Ethiopia Returned Peace Corps Volunteers

Historic Route & Harar 9-Day Tour

and 

Debre Berhan Tours

 

Ethiopia Tour Historic Route & Harar A 9 Day Tour September 29 - October 7, 2012 For Questions, Contact Darrel Hagberg: hagber01@aol.com 7th Update - September 19, 2012 UPDATE: Addis Tour with Meskel Celebrations on September 26 For the 42 of you planning to go on the Addis Tour with Meskel Celebrations on September 26, Yared at GETTS Travel has worked up some contingency plans if we meet with Ethiopian Government Officials on September 26. Yared is very flexible. I suggest that we wait for further information from Leo Cecchini concerning the schedule. He will get back to us as soon as possible. Once we hear back from Leo, and If needed, we will then revise the "Addis Tour with Meskel Celebrations" tour schedule. I currently do not foresee any major problems. If you have any questions, then please contact me. In the meantime, "hang in there." We thank Leo for being our "point man" in Addis. __________________________________   See Debre Berban Tour Updates below! For these tours, Grant Express Travel and Tours (GETTS - http://www.getts.com.et/ ) was selected based in part on their excellent reviews at TripAdvisor.Com:  http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293791-d2204082-r126447970-Grant_Express_Travel_and_Tours_Day_Tours-Addis_Ababa.html   New Information   Note from GETTS Travel Agency (September 13, 2012)   Dear Tour Group Members We’ll arrange hotel pick-up on 25 / 26 Sep around 10:00 am to make payment in our office. There is no charge for transportation. It’s necessary to come to our office for those who make the payment in credit card. Otherwise if payment is going to be in cash, then you may still come to the office or we can arrange our staffs to collect the payment from the respective hotels. Appreciate should you inform the convenient date and time of pick up for the payment (via phone or E-mail below) on or before the day when you arrive in Addis. With the exception of about 6 / 7 people, we’ve have already received the information as to the pick up locations for the tour members. You may keep the luggage while on the tour in the hotels where you stay in Addis; otherwise you may leave in our office without any charge. Regarding the 7th Oct international flight, ET made it known that the counter for the DC flight will be open starting from 3:00 pm so that you may check-in accordingly and go to Crown Hotel for farewell dinner so that you may return to airport for boarding till 8:45 pm. Please advise for those intending to make the balance payment in cash to bring along US Dollar bills of 2000 and above series for the banks up here don’t accept US$ cash notes printed before the year 2000. We have arranged an "Addis Ababa city tour along with Meske Celebrations" on 26 Sep (see below) starting at 9:00 am. If you are interested, then please let me know as soon as possible.   Have a pleasant and safe journey,   Regards, Yared   Yared Belete Tour Operations Head Grant Express Travel & Tours Services P.L.Co (GETTS) Kirkos Kifle Ketema, Kebele 01, Bole Road P.O.Box 42662 - Addis Ababa - Ethiopia Off. Tel: 251-11-553 4379 / 553 4678 Mobile: 251-91-123 3289 Fax: 251-11-553 4395 E-mail: getts@ethionet.et / yaredbz@yahoo.com gettsethiopia@gmail.com Website: www.getts.com.et ------------------------------------------------- Addis Ababa City Tour and Meskel Celebrations – PCV Date: 26 Sep, 2012   -      AM 09:00 pick up from hotel and leave for visiting Ethnological Museum housed on the former palace of late Emperor Haile Selassie which gives a good overview of Ethiopian crafts, culture & art; St. George Cathedral where you see several interesting modern paintings, mosaics & collection of ecclesiastical paraphernalia and the biggest open market of its kind in Africa – Mercato -      Lunch at Carnivore Restaurant -      PM attend the colorful Meskel festival religious celebration -      Dinner at Cottage Restaurant -      Finally transfer to the hotel and end of service Price for 10 people private tour will be US$65 /Person. The following services are INCLUDED in our packages: Tourist standard private Toyota Coaster bus Entry fees to sights of interest as per itinerary ·         Lunch & dinner with mineral water Professional English speaking guide service all through     ++++++++++++++++++++++++   Farewell Dinner and Show at Crown Hotel   Upon our return from the GETTS 9-day tour, we will have a "Farewell Dinner and Show" at Crown Hotel, one of the best in Addis. The farewell dinner will be starting at 18:00 on October 7, 2012, so that those taking the same day ET500 flight to DC will get to the airport in time for check-in.   Also, Yared at GETTS Travel can arrange at the Crown Hotel a "Day Use" room to freshen up before dinner and your return home. The rate per room is US$30. Please contact "Yared" at gettsethiopia@gmail.com by September 10, if you wish to reserve a "Day Use" Room.   