CST Ethiopia & Tanzania Itinerary

Ethiopia

DAY 1- DEPARTURE FROM YOUR HOME COUNTRY ✈

We depart our international flight from Washington Dulles Intl. Airport - nonstop to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Dinner and breakfast are served on flight.

DAY 2- ARRIVAL ADDIS ABABA AFTERNOON CITY TOUR

This afternoon after a hefty rest we will have a city tour, the city is the continent’s diplomatic capital, headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. This afternoon enjoys a tour to visit Trinity Cathedral, the largest and most revered of all the churches. Continue to visit the National Museum, with its many archaeological findings including the famous complete fossil remains of 3.2-million-year-olds “Lucy." Continue to Mt. Entoto for a breathtaking view of the city and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis.

In the afternoon, continue a sightseeing tour to Merkato which is the largest open-air market in Africa. In the evening you will be guest at one of the best traditional restaurants of Addis Ababa to see the folkloric dances of the Ethiopian people and to taste the variety of meals of the Ethiopian people.

Overnight Sheraton Hotel or Similar (D)

DAY 3- FLY TO BAHIRDAR

This morning you fly to Bahirdar a pleasant city with wide jacaranda-edged avenues, Bahir Dar is a town located on the southern tip of Lake Tana, the largest natural lake in Ethiopia. After check in drive to the small town of Tiss Abay to visit to the impressive Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tis Isat or 'Smoke of Fire’. The falls throws up a continuous spray of water droplets which drench on lookers up to a kilometer away. Much of the water is diverted for Hidro electric Generation but it is worth visiting for the walk around and seeing the countryside. The area around the river is extremely fertile and the Amhara people who live here farm wheat, sorghum and Teff (from which injera, the national bread, is made.

In the afternoon drive to the weyto village known for their making of papyrus boat and you will attend coffee ceremony in their house with family members also visit marketplaces in bahirdar and drive to the former palace of emperor haile slasie bezawit palace for the panaromic view of the City and Lake Tana. Late afternoon you will have free time to take a Massage and Spa.

Overnight Avanti Blue Nile Hotel or Simiar (B, L, D)

DAY 4- BOAT CROSS TO GORGORA VISITING MONASTRIES

This morning after breakfast we take a private boat cruise to Gorgora on our cruise we view the islands dotted with historic churches and monasteries. Disembark for a short hike through local villages and coffee farms, to the monastery of Ura Kidane Mehret, home to collections of stunning frescoes, ancient biblical manuscripts and artifacts dating back to the 16th century. The painted maqdas (inner sanctuaries) are colorful and well-preserved and tell stories of the Ethiopian saints Nargasilsie church and Betremariam our picnic lunch will be in our boat. This afternoon we check into the newly built Gorgora Resort and free time to relax around. (B, L, D)

DAY 5- DRIVE TO GONDAR

This morning after breakfast we take a short drive to Gonadr. After check-in your hotel start touring of Gondar the city’s 17th century castles and palaces. See the Fasil Ghebbi, a fortress-enclosure, and the Baths of King Fasiledes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit the oldest and most impressive structure, the two-story palace of Emperor Fasilidas, constructed of solid basalt stones. Tour the library of Emperor Yohannes I, and the royal House of Song. View the Debre Birhan Selassie Church, an imposing structure with brightly colored ceilings covered with intricately painted angels, which sits on a hilltop surrounded by fortified walls.

At the evening you will have dinner in Four Sisters Traditional Restaurant to attend and learn how the Ethiopian traditional wine called Tej is prepared. Tej, or tejj, is an Ethiopian sweet wine, similar to mead, that is made from fermented honey and a special kind of hops called gesho. It is traditionally served from a vase-like vessel called a berele.

Overnight in Goha Hotel or Similar (B, L, D)

DAY 6- EXCURSION TO SIMIEN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

This morning, we drive to one of the principal mountain massifs of Africa, the Simien Mountains, made up of several plateaus, separated by broad river valleys. A number of peaks rose above 13,000 feet. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers some of Africa’s most dramatic scenery: alpine peaks flanked by glaciers such as Mount Ras Dashen; steep escarpments rising above remote valley settlements; and an abundance of wildlife including the ibex, the endemic bleeding-heart baboons, the Simien Wolf, and innumerable species of birds. A full day excursion travels deep into the park.

In the afternoon drive back to Gondar, visit the former Falasha village of Waleka to see some examples of their traditional pottery still made by the few Jewish people remaining after the exodus to Israel in 1991.

Overnight Goha Hotel or Similar (B, L, D)

DAY 7- FLY TO AXUM

Morning a short flight takes you to Axum, the ancient capital of Ethiopia, founded three centuries before the birth of Christ, Axum was a crucial destination between Africa and Asia for almost a thousand years. Your city tour begins with a visit of the 17th century Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion, home of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. The church was built on the foundations of a 4th century temple where the Ark of the Covenant is reputed to have been stored. See the modern St. Mary’s of Zion cathedral, built by Emperor Haile Selassie in the 1960s, and explore the museum under the church, which houses some priceless Ethiopian relics. In the afternoon, explore the ‘Axum Stelae Field,’ a pasture of more than 120 carved monoliths that date from pre-Christian times and have been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the ancient residence of the legendary Queen of Sheba, various 5th century palace ruins, and the controversial Obelisk of Axum, stolen by Italian forces in 1937 and only recently returned.

Also, attend Tigrean women hair dreading. Ethiopians are justifiably proud of the range of their traditional costumes. The most obvious identification of the different groups is in the jewellery, the hair styles and the embroidery of the dresses. The women of Amhara and Tigray wear dozens of plaits (sheruba) tightly braided to the head and billowing out at the shoulders.

