A JOURNEY IN DIVERSITY
A cultural tour of UAE, Ethiopia, Uganda & Rwanda

Start off with an interesting insight into the culture of the sheikhdoms of UAE and see how traditions of the Arab Sheikhs blends alongside the new world. Dubai, land of the future, is where experiments in architecture, technology and entertainments of tomorrow are being tried and tested. Next at Abyssinia, Africa’s oldest empire and a centre of African Judeo/Christian history, we explore Addis Ababa, Blue Nile Falls, Gondar, Lalibela and Axum before venturing into Uganda & Rwanda – to track the famous gorillas and chimpanzees – a dip into nature, at it’s best. Surely, a Journey In Diversity.

Day 01 Wednesday: Depart North America
Our spectacular journey across three continents starts off today as we enjoy the services of the leading carrier in the world, Emirate Airlines.

Day 02 Thursday: Arrive Dubai (UAE)
Upon arrival in Dubai, the centre of the future world, we are warmly welcomed and transferred to our hotel for a good night’s rest.
Overnight: Four Points Sheraton, Dubai (3 nights)

Day 03 Friday: Dubai & Desert Safari
We sample the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life of Dubai as we explore Dubai. We cover Jumeirah, the picturesque palace, Sheikh Saeed House (former residence of the ruling family) and the old part of Dubai where we visit the well-stocked museum located in Al Fahidi Fort. We then board the Abra (water taxi) to cross the Creek to the spice souk. Before savoring the sights and sounds of the fish, fruit and vegetable market, there is time to shop in the most famous landmark of Dubai - the Gold souk. Late afternoon we go off-road to the desert of the golden sand dunes on our 4x4’s. The Arabian roller coaster ride known as dune bashing (desert driving) begins and we shriek and laugh with excitement as we go up and down the dunes. The evening is at the typical Arabian tents where a convoy of camels awaits our arrival for short camel rides before an enjoyable Arabian BBQ buffet dinner beside a blazing bonfire with traditional cups of coffee and dates, underneath the pitch-black night sky. One gets opportunity to dress in traditional Bedouin costumes and try henna decorations with smoke flavored sheesha (hubbly-bubbly/water pipe). (B, D)

Day 04 Saturday: Dubai
Day free to enjoy the many new attractions that Dubai houses like the only 7 star hotel in the world, or visit the other emirate sheikhdoms offer. (B)

Day 05 Sunday: Dubai / Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) - (flight)
This morning we fly to Africa’s capital city, Addis Ababa. Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, Addis Ababa is located at 2,500 m (8202 ft) above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto Mountain chain (3,000 m/9842 ft above sea level). Afternoon tour of Addis Ababa includes visit the National Archaeological Museum and the Mercato, Entoto’s old Imperial Compound.
Overnight: Hilton / Intercontinental, Hotel (1 night) (B, D)

Day 06 Monday: Addis Ababa / Baher Dar
A short flight gets us north to Bahir Dar. Baher Dar is a pleasant city located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. After checking into our hotel, we drive to the Blue Nile Falls, which is known locally as Tissisat (smoking water) falls: 100 m wide, the water plunges for 45 m, giving rise to steam clouds and rainbows. We climb down to the base of the falls for a close look and then ascend the other side the round trip will take about 10 minutes walking the short way. Then we cross the Blue Nile by boat to return to the point of departure. After lunch we explore Lake Tana and its islands by boat. There are 37 islands on Lake Tana and 30 of them have churches and monasteries of historical and cultural interest. Tour monasteries dating to 14th C, out of which they will visit the Ura Kidane Mihret and Azwa Mariam, famous for their old manuscripts, crosses, icons and paintings.
Overnight: Tana / Summerland Hotel (1 night) (B, D)

Day 07 Tuesday: Baher Dar / Gondar (Drive 180 km)
Morning drive Baher Dar to Gondar, which was the first capital city of the Ethiopian Empire, which began in 1632 with the reign of Fasilidas. In Gondar, there are a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. The city seems more European than African and also has Islamic influences. Visit 17th century royal palace compound, the bath of King Fasil Visit the Debre Birhan Selassie Church. Visit the ruined palace of Queen Mentowab and the church of Qusquam. Visit a Falasha (Jewish) village, meet with Ethiopian Jews and learn about their culture. Visit Mini Fogera in the evening for Asmari music and food
Overnight: Goha / Lammergyer Hotel (1 night) (B, D)

Day 08 Wednesday: Gondar / Lalibela
A short flight to Lalibela. The city contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are carved out of the pink granite rock; they have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each church (Bet) has a unique architectural style; all are superbly carved and most of them are decorated with well-preserved paintings. The entire city may be described as a sculpture dedicated to the glory of God. Before lunch visit first group of the 11 medieval monolithic rock hewn cave churches of this 13th-century “New Jerusalem.” and in the afternoon after lunch excursion by car to the 35 km distance Yemrehane Kristos Church.
Overnight: Roha or Lal Hotel (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 09 Thursday: Lalibela
Morning after breakfast excursion by car to visit the cave church of Neakuto Leab, . Afternoon visit second group of the 11 medieval monolithic rock hewn cave churches, see more of the cave churches built by King Lalibela, including famous Bete Giorgis. (B, D)