People that are not going on the 9 day tour may also attend the Farewell Dinner and Show at Crown Hotel as well. The cost is US$20 per person. Please contact "Yared" at gettsethiopia@gmail.com by September 10 with your reservation. Yared will also provide an airport transfer for US$12 per person immediately after the dinner and show are over if you wish. However, you must insure that your luggage is at the Crown Hotel for this transfer.   Your Addis Hotel   For those of you going on the GETTS tours, we will need to know your pick-up location in Addis. Please send  GETT's and Darrel Hagberg (Co-ordinator) the name of the hotel where you will be staying in Addis as soon as you can. If you are staying elsewhere in Addis, then work with Yared directly. Also let me know about your plans (as a back-up).   Final Payment and Check-in   Even if you paid in full for your tours / in-country airfares, you will still need to meet with GETTS after your arrival in Addis. The reason is to review your tour requirements, last minute tour information, pick-up times, last minute questions, and final payment. Please remember that you must pay for any additional In-country flight fuel surcharges.   I also encourage tour group members who had a shortage as a result of an incorrect "Money Transfer" to GETTS to make up the difference at this final payment meeting. We understand that these shortages resulted when Citibank was by-passed in the transfer. This affected only several people and they have been notified .  Each person with a shortage can then agree or dispute the shortage at that time with GETTS. You may want to contact your bank if you have any doubt concerning the shortage.  Please remember that Yared is working with tight margins to get  us lowest cost for these good tours.   GETTS accepts balance payments in US Dollar Cash or the equivalent Ethiopian Birr or VISA Credit Card with a 3% service charge.   For your convenience, Yared will arrange transportation to his office from your hotel for the final payment. He will schedule these times before our trip.   The 9-Day Tour The tour will include Bahar Dar, Lalibela, Axum, Gondar, Dire Dawa, and Harar, just to name a few (See details below). This group tour will leave on September 29 and finish on October 7 with a celebration Dinner show and transfer to the airport (if you wish) for the plane flight home. A Word About Those "In- Country Flight Coupons"   In order for you to use those "flight coupons", you must know the exact day and destination of your flights!   Please read the following carefully:   GETTS, the tour agency we are using for the 9 day Historic Tour, has from the beginning priced the tour and the in country flights separately. They have said they do this because they just pass on what ever the price is at the time the tickets are purchased. They have given us the current price of US $324 (compare this to the US purchased coupons). which includes tax for the 6 flights needed on the tour. GETTS makes all the bookings and we pay them for the tickets when we get to Ethiopia. This seems to be the best alternative for those taking the 9 day Historic Tour.   In addition to the price being fairly similar this will relieve individuals from having to make sure they have all the flights and dates right and also allows flexibility in case any changes are needed to the tour itinerary.   It is for these two important reasons, that we will recommend that people taking the 9-Day Historic Tour (or deviations) allow GETTS to make these In-Country Airline arrangements for the flights.   However, It is up to each traveler to do what is best for them regarding flight coupons for Ethiopia!   Registration for the 9-Day Tours are Closed. However, you may contact GETTS directly to check to see if there are still openings available (mainly due to cancellation of others). You may still register for the Debre Berhan tours shown below for a limited time.   Disclaimer Darrel Hagberg will act as “Organizer” for this Group Tour. In order to enjoy the excellent group rate for this tour, 10 confirmed bookings must occur. Currently, we have met this requirement. Follow-up information will be posted soon concerning how to book the tour. Space may be limited to 20 people total. Bookings will be on a “first come-first pay basis.” The “Organizer” of this tour will not be responsible or liable for deficiencies, actions, or non-performance of the Travel Agency selected. However, please be assured that the “Organizer” will do his upmost to insure that major problems not occur. The “Organizer” will be an equal paying member of the group. All members of the group are encouraged to have Travel Insurance for this Tour (and the entire trip)! GETTS assumes all responsible for the fulfillment  and requirements of each booking. All individuals on the tour will address their booking and tour questions, concerns, and problems directly to them.   Tour Agenda Please Note: Because of the large turnout of RPCV's for this tour, all or part of your tour may occur in reverse order as shown below. This is due to the limited number of in-country flights and the capacity per plane. If you have a desire to travel with other individuals, then to must contact Mr. Yared Belete, GETTS Tour Operations Head, to let him know of your wishes as soon as possible.   