Discover Ethiopia's fascinating cultures in this journey through the less-travelled part of this rich and diverse country. We visit two National Parks and visit villages to have one-of-a-kind interaction of the Dorze, Hamer, Dasanech, and Mursi peoples. Ethiopia Discovery Classic 2009 GPF 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Africa Ethiopia Addis Ababa Addis Ababa Culture/History 11 2 Standard http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/ethiopia/ethiopia_village.jpg Arrive in Addis Ababa at any time. Our long travel day takes us past many scenic lookouts, local villages, and Rift Valley lakes as we descend to a lower altitude to the pleasant Arba Minch. Indulge in lunch at Shashemene, known for its Rastafarian community. After a relaxing boat ride on Lake Chamo enjoying the resident crocodiles, hippos, and bird life, we drive high into the Guge mountains to spend the night with the Dorze people. They are famous for their beehive-shaped bamboo houses and products produced from the Enset "false banana" plant. Today’s long journey takes us to Jinka, a frontier town with a mix of a number of different tribes. The Ari are found around Jinka and also inhabit the northern border of Mago National Park. Ari villages have neat compounds, fertile and scenic land with coffee plantations. Using Jinka as our base, we take an excursion to visit the Mursi people via Mago National Park. These fascinating people are famous for circular lip plates that the women place into slits in their lips. In the afternoon, you’ll have some time to visit to the Anthropological museum in Jinka, or even take a tour of an Ari village. Today we will drive to Turmi via Key Afar. En route we pass by Hamer and Benna cattle herders. We will have lunch in Key Afar where there will be the Thursday market, attended by the Benna, Hamer and Ari people. Here you are free to spend some time meandering through this colorful market enjoying the displays. Today we take a day excursion to Omorate to visit the semi-nomadic pastoral Omo Geleb/Dasanech people at the bank of the Omo River. Embark on an optional dug-out canoe ride across the Omo river to visit a Dasanech village on the other side. Today we visit the Saturday market in Dimeka. This market is particularly interesting for its display of local products such as butter and honey produced from the Hamer natural environment and semi-nomadic livelihoods. Dimeka residents, Hamer, and some other tribes and tourists frequent this market.
Drive to Konso with a stop for lunch in Weito. We visit the Konso chief's compound which includes the family graveyard and mummification house. We may again encounter the Cushitic-speaking Tsemay people. The Konso are a rich agrarian culture. They construct ingenious terraces and walls that encircle their fields and villages for protection against livestock damage and flooding. Here spend the night in a traditional enclosure in Konso, which will give you the unique experience of staying in a Konso village. We drive to Yirgalem where there is a pleasant peaceful lodge with walks through gardens and forests. Depart Yirgalem, with a stop at Lake Ziway for some bird watching. We continue back to the modern and cosmopolitan Addis Ababa, perched on the slopes of the Entoto Mountains, where your tour ends upon arrival in the late afternoon. Arrive in Addis Ababa any time and make your way to the joining point hotel. A brief departure meeting will be held in the hotel reception area on Day 1 of your tour. Upon arrival look for information from your tour leader on the hotel bulletin board from regarding meeting time.

Addis Ababa, founded more than a century ago, means 'New Flower' in Amhara. At an elevation of 2400m, the third highest capital in the world, the climate is pleasantly cool. The city mixes past and present. Statues from the imperial times coexist with placards from the former Marxist Regime and huge billboards advertising current activities in the city, modern businesses, as well as development organizations' goodwill projects. The streets are a mesh of expensive cars, old Russian “Lada model” taxis, as well as donkeys, sheep, goats, stray dogs and cats, medieval looking priests and modern dressed working class with mobile phones. Traditional mud houses stand not far from austere Fascist buildings and private-sector banks.

The National Museum contains a wide array of Ethiopian historical artifacts focusing on the pre- Aksumite, Aksumite, Solomonic, and Gonder periods. It also has a wide array of Ethiopian art ranging from 14th century parchment to 20th century canvas oil paintings by leading modern Ethiopian artists. The museum houses anthropological and archaeological displays including Lucy, the fossilized hominid discovered in 1974. Enotto, about 3000m above sea level, is the highest point of the capital and the seat of Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia. Here you enjoy panoramic views of the capital and the museum adjacent to the church of St. Mary.

