A JOURNEY IN DIVERSITY
A Cultural tour of UAE, Ethiopia & Uganda

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

Day 02 (THU): Arrive Dubai (UAE)
Upon arrival in Dubai, the centre of the future world, we are warmly received and transferred to our hotel for a good night’s rest.
Overnight: Ascot Hotel, Dubai (2 nights) (D)

Day 03 (FRI): 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 (SAT): Dubai / Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) - (flight)
This morning you transferred to the airport for your flight to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa where you are warmly received. Once clearing through Customs & Immigration, you will be met at the exit gate by our local representative for a transfer to the hotel. We meet this evening for dinner and orientation. Addis Ababa, the name of the city, in Amharic, means "new flower". Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, it 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). Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the "Mercato".
Overnight: Ghion Hotel (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 05 (SUN): Addis Ababa
We spend the day exploring Addis Ababa beginning with a visit to the National Museum, one of the most important sub- Saharan museums in all of Africa. The museum is home to the fossilized humanoid Lucy, as well as an amazing collection of artifacts, royal items and art. We then visit the Ethnological Museum, which was the former palace of Haile Selassie. After lunch, we take time in St. George Cathedral, built in 1896 by Emperor Menelik and then continue on to Holy Trinity Cathedral. Holy Trinity Cathedral is the largest Orthodox Church in Ethiopia and has survived through many historical periods, as its interesting architecture can attest to. The Cathedral contains the thrones and the tombs of the emperor and some of the royal family. Visit Mercato, the largest open air market in Africa. (B, L, D)

Day 06 (MON): Addis Ababa / Bahir Dar (Flight)
We take a short flight north to Bahir Dar this morning, which 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 (328 ft) wide, the water plunges for 45 m (148 ft), giving rise to steam clouds and rainbows. We climb down to the base of the falls for an up-close look and then ascend to the other side. This round trip will take about 1hour walking. Then we cross the Blue Nile by boat to return to the point of departure. After lunch we explore the city of Bahir Dar, including the market and the Bezawit Palace (formerly the Palace of Haile Selassie). A short drive from our hotel, we visit a Woyito Village, where we will see the production of the papyrus boats known as Tankwas.
Overnight: Tana Hotel, Bahir Dar (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 07 (TUE): Bahir Dar / Gondar (Drive)
There are 37 islands on Lake Tana and 30 of them have churches and monasteries of considerable historical and cultural interest. We visit the monastery churches of Ura Kidane Mihiret, Azoa Mariam, Narga Silasie and Dago Stifanos. Ura Kidanemihiret is the best known of the monasteries and has an important collection of religious icons from the 16th to 18th centuries A.D. Azoa Mariam is known for its paintings and we also have time to visit the small museum. Daga Stifanos is the most sacred of the monasteries and unfortunately, only open to men. It holds the tombs of some of the former emperors of Ethiopia, as well as a 16th century A.D. painting of The Virgin Mary. Upon arrival into Gorgora village, we visit Debere Sina Church before continuing by road to Gondar.
Overnight: Goha Hotel, Gondar (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 08 (WED): Gondar
Gondar was the first capital city of the Ethiopian Empire, which began in 1632. 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. In the morning we visit Fasilidas' Palace which is probably the most impressive of all the castles found in the area and the oldest one! We continue on to the bath of Fasiledes and Quskuam Church. In the afternoon we visit the Church Of Debre Berham Selassie (Light of the Trinity). The interior of Debre Berham Selassie is decorated with beautiful frescos, cherubs and paintings. Debre Berham Selassie is rumored to once have been the proposed final resting-place of the Ark of the Covenant. Later on we visit the colorful market of Gondar. (B, L, D)

Day 09 (THU): Gondar / Simien Mountains (Drive)
We head off today to the Simien Mountains (Simien National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The road passes over mountainous areas of wild beauty, drawing close to the Simien Massif (in Amharic, Simien means north). In the park, many of the mountain peaks exceed 4,000 m (13123 ft); the highest is Ras Dejen, at 4,543 m (1905 ft) above sea level. These mountains consist of volcanic masses that have been eroded away by centuries of rain. Today they have amethyst-colored peaks and deep gullies, which have been further deepened by rivers. The crevices play host to the Walya, the ibex. We reach to the Simien Mountain before lunch, so in the afternoon we will have about 4hours trekking in the first campsites area of Sankaber and where we can see the Gelada Babboons. If we are lucky we can also see the Walya ibex.
Overnight: Simien Park Eco Lodge, Simien Mountains (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 10 (FRI): Simien Mountains / Gondar (Drive)
We will have around 3-4 hours of trekking on the mountain before we return to Gondar. After lunch we drive back to Gondar and en route we visit the village of the Felasha (African Jews), famous for their ceramics. We arrive back in Gondar early evening.
Overnight: Goha Hotel, Gondar (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 11 (SAT): Gondar / Lalibela (Flight – IY122 dep 0910 hrs / arr 0940 hrs)
A short flight this morning takes us 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. The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the first group of churches, known as the Northern Group of Churches. Bet Medihanialem is the largest, supported by 72 pillars and houses the 7kg (15 lbs) gold Lalibela Cross. We go through a tunnel from Bet Medihanialem to Bet Mariam, in which there is a pillar that it is said that Jesus Christ leaned against, when he appeared in a vision to King Lalibela. Bet Mariam also contains fabulous carvings of various birds and animals. We also visit Bet Danaghel; a chapel built in honor of martyred nuns. Bet Golgotha and Bet Mikael are twin churches and many believe that a visit to Bet Golgotha alone can guarantee your place in heaven! The twin churches also contain many important religious items and some of the best examples of early religious art in the country. The last church we visit today is Bet Giyorgis, one of the more recent churches and best preserved. We walk back to our hotel and on the way back, if time allows, we will have stop-overs in the souvenir shops and around the city center.
Overnight: Roha Hotel, Lalibela (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 12 (SUN): Lalibela
In the morning we go on foot for an approximately 3-hour hike (those who prefer can ride mules) to visit the Eastern Rock Churches. Bet Amanuel is one of the most beautifully carved churches in Ethiopia in the Aksumite style. Bet Merkorios has a wonderful painting of The Three Wise Men, which dates back to the 15th century A.D. We also stop to see Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Gebrieal-Reafael, which might have once been the home of the royal family before becoming a church. This afternoon, we visit the Nakutelab Rock Hewn Church, built under a natural cave. Tonight, we have a special treat, participating in The Coffee Ceremony, a ceremony of hospitality in Ethiopia. (B, L, D)

