Sharyem Tours
The Ethiopian Travel Specialists

Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the third highest capital city in the World sitting at an altitude of 2,400m in the central highlands of Ethiopia. As a modern, thriving and growing city, Addis Ababa boasts a variety of entertainment, dining, accommodation, classical and contemporary arts, museums and sightseeing to warrant any time spent touring around, either on foot or using the cheap and highly efficient network of minibuses; and when the minibuses stop, there are always the inexpensive taxis to get you to where you need to go.

The North Tour

Northern Ethiopia is a treasure trove of mystery and wonder. This stunning region boasts a remarkable depth of history.

On your journey North you will see

• - The enormous obelisks (monolithic stelae) of Axum
• - The amazing rock hewn churches of Lalibela
• - The dramatic escarpments of the Simien Mountains
• - The medieval castles of Gondar
• - The painted monasteries on the islands of Lake Tana at Bahir Dar

You will also have the opportunity to browse the various markets that are colourful and varied in their wares.

Trekking In Ethiopia

Trekking is a great opportunity to slow down and take in the fantastic scenery and vistas. You will enjoy the birdcalls, which are heard in the quiet and sparsely populated hills and mountains. And feel the sensation of crisp, cold, zingy water from the springs and streams that meander their way through staggered rocks and Afro-alpine moorland. There are giant lobelia, soft plains, deep valleys and lush forests to the large rivers. You will breathe air and wind deeply whilst fishing for fresh trout - all under the huge, expansive African skies.

The Rift Valley Lakes

The Rift Valley lakes host wonderful bird life and for this reason are popular with bird watchers and hikers alike. The Abiata-Shala National Park is right on the doorstep. Mouth-watering fish dishes like, asa-wat or lublub are welcome meals at the end of a day. Boating trips in search of crocodiles and hippos are also available.

The Danakil Depression

THE HOTTEST PLACE ON EARTH

One of the most adventurous tours in Ethiopia takes you to the Danakil, or Afar lowlands. These are among the most beautiful but inhospitable territories in the world.

This area is of immense geological interest, with volcanos, salt lakes and hot springs, and is where you will see the nomadic Afar people. Makale, the capital of the Tigray region of Ethiopia, is a good base for visiting the Danakil Depression, deemed the hottest place on earth.

Journeys to the East – Awash to Harar

Travelling east, through Debre Zeit, a good road takes you to the Awash National Park, situated in the lowlands east of Addis Ababa. Camping by the river, the Awash is excellent for viewing game. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles can be seen in the river.

You will continue east, touring various towns, through the scenery of craters and dry gorges, to Dire Dawa. The road from Dire Dawa arrives at Harar, the famous walled Muslim city. This colourful city, with its many mosques is known for producing the best coffee and chat (a mild narcotic leaf) in the country. With a fascinating history, this city is a unique window on the past.

The minimum time, including a stay at Awash National Park is 5 days. For a longer tour it could easily be combined with a visit to the Rift Valley Lakes.

The South

Heading south in Ethiopia is an intriguing and magical experience. The topography of the Great Rift Valley and the naturally sculptured scenery is simply breathtaking.

You will journey through the Rift Valley Lakes past Shashemene.

Turning slightly to the southwest, you will reach Arba Minch situated on the west side of Lake Abiata and Lake Chamo. You will then have the opportunity to meet the people whose way of life remains as remote and unchanged as the land in which they live.

The Omo Valley

This tour takes you through upper Omo, via Konso home of the Konso people, world experts in terracing. From Konso through to the Mago National park, home of the Mursi people, we meet the Borena, semi-nomadic pastoralists, before travelling down to the lowlands of the lower Omo across the Weito desert. The lower Omo is home to a mix of many small ethnic groups, each with their own language and customs. Amongst these groups are the Bume, Karo, Geleb, Ebore and Hamer. There are various market days, which give the experience of being amongst these people as they trade effortlessly with each other regardless of the different languages and customs.

The landscape and views are stunning, littered with small villages, many semi-permanent, stretching for many miles across the acacia bushlands.

Journeys West – To Gambella

The west of Ethiopia is a beautiful roll of hills and valleys. Forests and rivers line the way to the very hot climes of Gambella. Close to the Sudanese border and home of the Anuak people amongst others, this region is a fertile and exotic treat. Kaffa coffee, gold and frankincense are all products traded in Mengesha Forest.

Camping, sightseeing, historical churches and villages are all on the menu for the visitor. Also in the west is the large city of Jimma.

"You helped to create the perfect itinerary, and took great care of us – the memories will last a lifetime!"

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