Ethiopia~
A Timeless Treasure
Timkat Festival
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Ethiopia is old beyond imaginings and arguably one of the world's most interesting destinations that very few people ever visit. Towering mountains, impossibly blue lakes and rolling savannahs characterize the rugged landscape. Beginning as 'the cradle of man', it is also a country with an ancient and often tortuous past whose written history in the language of Ge'ez goes back over 2000 years. It was during the Axumite Empire that Coptic Christianity took root in the 4th century and it remains today a primal force in Ethiopian culture.
The January Timket Festival is a wonderful manifestation of the Epiphany pageant as thousands of colorfully robed Coptic monks carry replicas of the 'The Ark of the Covenant' from their churches to be worshipped and anointed with holy water. Monks chant and dance for 3 days amidst centuries old monolithic rock hewn churches in the highland town of Lalibela.
In contrast to the Copts of the north are the Omotic tribes of the south who still adhere to ancient animistic rituals. Beaded leather skirts and complementing body painting, feathered headdresses and dramatic scarification make the Hamar, Bumi, Karo, and Bena people visually outstanding. Even more unusual are the isolated Mursi tribe whose women wear large clay lip plates symbolizing their worth and beauty.
Lost Frontiers invites you to join our Timket festival with a single departure that will be lead by Barbara Wagner. Custom small group departures are also available.
Day 01
Arrive Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital. If time allows, there will be a city tour including the Marcato, Africa's largest market. 'Addis' is located at an altitude of 7000' and nights are chilly and filled with the incense of burning eucaliptis fires. Overnight Ghion Hotel.
Day 02
Morning flight to the city of Axum, the ancient seat of the Queen of Sheba’s empire and center of the 5th century Axumite Empire. Monolithic stellaes, or obelisks with script in 4 languages, are testament to the ingenuity and importance of this important city that was once the hub of trade to the continent. Hotel.
Days 03/04
Flight to Gondar, 16th century capital of Ethiopia that was constructed with the help of Portuguese architects under the authority of the legendary Christian king, Prester John. Next day trek to the beautiful and rugged Simien Mountains with views of high waterfalls, rare wildlife, flowers. Hotel.
Day 05, 06
Flight to Lalibela for Timket celebration, the celebration of the Epiphany and the washing of copies of 'Ark of the Covenant' - the original is said to reside in Axum. Lalibela is famed for the its 12th century Coptic monolithic stone churches, some of which are reputed to have been constructed with the assistance of angels. We will also take a short mule ride to outlying monastery. Hotel.
Days 07
Flight to Bahir Dar located on Lake Tana. This huge lake is the source of the fabled Blue Nile and we will take a boat trip to isolated island monasteries, visit tribal villages and walk to the edge of the thundering Tissitat Falls. Hotel.
Day 08
Afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa to begin our road trip to the southern region, stopping in the town of Nazareth. Hotel.
Day 09
Traveling in 4x4 vehicles, we pass through the Great Rift Valley and past the lake district where exotic bird life is in abundance. We stop at the Bale Mountain National Park for the night. The Bale Mountains are both beautiful and remote and are home to the Mountain Nyala and the Simien Wolf, both extremely rare and endemic species. Hotel.
Day 10
Full day's visit to the Sanetti Plateau on the highest all weather road in Africa noted for its moorlands. Time permitting, we will hike to the Harenna Escarpment to view the pinnacles of the Chorchora Peaks. Hotel.
Day 11
East of the town of Goba are the Sof Omar Cave complex formed by the waters of the Web River. These caves are spectacular with the river plunging through limestone caverns. Their namesake is a saintly Sheikh Sof Omar who took refuge here long ago. The site is also an important place for animistic worship and ghost cults.
Day 12
Continue through the Great Rift Valley, stopping at the Dorze village of Chencha in the high bamboo and pine highlands to the west. We arrive later in Arba Minch, known as 'forty springs'. Hotel. The town overlooks two beautiful lakes that cover over 700 square miles. Hotel.
Days 13
Descending into the Omo River Valley, one arrives at the frontier town of Jinka. The market is one of the last outposts where local tribes congregate to purchase their few basic needs. We carry on to Mago National Park. Camping.
Day 14/15/16
The Omo Valley is the home of some Africa's most remote and authentic tribes including the Karo, Bumi, Hamar. These animistic tribes have been little impacted by the west and are still true to their ancient rites. Paint, feathers, scarrification and ornaments are all symbols of wealth, status and courage. We will also travel into the remote bush to visit the warlike Musris tribe whose women adorn themselves with huge clay lip plates that are worn as signs of wealth and prestige. Camping.
Day 17
Begin returning north via Turmi market and continue on to Arba Minch and an evening by the lakes. Hotel.
Day 18
Continue north visiting the Konso people in the nearby mountains arriving late afternoon in the town of Awassa. The area is inhabitaded by the Sidama people who live in large bamboo houses shaped like bee hives. It also one of the indigenous areas where coffee originally came from. Hotel.
Day 19
Drive up past lakes Abjiata, and Shalla where thousands of flamingoes congregate and where the Great White Pelicans nest. The road ends in Addis Ababa where we celebrate with a traditional night out. Ghion Hotel.
Day 20.
Early morning transfer for those traveling to Yemen. For those returning to the US, morning free for city visit, shopping or relaxing. Afternoon flight to US.
Departures: Call for information
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Level of Difficulty ~ Moderate