkat Festival
TRIP COST
$7695 (7-8 members)
$8195 (4-6 members)
Single supplement: $1490
Internal airfare: $1390-
$1890 (subject to change)
Harar post-trip extension:
from $1190
TRIP LEVEL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Rugged road travel by
4WD vehicle, easy walks,
cultural explorations
JOHN WARBURTON-LEE
“An awesome trip.
The native tribes in
the south were so
interesting and the
rock hewn churches
of the north utterly
fascinating.”
Barbara B.
Sammamish WA