As seen on
Genna Festival in Ethiopia
Ethiopia
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Transfers
Duration:
11 Nights
4 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Genna Festival amidst 13th Century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
- Walk in the Simien Mountains
- Visit the Blue Nile Falls
- Discover the historic cities of Gondar & Harar
- Walk through stunning mountains staying with local communities
Add on Adventures
This itinerary has options for you to extend & customise your experience before &/or after your holiday. See Itinerary for details.
Experience the Genna Festival on this Ethiopia walking tour
This adventure takes in all the very best that Ethiopia has to offer. From thriving Addis to the historic walled trader's city of Harar; walk in the peerless Simien Mountains alongside Gelada Baboons and Walia Ibex, maybe even spotting the endangered Ethiopian Wolf. Spend two days walking through and staying with local communities in the Meket district, learning about their history, culture, and trying their delicious cuisine.
And of course, the crowning glory of taking part in the Genna Festival or 'Ethiopian Christmas', amidst the thousands of devour pilgrims who flock in their white shammas to the stunning 13th Century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. This is one of the most important religious holidays in the country, and an incredible opportunity to experience the ancient traditions handed down the generations for millennia.
Grounding ourselves on arrival with a fascinating tour around Addis Ababa, including the Ethnological and Red Terror Museums, and the panoramic views from Entoto Mountain, on this adventure we also have an opportunity to learn about obstacles faced by pregnant women in some of the more remote communities we pass through. We offer a highly recommended but optional visit to Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Addis, run by the worthwhile and life changing charity; HamlinFistulaEthiopia.
This cultural adventure is for those who wish to enjoy a variety of striking African landscapes plentiful with wildlife, and to glimpse into and begin to understand, the religious, political and historical factors that have helped shape modern Ethiopia. It is for travellers who will relish the chance to meet with local villagers to learn how they perform activities such as the famous coffee ceremony or to watch how they make the Ethiopian staple, injera, from the superfood grain ‘teff’, with it's weight loss and blood pressure benefits.
You will travel home with a piece of Ethiopia in your heart, having been welcomed by communities who are vibrant, warm and proud of their heritage and culture.
Adventure Optional Addons
Harar Add-On Adventure
Harar is undoubtedly Ethiopia’s brightest flower. As a jewel, she may be slightly chipped around the edges, though her centre continues to shine with undiminished brilliance.
Addon Optional extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Add on Adventures
This itinerary has options for you to extend & customise your experience before &/or after your holiday. See below for details.
Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa. Transfer to Hotel
Flights
Transfer
Dinner
3 star hotel
On arrival meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day will be your leisure time to spend at your hotel; optionally, you can have a visit to Holy Trinity church and Ethnological museum.
Founded in 1886 by Emp. Menelik II, Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and the seat of the African Union (AU). Addis Ababa is the third highest capital in the world and one of the largest cities in Africa with a population well over 5 million. It is located at 2500 m above sea level at the foot step of the highest peak of Entoto Mountain chain (3200m above sea level), and enjoys an excellent climate all year round; with an average temperature of 160C. Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of Jacarandas, interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as Merkato.
Ethnological Museum: It is found in the main campus of the Addis Ababa University by the Institute of Ethiopian Studies with the aim to preserve the country's historical and cultural heritages. It has complete collections that describe almost all the tribal groups in Ethiopia. Here you will have an overview about the history, culture and traditions of the people of Ethiopia. The collections include the nomadic tribal groups that are now living just as man's forefather lived thousands of years back.
Trinity Cathedral: a beautiful church with a baroque style of European architecture which is unique to both Ethiopia and Africa and is dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Here you will find scripts of the imperial families, statues done by a Greek sculpture, Stained glass window paintings from the Old and New Testament in the Bible and coffins of Emperor Haile Silassie-I; the founder of the church, and his wife.
Overnight: Caravan Hotel or Similar Hotel [http://www.caravanaddis.com/]
Day 2: Fly to Bahir Dar. Visit Lake Tana Monastery and Blue Nile Falls.
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
3 star hotel
After breakfast, drive to the airport and catch your flight to Bahir Dar. Later, visit Lake Tana Monastery and Blue Nile Falls (drive time approximately 1hr30).
Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia, measuring approximately 84km long and 66km wide, and is also the source of the Blue Nile. The lake contains 37 islands; however, their visibility varies according to seasonal water fluctuations, which are regulated to measure inflow to the Blue Nile Falls. The islands accommodate 20 monasteries, which are used to store religious artefacts due to their remote location.
The Blue Nile Falls, also known as Tis Abay, mean 'smoking water' in Amharic. They start as a gentle river flowing 5,223km north of the Mediterranean Sea before joining the impressive falls. The waterfall itself is around 150ft high and half a mile wide, which is just spectacular to witness. Surrounded by immense natural beauty, the falls attract parrots, bee-eaters, white-throated seedeaters and vervet monkeys, just to name a few.
Overnight: Jacaranda Hotel or Similar Hotel
Day 3: Drive to the Simien Mountains
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
Today you drive to Sankaber, the headquarters of Simien Mountains National Park. Despite it only being 280km, the drive will take approximately 6hrs. It is stunning: you pass through rural villages and crossing mountain passes with stunning vistas, but be prepared to experience the "African massage" at times along the road.
The Simien Mountains National Park occupies a surface area of 180 km sq. The park, situated between 4,430 and 1,900 meters (6,200 - 4,500 feet), boasts varied flora with three marked botanical areas. The highest parts have meadows with little vegetation, characteristic of afro-alpine zones. Here we can find the endemic lobelia rhynchopetalum, small groups of perpetual flowers, helichrysum, and the striking kniphofia foliosa. Late in the afternoon, walk near your lodge to spot the endemic gelada baboon and appreciate the breathtaking scenery.
Overnight: Simien Lodge or Similar Hotel
Day 4: Explore The Simien Mountains, Drive to Gondar for overnight.
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
3 star hotel
This morning, you can choose to relax at the lodge or you may enjoy exploring more of the legendary Simien Mountains and its unique inhabitants. The landscape in the area is remarkably picturesque with panoramic vistas overlooking the deep gorges of the Escarpment.
Our main interest will be the endemic gelada baboon and the great scenery. Amidst beautiful alpine meadows punctuated with giant lobelias and flowering “red hot pokers” (kniphofia’s), we will find ourselves surrounded by massive troops of extremely well-habituated and photogenic gelada Baboons.
The mountains are also home to 16 bird species endemic to Eritrea and/or Ethiopia as well as an important population of the rare and beautiful Bearded Vulture that can frequently be seen gliding along the cliffs here.
Overnight: Simien Lodge or Similar Hotel [http://www.simiens.com/]
Day 5: Drive to and tour the ancient city of Gondar
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
3 star hotel
Gondar is the first capital of the Ethiopian empire, founded in 1635 by the Emperor Fasilidas. Gondar is best-known for its collection of 17th century castles and palaces. Spend the day exploring the Royal Enclosure and its buildings. The fortress, which is surrounded by a 300-foot-long wall, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest and most impressive structure in the compound is the two-story palace of Emperor Fasilidas, built of solid basalt stones.
Other royal buildings of interest include the library of Emperor Yohannes I, the House of Song where royal ceremonies took place, the elegant reception and banquet hall of Emperor Bakaffa, and the palace of the king's wife. Also visit the nearby bath of King Fasiledes, where modern-day Timkat ceremonies are performed. Finally, view the Church of DebreBirhan Selassie, an imposing structure with brightly coloured ceilings.
Overnight: Goha Hotel or Similar Hotel
Day 6: Tesfa Walking Tour Day One
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
Drive: Gondar to Tesfa Trekking
Distance:310 Km
ETD: 6hrs. And 30 Min.
Road Type: Asphalt [steep road]
Walking (easy grade) time: 2/3 hours.
Filakit is the administrative centre for Meket (woreda) district. It is here that you start your trek to Mequat Mariam Community site, after a quick lunch in one of the local 'hotels' of enjara and wot.
'Tesfa' means 'hope' in the local Amharic language and this community trekking route is a fantastic way to give back to the local communities. Donkeys will to carry your bags (hence why soft suitcases are in order), and from here you trek across plateaus and through the agricultural landscape of the highlands following well-worn paths.
