Ethiopia: Northern Explorer - Wild Frontiers
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Ethiopia: Northern Explorer
This is a great itinerary that visits the best of the historical northern circuit whilst offering a
few additional hidden treasures as well. Starting our tour in Addis we will fly north to Mekele
and drive through the Eastern Tigray region, one of the most visually stunning parts of the
whole country, to visit a number of the impressive rock-hewn churches on the way. With
some time to visit the sites of the ancient capital of Axum via Yeha, we continue to the
stunning Simien Mountains National Park to go hiking amongst the beautiful landscapes and
hopefully spot some of the endemic wildlife. With time in Gonder to see its medieval castles
we then fly to Lalibela to see the impressive rock-hewn churches (which for some are
considered to be the 8th wonder of the world). From here we undertake a rewarding village
walk, spending 2 nights with local communities in conjunction with a community-based
tourism project called TESFA (Tourism in Ethiopia for Sustainable Future Alternatives). As a
fitting climax we finish in Bahir Dar for a boat ride on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile.
“I certainly wouldn’t have missed it for the world. The places we saw and the people
we met will always be remembered.” Robert Schofield
Duration: 13 Days Average group size: 5 – 12
Start: Sun 09 Feb 20 Finish: Fri 21 Feb 20
Looking for alternative dates? Check the website or give us a call
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
TOUR DETAILS
TOUR CODE: ETH2/A
HIGHLIGHTS
• Exploring some of the rock hewn churches of the Tigray region
• Hiking through the scenic Ethiopian countryside on the TESFA trek
• The UNESCO World Heritage sites of Lalibela, Gonder & Axum
• Stunning landscapes of the Simien Mountains
• Boat ride on Lake Tana
Accommodation: As an overall ethos and wherever possible we aim to use characterful
accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the
night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip.
On this tour we will stay in a variety of hotels, lodges & community owned guesthouses.
These are chosen based on location or the quality of the rooms, but please note that an open
mind will be very much appreciated as the hot water and the Wi-Fi won’t necessarily work
all of the time – this is Ethiopia! Whilst on the TESFA trek you will stay in basic huts, where
there may be three to a room with shared facilities.
Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only
and is always subject to availability.
Transport: On this tour we will use a mini bus, a boat, internal flights and your own two feet!
Climate: In terms of the heat the temperature is fairly consistent all year round. The only
real change is in rainfall. As our trips go between the end of the long rains (September) and
the beginning of the short ones (May) this should not be a problem. During the day the
temperature usually hovers around the mid 20’s, falling to an overnight low of 6-8 degrees.
However when at higher at altitude the evenings will feel a bit colder.
Is this trip for me? It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone
and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. Please therefore take
time to read the dossier carefully. All our tours are graded to give an overall picture of the
trip but these are only guidelines and you should check the daily itinerary. Should you have
any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the
office.
Key Aspects to Consider: Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a
sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities
are optional. However, please note that there will be some long days in the car and when
visiting some of the sights you will be on your feet walking around.
Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be easily catered for, but we will need to
know of any dietary requirements before departure.
For the TESFA walk you will be walking at altitudes of around 3,000m, walking up to 15-20km
on one day, some of which is on uneven rocky paths. However the walking is mostly on the
flat and we can take our time. The walking should be within the capabilities of anyone with
a reasonable level of fitness but you should ensure that you’re in good shape before departing
for your trip in order to get the most out of it. If you’re unsure about your fitness, horses can
be hired for the duration of the walk (for a small fee) for which you don’t need to have much
riding experience. If you are unsure about your level of fitness please contact the office.
Adventure Rating ❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖ Comfort Grade ❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
Fitness Level ❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖ Cultural Interest ❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
temple of the Moon from the 5th century
BC). On arrival in Axum, a town steeped in
more than 2,500 years of history, we’ll
visit some of the key sites such as the
palace and tomb of King Kaleb, the
extraordinary stelae field (UNESCO World
Heritage Site), the tomb of King Remhay,
and the church of St Mary of Tsion, in
which the Ark of Covenant is allegedly
hiding! Depending on time we will also
visit the Queen of Sheba’s Palace (if not
the following morning).
Sabean Hotel or similar (B,L,D)
Day 5: Axum - The Simien Mountains
National Park: Our journey continues
south west to the Simien Mountains
National Park, stopping for lunch en route.
