Ethiopian Odyssey 2014

www.backtrackadventures.com.au 1300 669 780

Addis Ababa, Timket FestivalSimien Mountains Trek

Lake Tana, Queen of Sheba’s PalaceRock-hewn Churches of Lalibela

and much more...

2014

1300 669 780

• proudly Australian owned an

d op

erat

ed •

2014

Ethiopian Odyssey

Page 2 | Back Track Adventures Ethiopian Odyssey 2014

www.backtrackadventures.com.au

Ethiopia in 2014For the keen adventure traveller, Ethiopia is a ‘must see’ destination. Ethiopia has an enthralling story to tell you about its pre homo-sapien history, its religious links going back to the Old Testament and its place at the crossroads of African civilisation. This multicultural, multilingual, multiethnic, landlocked country will excite and astound you.

Ethiopian Odyssey 2014 Back Track Adventures | Page 3


Back Track has pleasure in introducing an Ethiopian adventure that will surprise you in its diversity. From the frenetic energy, noise and colour of the legendary Timket Festival to the serenity of an African sunset viewed from a jutting mountain escarpment that looms above a burnished plain, Ethiopia will amaze you.

We will take you on a classic trek through the Simien Mountains to encounter the magnificently maned, red chested, grass eating Gelada baboon. The Gelada congregate to feed in massive troops numbering up to 800.

Following the trek we fly to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Axum. This ancient city is steeped in myth and legend and see evidence of this by visiting The Queen of Sheba’s Bath and Palace. In Axum you’ll also see the St Mary of Zion church, home to the Ark of the Covenant.

In the latter part of the adventure you visit another UNESCO World Heritage site; the awe inspiring rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Described as ‘the Wonder of Africa’ and ‘a Vision of Heaven’, they are simply, breathtaking. You’ll witness a mind bending display of masonry skills as you wander the 900 year old passageways, grottoes and crypts of the churches.

Also included is a relaxing stay on the shore of Ethiopia’s largest Lake, Lake Tana at 3500 sq kms. It’s azure waters are the source of the Blue Nile. Rounding off your journey, you spend two nights in the capital; the sprawling Addis Ababa. Here you may indulge in fine dining, shopping and visits to museums and galleries that highlight the rich cultural heritage and historical drama of Ethiopia.

Join Back Track in Ethiopia for a memorable journey.

Back Track Adventures have operated small group, guided adventure holidays since 1985.

Our aim is to give you the best holiday you have ever had!

In 2014 we celebrate 30 years of adventure holidays around the world.

Your trek leader from Australia and the local, English speaking guide will strive to ensure that you truly experience the areas you visit in an up close and personal manner, in comfortable style and relaxed pace.

See you in Ethiopia in 2014.



ItineraryDAY 1: WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15, 2014

Arrival at Bole International Airport. You will be met at the airport and will transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day will be available for visiting the places of interest in Addis Ababa including Entoto Mountains, the National Museum, the Ethnographical Museum, and the Trinity church. Overnight in Addis Ababa at Adot Tina Hotel.

DAY 2: THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2014

Early in the morning, depart on flight for Bahir Dar. After arrival, embark on a boat trip on Lake Tana to explore some of the monasteries hidden on the shores and islands of the lake. In the afternoon, you will have time to relax or take a short city tour, including to the top of Mt. Bezawit, where the former Palace of Haile Selassie looks out to Lake Tana. Finish the day with the sunset over the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar at Abay Minch Lodge.

DAY 3: FRIDAY JANUARY 17, 2014

After breakfast, depart out of town to the Blue Nile Falls for an easy hike in the area. Afterwards, proceed driving to Gondar. The drive will take you through rural villages, offering wonderful insight into the Amhara culture. Overnight in Gondar at Goha Hotel, set on a hill overlooking the town of Gondar.

DAY 4: SATURDAY JANUARY 18, 2014

After breakfast you will start to visit the sites of interest in Gondar, including a visit to the Royal Enclosure, with six castles and several other buildings. Additionally, visit the Debre Birhan Selassie church, with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia. In the afternoon you will proceed to Fasilidas’s Pool to begin the Timket festivities. Today the tabot (replica of the ark of the covenant) is brought from each

TRIP OVERVIEWDAY 1 Arrive Addis Ababa. Transfer hotel. Visit Entoto

Mountains, National Museum, Ethnographical Museum and Trinity Church. Overnight Adot Tina Hotel.