At the newly renovated church of Hanna Mequat, with acacia trees dotted around the church compound, you will get a glimpse of the escarpment edge that will be with you for much of the trip. Beyond the church, you will join it and follow it around to the tukuls at Mequat Mariam. The walk time is about 3 hours plus stops.
The staff - all members of the local villages - will meet you and serve snacks - perhaps a 'Meket Pizza' with tea or coffee, or perhaps you will be ready for a beer. As you enjoy this you can watch the birds soaring on the thermals - ravens, the odd vulture, perhaps a lammergeyer, and innumerable others. There is a shower, with water warmed by the sun - though do go a bit easy on the water. Don't miss the sunset on the 'rock bar' with a sundowner drink.
The community will serve a good meal - simple western food - after dark in the dining tukul, and if you would like will prepare a traditional Ethiopian-style coffee ceremony.
The community has built specially designed tukuls bedrooms - traditional style with thatched roofs, and stone walls. However, the beds are comfortable mattresses, with clean bed linen and blankets.
Day 7: Tesfa Walking Tour Day Two
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
Walking (easy grade) time: 2/3 hours in the morning, 2/3 hours in the afternoon.
A breakfast of either eggs or pancakes, with tea or coffee will get you ready for a good day's walk. The walk from Mequat Mariam to Wajela winds along the escarpment for much of the way with staggering views of the river systems and farmland below. There is a good chance to see gelada baboon along these escarpments, and if you are lucky rock Hhrax, even a klipspringer.
After a few hours the Mequat community hand over to the Wajela community - a fresh donkey for the luggage. Here you can eat a simple picnic lunch, maybe with a soft drink carried by one of the community. Some of the route cuts across the plateau top and there are some shortcuts if you want to reduce the walking, but if you feel fit much of the time you can follow the escarpment edge.
Towards the middle of the afternoon you will reach the church of Kura Anbessa Giyorgis, perched on the rock edge, with Olive (Olia Africanus) and other indigenous trees around. Kura means crow/raven and Anbessa Lion! If you meet one of the priests ask for an explanation of the name. It is possible to take another route and come across the carpet weavers, but there is not time to do this and the church.
After Kura Anbessa you cross the road and head north across the plateau to the Wajela site. Again a warm welcome and snacks will await you at Wajela with its cosy tukuls overlooking a wooded escarpment. If you are early there is a 2-hour round trip to a church and cave structure below. You can also rinse off in the shower. Dinner as in Mequat is served in the dining tukul, sometime after sunset.
Day 8: Drive to Lalibella, visit Nakuto Leab church, Genna preparations
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
3 star hotel
Today you are heading to Lalibela, one of the most important religious and historical sites in all of Africa and the entire Christian world. The drive time is approximately 2hrs30 minutes.
There are no less than 200 churches in the Lasta Region of Lalibela, some hidden in enormous caves, but it's exceptional to find 11 churches of such master craftsmanship in one locale. These brilliant feats of engineering and architecture are often referred to as the "Eighth wonder of the world". The churches are said to have been constructed during King Lalibela’s reign during the 12th and 13th centuries when Lalibela (then known as Roha) was the capital of the Zagwe dynasty.
On the way to Lalibella, Visit Nakuto Leab Church, Situated around 7km from central Lalibela, the Na’akuto La‘ab Monastery is found inside a natural cavern in the highlands surrounding the town. A wonderful monastery that pre-dates the more popular churches in the centre of the town. You will also witness the thousands of pilgrims who have travelled from all over the country, and the preparations being made for the Genna Festival.
Overnight: Sora Lodge or Similar Hotel [http://soralodgelalibela.com/]
Day 9: Genna Festival & visit the first group rock hewn churches of Lalibella.
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
3 star hotel
In the morning, participate on the celebration of Ethiopian Christmas also known as Gena. Your guide will make sure you are present for the main ceremonies to be able to experience the ancient traditions passed down for centuries from the second country in the world to officially proclaim itself Christian after Armenia.
