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

Start off with an interesting insight into the culture of the sheikhdoms of the UAE and see how traditions of the Arab Sheikhs blend with the new world. Abu Dhabi the traditional, Dubai the land of the future - 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, this is the Journey In Diversity.

Day 01 TUE: 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 WED: Arrive Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Upon arrival in Abu Dhabi the capital of the United Arab Emirates, we are warmly welcomed and transferred to our hotel for a good night’s rest.
Overnight: Grand Continental Flamingo Hotel, Abu Dhabi (1 night)

Day 03 THU: Abu Dhabi/Dubai
We tour the capital city of the UAE where palaces of the ruling family are located driving past them we stop at the magnificent Emirates Palace hotel. Next is a visit of the heritage village and have a photo stop of the breathtaking Abu Dhabi Cornice followed by the cultural round about and visit the date market proceeding to the most beautiful Sheikh Zayed Mosque. From here we visit the falcon hospital catering to treating the birds that the Sheikhs are well known to use for hunting. From here we take a 2.5 hours drive to the most well known of the cities in the UAE – Dubai – and here we come!
Overnight: Royal Ascot Hotel, Dubai (3 nights) (B, L)

Day 04 FRI: Dubai
Day free. Enjoy the many attractions like the only 7 star hotel in the world, or visit the other emirate sheikhdoms offer. Optional, desert safari with camel ride, BBQ, and dances. (B)

Day 05 SAT: Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman
A unique opportunity to enjoy the diversity amongst the traditional and modern UAE. Our exploration begins with a drive through of some of Dubai’s beautiful landmarks including the magnificent Jumeirah Mosque built in the tradition of the Fatimid mosques of Egypt; Jumeirah Beach, the iconic Burj Al Arab - the tallest standing hotel in the world; Palm - the largest man made island in the world. Drive via Burj Khalifa Tower, the tallest building in the world visiting the observation gallery and pass the Zabeel Palace driving to old Dubai to pass by the impressive palaces of the ruling family of Dubai enroute to the famous Dubai Creek. After visiting Dubai Museum and the Al Fahidi Fort, we proceed to Sharjah, which takes pride in preserving art and local heritage. We stop at the Blue Mosque, Blue Souk renowned for its mosaic work, the historical Nabooda House, the Ajman Fort & Museum where we learn about the Emirates’ past before oil was found. (B, D)

Day 06 SUN: 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 above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto Mountain chain 3,000 m above sea level). Afternoon tour of Addis Ababa includes visit the National Archaeological Museum and the Mercato, Entoto’s old Imperial Compound.
Overnight: Dreamliner Hotel. Addis Ababa (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 07 MON: 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, 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 takes about 10 minutes. We then 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, Baher Dar (1 night) (B ,L, D)

Day 08 TUE: Baher Dar / Gondar (Drive 180 km)
We drive to Gondar the first capital city of the Ethiopian Empire. It 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 distinct Islamic influences. Visit 17th century royal palace compound, the bath of King Fasil, the Debre Birhan Selassie Church. Visit the ruined palace of Queen Mentowab and the church of Qusquam. Visit a Falasha (Jewish) village where we also have an opportunity to meet with Ethiopian Jews and learn about their culture. Visit Mini Fogera in the evening for Asmari music and food.
Overnight: Taye Hotel, Gondar (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 09 WED: Gondar / Lalibela
A short flight gets us to the historic city of 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 we visit the first group of the 11 medieval monolithic rock hewn cave churches of this 13th-century “New Jerusalem.” After lunch, we visit the famous Yemrehane Kristos Church.
Overnight: Roha or Lal Hotel, Laibela (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 10 THU: Lalibela
Morning after breakfast excursion by car to visit the unique cave church of Neakuto Leab, Next we visit the second group of the 11 medieval monolithic rock hewn cave churches, see more of the cave churches built by King Lalibela, including the famous Bete Giorgis. (B, L, D)

Day 11 FRI: Lalibela / Axum
We fly to the historical city of Axum. The legends narrated in the Kebre Nagast (‘Book of Kings’) recount how 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 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, Queen of Sheba’s palace, the Axum Museum, church of Saint Mary of Zion (where the original Ark of the Covenant is believed to have been housed). See the castle of King Kaleb and Mai Shum. To culminate today’s exciting day we visit the tomb of King Besen and museum inside the church grounds.
Overnight: Yeha or Ramhai Hotel, Axum (1 night) (B ,L ,D)