Day 01 Sat 29 Sep Addis Ababa – Lalibela   This morning at 06:00 you’ll be picked up from hotel and transfer to airport for 07:30-08:35 ET122 Addis Ababa – Lalibela flight. On arrival after check-in to Tukul Village Hotel depart for visiting Lalibela town’s vibrant weekly open market. In the afternoon excursion to Yemrahane Kristos, situated 40km out of Lalibela town, to visit the 13th century cave church adorned with fine wall paintings. (Meals: L/D) Stay 2 nights: Lalibela Tukul Village Hotel (www.tukulvillage.com)       Day 02 Sun 30 Sep Lalibela   The whole day will be spent in Lalibela town exploring the thirteen 12th and 13th century rock-hewn churches that have been carved into the rugged mountainside, now rightly acknowledged as one of the wonders of the world. The churches are found in different groups and you’ll be able to take your time today. (Meals: B/L/D)   Day 03 Mon 01 Oct Lalibela – Axum    This morning you’ll take the 08:55-10:45 ET122 flight to Axum. The rest of the day you’ll visit in Axum town Archaeological Museum that exhibits many antiquities and historical relics but of course the town is famous for the Stelae Fields where you’ll survey the numerous millennia old obelisks. These are the markers of an Empire that traded with and rivaled Rome, Persia and China. You also see the legendary Tsion Mariam Church where the original Ark of Covenant is said to be housed; Axum was a Christian State before Rome, or, indeed, anywhere in Europe. You will also visit the Kaleb necropolis, Ezana Stone, the rock-carved Lioness of Gobedra, Ta’Akha Mariam Palace ruins, ancient quarries and finally the ruins of Dungur, popularly known as the Queen of Sheba’s Palace.   (Meals: B/L/D) Overnight: Axum Yeha Hotel (http://www.seeethiopia.com/More.aspx?sub=HOTEL&id=3)     Day 04 Tue 02 Oct Axum – Gondar   This morning you’ll take the 11:10-11:50 ET123 flight to Gondar. Afternoon tour of the Royal Enclosure that contains memorable 17th century castles built when Gondar was the capital of Ethiopia. You’ll see not only the famous castles but also halls, stables, libraries, churches and the picturesque Fasiledes Baths. You also view the slightly later palaces and churches of Debre Berhane Selassie Church whose walls & ceiling are covered with vivid murals as well abbey of the 18th century Empress Mentewab. The day tour ends with the visit the little village of Wolleka, with traditions going back to the unique “Black Jews” of Ethiopia, the Felasha.   (Meals: B/L/D) Overnight: Gondar Taye Belay Hotel (www.tayebelayhotel.com)     Day 05 Wed 03 Oct Gondar – Bahar Dar   In the morning drive to Bahar Dar (185km). Afternoon you’ll take a boat on the mighty Lake Tana to the Zeghie Peninsula, which is known for its 14th century, round, grass roofed churches and their magnificent wall murals. You’ll visit Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Mariam churches, walking through dense forest with lots of bird life. Late afternoon you’ll be taken to Bezawit Hill nearby the late emperor palace to enjoy the spectacular sunset over the River Nile. (Meals: B/L/D)   Overnight: Bahar Dar Abay Minch Lodge (www.abayminchlodge.com)     Day 06 Thu 04 Oct Bahar Dar – Addis Ababa   A morning tour to the Blue Nile Falls situated about 30km outside Bahar Dar town. Afternoon visit Bahar Dar town’s open market and then transfer to airport for 21:35 - 22:25* ET141 flight back to Addis.  *New Time - Changed by ET via GETTS (Meals: B/L/D) Overnight: Addis Ababa Jupiter International Hotel (www.jupiterinternationalhotel.com)     Day 07 Fri 05 Oct *Addis Ababa – Dire Dawa – Harar This morning you’ll take the 08:00-09:05 ET202 flight to Dire Dawa. Before transferred to Harar city (50km) you’ll visit Dire Dawa town’s open market Kefira. In the afternoon you’ll visit the historical and cultural sites of Harar city including Rimbaud Museum, Medhane Alem Church, childhood home of Emperor Haile Selassie, the open market, traditional Harari houses with their distinctive architecture & décor and tombs of sheikhs. In the evening you will be led to the outskirts of Harar town to attend a hyena-feeding ritual - where, after dark, the legendary Hyena Man feeds meat by hand - and mouth - to the wild hyenas that haunt the city's fringes. (Meals: B/L/D)   *Stay 1 night: Harar Heritage Plaza Hotel (www.plazahotelharar.com)   *Note: Changed hotel from 2 nights to 1 night. Same sites over next 3 days, but sites re-arranged to accommodate hotel change for Day 08 Day 08 Sat 06 Oct Harar - Dire Dawa Morning you’ll have an excursion to Babile, located about 35kw east of Harar. The main attractions here are the Valley of Marvels which is renowned for its gravity-defying balancing rock formations as well the bustling Oromo people’s weekly Saturday market. In the afternoon you’ll drive to Dire Dawa and on arrival visit the train station   (Meals: B/L/D) Overnight: Dire Dawa Samrat Hotel (www.samrat-hotel.com)       Day 09 Sun 07 Oct Dire Dawa – Addis Ababa Morning free at rest / relax swimming in the hotel’s outdoor pool. Around 10:30 you’ll be transferred to Dire Dawa Airport for 12:20-13:15 ET327 flight back to Addis Ababa. On arrival have lunch at local restaurant and spend the afternoon at leisure in the city centre. In the evening you’ll have farewell dinner with traditional Ethiopia menu and folk show. Around 20:00 transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for 22:15 ET500 flight to Washington DC and end of service       Terms and Conditions Cost per Individual: US$  850.00 per person Double Occupancy (Based on the current number of people on the tour.). 