The Hamer Tribe traditionally use a red ochre clay to braid their hair, Omo Valley
This comprehensive tour concentrates on Southern Ethiopia’s beautiful Omo Valley, home to an intriguing mix of many small and distinctive tribal groups. We encounter many including the Karo, the Mursi and the Hamer – all of whom have retained their own unique customs and traditions. On this journey of discovery in comfortable 4×4 vehicles we explore stunning National Parks, picturesque tribal villages and colourful local markets. We are able to witness age-old customs and practices that remain part of everyday life in a captivating region
Colourful robed priest carries the Tabot; holiest relic of every Ethiopian church, Timkat Festival, Addis Ababa
17 – 31 January 2016
Places Available
Ethiopia Tour (ETT) Dossier 2016 Click to download itinerary (pdf format)
This unique and comprehensive itinerary covers all the major highlights of the northern region of Ethiopia. We start the tour in Addis Ababa to witness the famous Timkat (Epiphany) religious festival. The Ethiopian Orthodox church with its many ancient traditions and festivals has had a significant influence on the country’s way of life for centuries. The festival is celebrated with colourful processions and, when witnessed at close quarters, can be a most unique and memorable experience. Other tour highlights include the remarkable 12th century churches at Lalibela and the rock-cut churches of the Eastern Tigray region and Axum, where Ethiopia’s rich history stretches back nearly 3000 years, with famous legends of the Queen of Sheba and the lost Arc of the Covenant. The dramatic mountain terrain of the Simien National Park and the picturesque setting of Lake Tana feature as natural highlights of the trip
Colourful robed priests with processional crosses, Meskel Festival, Addis Ababa
Ethiopia Tour (ETM) Dossier Click to download itinerary (pdf format)
This classic northern circuit itinerary covers all the main heritage sites plus includes some of the most beautiful regions of northern Ethiopia. The remarkable 12th century churches at Lalibela are a tour highlight and two days are spent to marvel at this Eighth Wonder of the World. Ethiopia’s rich history stretches back nearly 3000 years in Axum, where the legends of the Queen of Sheba and the lost Arc of the Covenant are famous. The Ethiopian Orthodox church with its many ancient traditions and festivals has had a significant influence on the country’s way of life for centuries. This comprehensive tour is timed to coincide with a colourful celebration in Addis Ababa marking the finding of the True Cross, known as Meskel. The Meskel celebration includes the burning of a large bonfire, or Demera, which we will be able to witness close-up.The 17th century castles and palaces of Gonder, Africa’s Camelot, are also included in the tour as is the Simien Mountain National Park; one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, with jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys and sharp precipices dropping some 1,500 m. The park is home to some extremely rare animals such as the Gelada baboon, the Simien fox and the Walia ibex. The picturesque setting of Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, adds to the country’s mystery and is home to medieval monasteries with incredibly preserved religious mural paintings.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Fly to Addis Ababa
Morning flight from Heathrow Terminal 3 with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul to Addis Ababa arriving at midnight. Transfer to the Kaleb hotel or similar for three nights.