The scenery in the park is truly breath-
taking and there should be time for a short
walk on arrival. With some luck we’ll get
to see some of the wildlife the park is
Day 1: Tour Starts in Addis Ababa known for during our stay, including
(2,400m): Meeting at our hotel this lammergeyer vultures, gelada baboons
morning, there will be time to relax and and bushbuck.
freshen up before having lunch and an Lima Limo Lodge or similar (B,L,D)
orientation tour around Ethiopia’s bustling
capital, including the Trinity Cathedral, Day 6: In The Simien Mountains National
the National Museum and the Mercato, the Park: Today we’ll have a full day to
biggest open-air market in Africa. In the explore the stunning landscapes the
evening we’ll have an early dinner back at National Park is renowned for. Taking a
our hotel in preparation for the trip ahead. picnic lunch with us we’ll walk along the
Capital Hotel or similar (L,D) escarpment taking in the exceptional
views. Without doubt we’ll get to spend
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Mekele – North East some time observing the Gelada baboons
Tigray Region: A morning flight takes us to and if we’re lucky we might get to see the
Mekele from where we’ll drive north to our Lammergeyer vultures.
lodge. En route we will explore some of Lima Limo Lodge or similar (B,L,D)
this fascinating region of Ethiopia visiting
a number of churches on foot. It should be Day 7: Simien Mountains National Park -
noted that some of the churches require a Gonder: Leaving the mountains behind
certain agility to visit (and one in fact our next stop is Gonder, where we’ll visit
requires their visitors to be male!), but the key sites of the ancient capital
being a small group we will have maximum including the Debre Birhan Selassie church
flexibility to select the most appropriate (Light of Trinity) with its wonderful
churches to visit. murals. We’ll also visit the Royal
Gheralta Lodge or similar (B,L,D) Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
with its medieval castles, architecturally
Day 3: In & Around North East Tigray unique & unlike anything else found in
Region: After breakfast we will continue Sub-Saharan Africa.
our exploration of this fascinating part of Goha Hotel or similar (B,L,D)
the country, visiting a number of other
churches in the area. Day 8: Gonder – Lalibela: This morning we
Gheralta Lodge or similar (B,L,D) will catch a flight to Lalibela. Depending
on our arrival time we’ll visit the first
Day 4: North East Tigray Region – Yeha - cluster of UNESCO World Heritage Site
Axum: After breakfast we’ll turn west to churches, including the famous church of
Axum, stopping en route at the Yemeni St. George, carved in the shape of a cross
influenced Yeha temple (also known as the from the red tuff. In the afternoon we’ll
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
visit the second cluster of staggering rock- the White Nile in Khartoum. After taking
hewn churches. For dinner we hope to pay in views of Tis Abay (Smoke of the Nile)
a visit a local family for a traditional from a classic vantage point we’ll take a
coffee ceremony and the chance to see beautiful walk via the base of the falls and
how a real Ethiopian family live. a short boat trip across the river back to
Tukul Village or similar (B,L,D) Tisissat. Heading back towards Bahir Dar
we’ll board a boat and take a trip out on
Day 9: In & Around Lalibela: After to Lake Tana, visiting a highly distinctive
breakfast we’ll drive up into the monastery found there replete with some
mountains to visit the wonderful truly spectacular frescoes. The tour ends
Yemrehana Kristos cave church. With late this afternoon, and those on the
lunch back in Lalibela the rest of the suggested group flights transferring to
afternoon will be free to relax or to Bahir Dar airport tin time for their return
explore at your leisure. In the evening flight to Addis.
we’ll take a trip to a tej house to sample Shared wash & change rooms only (B,L)
the local liquor, followed by dinner at a
traditional restaurant. * Please be aware that the flow of water
Tukul Village or similar (B,L,D) at the falls is significantly reduced due to
a hydro-electric plant. We therefore have
Days 10-11: Lalibela – TESFA Trek: This is no way of knowing the size of the falls in
sure to be a real highlight of the trip and advance. Despite this a visit still makes
is an opportunity not currently offered by for an enjoyable excursion from Bahir Dar,
any other UK tour operator (as far as we whatever the level of water.
are aware!) Driving to the start point we
undertake a fascinating walk visiting local Extensions: If you have more time
communities and staying in traditional available, why not arrive early to adjust to
villages. Please note that depending on a new time zone or just to get a feel for
the overall group size it may be necessary the country before your tour starts? Or
to divide in to two groups – in an attempt alternatively you might choose to allow a
to minimise the impact our presence may few extra days after the tour to relax or to
have in these communities. It will also undertake some further exploration.
allow for a more personal & intimate
experience for everyone. Both groups will The choice is completely yours and we can
visit the same villages (but in a different usually arrange anything from simply
order), meeting up at the start, middle & additional accommodation and transfers
end. Most walking is at around 3,000m and to full tailor-made itineraries.
