|
click to enlarge
Tour Date: 04 Jan 2013 - 31 Jan 2013
Tour Cost ($AUD): $16997.00
Imagine an adventure that starts with the thrill of seeing Lake Victoria and the River Nile, as it starts its vast journey northwards. An adventure that continues across the 'Mountains of the Moon' and onto one of the great wildlife parks in Africa, Queen Elizabeth National Park. An adventure that then heads south through Pygmy colonies and onto magnificent rainforests, home of the rare mountain beast, the gorilla. Imagine a walk that will bring you into contact with a gorilla family on the slopes of an extinct volcano. An adventure that then moves eastward to Ethiopia, the cradle of civilisation, for arguably the most amazing festival in the world, the Baptism of Christ. Remarkable rock-hewn churches and medieval castles provide a spectacular finale to a truly extraordinary and varied 28-day sojourn.
04/01/2013 Australia - Dubai
Depart from your chosen Australian airport on the flight to Dubai.
05/01/2013 Dubai - Entebbe - Munyonyo (D)
Fishermen on Lake Victoria
On arrival in Dubai we connect with the flight to Entebbe.
Depart Dubai Emirates EK 729, 08.25
Arrive Entebbe 12.40
On arrival in Entebbe we transfer to Munyonyo, which is superbly situated on the banks of Lake Victoria.
The Speke Resort
Munyonyo
Kampala
Uganda
Ph: 0011-256-414-227111
Fx: 31-2227110
The main reservoir and source of the Nile, Lake Victoria is the second largest freshwater lake in the world, after Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia. The size of the lake is approximately the same as the Republic of Ireland and is situated between the Western and Eastern Rift Valleys, along the great Plateau at 1,134m above sea level. The lake contains over 200 species of fish, many of which are exported and form a major part of the economy. Like Lake Baikal, many rivers flow into Lake Victoria but only the Nile flows out.
06/01/2013 Chimpanzee Island (BLD)
Kampala, the city on twenty hills
This morning we visit Ngamba Island. Located 23km from Entebbe the island is a safe haven for orphaned chimpanzees. It is a unique opportunity to interact with these wonderful animals in their natural environment.
07/01/2013 Source of the Nile: Jinja ( (BLD)
The Nile flowing out of
Lake Victoria
For many people, to see the Nile flowing out of Lake Victoria is like seeing Everest for the first time. The first European to discover the source of the Nile was John Hanning Speke. Below is an excerpt from Speke's address to National Geographic, London:
“Though beautiful, the scene was not exactly what I expected, for the broad surface of the lake was shut out from view by a spur of hill, and the falls, about twelve feet deep and four to five hundred feet broad, were broken by rocks; still it was a sight that attracted one to it for hours.
The roar of the waters, the thousands of passenger fish leaping at the falls with all their might, the fishermen coming out in boats, and taking post on all the rocks with rod and hook, hippopotami and crocodiles lying sleepily on the water, the ferry at work above the falls, and cattle driven down to drink at the margin of the lake, made in all, with the pretty nature
of the country—small grassy-topped hills, with trees in the intervening valleys and on the lower slopes—as fantastic a picture as one could wish to see.”
We board a boat to see the exact source of the Nile.
08/01/2013 Kampala - Fort Portal (BLD)
Kibale Forest, Fort Portal
This morning we drive through stunning countryside as we pass Kibale Forest before climbing into Mountains of the Moon (Rwenzori Mountains).
Mountains of the Moon Hotel & Resort
Nyaika Avenue
Fort Portal
Uganda
Ph: 0011-256-483-423200
Fx: 422631
09/01/2013 Fort Portal - Queen Elizabeth National Park (BLD)
The Mountains of the Moon
After breakfast we cross the Equator and enter Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here the country is untouched, with lush vegetation and rich in wildlife. To the west of our lodge lie the Rwenzoris, while to the east are the spectacularly raised Rift Valley Hills, the so-called 'guardians of the birthplace of mankind'.
The two are separated by the meandering Kazinga Channel that flows into the great George and Edward lakes.
Mweya Safari Lodge
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda
Ph: 0011-256-31-260260
Fx: 260262
10/01/2013 Queen Elizabeth National Park (BLD)
 Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, hyenas, crocodiles, waterbuck and giraffes, as well as over 600 species of birds that flock around the Kazinga Channel. We enjoy an early sunrise game drive before returning to the lodge for breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure before a sunset safari.
11/01/2013 Queen Elizabeth - Kabale (BLD)
Rich agriculture in south Uganda
This morning we have another early morning game drive before leaving for the border town of Kabale. Passing many coffee and banana plantations en-route, we arrive in Kabale in the evening and transfer to our hotel.