Day 2 In Addis Ababa
Morning at leisure. This afternoon we visit the National Museum that houses the famous remains of ‘Lucy’ and the magnificent Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Haile Selassie. Welcome dinner in a smart Addis Ababa restaurant overlooking the city (B,L,D)
Day 3 In Addis. Witness Meskel Festival
Morning visit to the excellent Ethnological Museum located at Addis Ababa university before attending the colourful festivities at Meskel square where a ceremonial bonfire is lit and the square is filled with throngs of Orthodox Christian pilgrims dancing and singing with processions of colourfully robed priests carrying processional crosses. Dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant (B,L,D)
Day 4 Fly to Bahir Dar. Lake Tana boat trip
This morning we fly to Bahar Dar and enjoy the afternoon on a relaxing boat trip on Lake Tana with a stop on Zeghe peninsula to visit two 17th century monasteries, beautifully painted with colourful frescoes of biblical scenes. Overnight at the Lake Tana hotel or similar (B,L,D)
Day 5 Drive to Gondar. Visit City of Castles
We visit the 17th century imperial capital of Gondar known as the ‘Africa’s Camelot’ and picturesquely located beneath the Simien Mountains. We explore the Royal Enclosure with its complex of impressive castles and palaces and the superb church of Debre Birhan Selassie, whose ceilings are covered with paintings of winged angels.Two nights at the Goha hotel or similar (B,L,D)
Day 6 Visit Simien Mountain National Park
We journey into Ethiopia’s most scenic highland range with spectacular plateaux and deep gorges; the Simien Mountains. The parks’ stunning scenery and pastoral lifestyle has remained unchanged for centuries and is home to the indigenous Gelada baboon and rare Simien fox. We have a walk to fully appreciate the beauty and scale of the park with stunning views in every direction, and recently listed a UNESCO World Heritage site (B,L,D)
Day 7 Fly to Axum
We fly to Axum this morning, Ethiopia’s spiritual centre and possibly home to one of the world’s most elusive relics; the Arc of the Covenant!Later we visit the modern church of Mary Zion and the famous giant obelisks, which have puzzled archaeologists for centuries. We will also wander through the towns’ fascinating local market and through the restored palace ruins reputed to be those of the Queen of Sheba. Overnight at the Sabian hotel or similar with dinner (B,L,D)
Day 8 Visit Yeha Temple. Drive to Mekele
Driving north we visit Yeha temple, the oldest of Ethiopia’s antiquities beautifully set in scenic surroundings, dating back to the 4th century BC. We continue our journey into the eastern Tigray, a fascinating region containing many rock-hewn churches dating from the 8th century. Our destination is the city of Mekele where we spend two nights at the Axum hotel with dinner (B,L,D)
Day 9 Visit rock cut churches of Tigray
The rock-cut churches of the region are seen as one of Ethiopia’s greatest heritages yet they are still relatively unvisited. Today we will visit some of the more accessible churches with beautifully frescoed interiors (B,L,D)
Day 10 Drive to Lalibela
A long but scenic drive south to Woldia before heading west along a winding road that follows the spectacular canyon of the river Tekeze, one of the main rivers of Ethiopia, to Lalibela. The highlight of our visit is to the remarkable complex of 12th century rock-cut churches. Three nights at the Jerusalem hotel or similar (B,L,D)
Day 11 In Lalibela
This morning we visit the Eastern cluster of six with many of their interiors adorned with beautiful, well-preserved frescoes. Later we will visit a traditional tukul hut and enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony with a local family (B,L,D)
Day 12 In Lalibela
We visit the western complex of Lalibela churches with their elaborate exteriors this morning and also see the Church of Saint George, arguably the finest of all the rock churches carved in the shape of a cross. After lunch we drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful Axumite style, stone built church set in a large cave (B,L,D)