6 In- Country Flights booked by GETTS at US$ 338.00 per person. Single room supplements: US $156.00 Minimum Group Size: 10 (Cost increases with lower number) Deposit: 25 % of land and 100 % of air or approximately US$ $641.00 per person  via “Wire Transfer.” You may also pay in full. See notes below. Final Payment and Air Fare Payment: Due upon arrival in Ethiopia with VISA  credit card, Ethiopia Cash, or US cash. There is a 3 % service charge for credit card. Visa accepted. No other cards accepted. See note below on Airline fare. The following services are INCLUDED in the package: Accommodation (Subject to confirmation of the hotels specified in the itinerary or similar). Bathrooms in each room. All the 3 meals per day with mineral water Transfers and sightseeing’s in tourist standard private Toyota Coaster bus with A/C and microphone Entry fees to sights of interest as per itinerary Boat ride over Lake Tana Guide services by our professional English speaking local staffs   Tour agency will make airline bookings for tour The following services are NOT INCLUDED in the tour: Take note that the above domestic airfare fare is based on the present value of the local currency in relation to the United States Dollar and on tariffs now in effect, and is subject to confirmation and adjustment when final payment is made. The tour agency will arrange the flights but you must pre-pay the full above air fare estimate. There is a 3 % service charge for use of a credit card. Only Visa is accepted. Any payable drinks / beverages Cost or offerings for photography and video. Gratuity or tips are appreciated for good service. All items not shown as included Cancellation Policy: The tour agencies cancellation policies are; if not made in less than 4 weeks before the commencement of the tour, then the tour agency will refund the full amount of advance payment (but will deduct only their bank transfer charge) otherwise the tour agency will charge 50% to cover their cancellation fees as well. But for last minute cancellation there will be no refund at all. Furthermore, after the commencement of the tour, the tour agencies cancellation policy is that unless in the event that they fall short on their commitments, a tour member may leave or abandon his / her trip at any time but at the members sole risk, cost and expenses and without any refund or allowances for the period of absence or for any unearned or unused portion of the tour or facility subsequent to such abandonment. Notes: This tour agency will customized tours to other locations as well within Addis Ababa upon request. Travelers are advised to obtain own Travel Insurance. Wire Transfers:Tour agencies in Ethiopia cannot accept Credit Cards via the E-mail or by phone. These tour agencies must have the credit card in hand and also witness the signing process. The best way to send them the deposit is by “Wire Transfer.” Most all banks in the US can do this for a charge of about $50 (unfortunately, it is the cost of doing business in Ethiopia). The transfers are safe and fast. You can state the purchase reason for the transfer on the paperwork which provides some security.   Contact Darrel Hagberg: hagber01@aol.com

 

Ethiopia Tour Debre Berhan Tours GETTS Travel Agency For your information the Meskel festival religious celebration will take place here in Addis on the afternoon of 26 September starting from around 15:00 all through 18:30. There is no Meskel celebration on 27 September. The following is presented by GETTS Travel Agency: ________________________________________________________________________ Two Day Addis Ababa & Debre Berhan Tour Dates: September 27 & 28, 2012 Day 01 Thu 27 Sep Addis Ababa – Debre Berhan -      08:30 hotel pick up and leave for sightseeing of Addis and visit Trinity Cathedral, National Museum and Mount Entoto -      Lunch in Addis Ababa Lucy Gazebo Restaurant -      Around 14:00 depart for Debre Berhan -      Evening transportation and guide for Peace Corps functions in Debre Berhan (see below for description) -      Dinner & overnight Debre Berhan Eva Hotel   Day 02 Fri 28 Sep Debre Berhan – Addis Ababa -      Breakfast at the hotel -      Morning transportation and guide for Peace Corps functions in Debre Berhan -      Around 11:00 part of the group will depart with another vehicle as well guide for visiting Ankober (see description below) as well have lunch in Ankober Palace Lodge. -      Part of the group remain in Debre Berhan and after lunch at the hotel afternoon transportation