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Ethiopia..."The Historical Route"
Northern Ethiopia
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In this unforgettable tour, you will take a deep plunge into Ethiopia's unique history. The historical route through Northern Ethiopia will take you through the country's most famous attractions, such as Lalibela's famous rock carved churches, Gondar's 16th century castles, and Axum obelisks. The rides are brilliant, exciting, and will take you through absolutely breath-taking scenery, including Blue Nile Falls, Lake Tana, and Simien National Park.
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Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar; thus if you come a few days earlier, you can take part in the celebrations taking place all over the country and celebrate the millennium with us on the 11th of September. We will make all accommodation bookings and give you all the information you require to make the most out of this time - free of charge!
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TOUR DETAILS
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Host:
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Africa Riding Adventures Tours ADDAF3
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Tour Character:
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Adventure tour
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Start/End:
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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia / Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Duration:
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14 days (incl. arrival and departure)
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Riding days:
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12 days
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Entire Route:
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Approximately 1566 miles (2520 km)
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Motorcycles:
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KTM 640 LC4 Enduro, KTM 525XC Desert Racing
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Group riding:
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Required
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Number of participants:
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4-6
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Accommodation:
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Hotels where possible, tents where necessary
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Highlights:
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Lalibela's rock carved churches, Axum obelisks, Simien National Park, Gondar, fabled Lake Tana with its islands and monasteries, Blue Nile Falls, native cuisine.
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PRICING & DATES
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*rates based on a 4-6 person group
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€3,215
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per rider
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TOUR DATES
Sept. 14 - 27 2008
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€1,370
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per passenger
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EURO
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Currency
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CURRENCY ASSISTANT 
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ALL TOURS
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DAY BY DAY
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 Day 1:
Addis Ababa
Arrival in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Cultural evening in one of the best restaurants in Addis. Overnight in Addis.
Day 2:
Addis Ababa - Kombolcha
(239 mi/385 km; asphalt)
Departure to Kombolcha. Eat the best fetira (traditional breakfast food) in Ethiopia in one of the local cafés. Overnight in Kombolcha.
Day 3:
Kombolcha - Lalibela
(186 mi/300 km; gravel)
Departure to Lalibela. Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 4:
Lalibela
Lalibela, which is also known as 'the Kingdom of the Living Rock' or 'African Jerusalem', is famous for its churches, carved out from red volcanic rock dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Ethiopia is home to more World Heritage sites than most African countries. The churches at Lalibela are perhaps the most prominent of all, and are Ethiopia's top attraction. Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 5:
Lalibela - Mekele
(222 mi/357 km; gravel & asphalt)
Departure to Mekele through breathtaking scenery. Ride through different altitudes and exciting twisted roads. Overnight in Mekele.
Day 6:
Mekele - Axum
(134 mi/215 km; asphalt)
Departure to the city of Axum which dates to about 100 BC and is one of Ethiopia's star attractions. You will have lots of fun on this road. The landscape is different from last day's but every inch as beautiful. Overnight in Axum.
Day 7:
Axum
Axum was the centre of power of the Axumite Empire, one of the oldest civilizations in Africa, and is Ethiopia's oldest city. It was the first place to adopt Christianity, is home to the Arc of the Covenant, and according to the Old Testament, was the birthplace of the Queen of Sheba, making Axum the capital in 1000 years BC. Visit Axum slabs and impressive monolithic obelisks, including the largest obelisk in the world, as well as important churches and historical sites. Overnight in Axum.
Day 8:
Axum - Debark
(155 mi/250 km; off-road)
Departure to Debark, where you'll admire one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world: the Simien Mountains. A truly magnificent ride where it is not at all rare to come across some of the endemic wildlife of Ethiopia.
Day 9:
Debark - Chenek or Debark (31 or 62 mi/50 or 100 km; off-road)
Departure to the heart of the Simien Mountains National Park, registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The park is interesting because of the uniqueness of its endemic animals, the beauty of its flora and the majesty of its impressive landscape. If you would like to rest from the bike riding and do some hidking, this is the right place. We will spend the night in Debark or the campsite of Chenek. The camping area is very nice, but can also be very cold at night, so be prepared with proper clothing!
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Click here for more photos!
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Day 10:
Chenek or Debark - Gondar
(68 mi/110 km; off-road)
Departure to Gondar, also known as the 'Camelot of Africa'; one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Visit the castle-palace of Fasilidas and the church of Debre Birhan Sellassie (Mount of Light of the Holy Trinity), famous for its beautiful winged angel decorated ceilings and many other frescos. Overnight in Gondar.
Day 11:
Gondar - Bahir Dar
(114 mi/184 km; asphalt)
Departure to Bahir Dar, situated on the edge of the fabled Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Its shore-dwellers, both farmers and fishermen, navigate the waters in their tankwas; handmade papyrus canoes, the sight of which gives us a glimpse of ancient Egypt. During the 13th and 14th centuries, this region received monks seeking the isolation and peace ideal for lives devoted to prayer, fasting, and study. The result was the construction of small monasteries alongisde churches well worth visiting. Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 12:
Bahir Dar
(37 mi/60 km; off-road)
The Blue Nile Falls, known locally as Tis Isat (Smoking Fire), are not as spectacular as they used to be due to the redirection of water for hydroelectric power. They are, however, still well worth the trip Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 13:
Bahir Dar - Addis Ababa
(348 mi/560 km; asphalt)
Departure to Addis Ababa. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner in one of the best restaurants in Addis. There are many good restaurants, bars, discos, live jazz, and cultural dance venues to offer if you want to extend your stay. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Day 14:
Flight home.
Note: We reserve the right to make changes.
 Ready to ride? Book here
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All-weather motorcycling experience required