DAY 2 Fly to Bahir Dar. Boat trip on Lake Tana and city tour including Mt Bezawit. Overnight Abay Minch Lodge.

B

DAY 3 Visit Blue Nile Falls. Drive to Gondar. Overnight Goha Hotel.

B

DAY 4 Visit Royal Enclosure, Debre Birhan Selassie Church, Fasilidas's Pool. Timkat Festival begins! Overnight Goha Hotel.

B

DAY 5 Timket Festival in Gondar. Overnight Goha Hotel

B

DAY 6 Drive to Buyit Ras. Commence trek. Likely sightings of Gelaba Baboons. Overnight camp at Sankober.

BLD

DAY 7 Trek through Wazla River Valley. Views of Jinbar Falls. Cross Jinbar River. Overnight camp at Geech.

BLD

DAY 8 Trek to peak of Imet Gogo. Overnight camp at Chenek.

BLD

DAY 9 Trek to Bwahit Peak. Return to Gondar. Overnight Goha Hotel.

BL

DAY 10 Fly to Axum. Visit Queen of Sheba’s Bath, King Bazen’s Tomb, Sheba’s Palace, St Mary of Zion Church. Overnight Yeha Hotel.

B

DAY 11 Fly to Lalibela. Explore rock-hewn churches. Overnight Mountain View Hotel.

B

DAY 12 In Lalibela. Visit popular Yimrehanne Kristos and Bet Giyorgis. Overnight Mountain View Hotel.

B

DAY 13 Morning visit of Na'akuto La'ab church. Fly to Addis Ababa. Evening tradtional dinner and dancing. Overnight Adot Tina Hotel.

BD

DAY 14 Transfer to airport for international departure. B

Meals included as indicated: B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner



FlightsCoach

Addis Ababa

Lali Bela

SimienMountains

Bahir Dar

Gondar

Aksum

SUDAN

KENYA

ETHIOPIA

SOMALIA

SOMALILAND

YEMEN

ERITREA

RED SEA

GULF OF ADEN

Trek

Africa - Ethiopia

church to this central location, where they will stay overnight. Overnight in Gondar at Goha Hotel.

DAY 5: SUNDAY JANUARY 19, 2014

Today is Timket (Epiphany). In the morning, return to the Pool of Fasilidas where thousands of faithful gather to celebrate and renew their baptismal vows. After the blessings, each tabot is paraded back to its home with festive parades, music and dancing. After the festivities, the group will visit any remaining sites not visited the previous day. Overnight in Gondar at Goha Hotel.

DAY 6: MONDAY JANUARY 20, 2014

Depart early in the morning from Gondar, driving to Sankober. We will stop along the way to handle park fees, etc and then will stop in or around Buyit Ras for a 3-4 hour hike to Sankober, which passes close to the escarpment edge. Nearing Sankober, you will have beautiful views on both sides of the escarpment ridge and where you will likely see the endemic Gelada baboons. In Sankober, we will meet you with your supplies. Overnight camping in Sankober.

DAY 7: TUESDAY JANUARY 21, 2014

From Sankober, depart into a valley, through which the Wazla (or Koba) River runs. (This river is often dry). Coming out of the valley you will have views of the Jinbar River waterfalls falling into the

Geech Abyss. Continuing along, you will cross the Jinbar River and ascend into the village of Geech. Total trekking time: 4-5 hours

DAY 8: WEDNESDAY JANUARY 22, 2014

After an early breakfast, depart from Geech to the peak of Imet Gogo at 3926m. Here you’ll have spectacular views over the lowlands – one of the highlights of the trip. As you continue to Chenek, you will pass Korbete Metia, a solid rock wall which opens up exposing beautiful views over the lowlands and the escarpment. This is also a good place for spotting lammergeiers. Overnight camping in Chenek. Total trekking time: 7 – 9 hours

DAY 9: THURSDAY JANUARY 23, 2014

From Chenek, continue east up a valley to Bwahit Peak, overlooking the camp from where you just came. After the visit, return to Gondar for overnight at Goha Hotel.

