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© Debbie
Jefkin
Between the shoulder of Kenya and the belly
of Eritrea lies the ancient kingdom of Abyssinia, known today as Ethiopia.
It is one of the few places in the world that has been inhabited since
the dawn of mankind, embracing an unbroken chain of civilizations
reaching into the remote past. The cradle of civilization was almost
certainly here, and the first inhabitants were stone-age people who
thrived along the rich shores of the many lakes created by the Great
Rift, or last massive movement of the earth.
Our exploration of the Omo
Valley reveals a stunning narration of Southern Ethiopia’s ethnic
diversity, where proud nations of Tsemay, Hamer, Karo, Mursi and Elbore tribes
still live the way they have for centuries. In the historic North,
churches and palaces reflect the architectural genius of history’s
masters, and speak softly of a bygone era. They are enduring monuments to
Christianity and kings, emperors and legends, sheltering priceless relics
from a powerful and religious ancient civilization.
But that’s not all! The tour is scheduled to coincide
with the Maskal Festival and ceremonies of the
Ethiopian Orthodox faith. For anyone interested in tribal cultures,
medieval history and religious pageantry, Ethiopia bestows all the
rewards of visiting an exotic destination and its remarkable inhabitants.
Tour Highlights
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·
Splendid
processions of the Maskal Festival
·
Stone Age Tsemay, Mursi, Karo, Hamer and Elbore tribes
·
Axum, legendary
home of the Lost Ark of the Covenant
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Hand-carved rock
churches of Lalibela
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Medieval
monasteries of Lake Tana, source of the Blue
Nile
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Salt caravans of
the nomadic Afar tribe
Tour price:
$5850 | Single supplement: $583
The tour price, based on a minimum of 6
participants, includes 17
nights of hotel accommodations, all meals, domestic airfare, ground
transportation, airport transfers, entrance fees, tips of a group
nature and the services of a tour leader and English speaking guide.
The tour price does not include
international airfare, visa (currently $70), tip to local guide,
airport departure tax, beverages and expenses of a personal nature.
A deposit of $500 is
required to register and secure a place on the tour. This down payment
is fully refundable if notice is given 60 days prior to the departure
date. The balance of the tour cost is due 60 days prior to departure
date.
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