Day 12 SAT: Axum / Addis Ababa / Entebbe (Flight) (Uganda)
Upon arrival at Entebbe, Uganda’s main airport, we are warmly welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Gately Inn, Entebbe (1 night)

Day 13: SUN: Entebbe / Mburo National Park
We drive to Mburo, which harbors several species of mammals; Zebras, Impala, Buffaloes. For birders, this is one of the best place to see the African Fin foot, Papyrus, Bush Shrike, etc. Its sculptured landscape with rolling grassy hills and idyllic lakeshore has a varied mosaic of habitats forest galleries, seasonal and permanent swamps and rich acacia wood valleys which all support a wealth of wildlife. 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. An exciting evening safari before we end for the day.
Overnight: Mantana Tented camp (deluxe) (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 14 MON: Mburo National Park / Bwindi
We drive to the Impenetrable National Park via Kabale with beautiful scenery and terrace farming arriving in the afternoon. Best known for its Mountain Gorillas, the Montane Forest also attracts spectacular birds. There are 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemics including the African Green Broadbill, Bar Tailed Trogon and other beautiful forest species. Tonight we take a good night’s rest to get ready for the following day’s gorilla tracking.
Overnight: Gorilla Safari Lodge. (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 15 TUE: Gorilla Tracking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Southern sector)
An exciting day as we have an early morning Gorilla tracking. Do not forget to take your lunch boxes and all necessary gear to track the rare Mountain Gorilla, perhaps one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth. There are now only 650 left in the world! The tracking may take between 2 and 6 hours but its well worth it. Park guides accompany you and interpret the flora, fauna and the lifestyle of the Gorillas. Afternoon, relax at the lodge or go for an optional Village walk returning to the lodge in the evening. (B, L, D)

Day 16 WED: Bwindi / Musanze (Rwanda)
Today we cross to Rwanda – the land of chimps and gorillas. We view beautiful scenery and terraced farming as we arrive the town of Musanze in time for lunch. Relax in the afternoon or see the Ibyiwatu Cultural group performance where you are entertained by the Rwandese and get to know about their culture in music, dance and drama. An early retirement to get ready for tomorrow’s gorilla tracking.
Overnight: La Palme hotel, Musanze (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 17 THU: Volcanoes National Park – 2nd gorilla tracking (optional)
Early morning wake up call to get ready for our optional Gorilla tracking. Do not forget to take all necessary gear to track down the rare Mountain Gorilla, perhaps one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth. This exciting tracking may take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. Accompanying Park guide explains us about flora, fauna and lifestyle of the Gorillas. Afternoon free to relax. Walk around this small and colorful African town (B, L, D)

Day 18 FRI: Musanze / Kigali
We drive to Kigali the capital of Rwanda. We tour and explore Kigali visiting the Genocide Museum, Caplaki Crafts Centre. Located at Rwanda’s geographical heart, the rapidly growing city of Kigali is not only the national capital, but also the country’s most important business centre and main port of entry.
Overnight: Lemigo hotel, Kigali (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 19 SAT: Kigali / departure
After an exciting Journey over 4 countries in 2 continents, we are transferred to the airport for our flight back home or take en excursion to the coastal cities of Lamu, Malindi in Kenya or join our Zanzibar Island tour in Tanzania. (B)

Departure Dates
2012 English Speaking Departures Jan 24, Feb 21, Mar 20, Apr 24, May 22, Jun 19, Jul 24, Sep 18, Oct 16, Nov 20
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include International air NYC/Dubai /Addis Ababa / Entebbe, Kigali return Airport/departure taxes (approx US$ 595) Domestic airfare within Ethiopia as mentioned in the itinerary (valued @ $ 800) Visas and insurance Accommodation as mentioned or similar category Tips & gratuities and any other services not mentioned above Meals as indicated (B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, D= Dinner - Total 42 meals  Two Gorilla viewing fees @ $ 500.00 per view = $ 1000.00 All transfers and sightseeing with services of local English speaking guides/drivers   Entrance fees to museums, sites and game parks
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 2012 (all dates except Jun 19, & Jul 24) US $ 8875 US $ 840 Jun 19 & July 24 departures add $ 200 per person sharing *Note: If you would like to do your own international deduct US$ 2000 from the tour cost. Due to the very limited number of gorilla viewing permits being issued, this tour has been tailored in a way that we have two opportunities of gorilla viewing in two different settings - Uganda or Rwanda.
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 air please deduct US$ 1800 Airfare component is based on subject to availability on the correct class of service. 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.