Merkato is the largest open market in Africa where you can find a bit of everything. The spice market is very interesting for its colourful displays and aromas. For some travellers one of the highlights of the Merkato is the “recycling market” where old tires are turned into sandals, corrugated iron is made into metal buckets, and olive oil tins from Italy are made into coffee pots and scoops. Also interesting is the section where the narcotic leaf “chat” is sold. Estimated Travel Time: 11 hours
Approximate Distance: 506 km

Depart early on our journey to Arbaminch, which lies a hefty 505 km south of Addis Ababa. Our full day’s travel will take us along some of the Rift Valley lakes, and we will make a stop for lunch at Shashemene, home to a Rastafarian community. We will also drive through the Wolayta farmlands, with views of the lush green hills and valleys.

Arbaminch is set on an escarpment overlooking the Rift Valley Lakes, with Lake Abaya to the north and Lake Chamo to the south. The town's name in Amharic literally means "forty springs" that are found around the town. Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
Approximate Distance: 30 km

In the morning we take a relaxing boat ride on Lake Chamo where you will see crocodiles famous for their huge size, hippos and water birds. After lunch in Arba Minch, we drive high into the Guge mountains to spend the night with the Dorze people. They are famous for their beehive-shaped bamboo houses and products produced from the Enset plant. The Dorze people use ingenious terracing and have a unique traditional lifestyle with their colourfully woven cotton products. Estimated Travel Time: 10 hours
Approximate Distance: 320 km

Early morning departure for Jinka with a lunch stop in Weito, a small little town where we may encounter the Cushitic-speaking Tsemay people. After lunch, we continue on to Jinka a frontier town with a mix of northerners and southerners. The Ari are found around Jinka and also inhabit the northern border of Mago National Park. Ari villages have neat compounds, fertile and scenic land with coffee plantations. Ari have large livestock herds and produce large quantities of honey. Traditionally, the women wore skirts from the banana like plant, called Enset. For tonight, and the night of day 5, we will be camping in Jinka. Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours
Approximate Distance: 100 km round trip

Using Jinka as our base, we take an excursion to visit the Mursi people via Mago National Park. These people are curious and famous for the geometrical lip plates that the women stick into slits in their lips. The men practice fierce stick fighting. In the afternoon, you’ll have some time to visit to the Anthropological museum in Jinka, or even take a tour of an Ari village, and take in an evening of traditional Ari dance. Estimated Travel Time: 7 hours
Approximate Distance: 115 km

Today we will drive to Turmi via Key Afar. En route we pass by the Hamer and Benna cattle herders. We will have lunch in Key Afar where there will be the Thursday market, attended by the Benna, Hammer and Ari people. Here you are free to spend some time meandering through this colorful market enjoying the displays.

We arrive afternoon in Turmi, the central town of the Hamer people where we will camp for three nights. Turmi is a main trading point between many of the Rift Valley peoples so markets here are particularly interesting. Optional Evangadi "evening dance" and bull jumping ceremony is possible any evenings while in Turmi. Your tour leader will recommend a night for experiencing these events.

Hamer women have remarkable hairstyles made from ochre, water, and binding resin. They rub the mixture into their hair then twist the strands repeatedly to create coppery-coloured locks. This is a sign of wealth and welfare. Hamer are considered to be masters of body decoration.

Days 7 and 8 are day trips that we take into the region around Turmi, and our exact excursions and itinerary while camping in Turmi will depend upon the activities and local markets in various surrounding towns. We will try to stick to the original itinerary described, though a change may be recommendable in order to fully appreciate the culture of this fascinating region. Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours
Approximate Distance: 114 km round trip

Today we take a day excursion to Omorate to visit the semi-nomadic pastoral Omo Geleb/Dasanech people at the bank of the Omo River. Embark on an optional dug-out canoe ride across the Omo river to visit a Dasanech village on the other side. Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours
Approximate Distance: 40 km round trip

Today we visit the Saturday market in Dimeka. This market is particularly interesting for its display of local products such as butter and honey produced from the Hamer natural environment and agrarian livelihoods. Dimeka residents, Hamer, some other tribes and tourists frequent this market.

Hamer have remarkable hair styles created from ochre, water, and binding resin to produce coppery-coloured locks, a sign of wealth and welfare. We may have the option to experience the interesting Hamer bull jumping ceremony and the evangadi dance. Estimated Travel Time: 7 hours
Approximate Distance: 197 km

Drive to Konso with a stop for lunch in Weito. We visit the Konso chief's compound which includes the family graveyard and house of mummies. We may again encounter the Cushitic-speaking Tsemay people. The Konso are a rich agrarian culture. They construct ingenious terraces and walls that encircle their fields and villages for protection against livestock damage and flooding. Here spend the night in a traditional home in Konso, which will give you the unique experience of staying in an Ethiopian village. Estimated Travel Time: 9 hours
Approximate Distance: 267 km

