LALIBELA & GHERALTA MOUNTAINS ADVENTURE - YELLOWWOOD ...
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2019
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountains Adventure
9 day adventure in Northern Ethiopia to explore the iconic Gheralta
Mountains and 13th Century rock-hewn churches
Sat 16 - Sun 24th Nov 2019
Sat 9 - Sun 17th May 2020
Sat 19th - Sun 27th Sept 2020
£1299
All transfers,
8 nights, twin 8 Breakfasts, 2 guides, Intermediate
share 8 lunches, 8 plus porters (4-7hrs /day)
dinners
Ethiopia is often called the 'Tibet of Africa’ due to its remoteness and
the natural beauty of its mountain ranges. The Gheralta mountains in
Tigray Province are not only visually stunning but are also home to over
30 churches hewn into the rocky mountainsides.
Built at altitude to bring pilgrims closer to heaven and to be hidden from raiding armies that might
head through valleys and villages, their location off the beaten track has ensured that few visitors
have enjoyed the art and beauty of these constructions, or the pathways to reach them.
This stunning adventure also includes an introduction to bustling Addis Ababa, and a tour around
the holy town of Lalibela, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s 13th Century churches
(commonly referred to as The Eighth Wonder of the World) and a centre of Pilgrimage. From here we
set off to remote Gheralta mountains, for a stunning and unique 5 day trek, camping with
panoramic views, and meeting friendly local villagers and learning about their culture.
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountain Adventure 1
2019
Itinerary lunch we will drive for a couple of hours to
our lodge in the Gheralta Mountains for a
fantastic dinner and a rest before our
Day 1: Journey begins in Addis trekking adventure begins!
Ababa
Following your arrival and settling into the Day 4: Begin Gheralta
Monarch Hotel, your adventure begins Mountains Trek
with a tour of this liveliest of cities After being dropped off closer to the range,
including its Cathedral, National Museum we will immediately ascend to take in the
and Merkato. In the evening we will watch magnificence of the area. Today we visit
traditional musicians and dancers Yohannes Makudi Rock church, which we
performing view inside,
different tribal along with all
dances in a the other
culture house churches high
before dinner at up in the
a restaurant mountains,
and a jazz club before
or two for any descending to
interested our campsite
parties. situated in the
beautiful Debre
Day 2: Zion valley, with
Addis cactus, olive,
sycamore and
Ababa to
eucalyptus
Lalibela trees.
We hop on our
This is the first
short one-hour
day of your trek
national flight
and you will be
(not included) to
walking for
the historic town of Lalibela where we will
approx 5 hours to an altitude of 2500m
begin our guided tour of the ancient 13th
Century rock-hewn churches, easily the
most famous of all the monuments across Day 5: Debre Zion to Giant
this enormous country. Our professional Sycamore Tree camp
local guide will lead us through the intricate
system of underground passages that Today we will hike up to view inside the
link the incredibly beautiful eleven churches delightful Abuna Abraham rock church,
in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. which requires a good climb in order to
reach it; the views both inside and out are
Day 3: Lalibela to Gheralta simply breathtaking. Tonight we will camp
Mountains under the biggest sycamore tree in the
region, a wonderful spot where many of the
It is a full day’s drive from Lalibela to the local exotic birds flock to nest in its
Gheralta Mountains, so instead we will take branches. We walk through a local village
a short flight (not included) to the ancient so will get to try the local beer ‘tala’. You
capital city of Axum to view its C4th 24m will enjoy around 4 hours of hiking today, to
tall granite stele and explore its charming a max altitude of 2400m above sea level.
markets and town centre. After a relaxing
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountain Adventure 2
2019
Day 6: Sycamore Tree to Agoza Day 8: Koraro to Addis Ababa
Camp We will drive from Koraro to visit the world-
En route we climb Mt. Kemmer (2670m), the renowned Abuna Yemata Guh rock church
highest mountain in the Gheralta range (2580m), carved within a giant sandstone
affording 360° views of the surrounding stalagmite. It is not a climb for the faint
mountains and desert plateau of Tigray. We heated, requiring simple ropes and a
enjoy lunch at the top before a gentle but harness for one particular spot as you
long descent into the valley. En route we ascend the giant stalagmite. This being
will also pass by a tiny rock hermitage said, the climb is optional (you can decide
carved into the mountainside before the day) and our guides are there to help
reaching our camp in Agoza village, where you. For those who opt to do the climb, it is
we will camp in one of the most
the grounds of incredible
the local school, things you will
chatting with ever see!
the villagers
that often The walk is only
congregate around an hour
there. up and even
less coming
Today’s walk down.
builds on your
experiences We then drive
from yesterday to Mekele
and will involve Airport for our
6 or 7 hours of flight back to
trekking. Addis Ababa for
our final group
Day 7: dinner at one of
Agoza to the best
restaurants in
Koraro town.
Camp
Day 9: Fly out from Addis
Our hike takes us up to beautiful Abuna
Gebre Michael rock church carved deep into
Ababa
the mountainside (2400m) and adorned
Leaving the beauty of Ethiopia is going to
with magnificent frescos. We then follow
feel all wrong but ‘normal life’ awaits you.
the priest down a narrow natural defile cut
Time to plan your next escape!
through the rock of the mountain which
leads to our campsite. This is situated in the
lee of an enormous natural cave with a
sandy floor for our tents.
We celebrate with a barbecue of fresh meat
and beer brought up from the nearest
village, a campfire and dancing!