as everyone should be fully acclimatised
by now, anyone of reasonable fitness Here is just a small sample of what you
should be fine with it. The walks vary in could do:
length from 4-7 hours with the emphasis
being very much on seeing the people & Harar: For a completely different side of
countryside rather than rushing through it. Ethiopia, why not visit the walled city of
Tukuls (specially constructed huts) with Harar – Islam’s 4th holiest city. This
shared facilities in local villages (B x 2, L fascinating city is famous for its qat
x 2, D x 2) market, ornately decorated traditional
houses, vibrant mix of local people
Day 12: Finish TESFA Trek – Drive to (including Afars & Somalis), historical links
Bahir Dar: After a final half-day walk to with Richard Burton, and the ‘hyena man’
the trail-head we will be picked up and who feeds wild hyenas outside the city
driven west to Bahir Dar on the shores of walls each night - this extension is the
Lake Tana. Here we’ll have the chance to perfect complement to a trip to the
freshen up in our rooms before dinner. predominantly Christian northern
Blue Nile Resort or similar (B,L,D) highlands! Allow for 3-4 nights.
Day 13: In & Around Bahir Dar – Tour The Great African Rift Valley: For nature
Ends in Bahir Dar: This morning we’ll lovers, this extension to one of Africa’s
drive to Tisissat to visit the Blue Nile falls*. predominant geological features gives you
Here the waterfall plunges 45 meters the opportunity for some great bird
down before continuing its journey to join watching and relaxing on the shores of
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
beautiful Lake Langano. Allow for 3-4
days. students now have access to affordable
technology and are learning new skills to
Omo Valley: Visit one of the most improve their education and ultimately
culturally diverse regions in Ethiopia, gain better future employment.
home to several unique and fascinating
tribes. Allow for 12-15 days. We are continuing to raise money to install
more e-learning centres in other Ethiopian
Please contact the office for more schools.
details and to discuss your individual
requirements. Extensions: If you have more time
available, why not arrive early to adjust to
Camara E-Learning Centres a new time zone or just to get a feel for
the country before your tour starts? Or
The Wild Frontiers Foundation is proud to alternatively you might choose to allow a
support Camara, an international charity few extra days after the tour to relax or to
and social enterprise that uses technology undertake some further exploration.
to deliver 21st century skills to improve
education in disadvantaged communities The choice is completely yours and we can
around the world. usually arrange anything from simply
additional accommodation and transfers
to full tailor-made itineraries.
Here is just a small sample of what you
could do:
Harar: For a completely different side of
Ethiopia, why not visit the walled city of
Harar – Islam’s 4th holiest city. This
fascinating city is famous for its qat
market, ornately decorated traditional
houses, vibrant mix of local people
In 2012, with £2500 initial funding from
(including Afars & Somalis), historical links
the foundation, Camara was able to install
with Richard Burton, and the ‘hyena man’
25 recycled computers, loaded with
who feeds wild hyenas outside the city
educational software, and create a new E
walls each night - this extension is the
Learning Centre at Aba’ala Secondary
perfect complement to a trip to the
School in the remote Afar region of
predominantly Christian northern
northern Ethiopia. Teachers from the
highlands! Allow for 3-4 nights.
school have also been trained in basic
digital literacy skills, simple hardware
The Great African Rift Valley: For nature
maintenance and how to use computers to
lovers, this extension to one of Africa’s
teach other subjects.
predominant geological features gives you
the opportunity for some great bird
watching and relaxing on the shores of
beautiful Lake Langano. Allow for 3-4
days.
Omo Valley: Visit one of the most
culturally diverse regions in Ethiopia,
home to several unique and fascinating
tribes. Allow for 12-15 days.
Please contact the office for more
details and to discuss your individual
In 2015 we sponsored our second school requirements.
with a further £2500 to establish an e-
learning classroom at the Bruh Tesfa
Primary School, in Addis Ababa. These
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
The Nature Of Adventure Travel: We feel except whilst on the TESFA trek. Here you
that it’s worth pointing out that while we will share Tukul huts with others on the
will always strive to stick as close to the trip (typically 3 or 4 people to a hut). In
stated itinerary as possible, it may be addition we can’t guarantee a single room
necessary from time to time to make at Lima Limo Lodge and Gheralta Lodge
changes to our itineraries or services (due (although we will do our best to get you a
to weather, political and religious single room at these 2 places).
influences etc.) and this can happen with
little or no notice. This unpredictability Flights: If you would like us to send you a
can be one of the most exciting aspects of quote for the suggested tour flight (see
adventure travel and for many of our GETTING THERE) or on any alternative
clients often leads to unexpected flight that may suit you better, please let
highlights as the tour-leader necessarily us know although it should be noted that
adapts the tour to the changing in most cases we are only able to quote on
conditions. However we are aware that flights originating in the UK.