Day 13 Fly to Addis Ababa
We return to Addis and have time at leisure perhaps to visit some of the Churchill Road souvenir shops and an historic coffee house. A farewell Ethiopian dinner with a traditional cultural show has been arranged before a late evening transfer to the airport for the Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul. Day rooms at the Kaleb hotel or similar (B,L,D)
Day 14 Fly to London
Early morning arrival at Istanbul and connecting flight to Heathrow Terminal 3 arriving in mid-morning
OPTIONAL Four night extension to the Ancient Islamic centre of Harar is available, please email us for further details
(Included meals denoted by B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner)
Land Tour Cost £2095.00 per person in a twin room (Single supplement £225.00)
Whats Included
- Tour escorted from London by Patrick Syder FRGS
- Ethiopian guide for the duration of the tour
- All transportation – private a/c minibus
- Three Ethiopian Airlines domestic flights
- Best available hotel accomodation outside Addis Ababa on full board basis
- Traditional Addis Ababa restaurant dinners
- Full sightseeing program including entrance fees
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water daily
- Porter, hotel and restaurant staff gratuities
- Group size strictly from 7 to 15 passengers
PLEASE NOTE – personal travel insurance, visa fees, alcoholic drinks, guide and driver gratuities, Turkish Airlines international flights are not included in the land tour cost
(visa on arrival fee is $20.00, Turkish Airlines international flights start from £425.00 through Flight Centre UK)
Arabic calligraphy, Bou Inania Medersa, Fez © Patrick Syder Images
The tour concentrates on the great Imperial cities of the Muslim dynasties, which have since dominated Moroccan history, as well as allowing time to explore the dramatic canyons and charming oases of the “Kasbah Route” on the edge of the vast Sahara Desert. We visit the ancient Royal cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakesh; explore the towering Saharan Sand-Sea of Merzouga and visit the fabled kasbahs of Ait Benhaddou and the Dades Valley. An extension is available to relax in the lovely Atlantic coastal resort of Essaouira
ITINERARY
Day 1 Fly to Casablanca
Afternoon departure from London Heathrow with Royal Air Maroc direct to Casablanca. Evening arrival and transfer to the Hotel Toubkal with dinner (D)
Day 2 City tour. Visit Rabat
This morning we visit the world’s third-largest religious monument, the vast Hassan II Mosque. We drive the short distance to Rabat and spend the afternoon visiting the Imperial capital, including the Kasbah des Ouidaias, the ornate Hassan Tower and the mausoleum of Mohammed V, founder of modern Morocco. We overnight at a pleasant traditional Riad . Dinner in a quality local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 3 Visit Meknes. Drive to Fes
This morning we visit Meknes, once the heart of the Moroccan sultanate and its impressive buildings reflect this heritage. We have a walking tour of Moulay Ismail’s old Imperial city starting from the impressive monumental Bab Mansour gateway. We continue to Fez, the oldest Imperial city, founded in the early 9th century and arguably, the finest. Three nights in a traditional old city Riad with dinner (B,D)
Day 4 Visit Roman Volubilis and Moulay Idriss
This morning we visit the extensive Roman city of Volubilis, with its well-preserved mosaic floors and impressive 3rd century AD capitol. After lunch we visit the nearby holy city of Moulay Idriss with its grand mausoleum. We return to Fes for a leisurely afternoon. Dinner at a quality local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 5 In Fes
