welcome kit 2016 footsteps of emperor tour & pilgrimage

Dear Guests, We are delighted that you have selected to tour with us and those longing for pilgrimage in this unique two-week visit to Ethiopia. “The Footsteps of Our Emperor” Tour – an homage to Emperor Haile Selassie and his Faith, July 15-29, 2016. Families and friends can walk in the footsteps of history and visit hidden treasures, sacred landmarks, tribes and nature reserves. I invite you to discover the warm hospi-tality the people of Ethiopia and delight in the tastes of the savory cuisine. You’ll quickly find out why Ethiopia is so dear to us, being home to many captivating and exciting wildlife and more outdoor adventure and natural beauty than one trip can experience. We welcome you aboard this inaugural venture. RasTafari.TV™ Network is a US-based digital media platform established in 2014 to provide open source education for cultural awareness and cooperative economics across RasTafari people. The all-volunteer organization is incorporated in South Florida with non-profit status pending. www.rastafari.tv serves as an ARK and repository of heritage and digital artifacts distributed through web-based television, streaming, directories, video conferencing and other twenty-first century tools. Coordination and operations, health and emergency medical services, documentation and logistic partners have been secured. To ensure a well coordinate and pleasant experience we have partnered with Ethio USA Tours. Owner, Abera Abebe will be your travel concierge organ-zing our group from Washington, D.C., USA and Yohannes, with Panoramic Ethiopia will be our tour guide when we arrive in Ethiopia. On behalf of the entire team at RasTafari TV Network and partners, I extend you a very warm welcome and trust your journey with us will be both enjoyable and rewarding. The itinerary offers a various selection of stops on our historic destinations and facilities which are de-tailed in this welcome booklet. Should you require any assistance or have any specific requirements, please do not hesitate to contact Abera at +1 (202) 644-6130 or email [email protected]. We thank you for joining this growing family of partners by choosing to build a bridge and connect with our heritage and roots. Sincerely, Fan’aye Selassie, Founder, President & CEO

Ethio USA Tour is commi ed to providing amazing tour packages and excellent customer service. Our goal is to exceed your sa sfac on and expecta ons for your trip. In fact, our slogan is "Dis nc ve ETHIOPIAN Travel" and we aim to provide experiences that other travel companies simply cannot provide. Ethio USA Tour is one of a hand full of tour operators based in the United States of America, that engage in the tourism industry. We provide both inbound tours to the USA and outbound tours to East Africa, but we specialize in Ethiopian tourism. The joy of traveling is that it can be enjoyed virtually anywhere in the world. Yet one of the best countries for breathtaking scenery, rugged but majes c mountains, exo c flora, fauna (mainly endemic mammals, birds, plants) and pris ne cultural diversity maintained by perpetual historical site and tribes undoubtedly it is Ethiopia.

OUR TOUR PARTNERS

Local Operator Informa on: Panoramic Ethiopia Tour LLC: Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each des na on, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind. This local registered company with license to operate the Tourism business with registra on 764/2001, founded by experienced members of the travel industry. We are proud to be one of the few premier specialists companies of Safaris to Ethiopia. It is a company dedicated to delivering high quality services and reliability in the field of Ethi‐opia with personalized services in providing the best quality, style and efficiency in transporta on with a dedicated staff who are highly experienced & knows how to please you. We promise the most spectacular experience of a life me.

P.O.Box 10621, Addis Ababa, Ethiopi Comoros St. In front of Kenya Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tel : + 251 11 661 35 14/11 662 07 00 Mobile : + 251 91 151 64 55 Fax : + 25 11 661 3512

Web: panoramicethiopiatour.com E‐mail: [email protected]

Contact: Yohanne Teshome

ITINERARY

DAY ONE | JULY 15, 2016: Welcome to Your Motherland on a nonstop flight to Ethio‐

pia. One of our staff will meet you at the Addis Ababa airport and proceed to your hotel

where you will stay.

Overnight: Friendship Interna onal Hotel

DAY TWO | JULY 16, 2016: A er breakfast we will start the city tour from Mount Entoto,

Saint Mary Church and Menelik Palace there is a nice panoramic view of Addis Ababa. The

capital city of Ethiopia, Africa is a more than 125 years old. It has the best weather and a

hot spring. You will experience the old and new, a mosaic of people with mind‐blowing

contrast. If you see a beau ful building you will most likely spot a mud house on the other

side or ci zens driving Mercedes Benzes while sharing the street with donkeys and a myriad of people walking. This tour is also a chance to see LUCY the 3. 2 Million years

old fossil in the na onal museum of the country history. MERKATO the largest open air market in Africa is full of people and ac vity. Millions of birr and goods are traded

daily. Emperor Haile Selassie I give his own palace to be the first university in the country. Now it houses Ethnography museum which displays the countries tribe life.

Overnight: Same Hotel

DAY THREE | JULY 17, 2016: A er breakfast we will visit Babily and Harar and surrounding

area. Take an excursion to the Babile Elephant Sanctuary via the "Valley of Marvels," a

region of spectacular rock forma ons. Take a side trip to visit homes in the cliff‐top village

of Koremi. Visit the market in Hajifaj (Monday and Friday only.)