this lack of assuredness may not suit
everyone. As such, with the greatest Insurance: You will need to arrange
respect, if you are someone who needs to adequate travel insurance for your trip. If
know that everything will happen exactly you choose to purchase the Wild Frontiers
as planned, we would kindly suggest bespoke policy through Travel & General
thatperhaps our tours are not for you. then please note for this trip the minimum
Adventure travel can be infectious and required level of cover will be the
once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to Standard policy. Please see the Insurance
never leave you, but especially if this is section below for more details.
your first such tour we would strongly urge
you to give us a call if you have any Please remember that all Wild Frontiers
concerns whatsoever about your suitability tour prices mean NO hidden extras, NO
for this trip. local payments and NO compulsory single
supplements.
PRICING & KEY INFORMATION
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Tour price: All our tours are priced on a
land-only basis, giving you maximum • Full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour
flexibility when deciding how to get to and Leader with local guides and drivers
from your tour. For the latest prices, • Meal plan as detailed in the itinerary
please refer to our website or contact the (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
office. with the majority of meals being
taken in local restaurants where
Deposit: A £500 (or equivalent) deposit is viable
required to confirm your booking. • All transport as outlined in the
itinerary.
Travelling Solo & Single Supplements: As • All accommodation
a company approximately 70% of our • All entrance fees, as per itinerary
clients are solo travellers, so it’s very • A carbon-offsetting contribution to
unlikely you’ll be alone! Carbon Clear (if booking international
flights through WF office)
Our prices are typically based on twin-
share accommodation but single WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
supplements are not compulsory for any
Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to • Visas (if applicable)
pay a single supplement we’ll pair you • Local airport taxes
with someone else of the same sex for you • Tips (always optional, but some
to share with throughout the trip. guidance will be given in the pre-
departure information pack you’ll
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a receive after booking)
single supplement then please note that it • Beverages & any costs of a personal
will cover you for all nights of the tour nature
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
• Travel Insurance see if the trip is guaranteed. We then
• International flights to/from the suggest that you purchase flights that are
start/finish of the trip flexible and ideally refundable as due to
• Airport transfers (unless booking the nature of adventure travel, itineraries
suggested flights through WF office) and destination accessibility can change at
any time. For more information, please
GETTING THERE refer to our booking conditions.
For this trip our suggested flights from Visas: Visas are necessary for many of the
the UK (subject to change) are: destinations we travel to and while we aim
to provide you with the most up-to-date
08FEB ET701 LHR-ADD 20:15/06:35+1 information, requirements frequently
21FEB ET147 BJR-ADD 20:00/21:05 change and as such for the latest advice
22FEB ET700 ADD-LHR 01:20/06:35 we advise that you check with the relevant
embassies or contact our recommended
Key: visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
LHR – London Heathrow
ADD – Addis Ababa For this tour UK passport holders
BJR – Bahir Dar currently require a visa for Ethiopia.
ET - Ethiopian Airlines
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK
NB If you wish to arrange your own flights residents should contact the relevant
you are completely free to do so and in this embassies for individual requirements.
case we can arrange any transfers or
supplementary accommodation that you Further details will be sent out to you on
may require. booking, however ensuring that correct
and valid visas are obtained remains the
sole responsibility of the client.
Please note that if you are planning on
making your own flight arrangements, we
recommend that you first check with us to
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
ETHIOPIA – THE FACTS
a period of relative calm in Abyssinia’s
turbulent history he also built a
stupendous fort at this strategic location,
added to by his successors, most of which
is still perfectly intact today. But what
makes the Gonder castle complex
important to today’s visitors, however, is
not so much the size and grandeur of the
buildings themselves but the symbol they
represent. Wandering around the fort’s
spectacular turreted citadels, vast
banqueting halls and bathhouses leaves
you in no doubt whatsoever as to the
importance of this Christian kingdom 400
years ago.