Arcadia Cottages
Bunyoni Road
Kabale
Uganda
Ph: 0011-256-486-26231
Fx:
12/01/2013 Kabale (BLD)
Batwa Pygmy Elder
After breakfast we visit a Pygmy colony of the Batwa people. These people are the oldest recorded inhabitants of the Great Lakes region of central Africa. The current populations are also found in Rwanda, Burundi and the eastern Congo. Today there are approximately 80,000 Pygmies, making them a significant minority group. Originally they were hunters and gathers, but they have now been relocated from the Kigezi forest to make way for protected gorilla parks. Possessing a rich cultural heritage, today they are farmers and builders.
In the afternoon we drive to magnificent Lake Bunyoni. Many people believe this to be the most scenic lake in all of Africa.
13/01/2013 Kabale - Rwanda (BLD)
Gorilla in Parc National des Volcans
After breakfast we head further south to the border, and after completing customs and immigration formalities we enter beautiful Rwanda, 'the Switzerland of Africa. We then drive to Ruhengeri in the Virunga Mountains and Parc National des Volcans. After lunch we head to our home for the night, the Gorillas Nest.
Gorillas Nest Hotel
PO Box 79
Ruhengeri
Ph: 0011-250-546954
Fx: -546955
14/01/2013 Parc National des Volcans (BLD)
After a short briefing from park rangers on gorilla protection and protocol, we enter Parc National des Volcans. Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, close to the borders of Congo and Uganda, the park protects the steep slopes of the magnificent Virunga mountain range, home to seven families of the rare mountain gorilla. The various ecosystems in this area can be seen in the evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.
These are the 'Mountains of the Mist', which are world renowned thanks to the eminent primatolgist Dian Fossey, who lost her life here in 1985 in her quest to protect her beloved gorillas. Today her 'gorilla family' and their offspring live in the Virungas, free from fear and poachers. Our exhilarating walk through the cultivated foothills of the Virungas offers stirring views in all directions. As the trail continues it immerses us in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, which is alive with the calls of colourful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’
Through gaps in the forest canopy we can glimpse the magnificent volcano
peaks, which are among the highest in Africa. Our first contact with the gorillas will be unforgettable.
David Attenborough wrote, when trying to describe the overwhelming sensation of kinship,
"There is more meaning and understanding in exchanging a single glance with a gorilla than with any other animal I know."
15/01/2013 Kigali (BLD)
Parc National des Volcans
This morning we head south from the park to the Rwandan capital of Kigali and on arrival we transfer to our hotel.
Kigali Serena Hotel
PO Box 7469
Kigali
Rwanda
Ph: 0011-250-597100
Fx: -597101
16/01/2013 Kigali (BLD)
Schoolchildren in Kigali
Kigali is a very pleasant modern town situated among rolling hills - and has no skyscrapers! It is laid back and relaxed, and home to a million people. It is extremely friendly and safe and reflects a country that has had economic and social stability for over 10 years.
We take a walking tour of this delightful capital, passing by the presidential palace, craft markets and the famous Hotel Rwanda.
17/01/2013 Kigali - Addis Ababa (BLD)
Addis Ababa
Depart Kigali Ethiopian Airlines ET 806, 16.00
Arrive Addis Ababa 19.30
On arrival in Addis Ababa we transfer to our hotel. Welcome to the 'Cradle of Civilisation'. Ethiopia is one of the world's most extraordinary, yet least visited, countries. Lying in the mountains at an elevation of 2,500m, Addis Ababa is the third highest capital city in the world. It enjoys a superb climate with an average year-round temperature of 25 degrees.
Hilton Addis
Menelik 11 Street
Addis Ababa
Ph: 0011-251-1-518400
Fax: 510064
18/01/2013 Addis Ababa (BLD)
Timkat Festival
Today is the start of the magnificent Timkat Festival - the Baptism of Christ, or the Epiphany. Thousands of white-veiled worshippers dance and sing in the streets to the beating of drums. The Arc of the Covenant is paraded in a thronging procession.
The procession then moves to a water source where priests in satin robes celebrate a communal service, culminating in the ardent worshippers throwing themselves into the water for a mass baptism.
19/01/2013 Addis Ababa (Timkat Festival) (BLD)
Priest sprays crowd with holy water at Timkat Festival
Today the festival reaches its climax as millions throng for a drop of holy water which priests spray into the crowd. The atmosphere all of Ethiopia is joyous and impromptu festivals and parties take place all over Addis Ababa.
20/01/2013 Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar (BLD)
Chris and Monica Downey with their Ethiopian guides at the Blue Nile Falls
Depart Addis Ababa Ethiopian Airlines ET 126, 07.30
Arrive Bahir Dar 08.35
Bahir Dar was the capital of Ethiopia in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. This attractive town was, and still is, an important commercial centre. On arrival in Bahir Dar we transfer to our hotel, situated on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. Here we board a boat to explore the famous island monasteries, founded in the Middle Ages.