DAY 10: FRIDAY JANUARY 24, 2014

Early morning flight to Axum. Today is a full day visiting the ancient city of Axum, home of the mighty Axumite empire. Sites to visit include the famous obelisks (one that was just erected after being returned from Italy), the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You can also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where



Pricing and Dates Trip Duration: 14 days ex Addis Ababa

From Addis Ababa 15 – 28 January, 2014

Costs for 2014*

Land only ex Addis Ababa AUD $3,495

Ethiopia Domestic Flights AUD $250

Single Supplement AUD $495

Extra Accommodation Addis Ababa per person B&B

Single - $139 Twin - $87

Flights from Australia Please contact Back Track for further information

Inclusions: » Domestic airfares as noted in the trip itinerary » Private ground transportation (including all airport

transfers), inclusive of fuel, insurance and governmental taxes

» Hotel accommodation as listed above (or similar quality, based on availability), double or twin share including breakfast

» Entrance fees to all locations including local guide service and boat trip on Lake Tana

» Tips for local guides and drivers » Tips for trek crew » Services of tour escort/trek leader from Australia » For the Simien Mountains trek:

» English-speaking guide » Entrance fees to Simien Mountains National Park » Armed scouts, mules and mule handlers » All food & water while camping » All cooking & camping materials, including cooking

& mess tents and cook to prepare food for entire expedition team

» All camping materials (tents, sleeping bags, mattresses)

Exclusions: » International flights » International travel insurance » Passport and visa costs » Lunch, dinner (except in Simien Mountains, where all

meals are included); all alcoholic beverages » Camera and/or photo fees » Tips other than stated above » Items of a personal nature

*All prices are subject to change without notice at anytime.

the Ark of the Covenant is kept. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Overnight in Axum at Sabean International Hotel.

DAY 11: SATURDAY JANUARY 25, 2014

Continue this morning on a flight to Lalibela, the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. After lunch, begin to explore the 11 rock-hewn churches of the remarkable King Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for women). Overnight in Lalibela at Mountain View Hotel.

DAY 12: SUNDAY JANUARY 26, 2014

In the morning, take a trip to visit the church of Yimrehanne Kristos. The most popular of the churches outside of Lalibela, this church is built with layers of wood and granite, set in the entrance to a large cavern. Return to Lalibela for lunch and, in the afternoon, visit the Southeastern Cluster of churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis. Overnight in Lalibela at Mountain View Hotel.

DAY 13: MONDAY JANUARY 27, 2014

In the morning, visit the nearby Na’akuto La’ab church. After the visit, proceed to the airport for the return flight back to Addis Ababa. The afternoon will be available to visit the remaining sites of Addis Ababa not visited on the first day. At night we invite you for a traditional Ethiopian dinner with music and dancing from various ethnic groups in Ethiopia. Overnight in Addis Ababa at Adot Tina Hotel.

DAY 14: TUESDAY JANUARY 28, 2014

Transfer to airport for international departure.



You will be joined in Ethiopia by Back Track Director, Ray Baker. A keen adventure traveller, Ray has 39 years of international travelling experience and has led and escorted over 60 trips. This will be Ray’s first visit to Ethiopia and he has designed an itinerary sure to appeal to lovers of exotic places. His energy, enthusiasm and zest for adventure are contagious.

You will also be accompanied throughout by experienced, professional, English speaking guides who will be happy and honoured to share their knowledge. Expert drivers will handle the road transportation throughout the journey. They will safely deliver you to your destination.

A support team of guides, kitchen staff and muleteers will join you on the trek. Your interaction with the local crew will greatly enhance your enjoyment.

Back Track Crew

Ray Baker,Trek Leader

Back Track Adventures supports Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia (Australia) Limited (HFEA).

To learn more about HREA or to make a donation please visit their website www.hamlinfistula.org.au

Contact Back Track if you wish to extend your time in Addis Ababa and visit the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.