We spend the day inside the old medina of Fes, one of the world’s last remaining medieval cities. Our morning tour includes the Bou-Inania Medersa, a Moorish architectural jewel, the beautiful 18th century Nejjarine Fountain and the famous tanneries and dyers souq. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy this wonderful city at your own pace. Dinner at a quality restaurant (B,D)
Day 6 Drive to Erfoud via Ifrane and Ziz Gorge
A long but interesting drive this morning to Erfoud, a small town on the edge of the Sahara desert. We stop at the mountain town of Ifrane, located amongst pine and cedar forests. We continue through the dramatic Ziz Valley with palm-fringed villages and ruined ksars (granaries). Arriving at Erfoud we transfer to the Hotel Xaluca for one night with dinner (B,D)Day 7 Drive to Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga. Overnight desert camp
Mudbrick citadel of Ait Benhaddou © Patrick Syder Images
Day 7 Drive to Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga Overnight desert camp
Today we have a relaxed morning before departing after lunch by 4-wheel drive vehicles into the desert to Merzouga to see the huge, drifting sand dunes and magical landscape at Erg Chebbi. We overnight in a ‘luxury’ desert camp to experience a night under the stars with a traditional Berber dinner. (B,D)
Day 8 Drive to Tinerhir, visit Todra Gorge
This morning we drive through the romantic empty desert landscape of the south. Arriving at Tinerhir at lunchtime we transfer to our hotel Lamrani, built in a beautiful kasbah style. In the afternoon we visit the spectacular Todra Gorge, 1.000 feet deep in places. Dinner in the hotel. (B,D)
Day 9 Via the Dades Valley to Ait Benhaddou
Today’s drive through palmeries and the valley of Dades is a tour highlight as we view the line of kasbahs that give this route its nickname “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs”. We stop at Ouarzazate to visit Taourirt kasbah before driving the short distance to Ait Benhaddou. Overnight, with dinner, in a traditional Riad. (B,D)
Day 10 Visit the desert kasbahs. Drive to Marrakech
The world-famous kasbahs of Morocco are vast fortified villages, mainly built in the 17th century Glaoui dynasty, found in the valleys south of the High Atlas Mountains. We visit Ait Benhaddou, one of the most exotic and best preserved, and now under UNESCO protection. We cross the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass through the Atlas Mountains, before descending to Marrakech, the best known of Morocco’s Imperial cities. We stay for three nights at a centrally located traditional Riad (B)
Day 11 Palaces and Souks tour of Marrakech
Today we explore Marrakech, including the 16th century Saadian Tombs, the Palais de la Bahia and the Ali Ben Youssef Medersa. After spending time in the souk we arrive at Jemaa El Fna Square, the focal point of the city, where in the early evening acrobats, snake charmers, musicians and dancers gather (B)
Day 12 At leisure in Marrakech
Today is set-aside for you to enjoy this wonderful city with its vibrant souks and old medinas at your own pace. You might want to visit one of the beautiful gardens around Marrakech such as the Menara, with the snow capped Atlas mountain backdrop or the colourful Yves St Laurent gardens that houses the Museum of Islamic art. Tonight we have arranged a typical dinner at a quality local restaurant (B,D)
Day 13 Fly London
Morning transfer to Marrakech International airport for the return Royal Air Maroc flight via Casablanca to London Heathrow arriving in the mid afternoon (B)
Few visitors to Tunisia venture beyond the commercial Mediterranean coast. This comprehensive journey of Northern Tunisia discovers some of the stunning locations of the ancient Roman Empire that extended across the African coast and hinterland. Classical highlights include the superb Roman sites of Dougga and El Djem, plus the remarkable mosaics of the famous Bardo museum. The Islamic site of Kairouan and the ancient medina of Tunis add to the intrigue and diverse architectural and cultural apsects of this fascinating region .