Day 10 Friday: Lalibela / Axum
We fly to Axum. The legends narrated in the Kebre Nagast (‘Book of Kings’) recount how the city of Axum as early as the 10th century B.C was already the city in which the Queen of Sheba resided. It is recounted that the son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon brought the Ark of the Covenant to Axum and it remains there to this day, preserved in a sanctuary. Famous long before the time of Christ, Axum was the capital of the long Axumite reign, one of the oldest African empires, and represented a crucial connecting-point between Africa and Asia for almost a thousand years. Visit the Stelae Park, the Queen of Sheba’s palace, the Axum Museum, the church of Saint Mary of Zion where the original Ark of the Covenant is believed to be housed, see the castle of King Kaleb, passing Mai Shum on the way. Ancient stone inscriptions, subterranean tombs Visit tomb of King Besen, visit museum inside the church grounds.
Overnight: Yeha or Ramhai Hotel (1 night) (B, D)

Day 11 Saturday: Axum / Addis Ababa / Entebbe (Flight) / Kampala (Uganda)
Morning after breakfast transfer to the Airport for flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival and subject to time being available we visit the Ethnographical Museum and are then transferred to the airport for our flight to Uganda. Upon arrival at Entebbe, we are warmly met and transferred to our hotel. Evening is free to walk through the streets of this East African city or laze around using the many facilities that the hotel offers.
Overnight: Metropole Hotel, Kampala (1 night) (B)

Day 12 Sunday: Kampala / Mburo National Park (Drive 430 km)
Our Ugandan journey starts with a visit to the incredible Lake Victoria – Africa’s largest lake and the world’s second largest fresh water lake. We take a boat from Entebbe pier and then head for Ngamba Island. This is an Island that was set up for orphaned chimps. There are people at the Island who look after them and also do various interpretations to the visitors. After viewing the chimps, the pride of Uganda, we take an African road journey to Jinja - to visit the source of the Nile. The Nile starts its some 7000 Kms journey here and along the way crosses Sudan and Egypt before ending at the Mediterranean.
Overnight: Jinja Nile Resort. (1 night) (B, D)

Day 13 Monday: Mburo National Park
We start the day with a visit of the beautiful Bujagali Falls towards the popular Lake Mburo National Park. Enroute we visit the Royal Drum makers located right on the Equator - where one can stand with one leg on the northern and the other on the southern hemispheres. Lake Mburo is an extension of the Tanzanian Plains with big herds of Zebra, Impala, Eland and other savannah species. For birders, this is one of the best place to see the African Fin foot, Papyrus, Bush Shrike, etc. We take an exciting evening safari before ending the day.
Overnight: Mihingo lodge / Mantana Tented camp (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 14 Tuesday: Mburo National Park
We spend the day at this enchanting place. Lake Mburo is the best place in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope, as well as zebra, topi, impala, and several acacia-associated birds. The five lakes within the park attract hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, while fringing swamps hide secretive papyrus specialists such as the sitatunga antelope and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek. Morning and afternoon game drives followed by an afternoon boat trip.
Overnight: Mihingo lodge / Mantana Tented camp (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 15 Wednesday: Mburo / Kabale / Ruhengere (Rwanda) (Drive 200 Kms)
After breakfast we have yet another game drive before departing for Kabale enroute to Rwanda – the land of chimps and gorillas. We view beautiful scenery and terraced farming as we arrive Rwanda early evening. An early lights out as we prepare for the most exciting day to follow.
Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 16 Thursday: Gorilla tracking
An early morning wake up call to get ready for Gorilla tracking. Do not forget to take your lunch boxes and all the necessary gear to track the rare Mountain Gorilla, perhaps one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth. The tracking may take between 2 and 6 hours but its well worth the effort. There are always park guides with you who interpret the flora and fauna and the lifestyle of the Gorillas. Afternoon is free to relax and walk around the Mountain Gorilla View hotels. (B, L, D)

Day 17 Friday: Ruhengere / Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda) (Drive 150 Kms)
After breakfast we drive to the border and overland back to Uganda heading for Lake Bunynyi. Afternoon is free to cruise on the boats of the lake and see the natural habitaion for which this place is well known. We visit several islands and meet the local folks and see how independent they all are.
Overnight: Arcadia Cottages, Lake Bunyonyi (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 18 Saturday: Lake Buyonyi / Kampala / Dubai
An interesting rural Uganda scenery will get us to Kampala where after a drive through the city we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight to Dubai. In transit at Dubai airport. You may want to extend and join one of the Bestway Tours programs in the region. Please call for further information. (B)

Day 19 Sunday: Dubai departure
An early morning departure flight gets you back to your destination on this day

Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Every Wednesday
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include International air NYC/Dubai /Addis Ababa / Entebbe return Airport/departure taxes (approx US$ 395) Domestic airfare within Ethiopia as mentioned in the itinerary (valued @ $ 900) Visas and insurance Accommodation as mentioned or similar category Tips & gratuities Meals as indicated (B= Breakfast (16), L=Lunch (5), D= Dinner (13) - Total 34 meals   All transfers and sightseeing with services of local English speaking guides/drivers   Entrance fees to museums, sites and game parks   Gorilla Permit for one viewing either in Uganda or Rwanda
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2010 US $ 9890 US $ 790
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is INCLUDED in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast N/A Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast N/A
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 06 participants.
Notes
If you would like to do your own international deduct US$ 2000. Due to the very limited number of gorilla viewing permits being issued, this tour has been tailored in a way that we have possibilities of gorilla viewing in either Uganda or Rwanda. We will advise where we will be viewing the gorillas at the time of the initial tour booking.
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.