DAY FOUR | JULY 18, 2016: A er breakfast we will we will drive to Ejersa Goro where The Majesty was born. Our staff will meet you at

the airport and proceed to the hotel. A er check in we will drive to Ejersa Goro, is best known as the birthplace of Emperor Haile Selassie

I, the tenth child of Ras Makonnen, then governor of Harar, and Woizero Yeshimebet Ali, on July 23, 1892. The Emperor later erected a

church, Kidane Mihret ("Our Lady Covenant of Mercy"), in the town to commemorate the event. When John Graham visited the town in

2001, although Ras Makonnen's house had been reduced to a "circle of rocks", Kidane Mihret was s ll standing and in use, although in

worse repair than the mosque across town. Early in the Ogaden War, Ejersa Goro was captured by Somali units; it was recaptured be‐

tween 5 and 9 February 1978 by Ethiopian units advancing from Kombolcha. In the evening, we will see the "Hyena Man" feeding the

hyenas that gather nightly outside the town. Wri en records indicate that spo ed hyenas have been present in the walled Ethiopian city of Harar for at least 500 years, where

they sani ze the city by feeding on its organic refuse. The prac ce of regularly feeding them did not begin un l the 1960s. The first to put it into prac ce was a farmer who began

to feed hyenas in order to stop them a acking his livestock, with his descendants having con nued the prac ce. Some of the hyena men give each hyena a name they respond to

and call to them using a "hyena dialect", a mixture of English and Oromo. The hyena men feed the hyenas by mouth, using pieces of raw meat provided by spectators. Visit Ba‐

bily, Harar and surrounding area and take an excursion to the Babile Elephant Sanctuary via the "Valley of Marvels," a region of spectacular rock forma ons. Take a side trip to

visit homes in the cliff‐top village of Koremi. Visit the market in Hajifaj (Monday and Friday only.)

Overnight: Harar

DAY FIVE | JULY 19, 2016: A er breakfast we will drive to Kulebe church, (on 26 July and 28 December) a ended by tens of thousands of

Orthodox pilgrims. The present church was erected in 1962 by Emperor Haile Selassie, replacing one his father Ras Makonnen had

erected to celebrate the Ethiopian victory at the Ba le of Adwa. Awash Na onal Park is one of the na onal parks of Ethiopia spanning

across the southern p of the Afar Region and the northeastern corner of the country. Its southern boundary runs along the Awash River

and covers at least 756 square kilometers of acacia woodland and grassland. The Addis Ababa ‐ Dire Dawa highway passes through this

park, separa ng the Illala Saha Plains to the south from the Kudu Valley to the north. In the south of the park, the Awash River gorge has

amazing waterfalls. The Awash Na onal Park was established in 1966, although the act authorizing its existence was not completely

passed for another three years. In establishing this park, as well as the Metehara Sugar Planta on to the south, the livelihoods of the Karayyu Oromo people indigenous to that

area have been endangered—an effect that is contrary to the Ethiopian government's original inten on of these establishments serving to benefit the local popula on.

Overnight: Nazareth

DAY SIX | JULY 20, 2016: · A er breakfast we will drive via Arusi to Bale Mountain we will stop at the ca le market and see how the locals buy

and sell ca le’s you must be careful of pickpockets and then we will con nue to Bale. You may encounter heavy in truck traffic for the first 70km,

this route takes you through one of Ethiopia’s most famous ci es for beef as well as a natural hot spring. Drive 113km east of Addis to Adama

(also known as Nazret), the capital city of the Oromia region in the middle of the magnificent Ri Valley. Sodere Hot Springs: Situated at an

al tude of 1,700m, and stretching about 1km on the banks of the Awash River, the hot springs are only 5km off the main road that leads to Asela.

The hot springs fill a 3m deep swimming pool, surrounded by forests that offer great bird watching. A nominal entrance and picnic fee (should you

chose to bring your own food) are both charged upon arrival. We will take a right turn at the main junc on which, a er 75km leads to the

agricultural town of Asela. From there, we drive onwards to Dodola, which is situated at the junc on of the Acela and Shashemene roads. From Dodola, we con nue a further 80km to

Dinsho where the Bale Mountains Na onal Park headquarters is located. There is a small but important sanctuary that supports greater and lesser kudu, klipspringer and common

duiker as well as more than 100 bird species. The sanctuary is situated on the Adama‐Asela road on the eastern bounds of the small town of Dera. Wabe Waterfall: A tributary of the

Wabe Shebele River, this wide, tall waterfall is located on the Asassa‐Dodola road. About 7km before reaching Dodola is a bridge; from there, the waterfall is only 500m

Overnight: Wabishabeele Hotel

DAY SEVEN | JULY 21, 2016: A er breakfast we will visit Bale Mountain where the Endemic wildlife are found. In the Bale Mountains (also

known as the Urgoma Mountains), in the Oromia Region of southeast Ethiopia, south of the Awash River, are part of the Ethiopian Highlands.

