2020 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

From its Orthodox Christian heritage, revealed in the stunning rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, to the array of animistic tribes in the Great Rift Valley, Ethiopia holds a fascinating mix of cultures and traditions. In the mountain highlands, we explore intriguing Axum, Ethiopia’s holy city and legendary birthplace of the Queen of Sheba, and World Heritage-listed Lalibela, with its 12th century subterranean churches. A different side of Ethiopia thrives in the far south, where we visit the tribal cultures of the remote Omo Valley. Each trip is timed for a festival—January trips attend Timkat, the exuberant Epiphany celebration; in Lost Worlds of Ethiopia TRIBES OF THE OMO VALLEY AND SPECTACULAR FESTIVALS In Ethiopia’s highlands, Christianity arrived in the 4th century. We visit the ancient city of Axum where, according to Ethiopian legend, the original Ark of the Covenant resides in the ornate Church of St. Mary of Zion. In the highland town of Lalibela, we’ll explore an awe-inspiring complex of medieval rock-hewn churches that have remained in continuous use ever since they were hand- carved into the town’s pink volcanic rock. After visiting Gondar (7,500'), Ethiopia’s royal capital until 1868, with its castles and battlements, we explore the dramatic Semien Mountains to see troops of endemic gelada baboons and boat out to an island-monastery on beautiful Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile. Days 8-12 Tribes of the Omo River Valley We drive southwest through the Rift Valley, with a visit to Lake Abijata- Shalla National Park en route. In the Omo region live a fascinating mix of nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, from the Bume and Karo to the Bena and Hamar. Their body adornments, such as scarification, face painting, and lip plates, hold rich cultural symbolism. Our schedule is flexible and subject to local conditions, but we usually visit Korcho, a small Karo village, to watch a traditional dance by Karo men, women, and children. Days 13-16 Addis Ababa / Timkat or Meskel Festival Our private charter flight (avoiding a two-day drive!) whisks us to Addis, where we witness Timkat’s processions of Orthodox priests and parishioners in traditional dress (January), or the dancing and celebratory bonfires of Meskel (September). Depart on Day 16 via Addis Ababa. September, you’ll witness Meskel, with its flickering bonfires and carpets of meskel daisies. Days 1-7 Addis Ababa / Axum / Lalibela / Gondar / Semien Mountains / Lake Tana

“Extraordinarily well planned—each day we were immersed in Ethiopia’s historical and cultural heritage. I am amazed at all that we were able to see and experience during the trip.” Elsie M., Providence RI

GRANT ROONEY

JOHN DAMBIK

We explore from Ethiopia’s mountain highlands to the Omo Valley, where traditional tribes live. PHOTO: STEVE OFENHAGAUE

DETAILS • 16-day trip begins and ends in Addis Ababa • 3 nights at the 5-star Sheraton in Addis, 12 nights hotels and lodges • All meals included DATES Jan 5-20, 2020 Timkat Festival Sep 12-27 Meskel Festival TRIP COST $8495 (7-8 members) $9495 (4-6 members) Single supplement: $1400 Internal airfare: $1190-$1790* (subject to change) Harar Post-Trip Extension: from $1250 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 Rugged road travel by 4WD vehicle, easy walks, cultural explorations

HIGHLIGHTS • The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the medieval city of Gondar • Tribal villages of the Karo, known for their body painting, and the Bume and Mursi tribes • Spectacular festival on each trip: Timkat (January) or Meskel (September) • Small group size—maximum 8—for greater flexibility and more intimate cultural encounters

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR AFRICA TRIPS, VISIT WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/AFRICA 34