ADDIS AND RIFT VALLEY LAKE TOUR

Day 1: Addis Ababa
Welcome to Addis Ababa.
Depending on your arrival time it is possible to arrange sightseeing in Addis Ababa with a national guide and this includes;
A visit of the National Archaeological Museum; ranks among the most important museums in subSahara Africa. It housed the 3.5 million-year-old bones of Lucy. Lucy is believed to be the ancestor of all Human kind. It has lots of ancient exhibits that reflect the importance of Ethiopia as the „Cradle of Mankind. Its historic room features finery worn in the wars, such as crowns, weapons, and pictures of wartime heroes and kings.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral, built in 1945, this cathedral is renowned for its stunning stain-glassed windows which depict scenes from the Old and New Testament of the Holy Bible. The Trinity Cathedral also houses the tombs of the late emperor and his family as well as the tomb of English feminist Sylvia Pankhurst.
And a visit of Merkato; the Largest open Market in Africa; where virtually every possible commodity is on sale, from livestock to computers. It is closed on Sundays & for a visitor good at bargaining, there is a huge selection of Ethiopian arts and crafts.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner is included

Day 2: Drive Addis Ababa to Langano
After breakfast drive to Langano, 200kms/3-4hrs.
Lake Langano has a fresh breath taking atmosphere. The lake with its beautiful white sand beach is bilharzias and crocodile free. After check-in at your hotel; you can go for swimming, sun bath, trekking along the shores, & bird watching in the forests along the shores.
On your way to Langano stop to visit Lake Ziway, the largest of the northern group of Rift Valley Lakes. It lies about 1.5 km east of the town of Ziway, it is best known for its bird life. Also a short stop to vit the vineyard at Ziway with wine tasting then continue to Lake Langano.
Langano is located in the Great Rift Valley at an elevation of 1,585 meters to the east of Lake Abijata. According to figures published by the Central Statistical Agency, Lake Langano is 18 kilometers long and 16 km wide, with a surface area of 330 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 46 meters.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included

Day 3: Langano
Explore Abijata-Shala National Park.
“Lakes Park” which was once reputed as one of the bird watchers ground in Africa. It was 887 square kilometres in area out of which 482 square kilometres is covered by water of Lake Abijata and Shala. This park used to have about 31 species of mammals such as Spotted Hyena, Golden and Black Backed Jakals, Olive Baboon, Grant’s Gazelle, etc., and 367 species of birds. But currently due to devastated ecology and extreme decrease of Abijata Lake water, one can see only less concentration of flamingos.
Before, myriad of local and exotic birds that come from Europe and different parts of the world used to congregate here in at Lake Abijata.
Hundreds of thousands of Flamingoes and Great White Pelicans, Fish Eagles, King Fishers, the tall Marabou Stork, Cormorants and Darters, etc. used to roam here in Lake Abijata and in the side-by lake Shala. There were also vast colonies of sacred Ibis, Queela, Stilt, Snope Black Heron, Avocet, Egyptian Geeze, Eglets, Plovers, etc. It is quite unlikely however, to see most of the birds mentioned above while some species are seen in small number (seasonally), due to the same reason stated earlier.
At the park’s head quarter one can easily observe (watch) a flock of male and female ostriches and some gazelles. Lake Shala, which is separated to the south from Lake Abijata by a strip of land has a delightful view for its deep blue color with excellent reflections of the magnificent western hills. At the north eastern shore of the lake Shala, one can be impressed by a tumbling cascade of hot springs and smoke of vapor that rush out down to the bay.
Lake Chitu: is a small Crater Lake offers a spectacular view of colony of flamingos feeding on blue- green algae.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included

Day 4: Drive Langano to Addis Ababa
After breakfast drive back to Addis Ababa on a different route via Butajira road.
On the way to Addis Ababa visit Tiya prehistoric site, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, where you could see the northernmost example of a peculiar type of engraved, standing stellae which stretch across parts of southern Ethiopia. These stellae are believed to have been erected between the 12th and 14th centuries and are almost certainly grave markers - recent excavations at Tiya have revealed the remains of young people of both sexes, 18 – 30 years old and buried in foetal positions.
On arrival in Addis Ababa get transferred to your hotel for the day use. You can also go for shopping in Addis Ababa or more sightseeing in Addis Ababa.
Visit to Entoto Hills – best introduction place to Addis Ababa. Mt. Entoto is the highest peak in Addis Ababa reaching 3,200 meters above sea level, giving the opportunity to catch stunning views over the city and the surrounding area from the summit. It is the first settlement in Addis Ababa where Emperor Menelik II resided and built his palace in 1887. It is a historical place which offers a unique glimpse into the history of Ethiopias distinct culture. The compound at the peak hosts the Entoto Mariam church, an Ethiopian artefact museum as well as Menelik II palace. In addition to its historical significance as one drive up the hill there is an appreciable drop in temperature and the air is filled with the scent of the Eucalyptus trees which line the road.
On the way up the roadside stalls offers fresh Ethiopian coffee. Also, if you have an interest in Ethiopian traditional clothes stop by at Shero Meda Market. There is a wide variety of beautiful fabrics, shawls, scarves, dresses, tops and jewellery with lots of choice and really good for gift ideas. Go for shopping in Addis Ababa or a day use at your hotel.
Tonight you will have a wonderful cultural evening at one of Addis Ababa Restaurant; Ethiopia is a mosaic of people with more than 80 languages, different lifestyles, costumes and cultural dances. Take a chance to experience some of these cultural dances and traditional meals with a drink of Tej, a type of wine made from Honey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included
Day use at Bonanza Addis Hotel

Departure
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. We really are happy to have you with us, hope you enjoyed your stay with us. Have a safe flight.

Includes:

• All accommodation as detailed with private facilities
• Meals as per your preference - including breakfasts, lunches and dinners as specified above with bottled water / soft drinks
• Airport welcome, assistance with luggage, and transportation by air-conditioned vehicle (comfortable spacious High Roof Minivan), complete with bottled water
• With English speaking local guides (destination expert).
• (An accompanying guide from Addis Ababa is quoted separately & a multi lingual guides are available on request)
• Cultural activities mentioned in day by day are included
• All entrance fees as per the program are included
• All necessary local Government taxes are included
• Porterage fees at the Airport and Hotels
• Coffee ceremony, and Honey wine drinks (Tej)
• Traditional farewell Dinner in Addis Ababa

Excludes:

• Visa for Ethiopia
• International & Domestic airfare
• Photography & video fees
• Tipping
• Insurance coverage of personal loss, injury, illness or damages incurred during your trip. We strongly recommend travel /cancellation insurance
• Items of a purely personal nature such as drinks (unless noted), laundry, dry cleaning, internet, fax, or telephone charges and transfers/sightseeing or meals not included in “Your itinerary includes”
• Excess baggage charge