In the afternoon, visit the first group of churches which represent the earthly Jerusalem. This group includes Bete Medhanialem (Savior church), Bete Miriam, BeteDenagel, BeteMeskal, Debra Sina, and Bete Golgotha. Standing 38 feet tall with seventy-two pillars, Medhane Alem is not only the largest in Lalibela, but it is the largest monolithic rock-hewn church in the world. Bet Golgotha houses remarkable reliefs of figures, early Christian art rarely seen in other parts of Ethiopia.
Overnight: Sora Lodge or Similar Hotel [http://soralodgelalibela.com/]
Day 10: Visit Asheton Mariam and the second group rock hewn churches
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
3 star hotel
This morning, the group will choose between two options: either you can visit the Asheton Maryam which involves a 30-minute drive to the start of an approx 1 hour-long trek to the 13th-century rock-hewn monastery of Asheton Maryam (over 3000 meters high). It's a rewarding walk with views of beautiful scenery. It’s easy to understand why the priests at this church believe they are the “closest to God.”
OR you could enjoy a morning learning how to cook some Ethiopian traditional dishes. The class will take place at one of the community houses in Lalibella.
In the afternoon, you can visit the second group of churches representing the heavenly Jerusalem. In this group are the Bete Gabriel & Raphael, Bete Merquorios, Bete Emmanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos Finally, visit the most interesting cross-shaped church of Bete Giorgis (St. George), which is said to be the symbolization of Noah’s ark. The cruciform-shaped Bete Giorgis is the most perfect and beautiful church here; its interior is dominated by depictions of Saint George killing the dragon.
Overnight: Sora Lodge or Similar Hotel
Day 11: Fly back to and tour Addis Ababa
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
3 star hotel
After breakfast, catch your flight to Addis Ababa.
There are options for today: you could visit the Hamlin Festula center or the Merkato, as part of a shortened Addis Ababa city tour. Merkato is the largest open-air market in Africa. Here you will be presented with confusing, but fascinating, glimpse of the vast range of goods and artefacts available from all parts of the country and you will enjoy the Ethiopian trade exchange tradition in the open air, you can purchase anything you desire here.
In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner, after which you will be transferred to the airport to catch your departing flight. You may also choose to spend an extra night in Addis - we can help with those arrangements also.
About the Hamlin Institute: Founded over 63 years ago, by pioneering Australian surgeon Dr Catherine Hamlin and her surgeon husband Dr Reg Hamlin, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia is dedicated to treating Ethiopian women who have suffered the most horrific childbirth injury: obstetric fistula. More info: https://hamlinfistula.org/en/
You will then have a delicious group dinner in the city.
Overnight: Caravan Hotel or Similar Hotel
Day 12: Your return flight home, or continue with optional Harar Add-on adventure
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
For clients continuing their adventure to Harar, please see the Add-On adventure below. If this isn't for you it is time to return home revitalised from your thrilling Ethiopian adventure!
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- International Flights & Airport taxes
- National Flights: USD $502 per person subject to change. unless your International Flights are with Ethiopian airlines also, in which case domestic airfare will be USD $236 per person
- Insurance (compulsory)
- Visa (around £40)
- Tips
- Alcoholic drinks
Adventure Optional Addons
Harar Add-On Adventure
Harar is undoubtedly Ethiopia’s brightest flower. As a jewel, she may be slightly chipped around the edges, though her centre continues to shine with undiminished brilliance.
Addon Optional extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Contents
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice Responsible Tourism, using hotels run by locals. We put time and effort into building our relationship with them to ensure you have a a great trip.
We choose hotels based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel), and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us. Some hotels will be basic, and in modern buildings and or in towns. Wherever we can, we will choose smaller more characterful, individual hotels, but in areas where tourism is still developing, this may not be available.
An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern Western lifestyles and to experience new things which are exciting and memorable, and reflects the countries we are visiting.
This is adventure travel and on occasion the advertised services at a hotel (eg wifi, or hot showers!) may not be functional on our arrival. This tends to occur in the smaller, more remote hotels. Very rarely a hotel lets us down and we are required to find alternative suitable accommodation that might not be our first choice.
Facilities
We enjoy a full range of accommodation on this 2 week adventure. Please note that hotels generally do not have heat or air conditioning. As nights can be chilly, please bring appropriate sleepwear if needed.