The Simien Mountains: Climbing to an
altitude of 4,620m, stretching 100 miles
Addis Ababa: On first impressions, it has east to west, the Simien Mountains are the
to be said that the New Flower – as Addis largest chain in Africa. With their vaulting
Ababa translates from local Amharic – is a granite columns, towering escarpments
rather inappropriate name for a town and plummeting valleys, they are also
bursting with tatty housing, battered among the most spectacular. Besides the
transport and very persistent beggars. But colourful Amharic tribes, the Simien
wander around a while and you will soon Mountains are also home to a vast
discover a place, if not exactly exuding assortment of wildlife, and it is not
charm then certainly interesting and well unusual to have spotted Gelada Baboons,
worth a closer inspection. Perched at an the Simien fox, bushbuck and the
altitude of 2,400 metres – making it the magnificent Lammergeyer vulture within
third highest capital in the world – it minutes of entering the park. But the
enjoys clean and clear air, a wonderful wonder of the Simiens does not lie so much
temperate climate and some fascinating with the animals or the people that live
sights: the Mercato, the Kiddist Selassie there, it is simply to watch the sun rise or
Cathedral and the national museum – fall over a land that time forgot.
housing the famous 3½ million-year-old
Homo Afarensis Lucy – to name but a few…
As you might expect, it is also home to a
couple of cracking Ethiopian restaurants.
The Lost Ark of the Covenant: Ask any
Ethiopian and they will tell you without a
moment’s hesitation that the Ark of the
Covenant is not lost but that it resides safe
Gonder: Until the beginning of the 17th and sound in the church of Saint Mary of
century Ethiopia had what is locally Zion in Axum. The story goes like this. In
referred to as a ‘mobile capital’. But in the 10th Century BC the pagan ruler,
1632 Fasilidas took the throne and Queen Makeda of Sabea – better known as
proclaimed Gonder as his capital, where it the Queen of Sheba – left her kingdom in
remained for the next 200 years. As king Northern Ethiopia and travelled to
and emperor, Fasilidas not only ushered in
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
Jerusalem where she met and fell in love here at the end of the 11th Century. Mind
with King Solomon. Having her own realm you, he certainly got some help. While
to rule, Queen Makeda, however, only 40,000 workers chiselled away during the
stayed three years before returning home, day, a host of angels toiled at night.
carrying with her Solomon’s Judaic Standing inside the gaping nave of the
religion in her heart and his unborn son in Church of Bet Medhane Alem - the largest
her womb. When Menalik, the name of the monolithic chapels - looking up past
deriving from Ibn-al-Malik meaning ‘Son of the perfectly formed arches and tombs to
the King’, was 22, he too travelled to a distant ceiling, a ceiling that was carved
Jerusalem, to meet his famous father. But from below, it really does have you
even though the two got on famously, like wondering about the possibilities of divine
his mother, Menalik didn’t stay long, assistance.
residing in the holy city for only a year
before returning south. And neither did he
leave empty handed. Having been guided
by God in a dream, he stole the Ark of the
Covenant and carried it to Ethiopia, where
he took over his mother’s empire and so
began the Solomonic dynasty that ruled
the country almost without break for 3,000
years until the overthrow and murder of
Emperor Haile Salassie in 1974.
TESFA (Tourism in Ethiopia for
Sustainable Future Alternatives): TESFA
was registered in Ethiopia in 2003 as a non-
profit making, local Non-Governmental
Organisation (NGO), the status of charities
in Ethiopia. TESFA is committed to helping
communities in Ethiopia to provide a
service to foreign visitors to enable them
to make additional money. A group of
development professionals envisaged the
Truth or fiction? In his excellent book The concept of a network of community run
Sign and the Seal: A Quest for the lost Ark tourism enterprises that would allow
of the Covenant, Graham Hancock tourists to trek across the remarkable
certainly has you believe that aspects of landscape, getting closer to the real
the tale could be true. Expertly weaving a culture of the Ethiopian highlands, and at
historical who-done-it through three the same time put precious money into the
millennia – improbably incorporating a local communities for whom farming is
French cathedral, a German poet, the becoming ever more precarious a
Freemasons and the Holy Grail – there’s no livelihood.
doubt that a good many coincidences point
this way and that the Ark of the Covenant
may well be in Axum. Of course the whole
curious riddle could so easily be solved…
just let somebody see it. But alas only one
living person is allowed that privilege, the
Guardian of the Ark, and he certainly isn’t
about to show it off. Whatever the truth,
it sure makes a very good story!
Lalibela: The 11 rock-hewn churches of
Lalibela simply defy belief. That anyone Lake Tana: Described by the ancient
should have conceived of such and idea, Greeks as a ‘copper-tinted lake… that is
much less acted upon it – and, it must be
the jewel of Ethiopia’, Lake Tana is
remembered, completed the job in just 24
Ethiopia’s great inland sea and home to
years – really is hard to accept as the truth the source of the Blue Nile. Lying at an
but that is exactly what King Lalibela did
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.com
altitude of 1,830m and covering some Today coffee production represents 50% of
3,673 square kilometres, scholars believe the country’s exports and is a fundamental
it was because of this famous lake and the part of daily life. But perhaps more
important waterway that flowed from it importantly, if you believe in the old
that the country touched the ancient Greek proverb that states… ‘Coffee should
world. Even today papyrus boats are still be drunk as black as hell, as strong as
widely used for fishing or ferrying death and as sweet as love,’ then here in
passengers, giving a wonderful glimpse of Ethiopia you will find the finest coffee in
Biblical times. Added to that, the lake’s the world.