Back Track Adventures222A Barry Parade, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006PO Box 132, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Phone 07 3850 7655 | Fax 07 3854 1079email [email protected] www.backtrackadventures.com.auABN 23 910 991 873 | Licence Number 177/178 Member AFTA, TCF, WTAAA

www.backtrackadventures.com.au Ethiopia Assist Line: 1300 669 780

• proudly Australian owned an

d op

erat

ed •

1984–2014

ETHBRO

-14-06

www.backtrackadventures.com.au Back Track Adventures Ethiopia Booking Form | Page 1 of 2

Ethiopia Booking Form 2014ETH

BOO

K-14-01

1. CHECK AVAILABILITY: Call Back Track Adventures to check availability of your preferred Team. Teams book quickly so please book early.

2. ENSURE THAT YOU READ AND UNDERSTAND OUR BOOKING CONDITIONS: By paying your deposit you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Terms and Conditions of Booking on page two (2) of this Booking Form and you agree to be bound by these Booking Conditions.

3. COMPLETE THIS BOOKING FORM AND PAY APPLICABLE DEPOSIT: A non-refundable deposit of $600 per person is required or full payment if booking is within 60 days of your Team departure date. On receipt of your booking form and deposit your Confirmation Pack will be sent to you. The Pack contains all the information you need to prepare for your trek plus a Personal Details Booklet that must be completed and returned to us immediately.

4. TRAVEL INSURANCE IS COMPULSORY and it is recommended that you arrange this at time of booking. Visit our website: www.backtrack.com.au/insurance.htm to arrange insurance online, or contact us for insurance information.

Please complete ALL FIELDS in the form below to ensure accurate processing of your booking and deposit payment.

How to Book:

Details TREKKER 1 TREKKER 2

Departure Please reserve a place for me on the Ethiopia tour: Departure date: ____/____/2014

Please tick where appropriate

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DEPOSIT PAYMENT DETAILS - Payment of $600 per person is required to secure your booking

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Please complete payment details as requested and return this form via fax, post or scanned email copy.

n Payment by Cheque. Please make all cheques payable to Back Track Adventures

n Payment by Direct Deposit Date paid ____ / ____ / 20____ Please allow 24hours for your payment to process into our bank account

Bank and Branch ANZ Bank, Fortitude Valley BSB 014 240 Account No. 3714 19046 Account Name Back Track Adventures QLD Swift Code (for overseas payments) ANZBAU3MPlease enter your Surname and/or Team number into the REFERENCE field when transferring your deposit payment

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Where to send your form and payment details

Phone 1300 669 780 Fax 07 3854 1079 email [email protected] Address PO Box 132 Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 Office 132 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

1984–2014

Back Track Adventures (Travel agents Licence Numbers 177/178), ABN 23910991873, act as Travel Agents and Tour Operators contracting some services from other tour operators, Travel Agents, Airlines, Hotels and others, herein referred to as Service Providers.

1. GETTING STARTED: A booking is made by completing the booking form and returning same with your deposit of $600 per person to Back Track Adventures. A Confirmation Pack will be sent to you as soon as possible after receipt of your booking form and deposit. It is a condition of booking that you arrange comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation cover when you pay your deposit or within 7 days of receiving your Confirmation Pack. If travel insurance cover can not be obtained for a medical condition, or any reason, you must advise us immediately. PLEASE NOTE THE DEPOSIT IS STRICTLY NON–REFUNDABLE. Payment: Final balance is due 65 days prior to your departure from Australia. If you book less then 65 days prior to departure then full payment must be made at time of booking. If payment is not made by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking. Your deposit is non-refundable. Trip Price: The trip price is based on costs and exchange rates current at time of printing this brochure. We reserve the right to adjust prices before or after your booking. If we receive any increase in prices for services, these increases may be passed on even after final balance has been received. Airfares quoted by Back Track are subject to change by the airlines. Any airfare increases will be passed on. Flight taxes are subject to increase at any time.