They include Tullu Demtu, the second‐highest mountain in Ethiopia (4377 meters), and Mount Batu (4307 meters). The Weyib River, a tributary

of the Jubba River, rises in these mountains east of Goba. The Bale Mountains Na onal Park covers 2,200 square kilometers of these moun‐

tains. The main a rac ons of the park are the wild alpine scenery and the rela ve ease with which visitors can see unique birds and mammals.

The Bale Mountains are home to many of Ethiopia's endemic animals, notably the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), found on the Sane Plateau.

The park also contains the Harenna Forest, situated to the south of the mountains, which is a largely unexplored area thought to contain many

undiscovered species of rep le as well as lions, leopards and various types of antelope. Besides wildlife, the Na onal Park offers trekking opportuni es from the park headquarters

at Dinsho. (Dodola is also a useful base for exploring these mountains.)The largest group of Ethiopian wolves is found here. Other characteris c large mammals are mountain

nyalas, Menelik's bushbucks, warthogs, and bohor reedbucks.T he Juniper‐Hagenia forests lie between 2,500 and 3,300 m and are mostly found on the northern slopes. An unusual

plant of the Dinsho area is the white‐flowered Abyssinian rose. The alpine moorland of the Sane Plateau is covered in heath‐like vegeta on broken by heather plants and stands

of giant lobelia which grow up to 6 meters high. One of the most common and dis nc ve plants throughout the Bale region is the red‐hot poker, and aloe which can be iden fied by

its orange spear‐shaped flowers. | Overnight: Wabisheble Hotel

DAY EIGHT | JULY 22, 2016: A er breakfast we will drive to Sof Omar Cave and the land escape with beau ‐

ful birds. Sof Omar Cave is the longest cave in Ethiopia at 15.1 kilometers (9.4 mi) long; sources claim it is

the longest system of caves in Africa. It is situated to the east of Robe, in the Bale Zone of the Oromia Re‐

gion in southeastern Ethiopia, through which the Weyib River (Gestro River) flows. It sinks at the Ayiew

Maco entrance and reappears at the Holuca resurgence 1 kilometer (0.62 mi) away. According to tradi on,

Sof Omar was the name of a Muslim holy man who lived in the area and View the name of his daughter.

Maco and Holuca are local names for 'name' and 'cave', respec vely. A long me religious center, it is sa‐

cred both to Islam and the local Oromo tradi onal religion. The caves are known for their many pillars,

par cularly in the 'Chamber of Columns'. | Overnight: Wabisheble Hotel

DAY NINE | JULY 23, 2016: A er breakfast we will drive to Shashemene to meet the Rastafarian

community and celebrate the Birth Day of Our Majesty. Shashamane is a town and a sepa‐

rate woreda in West Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. In 1948 Emperor Haile Selassie I donated

500 acres (2.0 km2) of his private land to allow members of the Rastafari movement, Ethiopian

World Federa on (EWF) officers, and members and other se lers from Jamaica and other parts of

the Caribbean to go to Africa. The return would be under the auspices of the EWF, founded in 1937

by the Emperor's special emissary to Black America, Melaku E. Bayen. The official le er confirming

the "land grant" of 1948 was submi ed to the members and execu ves of the Ethiopian World

Federa on in 1955. Following up on this, the first West Indian family and Federa on members

from Montserrat were Mr. James Piper and his wife Helen who arrived that same year as the first

land grant administrators, returning to make a permanent se lement in 1955 on behalf of the

federa on. The resort of Wondo Genet is located near Shashamane.

Overnight: Wondo Genet

DAY TEN | JULY 24, 2016: A er breakfast we will drive to Awassa and Tabbore mountains and city tour of Awassa to see one of the Ri Valley Lake Awasa (also spelled Awassa or Hawassa) is a city in Ethiopia, on the shores of Lake Awasa in the Great Ri Valley. It is located 270 km south of Addis Ababa via Debre Zeit, 130 km east of Sodo, and 75 km north of Dilla. The town serves as the capital of the Southern Na ons, Na onali es, and Peoples' Region, and is a special zone of this region, and an eleva on of 1708 meters. Awasa was the capital of the former Sidamo Province from about 1978 un l the province was abolished with the adop on of the 1995 Cons tu on. This city is home to Hawassa University (which includes an Agricultural College, a Main Campus and a Health Sci‐ences College), Awasa Adven st College, and a major market. The city is served by Awasa Airport (ICAO code HALA,IATA AWA), opened in 1988. Postal service is provided by a main branch; electricity and telephone service are also available. Important local

a rac ons include the St. Gabriel Church and the Awassa Kenema Stadium. Fishing is a major local industry Lake Awasa is an endorheic basin in Ethiopia, located in the Main Ethiopian Ri south of Addis Ababa. According to the Sta s cal Abstract of Ethiopia for 1967/68, the lake is 16 km long and 9 km wide, with a surface area of 129 square kilometers. It has a maximum depth of 10 meters and is located at an eleva on of 1,708 meters. Because it is rela vely accessible to scien sts, Lake Awasa is the most studied of the Ri Valley lakes in Ethiopia. According to William Taylor, a member of the African Lakes and Rivers Research Group at the University of Wa‐terloo, Lake Awasa is, despite its lack of an ou low, "essen ally a freshwater lake (conduc vity is variable, but less than 1,000) indica ng that it must have a subterra‐nean outlet. | Overnight: Awassa