islands and peninsular still house some of
the oldest and most sacred monasteries in Bird Watching: With thousands of
the country; some say the Ark of Covenant different species, both endemic and
itself was kept on the island of Tana migratory, Ethiopia is a bird watcher’s
Chrikos for 800 years before being paradise.
removed and taken to Axum. To drift
across the lake and visit some of these
impressive retreats is not only a
thoroughly enjoyable activity, it is also a
vital link in understanding the make-up of
this fascinating country.
Coffee, Home of the bean! Another myth?
- possibly not. Coffee has been grown and
imbibed in Ethiopia as long as history; it is
even venerated with a special coffee
ceremony involving incense and cut grass.
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comADDITIONAL INFORMATION
How to book: In order to confirm your If you choose to book your
booking we need to have a completed international flights with us
signed booking form for each client then you will also be ATOL
together with a £500 deposit (or protected as we hold an Air
equivalent) per person. You can either Travel Organiser’s Licence
return your booking form to us by post or granted by the Civil
book online www.wildfrontierstravel.com Aviation Authority (CAA). Our ATOL
number is 5975. In the unlikely event of
You can contact the office by email to our insolvency, the CAA will arrange to
info@wildfrontierstravel.com or we are refund any monies to you that you have
very happy to take your call on + 44 (0) 20 paid for an advance booking and ensure
8741 7390. that you are not stranded abroad. For
further information visit www.atol.org.uk
Protection for you money:
We recommend that you take out
The Association of Bonded adequate travel insurance at the time of
Travel Organisers Trust booking in the event that you are no longer
Limited (ABTOT) provides able to travel as all deposits are non-
financial protection under refundable – full booking conditions can be
the Package Travel, found on the booking form and online at
Package Holidays and our website.
Package Tours
Regulations 1992 for Wild As we’re sure you can
Frontiers, and in the appreciate, Wild
event of their insolvency, Frontiers trips can be
protection is provided for the following: quite complex affairs to
1. non-flight packages commencing in and arrange and certain
returning to the UK; elements (such as
2. non-flight packages commencing and permits, visa
returning to a country other than the UK; authorisations, trains and flights) may
and need to be requested several months in
3. flight inclusive packages that advance. As such, wherever possible, we
commence outside of the UK, which are would encourage you to plan ahead and
sold to customers outside of the UK. book early to avoid disappointment.
Moreover, by booking early you are much
1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the more likely to get the best price for your
event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 whole tour. For further details please see
provides for repatriation. Please note that www.wildfrontierstravel.com/book-early
bookings made outside the UK are only
protected by ABTOT when purchased Further information giving you specific
directly with Wild Frontiers. details on visas, health and vaccinations,
suggested packing lists and other useful
tips to make your trip more enjoyable, will
be sent out to you after booking.
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comInsurance: Insurance that provides cover Limited. Please contact us for assistance
for emergency repatriation in case of a with this.
medical emergency is compulsory for all
tours. You should be aware that due to If you do decide to purchase alternative
some of the geographical areas visited and insurance, then you must ensure that it
some of the activities included on certain covers you for every aspect of this trip.
of our trips some standard insurance
policies may not always provide adequate Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer
cover. As such we strongly recommend Appointed Representative of Travel &
that you purchase a policy that adequately General Insurance Service Ltd, details of
covers your trip. which can be found at the website of the
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Travel & General offer a tailor-made www.fca.org.uk
policy that provides cover for all Wild
Frontiers trips. Under this policy there are Please note that no insurance policy will
two different levels of cover available - cover every eventuality and terms and
Standard and Elite. conditions will apply in the event of any
claim. Both the Standard & Elite policies
Cover explained: provide cancellation cover up to a
maximum of £5000pp. Should you require
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel additional cover it is available on request.
insurance policy that provides cover for all
Wild Frontiers activities, including Responsible Travel: Responsible travel
trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not and sustainable tourism are fundamental
provide cover for travel to areas where the ideas that Wild Frontiers has been
FCO is advising against all or all but committed to since our birth. It is our
essential travel except where it has been strong belief that these words should not
previously agreed. be simply ‘tagged on’ to itineraries and
websites but should be at the very core of
Elite policy: provides the same each trip, and our adventures are
comprehensive level of cover as the therefore designed with the local people,
standard policy. In addition the Elite culture and eco-system in mind. We
policy also provides cover for travel to believe that a successful trip not only
areas where the FCO is advising against all delivers a unique and unsurpassable
or all but essential travel. Except in the journey for our clients, but that it also
case of terrorism, the policy will not benefits the peoples whose lands we are
provide cover for any claims arising from privileged to visit.