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you throughout your holiday will be an experienced, approachable, knowledgeable and fluently English speaking professional guide from our local partner agency. They offer us qualified, experienced and excellently reviewed guides.
This ensures you have the right information and support on your trip, with your Ethiopian guide offering insight into local life, history and customs, as well as routes during walk etc. Should you have any concerns during your adventure, you will be able to contact our local partner agency direct, or come through to the UK YellowWood office.
Am I fit enough?
Our thinking behind this itinerary is to offer you the opportunity to explore the cultural jewels of Ethiopia whilst limiting the hiking element of the adventure. You are visiting a couple of mountainous areas in Central Ethiopia and so some of the gently paced, guided walking, will be on uneven terrain, and at altitude. There will be options to do shorter walks or opt out of hiking if you wish, but all walks will be at a steady pace with frequent stops. You will not be required to carry anything except for your water and you will want your camera/binoculars! Guides will accompany the group.
To get the most out of this adventure, you therefore need to be confident walking on rough paths, and be in good physical condition to take on short climbs at a very steady pace.
Training
As with all active holidays, the fitter you are the more you can relax and enjoy the stunning route, and the better you can cope with challenges such as the outside elements, and unfamiliar terrain. Clients are therefore advised to get in as much regular walking before the trip as convenient.
NB: If you have bought new hiking boots for this adventure, this is the right time to wear them in, not on the trip itself.
Travel
Your YellowWood adventure starts at the airport in Addis Ababa. We understand that arriving into an unfamiliar airport can be very daunting, so we aim to give you as much information here as possible to help you prepare.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and we are happy to help advise you on this. We recommend that you use a comparison tool when searching for flights, such as www.skyscanner.com or www.momondo.co.uk. We will send you a Flight Information Sheet with further pointers on which flights to book for your adventure.
You will be needing to purchase national flights operated by Ethiopian Airlines for this adventure - see the section on Domestic Flights below.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. As the situation in our destination countries can change, please do ensure you check regularly before your adventure. We also receive notifications direct from the FCDO so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Airport & Arrival Information
Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa) has reassuringly tight security measures and for this reason they do not allow any non-passengers into the airport.
We will of course arrange your hotel transfer.
Before you take your transfer however, you have a couple of jobs to do!
- Purchase your Visa on arrival, if you haven’t already got an e-visa: the visa desk is clearly signposted (see later section for details).
- Exchange Currency: The easiest way is probably to use the ATM in the arrivals lounge, however there is also a bank to change money near immigration and baggage claim (see later section on Currency Exchange). For convenience, we would recommend changing currency at the airport rather than doing this in Addis Ababa.
Toilets can be found in the arrivals lounge.
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights are not included in the cost of the holiday. All domestic flights are operated by Ethiopian Airlines (EA). Please note that Ethiopian Airlines offer a 50% discount on national flights if you have travelled with them for your international flight. We will provide you with further information on your Flight Information Sheet to help you book them correctly.
This trip involves Internal flights as follows (not included):
- Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar - Day 2
- Lalibela to Addis Ababa - Day 11
- Optional for Harar add-on adventure:
- Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa - Day 11
- Dire Dawa to Addis Ababa - Day 13
Domestic flight baggage allowance is as follows:
- Checked baggage must not exceed 20kg, whether in one bag or combined for 2 bags;
- Excess weight will be charged at the rate of 40ETB/kg.
- Carry-on baggage must not exceed 7kg, excluding personal handbags or purses, laptop, reading material or other special carry-on items.
- Special arrangements can be made for photographic equipment. Liquids may be taken in carry-on luggage and are not required to be in a zippered plastic bag.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend sorting your insurance when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered, particularly in the light of effects that the pandemic has had on travel.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hr emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
Your insurance needs to cover you for moderate walking with the following fairly standard inclusions:
- Medical Expenses
- Coronavirus linked expenses (these may be country specific, so please ensure you know what the requirements are relating to the country you are visiting)
- Repatriation
- Helicopter rescue & Air ambulance
We would also recommend that you have cover for the following optional items:
- Cancellation
- Loss or damage to property
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider.