Kuriftu Hotel
Bahir Dar
Ph: 0011-251-1166 - 23605
Fx:
21/01/2013 Bahir Dar (BLD)
Lake Tana
Today we visit local villages as well as the colourful marketplace, where traditional wares such as baskets, pottery and hand-woven clothes are traded. This afternoon we visit the Zege Peninsula and the 14th-century monasteries of Ura Kidanemihret, Azewa Mariam and Kibran Gebriel.
22/01/2013 Bahir Dar - Gondar (BLD)
Gondar, Northern Ethiopia
After breakfast we begin a leisurely drive north towards the Sudanese border and the fabled highland city of Gondar, popularly known as 'Ethiopia's Camelot'. On arrival the rest of the day is at leisure. Our hotel is spectacularly perched on top of a hill, offering magnificent views of the city and its surrounds.
Taye Hotel
Gondar
Ph: 0011-251-5811-12150
Fax: 12175
23/01/2013 Gondar (BLD)
Fasilidas Castle, Gondar
Gondar was the 17th- and 18th-century capital of Ethiopia. Founded by Emperor Fasilidas around 1635, the city is famous for its stunning medieval castles and beautiful churches. Today we explore this amazing complex.
24/01/2013 Gondar (BLD)
Simien Mountains in the
Ethiopian Highlands
Today we visit the beautiful Simien Mountains. Canyons, gorges and soaring 4,000m peaks create a startling wilderness. In places the dramatic topography, dominated by basalt lava flows, is reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. We also visit remote villages where the way of life has changed little over the centuries.
25/01/2013 Gondar - Axum (BLD)
Mysterious stellae at Axum
Depart Gondar Ethiopian Air ET 128, 10.00
Arrive Axum 10.45
The oldest and holiest city in Ethiopia, Axum was the country's capital during the reign of the legendary Queen of Sheba in the 10th century BC. The city rose to prominence around the time of Christ and was the capital of the Axumite Kingdom, which dominated the vital crossroads of Africa and Asia for 1,000 years.
Today we visit the palace and bath of the Queen of Sheba, the Zion Cathedral - where the original Arc of the Covenant is said to be housed - and Stele Park, where magnificent and mysterious obelisks have stood since the 3rd century.
Yeha Hotel
Axum
Ph: 0011-251-4-750384
Fx: 750382
26/01/2013 Axum (BLD)
Ethiopian dancers near
the Adwa Mountains
Today we visit the historic and spectacular Adwa Mountains.
27/01/2013 Axum - Lalibela (BLD)
Orthodox priest performs a
blessing in Lalibela
Depart Axum Ethiopian Airlines ET 123, 11.10
Arrive Lalibela 12.55
Lalibela is one of the world's most extraordinary ancient sites. Described as 'the place that angels built', this UNESCO World Heritage site is simply breathtaking. A total of 13 churches were chiselled out of solid red volcanic rock more than 1,000 years ago.
Roha Hotel
Lalibela
Ph: 0011-351-3-360009
Fx: 260156
28/01/2013 Lalibela (BLD)
The rock-hewn church of Bet Gyorgis
A complex and bewildering labyrinth of tunnels connect the churches with narrow passageways, offset crypts, grottoes and galleries. Throughout this mysterious and wonderful settlement priests and deacons go about their timeless work, seemingly unaware they are doing so in what is often referred to as the eighth Wonder of the World. This morning we visit the first group of churches, as well as the city itself. and in the afternoon, explore the second group of churches including the amazing rock-hewn Bet Gyorgis, the 'House of St George'.
29/01/2013 Lalibela (BLD)
Choir practice in Lalibela
Today we explore the town of Lalibela and its amazing market.
30/01/2013 Lalilbela - Addis Ababa - Dubai (BL)
This morning we fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa.
Depart Ethiopian Airlines ET 123, 09.00
Arrive Addis Ababa 10.00
Depart Addis Ababa Emirates EK 724, 16.20
31/01/2013 Dubai - Australia
Arrive Dubai 00.35
In Dubai we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian airport.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Energetic
JANUARY 2013 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: AUD $16997.00
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $2,847
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* All flights between Australia and Africa
* All flights within Africa
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* USD 500.00 Gorilla permit (access to Parc National des Volcans)
* All accommodation (twin share)
* Meals as specified
* All local guides
* All entrance fees in specified sightseeing
* All local sightseeing as per itinerary
* Tour leader from Australia
* Visas
* All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final tour costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 at the time of booking.
All tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
|