Overnight Atranos Fantasy Hotel or Similar (B, L, D)

DAY 8 - FLY TO LALIBELA (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE)

Take a short flight over amazing rust-colored canyons and high peaks to Lalibela, a small town set high in the Lasta Mountains. Lalibela is one of the most important religious and historic sites in all of Africa and the Christian world, with more than 200 churches – some hidden inside enormous caves. It is a mystery as to who built these magnificent churches, but they are thought to have been constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries, during the reign of King Lalibela. The area was one of the first to adopt Christianity as a state religion, Lalibela (the then known as Roha), was the capital.

This afternoon, visit the first group of churches that represent earthly Jerusalem, including Bete Medhane Alem, at 38 feet tall, it is the largest church in Lalibela and largest rock-hewn church in the world. See Bet Maryam, a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, where remains of exquisite early frescoes can be seen on the ceiling and upper walls. And visit Bet Golgotha, which houses remarkable reliefs of figures and early Christian art. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful cross-shaped church of Bete Giyorgis, thought to symbolize Noah’s ark. Its interior is dominated by depictions of Saint George killing the dragon.

Overnight Mezena Resort and Spa or Similar (B, L, D)

DAY 9- LALIBELA

Today after breakfast we visit the Second group of the churches representing the heavenly Jerusalem. In this group are Bete Gabriel & Raphael, Bete Merquorios, Bete Emmanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos. Then in the afternoon you will have the chance to visit a family house where you will observe their daily life activities and have a coffee ceremony with the family. Ethiopian coffee ceremony is one of the most enjoyable events you can attend at an Ethiopian Restaurant. The coffee is taken through its full life cycle of preparation in front of you in a ceremonial manner. Coffee is called 'Bunna' (boo-na) by the Ethiopians. Later this day you will have also free time for shopping.

Overnight Mezena Resort and Spa or Similar (B, L, D)

Tanzania

DAY 11 - FLY TO KILEMANJARO ✈
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport by scheduled flight. You will clear customs and immigration formalities and are met outside, opposite the Arrivals Hall by our representative. He will assist you with your transfer vehicle for your transfer to the hotel.

Overnight Gran Melia Arusha Hotel on bed and breakfast basis in Deluxe City View Room (excludes other meals, drinks and laundry.

DAY 12- DEPART TO TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Morning departure to Tarangire National Park. As you make your way out of Arusha, you leave the busy city behind, and the landscape gives way to vast plains dotted with grass thatched huts. It will be common to see young children tending to herds of cattle and sheep. In the distance, the imposing wall of the Great Rift Valley rises from the horizon. Arrive your lodge for Lunch. Afternoon game drive in Tarangire National Park returning to lodge as the sun sets.

Overnight Wellworth Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge on full board basis in Luxury Room including local beers, standard spirits, juices, soft beverages and water. (B, L, D)

DAY 13- DRIVE TO KARATU AND SURROUNDINGS

Morning departure to Mto Wa Mbu Village for escorted walk through the Village. Lunch at Ol Mesera including an opportunity to see live demonstrations of painting, Ebony carvings & Tanzanite tour. Mid-afternoon drive to your lodge located in Karatu in the Ngorongoro Highlands. Rest of afternoon at leisure.

Overnight Wellworth Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge on full board basis in Deluxe Room including local beers, standard spirits, juices, soft beverages and water. (B, L, D)

DAY 14- NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

Early departure from your lodge and enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Climb the back wall of the crater and continue to the rim of the crater and descend to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. Your game drive in this paradise. With a space of only 102 square miles and a resident wildlife population of more than 30,000 mammals, there is a great chance that you might see all of the big five. A picnic lunch box is provided at a scenic location within the floor of the crater. In the afternoon, you return to the rim of the crater and continue to your lodge. Enjoy a Boma farewell Dinner.

Overnight Wellworth Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge on full board basis in Deluxe room including local beers, standard spirits, juices, soft beverages and water. (B, L, D)

DAY 15- FLY BACK HOME END OF SERVICES ✈

Following breakfast, depart your lodge and begin your journey back to Arusha, arriving in the city for lunch (excluding drinks). Then transfer to Kilimanjaro International or Arusha Airport for your departure flight (flight schedules TBA).

DAY 15 – 18 / Flight TO ZANZIBAR – OPTIONAL EXTENSION

Fly from Arusha to Zanzibar. Conclude your adventure with some time on the exotic spice island of Zanzibar, where you can wander the charming alleys of Stone Town, or simply relax on the white sandy beaches of this tropical paradise.

Ethiopia – Tanzania – Zanzibar entry requirements for US Citizens

A Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your finished date of touring.

Ethiopia: To enter Ethiopia as a U.S. citizen, you must have a visa, which can be obtained online through the e-Visa portal before traveling or, for tourism, as a visa on arrival. Visa costs $62 for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa. Proof of a yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a country with a risk of transmission.

Tanzania: US citizens need a visa for Tanzania, which is also valid for Zanzibar, and must have a passport valid for at least six months with at least two blank pages. You can apply for a single-entry visa online or at the airport for a fee of $100 USD or get a multiple-entry visa online if you need to travel in and out of the country within a year. It's recommended to apply online in advance to save time.

Immunization requirements for East Africa:

Yellow fever vaccine is required for entry into East African countries. Routine vaccinations such as MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap), along with others like polio, are highly recommended for all travelers. Additionally, vaccines for hepatitis A & B and typhoid are strongly advised due to food and waterborne risks.

Malaria: Consult your doctor about malaria prevention medication – Recommend that you check with an immunization specialist and or your physician.