Click through for a quote. https://app.battleface.com?partner=405
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
General information on Ethiopia
For information on Ethiopia, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a read of our Country specific information.
Reviews
Ken MacCaffrey
Ethiopia is a fabulous destination. Jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring, majestic scenery at every turn. Its like the Grand Canyon at times, but carpeted in picturesque villages & farmland. The people are delightfully welcoming, inspirational in their devotion to their living faith, even though I am not a believer. The country continues to develop, but daily life remains a burdensome slog for a great majority of people. Despite this, ready smiles await the visitor in virtually every setting. Highlights; World Heritage churches, hicks that were at once challenging & invigorating, and occasionally hair raising! Loved the camping site, the time amidst the baboons, spontaneous walks through villages, the great variety of places and landscapes, breathing in the dynamic nature of the people & their daily lives.
History & Landscapes of Northern Ethiopia (prev. Ethiopia Cultural Adventure), 2019
Ruth L
From guiding us through the crowded alleys of Lalibela at Genna to clambering up the dizzy heights of Abuna Yemata this was a trip that surpassed all expectations!
Yellowwood hits the right balance of organised small group travel with adventurous, 'off the beaten track' experiences all the while making you feel as if you've travelling with a small group of your friends.
Ethiopia is truly a beautiful country with wonderful friendly and generous people throughout. I highly recommend this trip and am already planning for my next Yellowwood adventure!
Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
Compulsory
- US$ or £GB to exchange for local currency
- Passport & Insurance documents
- Debit & credit card (limited access to ATMs)
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Insect repellent
- Prescription medication & antibiotics to stop serious traveller's diarrhoea
- Flannel & Towel (ideally quick drying travel towel)
- Washbag & usual contents - small travel bottles please! Biodegradable multi purpose soap can be used for washing clothes & self.
- Toilet kit: toilet roll, wet wipes & ziplock bags for carrying paper out. Biodegradable wet wipe brands: Cannymum, Close Pop & Travel Buddy
Items for Camping & Hiking
- Sleeping bag: they can be provided on the trip for the camping night but you will need to bring a sleeping sheet with you. If you prefer to bring your own, please bring a winter sleeping bag (0ºC comfort rating).
- Sleeping mats are provided. There is a risk of the odd flea bite from the mattresses as they are often transported by horse. If you are concerned then we suggest bringing a lightweight inflatable insulated mat which will offer most comfort. The sleeping sheet will also act as a barrier to fleas, if they are present.
- 20-30L rucksack with waist (& ideally chest) strap
- Water-to-Go filtration water-bottle & additional storage water-bottle - ideally 2 litres per person
- Torch with spare batteries
- Walking boots with ankle support for Gheralta (already broken in..)
- Waterproof stuff sacks & liners to keep kit dry. Esp. important for sleeping bags & spare clothes.
- Sunglasses & high factor sun cream
- Sun hat or baseball cap
Clothing
- General socks / underwear
- Suitable clothes/pjs for sleeping in at night
- Light clothes for day time sightseeing- long & short sleeved tops. Trousers or skirts. NB technical fabrics dry quickly in hot or wet weather.
- Waterproof Jacket (goretex or similar quality)
- Walking trousers for walking /camping (avoid scrub scratches etc). Soft shell fabric is ideal.
- Warm jacket & fleece - even in the summer temperatures can be sub zero at night.
- Buff or neck gaiter for cold weather / sun protection. Light scarf useful for church visits
- Flip flops, sandals & / trainers
- Warm hat & gloves
Optional
- Power pack (fully charged) & leads
- Camera & charging cables /plug
- Phone & charging cables /plug
- 2 prong adaptor Type C or E
- Purification tablets as alternative to Aquapure Traveller Water Purification Bottle
- Money belt
- Ear plugs (in case of snorers)
- Head torch & batteries / charger
- Eucalyptus oil - we have it on good authority that this can deter fleas which are common in Ethiopia
- Spare ziplock bags for dirty clothes, waterproofing phones, rubbish & general organising
- Walking poles
- Umbrella
- Lightweight waterproof trousers
- Universal sink plug (eg lifeventure, solotrek or muzitao brands)
- Swimming Costume (small pool at Monarch Hotel may have water in!)
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
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