ITINERARY
Day 1 Fly to Tunis
Morning departure from London Gatwick with Tunis Air. Transfer to the Tunisia Palace hotel, perfectly located close to the city’s old medina, for two nights. Dinner at the hotel (D)
Day 2 In Tunis
We start at the ruins of ancient Carthage, founded by the Phoenicians in 814 BC that became one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire. In the afternoon we visit the picturesque village of Sid Bou Said featuring dazzling white house, blue shutters and studded doors and enjoy a welcome dinner in a renovated Ottoman residence in the old medina (B,D)
Day 3 Visit Dougga and Kairouan
Today we start at Dougga, a highlight of this tour, Tunisia’s largest and most stunning archaeological site. Our visit includes the well-preserved Roman theatre, the beautiful Capitol and the Baths of Licinius. We continue to the holy city of Kairouan and have a tour of the old medina including the Great Mosque. Two nights at the Kasbah hotel with dinner (B,D)
Ornate blue doorway in a Sidi Bou Said street afternoon© Patrick Syder Images
Day 4 Visit El Djem and Monastir
We continue our journey south to El Djem. The largest in North Africa and reminiscent of the Coliseum of Rome, its Amphitheatre is one of Tunisia’s finest attractions. We continue to the coastal city of Monastir to visit the fabulous Ribat, built in the 8th century as a defensive Islamic fort and the Bourghiba Mausoleum with its colourful cupolas and marble minarets and final resting place of Monastir-born Habib Bourguiba, the first president of independent Tunisia. Dinner and overnight at the Kasbah hotel (B,D)
Day 5 Drive to Tunis. Visit Medina and Bardo Museum
Morning drive to Tunis. We have a walking tour of the medina which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The Medina contains some 700 monuments, including palaces, mosques, mausoleums, madrasas and fountains dating from the Almohad and the Hafsid periods. We also visit the Bardo Museum, famous internationally for its unrivalled collection of stunning Roman mosaics collected from the region. A farewell dinner has been arranged in a smart Sidi Bou Said restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean. Overnight in hotel Tunisia Palace (B,D)
Day 6 Fly London
Transfer to the airport for the early morning departure with Tunis Air to Gatwick (B)
Cost £1195.00 per person based on a Twin Room
NO Single Supplement Charge for Single Room
Price includes:
- Tour accompanied from London by Patrick Syder FRGS
- Led by a specialist Tunisian guide
- All transportation in comfortable a/c bus
- Full sightseeing programme including entrance fees
- Comfortable local four star hotels on half board
- Traditional restaurant dinners in Tunis
- All airport transfers
- Porter, hotel and restaurant staff gratuities
- Bottled water daily
Colourful robed priests with processional crosses, Palm Sunday Festival, Axum
6 – 20 April 2020
Ethiopia Tour (ETE) Dossier 2020 Click to download itinerary (pdf format)
This classic northern circuit itinerary covers all the main heritage sites plus includes some of the most beautiful regions of northern Ethiopia. The remarkable 12th century churches at Lalibela are a tour highlight and two days are spent to marvel at this Eighth Wonder of the World. Ethiopia’s rich history stretches back nearly 3000 years in Axum, where the legends of the Queen of Sheba and the lost Arc of the Covenant are famous. The Ethiopian Orthodox church with its many ancient traditions and festivals has had a significant influence on the country’s way of life for centuries. This comprehensive tour is timed to coincide with a colourful procession in Axum celebrating the eve of Palm Sunday and Easter in Lalibela. The lesser known but equally extraordinary rock-cut churches of the Eastern Tigray region around Mekele and the 17th century castles and palaces of Gonder, Africa’s Camelot, are also included in the tour and the dramatic mountain terrain and fertile plateaus of the North and the picturesque setting of Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, adds to the country’s mystery.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Fly to Addis Ababa
Evening flight from Heathrow Terminal 3 with Ethiopian Airlines direct to Addis Ababa
Day 2 In Addis Ababa
Morning arrival and transfer to the Ghion hotel for two nights. This afternoon we visit the National Museum that houses the famous remains of ‘Lucy’ and the magnificent Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Haile Selassie. Welcome dinner in a smart Addis Ababa restaurant overlooking the city (L,D)
Day 3 Fly to Mekele. Drive to Gheralta
We take an early morning flight to Mekele, in the Eastern Tigray, a fascinating region containing many rock-hewn churches dating from the 8th century. We drive through a stunning landscape of sandstone plateaux to reach Gheralta wonderfully set overlooking the location of the rock-cut churches found in the region. Two nights at the boutique standard Gheralta Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 4 Visit rock-cut churches of Eastern Tigray
Today we visit some of the more remote rock-cut churches of the region. These architectural gems remain in active use today and house priceless paintings and sacred medieval artefacts and their remote location add to their mystery and intrigue (B,L,D)
Day 5 Drive to Axum
A long but interesting drive north-west to Axum today and along the route we visit Yeha temple, the oldest of Ethiopia’s antiquities beautifully set in scenic surroundings, dating back to the 4th century BC. We arrive in Axum, Ethiopia’s spiritual centre and possibly home to one of the world’s most elusive relics; the Arc of the Covenant! Two nights at the Ramhai hotel (B,L,D)
Day 6 In Axum Palm Sunday Procession
This morning we visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion and see the nearby Sacred Chapel, reputed to be the resting place of the sacred Ark of the Covenant, plus the town’s small but interesting museum and nearby famous giant obelisks, which have puzzled archaeologists for centuries. Later we experience a unique Ethiopian tradition only performed in this ancient city on the eve of Palm Sunday. Colourfully dressed priests process outside St Mary Zion church holding ornate crosses and chanting biblical text (B,L,D)