and guide for Peace Corps functions in Debre Berhan -      Around 15:30 all group members drive back to Addis Ababa -      Dinner in Addis Ababa Top View Restaurant -      Return to hotel by 20:30     Price for 16 people will be US$ 195 /Person and single room supplements US$ 10:-   The following services are INCLUDED in our packages: Accommodation (Subject to confirmation of the hotel specified in the itinerary, or similar) ·         Meals with mineral water; 1 x breakfast, 2 x lunch and 2 x dinner   Transfers and sightseeing’s in tourist standard private vehicles; one Toyota Coaster bus all through but a 4WD for Ankober excursion on 28 Sep Entry fees to sights of interest as per itinerary Two professional English speaking guides; one all through and the other for Ankober excursion on 28 Sep   The following services are NOT INCLUDED in our packages: Any payable drinks / beverages Items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone expense, payment or offerings for photographing / video shootings and other items not expressly listed as included. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ The One Day Debre Berhan Tour has been cancelled because all our tour group members decided to go on the above two-day Addis-Debre Berhan Tour. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Additional  Information Ankober Excursion Description Leaving Debre Berhan, we turn on the gravel road and drive 40km passing through rolling green meadows with fantastic scenic views over the escarpment and lush Wof Wusha Forest that clings to its sheer slops. Located at an altitude of around 3000masl Ankober served as a capital of Showa up until 1878 when Emperor Menelik II relocated his capital to the Entoto Hills. The main attractions here on top of the magnificent landscape and views are the ruined Palace of Menelik II as well the19th century Kidus Mikael Church with its artifacts as well as poetry and music school. Have lunch at Ankober Palace Lodge and afternoon easy drive back to Addis. Debre Berhan  Peace Corps Functions Those choosing to stay in Debre Berhan on Friday, 28 September may participate in the Peace Corps activities.  GETTS Tour Agency will provide a vehicle and guide, but will NOT be involved in planning Debre Berhan activities. Members of the tour group will need to set the schedule of what exactly they want to do and arrange for any contacts with school officials, current PCV's., etc. The list of your suggested activities include: Visiting both of the schools - and hopefully have an opportunity to meet with the directors. Leo and the organizing team are working to make arrangements for meetings between city officials and members of our travel group who will be visiting their old posts. Explore the area to find old homes. Walk out to the gorge. Go to the Market. Meet with current Volunteers. Visit the DB University! This can be paid for in Ethiopia.  Otherwise, the same Terms and Condition, and Disclamer mentioned above apply. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Booking the Debra Berhan Tours GETTS Travel Agency needs your registration confirmation “as soon as possible” so that they can make the necessary arrangements for the Debre Berhan Tours. Until final numbers are determined, there may be some variance in pricing. Those on both tours have the option on Friday, 28 September to stay in Debre Berhan or take a side trip to Ankober. _____________________ If you are currently registered for the GETTS One Day Debre Berhan Tour, then you need to: ·         Indicate if you want to stay on the One Day Debre Berhan Tour or “switch” to the Two Day Addis-Debre Berhan Tour. ·         Email your choice to: Getts gettsethiopia@gmail.com and copy Darrel Hagberg hagber01@aol.com ·         Indicate your preference for staying in Debre Berhan on the second day or taking the side trip to Ankober ·         Include in your E-mail the complete name of all participants and the name of your Addis hotel pick-up location. Also, if you choose the Two Day Tour, then include any room requirements such as single rooms, etc. ___________________________ If you are NOT currently registered for the GETTS One Day Debre Berhan Tour, then you need to: ·         Choose which tour you will join ·         Email your choice to: Getts gettsethiopia@gmail.com and copy Darrel Hagberg hagber01@aol.com ·         Indicate your preference for staying in Debre Berhan or taking the side trip to Ankober ·         Include in your E-mail the complete name of all participants and the name of your Addis hotel pick-up location. Also, if you choose the Two Day Tour, then include any room requirements such as single rooms, etc. ______________________________ Payments for these tours will be made in Ethiopia at the GETTS Travel Agency. For the Debre Berhan Tours, the Terms and Conditions as well as disclaimers shown on the Ethiopia Tour Web page apply. If you have further questions, please contact me soon. Contact Darrel Hagberg for questions at  hagber01@aol.com

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Updated on September 19, 2012