or relating to the reasons why the FCO is
advising against travel. In 2012 we were delighted to be awarded
the Guardian Observer Best Ethical Travel
These policies are only available to those Award.
travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday and
can be purchased on a trip-specific basis
or annual cover. For more information
please refer to the details on our website
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/insurance
or by calling Travel & General direct on +
44 (0) 20 3794 2954. This insurance is
available to EEA residents (i.e. EU
countries as well as Iceland, Lichtenstein
and Norway) up to the age of 78. It covers
horse riding, mountain walking, trekking,
white-water rafting and all other activities
we offer as part of our tours. For more information, please refer to
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/rt
If you are over 78 then you may still be
able to get your insurance arranged by
Travel & General Insurance Services
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comThe Wild Frontiers Foundation: Kit Out for Kids: Nomad Travel Stores
Supporting communities has always played generously donates 5% of purchases by
a huge part of the Wild Frontiers’ ethos Wild Frontiers’ clients to the Foundation.
and from the outset we have contributed Quote WF1000 either online or in store
to projects in many of the places we visit. when purchasing clothing and kit and
However in 2009 we decided to take things Nomad will give you 20% off full priced
a step further by setting up our own clothing and kit, plus the charitable
charitable foundation. Through the Wild donation. Visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk
Frontiers Foundation, we have not only
developed our own community projects
but also - by working closely with certain
carefully selected charity partners -
helped fund the invaluable work they do
throughout the developing world. With
our mandate firmly based on education The Environment: Trying to do our bit for
and sustainability we established our first the environment, in 2005 we were among
project in 2010 in the remote Northern the first UK-based travel companies to
Pakistan village of Baleygon, where around automatically offset every client’s
100 children are now being educated in a international flight (if booked with us)
school built and maintained by the with a payment to Carbon Clear to help
Foundation. promote sustainable energy. To read more
about the work of Carbon Clear, please
follow this link:- www.carbon-clear.com
Water & Plastic:
Keeping well
Working with charity partners we have also hydrated is an
established a number of e-learning centres essential part of
in schools across Ethiopia, sponsored an staying healthy
English class in rural Northern Laos and and we will
funded hospitality traineeships for a always ensure
number of young people from the Kolkata that there is regular access to drinking
slums in India. Where practicable, Wild water on our tours. However, the growing
Frontiers clients will have the opportunity consumption of plastic is becoming one of
to visit our projects whilst on tour. the great crises of our age. To try and
minimise our use of single-use plastic
Visit www.wildfrontiersfoundation.org to bottles we are now asking you to consider
see details of all our projects, along with using a refillable, filtered water bottle
ways you can get involved by taking on the while on holiday. To help instil confidence
challenge of a charity trek, attending our we’ve road-tested a number of water
fundraising events or simply giving what filters that are available on the market.
you can. Other ongoing fundraising These are the three solutions we have
schemes include:- tested:-
Go Paperless: For UK-based clients who • Lifestraw
are happy for all their final travel • Water-To-Go
documents to be sent by email rather than • Travel Tap
through the post, Wild Frontiers will
donate £5 from each booking to the Please do consider purchasing a water
Foundation. filter bottle to use on your next trip. Find
out more about the three options above,
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comincluding a discount on Water-To-Go
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/water
Wild Frontiers Community
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or
AITO Membership: Wild Frontiers is a
just want to see get some different
member of AITO, the Association of
perspectives, then why not have a look at
Independent Tour Operators. AITO’s
the wide variety of resources we have on
charter states that its exclusive members
our website?
strive to create overseas holidays with
high levels of professionalism and a shared
Clients’ Views: See what other travellers
concern for quality and personal service.
have said about our trips –
The Association encourages the highest
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/views
standards in all aspects of tour operating.
AITO sets criteria regarding ownership,
Blogs: See what our tour-leaders, staff and
finance and quality which must be
clients have posted from the road -
satisfied before new companies are
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/blog
admitted to membership. All members are
required to adhere to a Code of Business
Videos: We have an extensive collection of
Practice which encourages high
short videos, guides and interviews which
operational standards and conduct.
will hopefully inspire you and give you
valuable insights into many of our
destinations.