Day 13 (MON): Lalibela / Axum (Flight)
Today we take a flight to Axum - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. We visit the stelae: granite monoliths dating from pre-Christian times and decorated with symbolic engravings. In ancient times, there were seven stelae, now one of them is in Rome - Mussolini took it there during Italy's invasion of Ethiopia. There is also a visit to the church of Saint Mary of Zion. A chapel in the church is believed by many to contain The Ark of the Covenant. "The Guardian" who is the only person allowed into the chapel and the only person who may set eyes on it, guards it. There is also a small museum here, which contains the crowns of Ethiopian kings and other treasures.
Overnight: Yeha Hotel, Axum (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 14 (TUE): Axum
After breakfast, excursion to visit the Temple of the Moon and also an excursion to the quarry from where, the obelisks of Axum were extracted. (B, L, D)

Day 15 (WED): Axum / Addis Ababa (Flight)
We take a flight back to Addis Ababa this morning. After lunch, we enjoy a free afternoon.
Overnight: Ghion Hotel, Addis Ababa (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 16 (THU): Addis Ababa / Entebbe (Flight) / Kampala (Drive)
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Entebbe, where you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your 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: Serena Hotel, Kampala (1 night) (B)

Day 17 (FRI): Kampala / Bwindi (Drive)
After breakfast, we start on our eye hunt for gorillas. Our drive to Bwindi starts through the rolling green hills of the “Switzerland” of Uganda (Kabale) with beautiful scenery and terraced farming to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Best known for its Mountain Gorillas, the Montane Forest also attracts spectacular birds. There are 23 of the 24 Albertine Riff endemics including the African Green Broadbill, Bar Tailed Trogon and other beautiful forest species. The nature walk will lead you to the Munyaga Waterfall and a chance to see Primates such as the Grey Cheeked Mangabey Blue monkeys and other species.
Overnight: Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 18 (SAT): Bwindi – Gorilla Tracking
It is our day for the incredible Gorilla tracking into one of the most exciting wildlife experiences of our lifetime. With only 650 gorillas left in the world, we have to be fit and ready to walk quietly in the green forest of tropical Africa. The tracking can take between 2 and 6 hours with Park Guides interpreting the flora and fauna and the lifestyle of the Gorillas. Gorillas are darling creatures and when we see them it will be a sight never to be forgotten. Later in the afternoon as we get back to our lodge, we have time to relax at the Camp or an option of taking a forest walk. (B, L, D)

Day 19 (SUN): Bwindi / Kampala (Drive)
After breakfast we bid farewell to the many friends we have made at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as we return to Kampala. Lunch stop at a local restaurant before we arrive early evening at the hill city of Kampala. Evening is free to relax and maybe a walk through the East African sokoni (market).
Overnight: Serena Hotel, Kampala (1 night) (B)

Day 20 (MON): Departure transfer
After a journey in Diversity, we bid farewell as we are transferred to the airport for our flight back home or join one of the many of Bestway’s small group safaris. (B)

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Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures Jan 09 (Timket Festival in Ethiopia) Feb 20, Mar 12, Apr 02, May 28, Jun 25, Jul 23, Aug 27, Sep 24, Oct 29 & Nov 26

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation as mentioned or similar category International air (see Note below) Meal plan as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) Visas and insurance All transfers and sightseeing with services of local English speaking guides / drivers. Tips & gratuities Entrance fees to museums, sites and game parks   Domestic airfares: Addis Ababa/Bahir Dar, Gondar/Lalibela & Axum/Addis Ababa   Gorilla Permits in Uganda

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 2008 US $ 5895 • CA $ 5895 US $ 880 • CA $ 880

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is not included in this tour

NOTE: International airfares range from ex East Coast to UAE, Ethiopia and Uganda (all combined) at $1800 per person plus taxes (approx $300)

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 15 participants.

Notes

If you are using your own international air passage for the whole journey please deduct $1750.

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.