DAY ELEVEN | JULY 25, 2016: A er breakfast we will drive to Arbaminch Alaba Kulito (also known as Kulito or Kuliito) is a town in southern Ethiopia. Located in the Alaba special woreda of the Southern Na ons, Na onali es, and Peoples Region (SNNPR), this town sits on the le bank of the Bilate River, with an eleva on of 1726 meters above sea level. Alaba Kulito is the administra ve center of the Alaba special woreda. According to the SNNPR's Bureau of Finance and Economic Development, as of 2003 Alaba Kulito's ameni‐

es include digital telephone access, postal service, 24‐hour electrical service, and a bank. Alaba Kulito is believed to have been founded towards the end of the 19th century, around 1895. Sodo or Wolaita Sodo is a town and separate woreda in south‐central Ethiopia. The administra ve center of the Wolaita Zone of the Southern Na ons, Na onali es, and Peoples Region, it has a la tude and longitude of 6°54′N 37°45′E with an eleva on between above sea level. It was part of the former Sodo woreda which included Sodo Zuria which completely surrounds it. Sodo is served by an airport. A 166 kilometers long road connec ng Sodo with Chida, whose construc on had started in 1994, was completed by early 1999. Featuring an 80‐meter Bailey bridge across

the Omo river and five other bridges, this road cost 255 million Birr, and reduced the distance between the Regional capital at Awassa and Mizan Teferi to 400 kilome‐ters. According to the SNNPR's Bureau of Finance and Economic Development, as of 2003 Sodo's ameni es include digital and mobile telephone access, postal service, 24‐hour electrical service, two banks, and a hospital. Sodo is also the seat of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Vicariate of Sodo‐Hosaena. Arba Minch (Amharic: "forty springs") is a city and separate woreda in southern Ethiopia; the first common name for this city was Ganta Garo. The town is located in the Gamo Gofa Zoneof the Southern Na ons, Na onali es, and Peoples Region about 500 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, at an eleva on of 1285 meters above sea level. It is the largest town in Gamo Gofa Zone and the second town in SNNPR next to Awassa. It is surrounded by Arba Minch Zuria woreda. Arba Minch received its name for the abundant local springs which produce a groundwater forest. Located at the base of the western side of the Great Ri Valley, Arba Minch consists of the uptown administra ve centre of Shecha and 4 kilometers away the downtown commercial and residen al areas of Sikela, which are connected by a paved road. On the eastern side of Sikela is the gate to Nechisar Na onal Park, which covers the isthmus between Lake Abaya to the north and Lake Chamo to the south. Buses and taxis connect the uptown and downtown parts; both parts have schools. (con nued on next page)

(DAY 11 con nued) Kulfo River flows through the town, and drains into Lake Chamo. Arba Minch is known as a source for fruit, including

mango, banana, orange, apple, guava and pineapple, and is also known for its fish farms. Indica ng its richness of fish a local singer named

Abile Chedo sang the song "Nu Dere Gamo Gofa Oycha Arbaminche muziri kalsi yedes Abaya‐Chamo mole" It is the home of Arba Minch

University and the Southwest Synod of the Mekane Yesus Church. The town also is served by Arba Minch Airport.

Overnight: Arbaminch Hotel/ Lodge

DAY TWELVE | JULY 26, 2016: In the morning a er breakfast visit The Dorze village and a er lunch, about trip to see the crocodile

market The Dorze are a small ethnic group inhabi ng the Gamo Gofa Zone (formerly part of the Semien (North) Omo Zone) of

the Southern Na ons, Na onali es, and Peoples Region in Ethiopia. They speak the Dorze language, an Omo c tongue.According

to Ethnologue, the Dorze numbered 29,000 individuals (1994 census), of whom 9,910 were monolingual. They primarily live in the southern

parts of the country, though some have migrated to Addis Ababa and other regions. Many reside in villages near the ci es

of Chencha and Arba Minch. Weaving is a primary profession for a number of Dorze. Their polyphonic mul ‐part vocal music features a

sophis cated use of hocket. Well known co on weavers, the Dorze tribe were once warriors. They are famous for their co on woven

cloths and beehive huts. The Dorze people live in large communi es north of Addis Ababa. They cul vate their own food and prevent ero‐

sion by terracing along the mountainside. In their farmlands, the Dorze will grow highland cereals. They also grow spices, vegetables, fruits and tobacco within their com‐

pound. Women of the Dorze tribe have most of the responsibility in the family. They must take care of any children and all of the house choirs. The women are also re‐

sponsible for cooking, spinning co on and collec ng firewood. Male tribal members spend most of their me on the farm or building huts. Some mes you will find them

weaving material to use for different things. The Dorze people wear colourful toga robes called shammas. They are very popular throughout Ethiopia. A Dorze hut is

made up of hardwood poles, woven bamboo, enset and other natural materials. It can stand two stories tall and last up to 80 years. Inside the main hut, you will find a

fireplace, a sea ng area and bedrooms. Smaller huts can include guest houses, a workshop, a kitchen and even ca le shed. When termites a ack the hut, the Dorze can

just remove it from its founda on and relocate it. This allows the home to last much longer, but every move shortens the height of the hut. | Overnight: Same hotel /

lodge

DAY THIRTEEN | JULY 27, 2016: A er having breakfast we will drive to Sodo and proceed to Tiya we will visit this historical place and local

village too. Tiya is among the most important of the roughly 160 archaeological sites discovered so far in the Soddo region, south of Addis

