Dear World Traveler,

Ethiopia is old beyond imagination, dating back to the very beginning of mankind. The earliest known human remains were unearthed in this mystic country. It is also the land of the Queen of Sheba—a place of legendary rulers, fabulous kingdoms and many ancient mysteries. Make this the year to visit Ethiopia!

The U.S. Embassy travel warning, placed on Ethiopia some years ago due to political turmoil, has been lifted. Ethiopia is in a difficult neighborhood, but we are working with the local embassy and excellent counterparts who are going to keep you safe and provide a wonderful once-in-a-life-time experience in the “water tower” of Africa.

Our tour has two distinct parts:
We are planning our visit during the colorful Meskel Festival, which follows the rainy season. Wildflowers in the highlands should be at their peak. Ethiopia’s Biblical roots are both Jewish and Christian since the time of Solomon. Less revealed is the Holy Ark of the Covenant, which is said to be in Axum. You’ll see the church that may house the Ark and learn about the legend. Is it a legend only? This is the Ethiopia that gives us churches and monasteries, Italian influences and the source of the Blue Nile. During our time, we stay in hotels and travel in air-conditioned coaches.

Second—the Omo Valley this extension is another story. We’ll be among primitive tribal peoples and their proud cultures in their home environment—where native traditions endure. Although we stay in some newly opened, privately owned small hotels, we also travel in 4-wheel drive vehicles, camping in primitive areas and sleeping in small tents part of the time. This portion of the trip requires an understanding that to be able to visit these amazing tribes, some creature comforts are tossed to the wind. But remember it will be easy because you’ll be seven years younger in Ethiopia!

Gwen Erwood
President, Travel Concepts International

• Prepare with pre-trip study material
• Spend two action packed days at the Meskel festival in Lalibela including Demera, where you’ll witness the colorful celebration
• Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia where Lucy, the oldest human remains ever found, is kept
• Take a boat cruise to the islands of Lake Tana, site of over twenty different 14th century monasteries
• Experience one of Africa’s spectacular waterfalls, the Blue Nile Falls
• Make a two-day journey through the Simien Mountains National Park, home of what could easily be “the end of the earth”
• Discover the Felasha or Black Jewish village said to be established at the time of the Queen of Sheba and Kind Solomon
• Explore the beautiful countryside, the real culture, amazing nature and beautiful landscape just after the rainy season
• Relish the sanctity of the 16th century medieval castles of the Royal Enclosure at Gondar
• Visit one of the oldest cities in the world, Axum, purportedly the home of the Holy Ark of the Covenant
• Optional treks to the Simien Mountains National Park and to Asheten Miriam Monastery
• Feel like a native as you experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony

Dear World Traveler,

Ethiopia is old beyond imagination, dating back to the very beginning of mankind. The earliest known human remains were unearthed in this mystic country. It is also the land of the Queen of Sheba—a place of legendary rulers, fabulous kingdoms and many ancient mysteries. Make this the year to visit Ethiopia! At the moment, Ethiopia is still celebrating its Millennium that started on our September 12, 2007 because the Ethiopian calendar falls behind the Gregorian calendar by about seven years.

The U.S. Embassy travel warning, placed on Ethiopia some years ago due to political turmoil, has been lifted. Ethiopia is in a difficult neighborhood, but we are working with the local embassy and excellent counterparts who are going to keep you safe and provide a wonderful once-in-a-life-time experience in the “water tower” of Africa. Our tour has two distinct parts.

Ethiopia’s Biblical roots, both Jewish and Christian since the time of Solomon, are most clearly revealed during this festival. Less revealed is the Holy Ark of the Covenant, which is said to be in Axum. You’ll see the church that may house the Ark and learn about the legend. Is it a legend only? This is the Ethiopia that gives us churches and monasteries, Italian influences and the source of the Blue Nile. During our time, we will stay in hotels and travel in air-conditioned coaches.

Second—the Omo Valley this extension is another story. We’ll be among primitive tribal peoples and their proud cultures in their home environment—where native traditions endure. Although we stay in some newly opened, privately owned small hotels, we also will be traveling in 4-wheel drive vehicles, camping in primitive areas and sleeping in small tents part of the time. This portion of the trip requires an understanding that to be able to visit these amazing tribes, some creature comforts will be tossed to the wind.

But remember it will be easy because you’ll be seven years younger in Ethiopia!

Gwen Erwood
President, Travel Concepts International

• Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia where Lucy, the oldest human remains ever found, is kept
• Take a boat cruise to the islands of Lake Tana, sight of over twenty different 14th century monasteries
• Experience one of Africa’s spectacular waterfalls, the Blue Nile Falls
• Gaze upon a divine palace of the most celebrated of all emperors, Haile Selassie
• Relish the sanctity of the 16th century medieval castles of the Royal Enclosure at Gondar
• Enjoy a full day excursion to the Simien Mountains National Park, home of what could easily be “the end of the earth”
• Feel like a native as you experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony
• Visit one of the oldest cities in the world, Axum, purportedly the home of the Holy Ark of the Covenant