We drive to Yirgalem where there is a pleasant peaceful lodge with walks through gardens and forests. Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours
Approximate Distance: 354 km

Depart Yirgalem, with a stop at Lake Ziway for bird watching. We arrive in Addis Ababa in the afternoon, where the trip ends. 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1029 1549 89.00 79.00 49.00 39.00 99.00 69.00 49.00 69.00 Local Payment 250 USD Accommodation Hotel (2 nts), Simple hotel (1 nt), Traditional Lodging (2 nts), Camping (5 nts).
Brochure Notes 1. Late evening return to Addis Ababa on day 11, a post night is recommended.
2. Please note that due to the remote nature of our Ethiopia adventures, some of our accommodation may seem rustic by western standards. Departure Departs monthly, Sept to March DepEnd Departure days vary Group Leader Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guides. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Addis Ababa, Arbaminch, Turmi, Omorate, Rural Village Visits, Lake Chamo. Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD100 for meals not included - for additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included 8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 8 Dinners. Min Pax 6 My Own Room Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, with the following exceptions:

Nights 4-5, Jinka; Nights 6-8, Turmi Recommendation For a more complete Ethiopia Experience, please see Ethiopia Encompassed DEF. StartFinish ex Addis Ababa Transport 4WD Landcruiser, Boat, Minivan. What's Included Boat ride on Lake Chamo (Nechisar National Park), Entrances and visits with Dorze, Hamer, Dasanech, and Mursi villages. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro Discover Ethiopia's fascinating cultures in this journey through the less-travelled part of this rich and diverse country. We visit two National Parks and visit villages to have one-of-a-kind interaction of the Dorze, Hamer, Dasanech, and Mursi peoples. Checklist Suggested Items:
- Fleece or wool jumper/jacket
- 4 shirts/t-shirts, cool and breathable
- 1 Long-sleeved shirt
- 1 pair of shorts, mid-thigh or longer
- 2 pairs of long hiking trousers, lightweight, breathable
- 1 pairs of long trousers
- Hiking Boots / Walking Shoes
- Sandals
- Day pack, for you to carry
- 2-season (spring/summer) sleeping bag, and sleeping sheet for warm nights camping in Turmi
- Water bottle, and water purification tablets or purifier (bottled water is also available for purchase) - Sun hat, Bandana (many uses - head protection, handkerchief, wrap injuries)
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp / torch / flashlight (with extra batteries and bulbs)
- Camera and extra memory card/film
- Extra batteries (recommended)
- Pocket knife / Utility knife
- Electricity Plug Adapter
- Personal First Aid kit (should contain Lip balm with sunscreen, Aspirin, Ibuprofen , Malaria pills, band aids/plasters, adhesive tape, anti-histamine, Antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, rehydration powder (salt and sugar mix), throat lozenges, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
- Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, razors, etc)
- Hand sanitizer gel/Sanitizer wipes
- Toilet paper
- Candles, matches
- Plastic bags for packing (rain protection)

Optional Items: Sleeping pad (optional – simple, thin mattresses provided while camping), reading/writing material, binoculars, cover for backpacks., Playing cards, games, frisbee, notebook, pens/pencils

For donation in the local communities: clothing, notebooks, pens, pencils, pins, flags, pictures, postcards from your country for local villagers or children.

Documents:
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Yellow fever certificate
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- USD cash and traveller's cheques
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
or vaccination certificates required Departure Tax USD20, usually included in most international air tickets. Detailed Trip Notes American Dollars that are series 1999 or earlier are not accepted and very difficult to change in Southern and Eastern Africa, because of past forgeries. As a result, these notes CANNOT be accepted as Local Payment - please bring large denomination notes ($50, or $100) from year 2000 or more recent.

Location
Ethiopia is a ruggedly mountainous country covering 1,098,000 sq kms and surrounded by Kenya, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan and Djibouti.

Climate
Ethiopia has two main seasons, a dry season from October through May and a rainy season from June through September. Temperatures vary according to altitude, but are commonly on the mild side.
Main Rains in Rift Valley occur from March – June and light rains from October – December.

Time
Ethiopia is in the GMT + 3 hrs time zone and follows the Julian calendar which consists of 12 months of 30 days each plus a 13th month of 5 or 6 days.

Communications
Telephone, fax and email are available in most main towns but are most reliable in Addis. The IDD code for Ethiopia is +251.

Electricity
Electric supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. The wall socket accepts two circular-shaped prongs, so an adapter is required. Video camera batteries may be recharged at hotels along the route.