Day 7 Drive to Simien National Park
We depart Axum and journey into one of Ethiopia’s most scenic highland range with spectacular plateaux and deep gorges.In the late afternoon we arrive to entrance to the Simien Mountain National Park. We overnight at the Simien Eco-Lodge located with fabulous views across the dramatic mountain range (B,L,D)
Day 8 Walking in the Simien Mountains. Drive to Gondar
We have a morning walk to fully appreciate the parks’ stunning scenery and pastoral lifestyle that has remainedunchanged for centuries. After a picnic lunch we continue to admire the dramatic landscape of the Simien range home to the indigenous Gelada baboon and rare Simien fox as we journey to Gondar. Overnight at the Quara hotel (B,L,D)
Day 9 Visit Gondar, drive to Bahar DarMorning visit to the 17th century imperial capital of Gondar. This ‘City of Castles’ is picturesquely located beneath the Simien Mountains and today we explore the Royal Enclosure with its complex of impressive castles and palaces. We also visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, whose ceilings are covered with paintings of winged angels. After lunch we drive to Bahar Dar, on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Two nights stay at the Tana hotel, located on the lakeshore, with private gardens (B,L,D)
Day 10 In Bahar Dar. Visit Lake Tana
Today we spend the day enjoying a relaxing boat trip on Lake Tana and spend time visiting some of the more accessible monasteries situated on the islands, beautifully painted with colourful frescoes of biblical scenes (B,L,D)
Day 11 Drive to Lalibela
We drive to Lalibela, located in the remote northern highlands at 8500ft. and transfer to the Jerusalem hotel for our three night stay. The highlight of our visit is to the remarkable complex of 12th century rock-cut churches. (B,L,D)
Day 12 In Lalibela Good Friday Service
This morning we visit the Eastern cluster of six with many of their interiors adorned with beautiful, well-preserved frescoes. Later we will visit a traditional tukul hut and enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony with a local family. We hope to be able to witness some of the Good Friday (Siklet) service at one of the rock-cut churches (B,L,D)
Day 13 In Lalibela Easter Eve Vigil
We visit the western complex of Lalibela churches with their elaborate exteriors this morning. After lunch we drive the short distance to Na’akkutolab Monastery carved from living rock set in a large cave and also see the Church of Saint George, arguably the finest of all the rock churches carved in the shape of a cross. Later we will be able to witness the Easter vigil service in one of the subterranean rock-cut churches, a ceremony that that has not changed over 800 years (B,L,D)
Day 14 Fly to Addis Ababa
Today the Easter fast is broken with traditional feasts across Lalibela. We return to Addis and have time at leisure perhaps to visit some of the Churchill Road souvenir shops and an historic coffee house. A farewell Ethiopian dinner with a traditional cultural show has been arranged. Overnight at the Ghion hotel (B,L,D)
Day 15 Fly to London
Morning transfer to the airport for our Ethiopian Airlines flight direct to Heathrow Terminal 3 arriving in the late afternoon
(Included meals denoted by B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner)
Land Tour Cost £2495.00 per person in a twin room (Single supplement 475.00)
Whats Included
- Tour escorted from London by Patrick Syder FRGS
- Ethiopian guide for the duration of the tour
- All transportation – private a/c minibus
- Best available hotel accomodation outside Addis Ababa on full board basis
- Traditional Addis Ababa restaurant dinners
- Full sightseeing program including entrance fees
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water daily
- Porter, hotel and restaurant staff gratuities
- Group size strictly from 7 to 15 passengers
PLEASE NOTE – personal travel insurance, visa fees, alcoholic drinks, guide and driver gratuities, Ethiopian Airways international and domestic flights are not included in the land tour cost
(visa on arrival fee is $30.00, Ethiopian Airways international and domestic flights start from £525.00 through Flight Centre UK)
Pyramid architecture of the Royal Necropolis at Meroe © Patrick Syder Images
Sudan is home to one of the world’s oldest civilisations, with settlements dating back to 3000 BC. Located to the south of Egypt, the River Nile links the two countries both historically and geographically, however unlike its neighbour, Sudan remains virtually untouched by tourism. These magical lands of ancient Nubia offer a rich, cultural heritage, warm friendly people and a true sense of exploration. This unique archaeological tour covers the major sites that are concentrated to the north of Khartoum, including comfortable overnight lodges based at the location of the breathtaking ruins of Karima and Meroe. This makes this arid region of extraordinary archaeological interest and beautiful landscapes now accessible with a very reasonable degree of comfort. There is also the opportunity to extend your stay to visit the most beautiful of Sudan’s Egyptian temples at Soleb with a three night stay in a private Nubian house.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Fly to Khartoum
Evening departure from London Heathrow with Egypt Air via Cairo to Khartoum
Day 2 In Khartoum
Early morning arrival into Khartoum and transfer to the Holiday Villa hotel with immediate rooms. Morning at leisure. In the early afternoon we visit the capital’s landmarks including the visit of the Archaeological Museum that, besides many beautiful objects, contains two beautiful temples rescued by UNESCO and moved from the Lake Nasser area, when it was flooded by the water. . A welcome dinner has been arranged at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 3 Visit Omdurman. Drive to Meroe.