Ababa. The site contains 36 monuments, including 32 carved stelae covered with symbols, most of which are difficult to decipher. They are

the remains of an ancient Ethiopian culture whose age has not yet been precisely determined.

Overnight Friendship Interna onal Hotel.

DAY FOURTEEN | JULY 28, 2016: A er breakfast we drive to Debre libanos, another historical church built by Our Majesty and the Blue Nile

Gorge. Debre Libanos (ደብረ፡ሊባኖስ, Däbrä Libanos) is a monastery in Ethiopia, lying northwest of Addis Ababa in the Semien Shewa Zone of

the Oromia Region. Founded in the thirteenth century by Saint Tekle Haymanot. According to myth, he meditated in a cave for 29 years.

The monastery's chief abbot, called the Ichege, was the second most powerful official in the EthiopianChurch a er the Abuna. The

monastery complex sits on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of one of the tributaries of the Abbay River. None of the original buildings

of Debre Libanos survive, although David Buxton suspected there are interes ng things s ll to be found among the neighboring cliffs. Cur‐

rent buildings include the church over Tekle Haymanot's tomb, which Emperor Haile Selassie ordered constructed in 1961; a slightly older

Church of the Cross, where Buxton was told a fragment of the True Cross is preserved; and five religious schools. The cave where the saint

lived is in the nearby cliffs, which one travel guide describes as a five‐minute walk away. This cave contains a spring, whose water is consi

ered holy and is the object of pilgrimages. According to David Buxton, the original route to Debre Libanos was through a cle in the cliffs

that line the eastern side of the Abay. In the later 20th century a road was laid from the main Addis Ababa. Debre Libanos suffered great

destruc on during the invasion of Ahmad Gragn when one of his followers, Ura'i Abu Bakr, set it afire 21 July 1531, despite the a empts of

its community to ransom the church. Although the Ichege intervened to protect the Gambos during the reign of Sarsa Dengel, the buildings

were not completely rebuilt un l a er the visit of Emperor Iyasu the Great in 1699. In the reign of Emperor Fasilides, a er invad‐

ing Oromos had ravaged the monastery's lands in Shewa the Emperor granted the Ichege his palace at Azazo, where the various Ichege lived. From the 17th century un l

the ma er was resolved in a synod convened by Emperor Yohannes II, the Ichege and the monks of Debre Libanos were the most important supporters of the Sost

Lidet doctrine, in opposi on to the House of Ewostatewos. Emperor Haile Selassie's interest in Debre Libanos dates to when he was governor of the district of Selale. The

Emperor notes in his autobiography that during the reconstruc on of the church at Debre Libanos, an inscribed gold ring was found in the excava ons, which he personally

delivered to then Emperor Menelik II. (con nued on next page)

(con nued)

Following the a empted assassina on on his life on 19 February 1937, governor Rodolfo Graziani believed the

monastery's monks and novices were involved in this a ack, and unwilling to wait for the results of the official inves ga on,

odered Italian colonialists to massacre the inhabitants of this monastery. On 21 May of that year, 297 monks and 23 laymen were

killed. Although when Buxton visited Debre Libanos in the mid‐1940s, he found the remains of these vic ms were plainly visible

("Here were innumerable bones and skulls – bones in bags and bones in boxes, bones lying in confused heaps, and awai ng

burial"); a cross‐shaped tomb was a erwards built to contain their remains, which stands next to the parking lot.

Overnight: Same hotel

DAY FIFTEEN | JULY 29, 2016: Visit the Market (Merkato) and shop all day, and night FAREWELL dinner will be provided by Ethio

USA Tours in one of the best Ethiopian tradi onal restaurants .

Depart to your des na on by Ethiopian Airlines.

Thank you for joining us on the “Footsteps of Our Emperor Tour!”

Welcome to Ethiopia! Congratula ons on successfully comple ng the payment process and ready to travel!