Photos
Photographs should not be taken of military or strategic buildings or airports. Ask permission to take photos of any person or home. Sometimes money is requested for photos.

Religion
Mostly Orthodox Christian and Islam in Addis Ababa. Traditional African beliefs such as animism and totemism in the Rift Valley Southern Region.

Language
Amharic is the official language, although over 80 local languages are spoken throughout Ethiopia. English is understood by most educated young people. About 45 languages spoken in Rift Valley Southern region.

Begging
Beggars are common especially in Addis Ababa and larger towns. Children will often crowd around asking for money or other items. Tour guides will inform you on ways to deal with beggars. Have pens for kids, basic medicine for locals in places without a clinic. Giving to one person where there is a group usually ends in a scramble.

Customs at Arrival
Cameras, computers and major electrical items may need to be declared on arrival. Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro Discover Ethiopia's fascinating cultures in this journey through the less-travelled part of this rich and diverse country. We visit two National Parks and visit villages to have one-of-a-kind interaction of the Dorze, Hamer, Dasanech, and Mursi peoples. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local G.A.P Adventures operator - Ethioguzo Tour and Travel. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures Operator - Ethioguzo Tour and Travel (Ethiopia)
Open 5 days a week, 9am to 6pm local time (GMT +3).
Tel: Int. Dialing Code +251-11-6-534822 (during office hours) (Steven Olson)

Ethioguzo Emergency Cell Phone: +251-91-1-478058 any time.

If you are unable for any reason to contact Ethioguzo or our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Finishing Point Hotel RAS HOTEL
ChurchHill Rd
Tel: 251-11-551-7060 Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description Throughout the entire 11-day journey in the south of Ethiopia, you will be accompanied on your trip by a tour leader. To round out the team, you will be joined by expert driver(s). The tour leader will be the group manager and leader. He/she organizes the trip, and will be there to assist you when needed. He/she will have a general knowledge base of the region, history, culture, and wildlife. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. Your driver is a skilled and experienced driver, and is an integral part of the team. In addition, for some included activities, we engage in expert local guides to add to the experience an share their expertise. Your cook will prepare the camp meals and add some further local flavour to the trip. Health We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure.

Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor for travel in Ethiopia. Immunization against Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus & Typhoid is recommended. Be aware that Ethiopia has regions where malaria is present, including Arbaminch and some areas further south in the Rift Valley in the south. We thus recommend that you take malaria medication; your doctor should be able to recommend the necessary prophylactics. Travellers should also carry a basic travel first-aid kit as medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. An important item to include is a liquid or gel hand sanitizer and/or alcoholic/sanitary wipes, as they will aid in personal cleanliness and hygiene throughout the trip. The local tap water should not be consumed, so any water treatment tablets (ex. iodine), drops, etc, would help. If you have any pre-existing medical condition, you must inform G.A.P Adventures prior to the purchase of the tour, and upon arrival, to the tour leader so he/she can be prepared to help you.

Sand flies and Mosquitos
Are found in the areas visited. Mosquitos are more prevalent in areas that receive more rainfall, and sand flies, though generally found on the coast, can also be found in dry & dusty conditions inland. Both tend to come out in the early evening and early mornings. Protective clothing, and insect repellent are highly recommended during these times.

Malaria
This infectious disease is transmitted by mosquitos carrying the parasite. These mosquitos are found at altitudes of under 1,800m, and thus can be found in a couple of the towns visited. You must have prophylactics which you can obtain from your local doctor at or health clinic.

Sun
It is very important that you wear sun block, even on a cloudy day, or at high altitudes when it feels cool, as we are near the equator and the sun is very strong. A sunburn can turn a pleasant trip into a painful trip.

Hydration
Even when days are cool please be sure to drink a minimum of two litres of water and refrain from drinking to many diuretics, as while when travelling outdoors the breeze can dehydrate you quickly as well as the heat.

Diarrhoea:
It is normal for people travelling overseas to get an upset stomach due to a change of climate and food. Please make sure that you wash your hands and stay away from street food. Important Notes 1. This tour finishes upon arrival into Addis Abba in the afternoon of Day 11. You may choose to fly out that same evening/night. Otherwise, we recommend that you add on a final night's stay at our ending hotel.

2. Please note that due to the remote nature of our Ethiopia adventures some of our accommodation may seem rustic by western standards.

3. Please note that this tour combines with other G.A.P Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G.A.P Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G.A.P Adventures tour, after your trip concludes. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel RAS HOTEL
Church Hill Rd
Tel: 251-11-5-517060
Joining Instructions If you are obtaining your visa upon arrival at the Bole International airport, the queue is just before you go through immigration check point. There is a Dashen bank that you can change your US dollars into Birr there. It gives the current bank rate.