We cross the confluence between the Blue and the White Nile near the Presidential Palace where in 1885 General Gordon was beheaded by the Mahdi’s troops and we reach Omdurman, the old capital of Sudan, where we see the Mahdi’s Tomb from outside and the Khalifa’s House Museum. Late in the morning we begin the journey northward before we encounter more than 40 pyramids, located on top of a hill, some of them perfectly preserved, which belong to the Royal Necropolis of Meroe. Arrival at the Meroe Camp with a beautiful view onto the pyramids. Three nights accommodation in comfortable and fully furnished tents, dinner (B,L,D)
Day 4 In Meroe. Visit the Necropolis and the Royal city of Meroe
The Royal necropolis of Meroe is located at about 3 km from the Nile on some hills covered by yellow sand dunes. Several pyramids stand out with their sharp shapes against the clear sky. Each one has its own funerary chapel with the walls fully decorated with bas-reliefs that show the King’s life and offers to the gods. In the afternoon we move along the Nile to visit the ruins of the royal city. The excavations confirm that the town of Meroe used to cover a large area and the royal city was located in a central position, surrounded by suburbs and a boundary wall. Most of the area where the city is located, formed by many small hills covered by red clay fragments, has still to be excavated by the archaeologists (B,L,D)
Day 5 In Meroe – the temples of Naga and Mussawarat
We spend the morning visiting the site of Naga located about 30 km to the east of the Nile and one of two centres that developed during the Meroitic period. We visit a temple dedicated to Apedemak (1st century A.D.): a wonderful building with bas-relief decorations depicting the god with a lion’s head, the Pharaoh, noblemen and several ritual images. Another temple dedicated to Amon with many statues of rams and beautiful gates decorated with bas-reliefs stands nearby. We continue to Mussawarat, This settlement is located in a beautiful valley crowned by hills
Young Sudanese boy in traditional khaffiyeh scarf, Meroe © Patrick Syder Images
Here the ruins of a very big temple are visible; it once played an exceptional important role. Its main characteristic, the “Great Enclosure” is made by many constructions and boundary walls which surround a temple built in the 1st century A.D. Picnic in the area and then return towards the camp. We will stop at the town of Shendi to visit the colourful market. (B.L.D.)
Day 6 Drive to Karima
We continue on the road that skirts the Nile to the city of Atbara, located on the confluence between the Nile and the Atbara River. Here we cross the Nile and we enter the Bayuda Desert, an area bounded by the loop formed by the Nile between the 4th and the 6th Cataract and characterised by sharp black basalt mountains, most of them volcanic and typically cone-shaped. Here we see Bisharin nomads, who live in familiar groups in small huts made of intertwined branches close to the rare water wells, with their caravans and herds of camels and donkeys. We leave the asphalt road and adventure across Wadi Abu Dom before arriving at Merowe. We visit the Pyramids of Nuri, one of the three necropolises of ancient Napata. Three nights with dinner at the comfortable Nubian Resthouse (B,L,D)
Day 7 Visit Karima and Pyramids of El Kurru
We spend the morning in Karima that lies at the foot of the Jebel Barkal, a wonderful isolated red sandstone mountain, considered holy since the ancient times, where there is a large temple dedicated to the Pharaohs of the New Reign and to their patron, Amon. Several sculptured granite rams that were said to border a long avenue that probably led to a pier on the Nile sit nearby. At El Kurru where there is one of the necropolis of the ancient capital, Napata, we can visit two tombs, which are excavated in the rock under the partially collapsed pyramids, that are d
ecorated with images of the Pharaoh, of the gods and multi-coloured hieroglyphic inscriptions. We continue to a site rich in fossil trunks in the desert before we return to Karima (B,L,D)
Day 8 Visit Old Dongola and Nubian Villages
Today it is a long day on the road but full of interesting encounters and visits. Early in the morning we will follow the Nile until we reach the archaeological site of Old Dongola. Here a Christian Coptic temple with marble columns as well as several churches are situated on the banks of the Nile. This area is the central part of the Nubian region. Here the population lives in small villages amongst yellow sand dunes and palm trees they speak a different language from the Arabs and also the Islamic religion is not as “strict” as in other regions. The women don’t cover their faces and readily speak to foreigners. Some houses in the Nubian Villages are painted and decorated with colourful patterns and flowers. Enthusiastic hospitality abounds, people will often invite foreigners to visit their home and share a meal or a cup of spiced tea. Picnic in the area. In the evening we return to Karima (B,L,D)
Day 9 Drive to Khartoum. Visit National Museum
Today we drive south along the tarmac road across the Western Desert. We stop for lunch in a simple “chai house” and in the afternoon we reach Omdurman and visit the interesting souk. At sunset time we move near the tomb of the sufi leader Ahmed al Nil to witness a Whirling Dervish Ceremony Check in at the Holiday Villa hotel. A farewell dinner has been arranged at a local restaurant.
Day 10 Fly to London
Morning transfer to the airport after a leisurely breakfast. Late morning flight with Egypt Air via Cairo arriving to London Heathrow in the evening (B)
Syder Travel 