What is life like in Ethiopia? Boy, I wish I could answer that! Each experience is unique. What I can say is that it will be full of adventure, embarrassing moments, challenging experiences, and rewarding outcomes. When you first get here your hands will probably shake from all the coffee you drink. A er about two days, you will develop an unnaturally high tolerance for caffeine. Children with snot running from their noses will run up to you with big smiles on their faces and shake your hands. People will stop whatever they are doing to watch you walk across the street, buy food from the market, or pick up a piece of paper you dropped. You will get used to seeing sheep and goats ed to the top of minivans. A er about 5 days, your eyes will not bulge out as they cram 30 people in a minivan built for 12. Eventually, you will be able to walk confidently to the marketplace and know how to ask the lady for a price of items. One day, you will have a big goofy smile on your face because you finally understood what the Suk (store) owner said to you. You will build rela onships with people that will touch you deeply. You will be inspired by the people and their kind hearts. You will make a difference in people’s lives, even though you may never see it. But, before you head to the motherland, I would like to offer a few words of advice and encouragement, but to learn about Ethiopian culture and to share your own culture. Take me to par cipate with, greet, and develop rela onships. Ethiopians are very welcoming and will appreciate any a empt you make to talk to them. They will invite you to their homes, host coffee ceremonies for you, hold your hand while they show you around town, and ask you to break bread with them. Please don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself. You won’t be the first traveler to do so. Remember to laugh when you find yourself in these types of situa ons. Have fun! Gorsha feeding you (a cultural prac ce of shoving food in someone’s mouth), drink seven cups of coffee a day, play soccer with the kids, take the me to learn the language, and share your experiences with loved ones back home.

Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee and the cradle of civiliza on. Many things and beings got their start here. Ethiopia welcomes Foreigners with open arms. In thinking of your tour in Ethiopia you may have imagined dry, dusty wastelands nomadic tribes warring over ca le—but it’s far from the reality here. Ethiopia is, in many ways, unlike any other country in Africa, and you will be enthralled at the diversity. Highlands of the north, the flat scrubland of the Ri Valley, the chilly mountains of Bale ,Simiens, or the cosmopolitan flair of Ethiopia’s regional capitals. While the food here is amazing, you can always reliably fall back on peanut bu er and banana sandwiches, even in the smaller towns. No ma er your site, it will get colder at night and the rainy season brings its own kinds of challenges. Bring jeans, a jacket, thermals, and a durable raincoat. The two things Ethiopians maintain the most is their hair and their shoes, so bring nice shoes and consider a haircut. Dress smart. Ethiopians appreciate it.

WELCOME TO ETHIO USA TOURS! Selam nachu! Indet nachu!? Ethiopian Gree ngs.

Ethiopia:

There is no other place in the world like it. Its diverse languages, religions, and customs are astounding. You will soon have a passport in hand with your suitcases in tow, granted passage to where it is believed civiliza on started. And in the thousands of years where hominids have roamed the horn of Africa, Ethiopia's gorgeous, ancient culture has become meless. How lucky you are to be able to say that you travel in the oldest place on Earth? Other Tourist would only wish to be so fortunate. As an Ethio USA TOURS customer in Ethiopia, you will learn that me is told as the sun rises and sets, and 13 months

mark the calendar. That even though Ethiopia lies north of the equator, her winter (rainy season) is our summer. That her people are overcome with sheer joy whenever you a empt a few words in their na ve tongue. That injera equals life. And that every holiday (and there are more than I can count) will have you burs ng at the seams with the most delicious, spicy food that Ethiopia has to offer. And whether you are touring in the North, South, East, and West you have the opportunity to impact your future community in ways that no one else ever has; the tours is beau ful that way. I know you must be anxious about the journey that is ahead of you, but I am envious that you are about to experience Ethiopia for the first me with fresh eyes and eager hearts; embrace that vulnerability, because only good can come from it. A er all, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Enjoy your last few days in your country; we are all so looking forward to mee ng you! Oh, and one last piece of advice: devour a good meal of injera and specially prepared sauces. Trust me: You won't regret it.

Start prac cing your pa ence and flexibility now, as these will be your greatest strengths in weath‐ering the adapta on to a culture that makes plans on‐the‐fly, places special emphasis on gree ngs be ready for daily surprises here in Ethiopia. One day you might miss cheese, but the next day you’ll crave injera (spongy sour bread). One day 100 kids shou ng at you will drain you, while the next day an Ethiopian’s big wide smile will floor you. Expect the unexpected, and you’re well on your way. Fare forward, travelers!

As you prepare to embark upon your tour in Ethiopia. Build rela onships and make friendships. Learn about their lives, their families, and their goals. Remember to be proac ve and that, if you want to make an impact, it begins with you. There will be mes you will feel frustrated, but remember, no ma er how hard you try, Arrive with an open mind and an ideal for tour to the town you will be vis‐i ng. As you commence, acknowledge and a empt to understand the culture and the values of the Ethiopian people.

Congratula ons and welcome to the Ethiopia! If you’ve never been to Ethiopia before, then you’ve never been anywhere like Ethiopia. You will have at least two weeks to experience it, and you will s ll be seeing new things at the end of your stay. Ethiopia’s own me, and learn the best spots for coffee, and when there is electricity and when there isn’t. If nothing else, you will have good local food and coffee wherever you go. Welcome to a two‐week learning experience. Be pa ent! One of the remarkable features of Ethiopia is its diversity, not only in culture and language, but also in development, al tude, terrain, and vegeta on. Pack clothes for hot and cold weather, Dress respec ully,

There is an interes ng duality to being a foreigner (ferenji) here. Ethiopia never had the colonizing influence that most other African na ons had, so foreigners are s ll quite novel in most places. People will be very friendly and open with you, curious to ask ques ons, but they will also shout out to/at you on the street for no apparent reason. Some people will go out of their way to give you special treatment, while others (much more rarely) will go out of their way to try and shake you down. Children will be endlessly fascinated by everything you do, and that fascina on will some mes seem adorable and some mes seem like harassment. Just get used to it.

