(A UNIT OF NOVA GROUP OF COMPANIES)

NOVA TRAVEL

Ethiopian Wildlife Safari-16 Days

Itinerary-16 Days

Day 1: Fly to Addis Ababa (N)

Day 2: Addis Ababa

Arrive into the third highest capital in the world, located 2,500 metres above sea level. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Hotel for 1 night. Afternoon city tour, including the Ethnographic Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Mercato. (L, D)

Day 3: Fly to Gondar • Simien Mountain National Park

Fly to Gondar, Ethiopia’s first capital, located at the foot of the Simien mountains. Drive to the Simien Mountain National Park via the village of Debark, which serves as the administrative centre for the area. The Simiens rise to 3,000 metres above sea level, with the highest peak, Ras Dejen,at 4,533 metres. There will be the opportunity to explore part of the high escarpment before continuing to your accommodation. Stay for 3 nights at the Lodge. (B, L, D)

Days 4-5: Simien Mountain National Park

Full days spent in the national park exploring the escarpment. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Gondar

After breakfast drive to Gondar. Take an afternoon tour to visit the castle compound, including the bath of King Fasiladas that is used during the festival of Timkat. Also visit the church of Debre Berhan Selassie which survived the Mahdist invasion of 1880. Legend states the church was saved from destruction by a swarm of bees that routed the invaders. Overnight at Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Fly to Lalibela via Gondar

Fly to the world heritage site of Lalibela, via Gondar. Founded as the ‘new Jerusalem’ by King Lalibela in the 12th century, the site features 11 rock-hewn churches, most of which are still used for worship today. Afternoon visit to the north-west cluster of churches. Stay 2 nights at the Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Lalibela

Morning walk up to Asheton Maryam (weather permitting). Alternatively, visit Nakutelab cave church, which is accessible by car. Afternoon visit to the south-east cluster of churches including the Church of St George followed by the chance to experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Fly to Addis Ababa • Lake Langano

Fly to Addis Ababa and drive via Lake Ziway, the largest of the northern group of Rift Valley lakes, best known for its birdlife, to Lake Langano. The picturesque lake is backed by the Arsi mountain range with peaks rising to a height of 4,000 metres. Stay overnight at the Resort. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Bale Mountains

Drive to Goba in the Bale mountains, the largest area of alpine habitat in the whole of the African continent, known for its stunning landscape and wildlife. Stay 4 nights at the Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Bale Mountains

Day at leisure or join an optional activity organised by your accommodation. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Bale Mountains

Today, enjoy a full-day guided wildlife excursion with lunch on the Sanetti plateau. The area is one of the best places in Ethiopia to see Simien wolves, while endemic giant mole rats support a variety of raptors. Other wildlife you may encounter includes olive baboons, gureza monkeys, bush buck, bush pigs, leopards, lions and wild dogs. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Bale Mountains

Visit to the Sof Omar caves, one of the most spectacular and extensive underground cave systems in the world. The caves themselves have been dissected by the Web river, which has created wonderfully carved cavities for a distance of 1.5km. (B, L, D)

Day 14: Lake Awassa

Today drive to Lake Awassa, a beautiful freshwater lake set among hills with luxuriant vegetation, home to a variety of water fowl and white Colobus monkeys. Stay overnight at the Resort. (B, L, D)

Days 15-16: Addis Ababa • Fly home

This morning drive to Addis Ababa. This evening depart for dinner at a cultural restaurant before transferring to the airport for your flight home. (B, D) (N)