2. CANCELLATION BY YOU: If you cancel your trip, land and air cancellation fees apply. The fee is determined by the date that we receive written notification of your cancellation. Fees are as follows: Days before Departure: More than 65 days: loss of deposit, 65 days or less: 100% of total booking cost. Depending on your reason for cancelling, charges may be recoverable by you under your insurance policy. CANCELLATION BY US: Our tour departures are subject to minimum numbers being obtained. We reserve the right to cancel the tour if minimum numbers are not achieved within 60 days of the scheduled departure date. We will advise anyone affected no later then 60 days prior to departure and in this case all monies paid to us by you will be refunded except any payment for travel insurance. No responsibility is taken by us for any costs incurred for goods or services purchased by you independently for this tour. These costs might include, but are not limited to, costs imposed by an airline on cancelled advance purchase airline tickets.

3. EVACUATION: In the unlikely event that you are evacuated from the trek for any reason, all costs associated with the evacuation are your expense. Costs include, but are not limited to, evacuation costs by helicopter or fixed wing aircraft, medical expenses, doctors fees, additional accommodation and transport. From the moment you leave the trek itinerary, any meals, accommodation or services provided at the evacuation point are at your expense. No refunds are given for unused services.

4. ACCEPTING INHERENT DANGERS: You understand and accept that your proposed tour may expose you to inherent dangers. This tour is physically and mentally challenging. Only people in good physical and mental condition should undertake this tour. You must check with your

Doctor and ensure that your health is sound and you are able to undertake a rigorous training programme as necessary. You must accept that you will be travelling through a remote area where outside assistance may be delayed or unavailable if an unforeseen event occurs. This may be due to medical, weather or political situations and may affect you or other members of the group or our trek crew. You must understand and accept that a medical emergency in this remote area may be life threatening and by completing this booking form you accept these potential adverse and unfavourable conditions and potential life threatening situations as your choice. You agree that Back Track Staff have answered, in a forthright manner, all questions you may have asked regarding all aspects of the Trek, in particular, questions regarding Health, Fitness, Physical and Mental challenges and risks.

5. LIABILITY RELEASE AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Back Track Adventures will always act with due care and skill. Where Back Track Adventures utilise Services Providers, Back Track Adventures are not responsible for the acts and omissions of these Service Providers, including tour guides, for any loss, damage or expense, including loss of money paid in advance which you may incur as a consequence of the acts, omissions and negligence of others. As soon as possible on receipt of your completed booking form and deposit, you will be sent with your Confirmation Pack, an ‘Indemnity & Release Form’, This must be read, understood, signed and returned in the envelope provided within 7 days of receipt.

6. YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS: We strongly recommend a visit to your doctor immediately to determine if you have any health issues that may prevent you from participating in this holiday. You must ask your doctor about current inoculation requirements. A ‘Medical Questionnaire and a Fitness Questionnaire’ will be sent to you with your Confirmation Pack which must be completed and returned within 7 days of receipt. On receipt of your completed Medical Questionnaire, some clients, in particular those with pre-existing medical conditions may be asked to obtain a clearance from their Doctor as to their ability to complete the trek. We reserve the right, at our discretion, to cancel any booking and refund any monies paid. During your tour you are under the authority of your tour leader who has authority to determine your suitability to continue with your tour.

7. MINORS: In general, minors (under 18 years) are not accepted on this trip. Acceptance of a minor on a trip is strictly at the discretion of Back Track Adventures. In most cases we are happy to accept minors. Please enquire.

8. USE OF PHOTOS: You agree that Back Track may use images of you taken during your trip without recourse to you and without compensation to you. The images will be for marketing and promotional purposes only and the selected medium will be at Back Track’s discretion.

www.backtrackadventures.com.au Back Track Adventures Ethiopia Booking Form | Page 2 of 2

Ethiopia Booking Form 2014

Terms and Conditions of Booking:By paying your deposit you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Terms and Conditions of Booking as outlined below and you agree to be bound by these Booking Conditions.

1984–2014

Back Track Adventures222A Barry Parade, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006PO Box 132, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Phone 07 3850 7655 | Fax 07 3854 1079email [email protected] www.backtrackadventures.com.au

ABN 23 910 991 873 | Licence Number 177/178 | Member AFTA, TCF, WTAAA

www.backtrackadventures.com.au Ethiopia Assist Line: 1300 669 780

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Ethiopian Odyssey 2014