Welcome!

REGION PACKING LIST

This list has been compiled by tourist been in Ethiopia and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that each experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything on the list, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and traveler. And remem‐ber, you can get almost everything you need in Ethiopia.. In the workplace or when conduc ng ac vi es in your tour, Men wear trousers such as chinos and bu on‐down shirts in work se ngs Please note that when you go inside church you must remove your shoes. This type of a re is culturally inappropriate and will a ract unwanted a en on and harassment. Short, low cut or sleeveless garments are not appropriate for women in tour. Ethiopians are pre y thin people, so finding clothes in‐country can be difficult. Height is different too.

Some sugges ons:

· Rain jacket

· Scarves

· Sunglasses

· Hiking socks

· Long skirt (mid‐calf at least)

· Warm ghts/spandex for under skirts

· Good hat

· Hiking shoes (ankle height)

·Mud/rain boots (especially if larger than size 10 male)

·Light hiking shoe/day shoe

· Sandals

· Slippers

· Running shoes

· Shampoo

· An ‐bacterial hand soap (travel‐size)

· Co on swabs

· A few toothbrushes

· Deodorant

· Travel mug /op onal

· Pack of ultra‐absorbent towels

· Travel wallet

· Travel locks for luggage

Note: Again, bring those items you feel you cannot live without. Items that make you feel good should also be packed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much luggage am I allowed to bring to Ethiopia?

Most airlines have baggage size and weight limits and assess charges for transport of baggage that exceeds those limits. Pets, weapons, explosives, radio transmi ers (shortwave radios are permi ed) do not pack flammable materials or liquids such as lighter fluid, cleaning solvents, hair spray, or aerosol containers. This is an important safety precau on.

What is the electric current in Ethiopia?

The local current is 220‐240 volts/50 cycles and electrical outlets are of European configura on (two small round pins). Small electrical appliances can generally be used with converters. Most electronic equipment (MP3 players, ba ery chargers, etc.) will operate on local current with just an adapter.

How much money should I bring?

You need bring addi onal money for souvenir, personal use, ps, etc. If you choose to bring extra money, bring the amount that will suit your own travel plans and needs. Traveler can bring their own smartphone, if you need local SIM card. We will assist you and you will pay for it, you can add cards air me to call locally and interna onally SIM cards from the U.S. or Europe will not work in Ethiopia.

Please keep in mind that if a smartphone is lost or stolen, Ethio USA tours will not responsible for any loss or stolen item.

COUNTRY OVERVIEW

ETHIOPIA AT A GLANCE

History Ethiopia is a diverse country with an ancient history, da ng as far back as human history itself. The oldest fossil remains of humans and our ancestors have been found within its borders, including the famous skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis, be er known as Lucy.

Lucy and our other ancient ancestors found in this region contributed to Ethiopia’s moniker as the cradle of humanity. The first strong kingdom in Ethiopia was the Aksumite kingdom, at its me one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient world. The Aksumite kingdom is believed to have stretched into large parts of southern Arabia and west into the Nile Valley. Its longest las ng influence was the introduc on of Chris anity to Ethiopia. Ethiopian tradi onal legend holds that the founder of the Aksumite kingdom was King Menelik I, the son of the Queen of Sheba (known in Ethiopia as Makeda) and King Solomon of Israel. A er the rise of Islam in the seventh century, the kingdom became isolated as Arabs gained control of the Red Sea trading routes. In the 12th century, successor of the Axumite Dynasty had expanded southward, principally to Lalibela. Ethiopia is an ethnically diverse country with over 80 ethnic and linguis c communi es, making governance and the development of a unitary state challenging. Despite this diversity, Ethiopia was never colonized by the European powers and Ethiopians are extremely proud of this legacy.

· Leave valuable objects in home country. Par cularly those that are irreplaceable or have sen mental value

· Purchase a hidden money pouch or “dummy” wallet as a decoy

· Be careful and conscien ous about using electronics (phones, cameras, laptops, iPods, etc.) in public or leaving them una ended

· The , pick‐pocke ng and “snatch and run,” especially in big ci es

Ethio USA Tours Representa ve are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help traveler in Ethiopia understand their emo onal,

medical, and legal op ons so they may make informed decisions to meet their specific needs. +1 (202)644‐6130 (USA) in Ethiopia 251‐9‐30071173 (available 24/7, call or text) or Email: [email protected]

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airport transfer

Though Arrival and Departure transfers are included in your cost, your arrival transfers are arranged based on flight details we received in advance. If flight date and mes are correctly sent, Ethio USA Tour’s representa‐

ve will be wai ng you INSIDE the airport terminal and you will meet him/her right a er you finished the baggage X‐ray machine. The representa ve will be holding a SIGNBOARD .