Getting from the airport to the RAS hotel involves one taxi ride. There are many contract taxis outside the airport, we suggest the blue and white coloured taxis. You can negotiate a price; ride should cost between 50 - 75 Birr (US$6-8.5). From about 9pm onwards there are fewer taxis so the prices will be a bit higher.

If you allow anyone to help you with your luggage, they will expect a tip. 3 – 5 Birr (US$ .35 - .60) is sufficient. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Hand washing of clothes can be done at most of the campsites and for a fee by maid service at all hotels. Most hotels do not allow you to wash clothes in your room. We recommend you bring a non polluting/biodegradable soap, as well as a roll of simple string to act as a drying line for your clothes. If you arrive in the late afternoon, or if there is poor weather, it may not be possible for your clothes to completely dry. Local Dress It is recommended to cover legs, and to remove shoes and hats in churches and monasteries. Women should cover their hair with a shawl in churches/monasteries. Please note that Ethiopia is a fairly conservative country, so please dress accordingly. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Included in your tour price are 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners. When meals are not included, your hotel will have a restaurant or your will be advised of a good local establishment. Part of the excitement of a G.A.P Adventures trip is the ability to try local dishes when possible.. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is not expensive. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though, and you may choose to explore some local restaurants on your own or with your travel companion(s). All camp meals will be prepared from fresh local produce. Hot breakfasts with coffee and tea will be provided. Lunches will usually be hot but occasionally will be light meal such as sandwiches or salads. All evening meals will be hot and will consist of continental and/or local dishes. Meals will be prepared by the crew with assistance from you if you would like to help cook, this is not compulsory. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival. Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange American Dollars that are series 2000 or earlier are not accepted and very difficult to change in Southern and Eastern Africa, as there are a lot of forgeries. As a result, these notes CANNOT be accepted as Local Payment.

Credit cards (VISA ONLY) are useful for cash advances in Addis Ababa, but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Advanced cost a 12USD fee locally for transactions under $200 and a 5.5% commission for any transaction over $200.

International debit cards do not generally work in Ethiopia.

While ATMs are available in Addis Ababa, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Africa. Check with your bank, but you are encouraged to bring cash. Large denominations, such as $50 and $100 notes are most easily exchanged. Traveller’s cheques can be exchanged in Addis Ababa, but it is difficult to do outside the capital.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash, travellers cheques and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities Optional activity prices are subject to change and can fluctuate in relation to the high/low season and the number of people on a specific excursion. Not all excursions listed here may be available, due to season, or weather conditions. As generally not a lot of time is spent in start/end cities, you may want to arrange to arrive early, or stay longer after the trip in order to allow sufficient time to participate in optional activities there.

All prices are in US dollar amounts, per person.

Evangadi "evening dance" in Turmi $10
Boat ride across the Omo River at Omorate $5
Bull Jumping Ceremony in Turmi $25
Southern tribes' anthropological museum in Jinka $4
Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. It is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the East African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, as an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal 'thank you', and the action should in no way be awkward. The best method of tipping someone that has served the whole group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope. This often works the best and the group as a whole should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s).

You may use the following as a guideline, all given in a per client format: Restaurant/Café servers: 10% of cost of bill, especially when in a large group (no envelope required); Tour Driver US$2 (full day); Local Guides (ex. forest, village walks) / Camp Cook US$1.50-2 (full day); Tour Leader: $15-25 per week. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Responsible Travel It is suggested to bring a few items to give to locals in the community. Clothing and toiletries are very much appreciated, as are pens, pencils, notebooks, or momentos or your country to give as souvenirs. Small items such as sugar-free gum are handy to trade for the opportunity to take photos. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1st, 2009 - December 31st, 2009. Visas All countries require travellers to have a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Please note that upon arrival by air to Addis Ababa, you can obtain a visa for approximately US$20 (valid for those who would be permitted an Ethiopian visa while still in their own country – you will have to line up upon arrival for this). This information is accurate at the time of writing. Though as fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, or sports bag, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not available, so be prepared to carry your own bags.

It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, a warm jacket is recommended. You will have a number of early mornings, and because of altitude, the climate in Addis Ababa and in the Dorze Village is not typically “tropical”. On the contrary, it can get very cool in the evenings./early mornings. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.

It is suggested to bring a few items to give to locals in the community. Clothing and toiletries are very much appreciated. Small items such as sugar-free gum are handy to trade for the opportunity to take photos. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.