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/video
Photos: Our popular “Photo of the month”
competition has added to the vast gallery
of photos we already have from around the
world. See them here -
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/photos
British Foreign & Commonwealth Office:
The travel advice of the British Foreign & Events: We regularly hold fun and
Commonwealth Office (FCO) highlights informative presentations on some of our
potential hazards people might experience destinations at London’s Frontline Club, as
when travelling abroad and as an advocate well as hosting other occasional events
of their “Know Before You Go” campaign including an annual Evening of Adventure
we strongly suggest that you refer to it at the Royal Geographical Society. To find
before booking and contact us if you have out more see here –
any queries or concerns. Details can be www.wildfrontierstravel.com/events
found on the website below.
Wild Miles Club: Everyone that has booked
a trip directly with us will become an
automatic member of the Wild Miles Club
gaining instant access to a range of
exclusive discounts from a variety of travel
partners from bookshops to outdoor
clothing shops. In addition, regular direct
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel bookers will earn “Wild Miles” which can
advice of their respective governments. earn you up to 10% in discounts off of all
tours. For more information visit this page
- www.wildfrontierstravel.com/wild-miles
Facebook: Keep up to date with the latest
news and special offers by liking our
Facebook page –
www.facebook.com/wildfrontiers
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comWhy Wild Frontiers?
Wild Frontiers is proud to have been regularly voted one of the top ten tour operators by readers of
Wanderlust Travel Magazine over the last fifteen years. A number of our innovative itineraries have been
included in National Geographic Traveller Magazine’s “Trips of a Lifetime”, and our acclaimed Tour
Leaders regularly feature in the Wanderlust World Guide Awards, with Mark Steadman winning gold in
2015. Responsible travel has always been incredibly important to us, so we were delighted to be awarded
Best Ethical Tour Operator by The Guardian/Observer.
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Below are a
few of the factors that we believe set us apart from our competitors and form the reasons as to why
many choose to travel with us again and again…
Personal Service & Expertise: Our London office is manned by experienced expedition leaders and most
trips we run stem from our first-hand knowledge - in short, we run the kind of holidays that as passionate
travellers, we like to do ourselves. When you ring our office, you can be guaranteed to chat to someone
who knows the region and the terrain and is able to offer sound and practical advice.
Authentic, Cutting-Edge Experiences: Our unique, original itineraries allow you to take journeys that
venture beneath the surface of the region. Most of our group tours only run once or twice a year and
they are typically on routes we have discovered for ourselves, meaning we are able to give a truly
authentic, off-the-beaten-track experience.
Be the First: Our style of travel is all about exploration, and nothing excites us more than opening up
new routes to genuine travellers, even if that makes our job harder at times! We keep abreast of new
destinations and are often the first to return to places that have vanished from the tourist map. We were
the first back into Pakistan after 9/11, the first to return to Kashmir after a decade of tourist isolation,
and amongst the first to run a commercial travel trip to Afghanistan for almost 30 years. Since then we
have helped bring Iran, Georgia and Bangladesh back into the tourist fold, specialising in ground-breaking
reconnaissance trips and imaginative expeditions.
Small Group Size: On our escorted tours, we believe it is imperative to keep the group sizes small. Most
trips are limited to an average maximum of 12 travellers, thus giving you more access to fragile cultures,
better opportunities to interact with local people, and the knowledge you are making less of an impact
while there.
“Having been a bit apprehensive about joining a group as a single traveller, I found myself surrounded
by interesting, friendly, helpful people who I hope to catch up with again on future trips.” Angela
Chick, Kashmir Group Tour
Cost of Group Tours: We believe in an honest, upfront pricing structure so you know exactly what the
tour will cost before you book. On our group tours we avoid local payments, ‘optional extras’ or forcing
our clients to go through the annoying procedure of splitting every meal bill. Our tours are provided on
a predominantly full board basis, with government permits, entrance fees and transport all included.
Our clients: Your companions can make or break a trip, and it’s lucky therefore that our clients are often
our greatest asset. Travelling to remote regions is not for everyone, and as such we tend to attract open-
minded travellers looking for genuine experiences, and a desire to reach those hard to get to places.
Responsible Travel: Awarded 5 star status by AITO (Association of Independent Tour
operators), responsible tourism (RT) has always been an integral part of our company
ethos and our adventures are designed with the local people, culture and eco-system
in mind. In 2012 we were awarded the Guardian Observer Best Ethical Travel Award.
For further details please refer to the RT section of our website -
www.wildfrontierstravel.com/rt
WILD FRONTIERS Adventure Travel Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 20 8741 7390 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8741 3610
Email: info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website: www.wildfrontierstravel.comYou can also read