What to take

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one so compact suitcase, or sports bag, maximum 20 kg, plus a day pack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool eve‐nings, a warm jacket is recommended. You will have a number of early mornings, and because of al tude, the climate in Addis Ababa and in the Dorze village is not typically ‘Tropical”. On the contrary, it can get very cool in the evenings/early mornings. A set of smart casual clothes are also advisable.

Documents

Passport (with photocopies) Travel insurance (with photocopies) Yellow fever cer ficate Airline ckets (with photocopies) USD/EURO cash Credit or debit card (see personal spending money) Any entry visas or vaccina on cer ficates required

Laundry

Hand washing of clothes can be done for a fee by maid service at all hotels. However, Most hotels do not allow you to wash clothes in your room. We recommend you to bring a non pollu ng/biodegradable soap, as well as a role of simple string to act as a drying line for your clothes. If you arrive in the late a ernoon, or if there is poor weather, it may not be possible for your clothes to completely dry.

Visa

All countries require travelers to have a valid passport (with a minimum of 6 months validity). Please note that upon arrival by air to Addis Ababa, na onals of some countries can obtain a visa for approximately US$50. There is o en a queue for this. Please do your research before travelling. This informa on is accurate at the me of wri ng. Though as fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up to date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.

Visa requirements

Visa is required for all visitors to Ethiopia and they can get from Ethiopian diploma c mission abroad, visitors from the countries listed below can obtain visa on arrival at Bole Interna onal Airport(Addis Ababa): Argen na, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, china, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federa on, South Africa , Spain, Sweden, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, and US.

Detailed Trip Notes

American Dollars that are series 1999 or earlier are not accepted and very difficult to change because of past forgeries.

Loca on

Ethiopia is ruggedly mountainous country covering 1,098.000 sq km and surrounded by Kenya, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan and Djibou‐

Climate

Ethiopia has two main seasons, Dry season from October through May and a Rainy season from June through September. Temperatures vary according to al tude, but are commonly on the mild side. The main rains in Ri Valley occur from March – June and light rains from October – December.

Time

Ethiopia is in the GMT+3 hrs me zone and follows the Julian calendar which consists of 12 months of 30 days each plus a 13 month of 5 or 6 days.

Communica ons

Telephone, fax and email are available in most main towns but are most reliable in Addis Ababa. The IDD code for Ethiopia is +251

Electricity

Electric supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. The wall socket accepts two circular‐shaped prongs, so an adapter is required. Vid‐eo camera ba eries may be re‐charged at hotels along the route.

Photos

Photographs should not be taken of military or strategic buildings or airports. Ask permission to take photos of any person or home. Some mes money is requested for photos.

Language

Amharic is the official language, although over 80 local languages are spoken throughout Ethiopia. English is understood by most educated young people. About 45 languages are spoken in ri valley southern region.

Customs at arrival

Cameras, computers, and major electrics may need to be declared on arrival.

Spending money

Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and pping. Please also remember the following specific recommenda ons when planning your trip.

Money exchange

Local currency is the Ethiopian Birr. Recommended currency for exchange: it is advisable to take your spending money in Sterling, Euros, US Dollars cash (high denomina on notes usually get be er exchange rates). Please note that any pre=1999 or torn US Dollar bills will not be accepted in Ethiopia.

Where to exchange: Your guides will advice you

ATM availability: very limited.

Credit card acceptance: limited

Travelers cheeks: very difficult to change and are not recommended.

Credit cards (VISA only) are useful for cash advances in Addis Ababa, but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4 Digit PIN’s).

Advanced cost a 12 USD fee locally for transac ons under $200 and a 5.5% commission for any transac on over $200.

Interna onal debit cards do not generally work in Ethiopia.

While ATM’s are available in Addis Ababa, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Africa. Check with your bank, but you are encouraged to bring cash. Large denomina ons, such as $50 and $100 notes are most easily exchanged.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combina on of US dollar cash, Euro and Cards are best.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate o en, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.

Health

Please note inocula ons may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel informa on well before departure. We recom‐mend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up to date health infor‐ma on at least one month before departure.

Sun

It is very important that you wear sun block, even on a cloudy day, or at high al tudes when it feels cool, as we are near the equator and the sun is very strong.

Hydra on

Even when days are cool please be sure to drink a minimum of 2 liters of water each day and refrain from drinking too many diure cs, as while when travelling outdoors the breeze can dehydrate you quickly as well as the heat.

Trip specific responsible travel

It is suggested to bring a few items to give to locals in the community. Clothing and toiletries are very much appreciated, as are pen, pencils, notebooks, or mementos of your country to give as souvenirs. Small items such as sugar‐ free gum are handy to trade for the opportunity to take photos.

Local dress

It is recommended to cover legs, and to remove shoes and hats in churches and monasteries. Women should cover their hair with a shawl in churches/monasteries. Please note that Ethiopia is a fairly con‐serva ve country, so please dress accordingly.

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