Somak ET Kenya Brochure

10 Somak Holidays Day 1 Addis Ababa Overnight flight to Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines. Day 2 Addis Ababa Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Sapphire Hotel. Day 3 Bahir Dar Fly from Addis to Bahir Dar. Check-in, drive 32 km southwest to the small town of Tiss Abay to visit the famous Blue Nile Falls. In the afternoon visit the colourful Bahir Dar market. Overnight: Avanti Blue Nile Hotel. (b,l,d) Day 4 Bahir Dar In the morning enjoy a boat trip on Ethiopia’s largest body of water, Lake Tana (3,600 sq km) to visit the monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Marian known for colourful frescoes of religious scenes and illuminated bibles written in Ge’ez, Ethiopia’s oldest language. Afternoon, relax and enjoy the sunset. Overnight: Avanti Blue Nile Hotel. (b,l,d) Day 5 Simien Mountains Drive from Bahir Dar to Simien Mountains National Park. The park (180 sq km) boasts varied flora with 3 marked botanical areas. The highest parts have meadows with little vegetation, characteristic of Afro Alpine Zones. Overnight: Simien Lodge. (b,l,d) Day 6 Simien Mountains National Park Spend the day at the park searching for the Gelada baboon, enjoy stunning mountain scenery. Overnight: Simien Lodge. (b,l,d) Day 7 Gondar Drive to Gondar – the 17th century capital of Ethiopia. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Castle Compound of Gondar (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the ‘Bath of Emperor Fasilades’, the church of Quskuam Mariam (17th century AD), the residence of Empress Mentewab, and the church of Debre Birhan Sellassie, famous for its wall and ceiling paintings. Overnight: Goha Hotel. (b,l,d) Day 8 Lalibela Fly to Lalibela, home of the 12th century hand- carved rock churches of King Lalibela (1181–1221). After lunch, visit the first group of churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site) northeast of a stream named ‘River Jordan’. Overnight: Maribela Hotel. (b,l,d) Day 9 Lalibela In the morning, mule back ride to the hilltop semi- monolithic church of Asheten Mariam (13th Century AD). In the afternoon, visit the second and the third group of churches of Lalibela. Overnight: Maribela Hotel. (b,l,d) Day 10 Axum Fly to Axum. A morning tour includes the Archeological Museum of Axum and the Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion. Afternoon, visit the famous ‘Stele field’ (4th century AD (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the ruin palace & tomb of King Kaleb & King Gebre Meskel (5th and 6th century AD) and the residence of the legendary Queen of Sheba (9th century BC). Overnight: Sabean Hotel. (b,l,d) Day 11 Addis Ababa Fly to Addis Ababa. An afternoon tour includes the National Archeological Museum, Merkato – the largest open-air market in Africa, and Mount Entoto for its panoramic view of Addis Ababa. Overnight: Sapphire Hotel. (b) Day 12 Depart Drive west to visit Melka Kunture Archeological Site and Tiya Stelae. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the best traditional restaurants in Addis to see the folk dances of the Ethiopian people and to taste the local food. Late evening, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (b,d) Historic North Tour This itinerary takes in the northern historical attractions of Ethiopia, covering the country’s most important cultural and natural sights. Includes a mule ride and a boat ride on Lake Tana. 1 night Addis Ababa – 2 nights Bahir Dar – 2 nights Simien Mountains – 1 night Gondar – 2 nights Lalibela – 1 night Axum – 1 night Addis Ababa Highlights included: Blue Nile Falls – boat ride on Lake Tana – monasteries – UNESCO World Heritage sites – mule ride – professional English- speaking guide Blue Nile Falls Bahir Dar Lalibela 10 nights from £3850