You will be walking for around 5 - 6 hours
today.
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountain Adventure 32019
Accommodation Facilities
With the exception of some of the higher
class hotels in Addis Ababa, hotels generally
We fully believe in, and practice Responsible do not have heat or air conditioning. As
Tourism and use hotels run by locals. We put nights can be chilly, please bring appropriate
time and effort into building sleepwear if needed.
our relationship with
them to ensure you have In areas where
a a great trip. malaria is a problem,
hotel rooms come
This trip involves both with mosquito nets.
hotel and camping
accommodation. Electricity: Ethiopia
runs on 220V and
Addis Adaba: uses 2 round-prong
Monarch Hotel plugs (such as those
(www.monarchaddis.com) in Europe), so please
Address: Cameroon bring suitable
Street near Edna Mall, adapters. Away from
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia lodges, and hotels,
Phone: +251 116672480 there is no electricity
Wifi & Pool so you should be
prepared with extra
Lalibela: batteries or charging
Jersualem Hotel (http:// capability.
jerusalemlalibela.com-
ethiopia.com) or Mountain
View Hotel, depending on availability.
Camping (Day 4-7): What’s
Included…
Camp staff will set up camp and move your
belongings on with donkeys. We have our
own chef and drink bottled water. There is a
camp shower suspended from a tree in a • 8 nights twin share accommodation
tent using filtered well/river water. There are (unless you have paid for a single room)
no toilet facilities - you need to find a
suitable spot away from the group and • All transfers, including airport transfers
waterways and carry your own toilet paper,
burning it after use. • 8 nights full board accommodation
Gheralta Mountains: • Full guided itinerary which includes at the
Wukro Eco Lodge minimum, your YellowWood guide and a
(http://wukrolodge.com) Local Guide, plus City Guides and Lalibela
Phone: +251 344 431247 guides for certain days of the trip.
Wifi & Pool
• Porters and camp staff all ensure that you
Unless you have booked a single room are well supported and secure on this
(supplement of £200), you will be sharing a holiday.
twin room with another client (of the same
gender)
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountain Adventure 42019
& What’s not Coffee
Coffee lovers will be delighted as Ethiopian
coffee is some of the best in the world - it
Flights was discovered in Ethiopia and is deeply
Visas engrained in the culture of the country,
Insurance playing a huge role in social gatherings, as
Airport Taxes the unique “coffee ceremony” is performed.
Tips
Alcoholic drinks The coffee ceremony starts with green
Souvenirs coffee beans, which are washed and then
roasted over a fire. The roasted, smoking
Food & Drink beans are passed around to ensure the
guests take in the pleasing aroma. The beans
are then ground and boiled with water in a
The staple of every Ethiopian meal is injera, traditional Ethiopian coffee pot, called a
a spongy, pancake-like bread made from the ‘jebena’. Three rounds (known as ‘abol’, ’t’ona’
local grain, ‘teff’ (gluten free!) which is and ‘bereka’) of coffee are served in small
mixed with water and allowed to ferment. cups while incense is burned over the fire.
This gives it a slightly sour taste (not Popcorn may be served. Coffee and tea may
dissimilar to sour dough bread). It is cooked be served with a lot of sugar, so those who
on a flat plate over a fire and is laid on a prefer it without or who would like to add
large platter with the main dish on top. Small their own are advised to order it without
pieces of injera are then torn off and used to sugar (yaleh sukwar).
pick up bite-size portions of the main dish.
Alcohol
Dishes eaten with injera include a variety of A variety of local Ethiopian beers are
meat (beef, lamb and chicken), stews (known available as well as some locally-made red
as ‘wat’, they may be spicy or mild), lentils and white wines. Other locally-made
and vegetables. alcoholic beverages include ‘tella’, a local
beer made from various grains, ‘tej', local
Some international cuisine is available in honey wine, or mead, and ‘areki’, a hard liquor
Addis Ababa but less so outside of the made from maize.
capital, though basic European dishes are
available and pasta is generally found
Special diets
everywhere. Guests are advised to drink
bottled water to avoid any stomach Please inform us of any special dietary
discomfort during their stay. Soft drinks are requirements prior to booking. Vegetarians
wide-spread as well as fresh fruit juices. will have no problem to find suitable options
but a wide variety might not always be
We will have our own chef with the group available.
when we are camping, who rustles up
delicious local fare. Coeliacs and other intolerances can also be
provided for and we can communicate with
you individually and prepare to make sure
you have the right food throughout your trip.
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountain Adventure 52019
Date & Time This ensures you the perfect balance of
information and support on your trip, with
your Ethiopian guides offering insight into
The Ethiopian calendar is based on the local life and customs, as well as routes
Julian, not Gregorian calendar, so is around 7 during hiking, whilst your Yellow Wood guide
years behind the familiar UK calendar.. It ensures the smooth running of your
consists of 13 months – 12 of 30 days and a adventure.
13th month with 5 days (6 days in leap year).
The Ethiopian year 2003 started on
September 11, 2010 in the Gregorian
calendar and was a leap year, meaning the
Your Group
Ethiopian year 2004 started on September Your group will be any number from our
12, 2011. September 11, 2019 will ring in new minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum
year 2012 in Ethiopia. of 12 clients. This number works really well
with the ratio
Ethiopia time of guides,
is 3 hours and ensures
ahead of the optimum
GMT (East level of
Africa Time), service to
and is you during
generally your
based on the adventure.
rise and
setting of the We get
sun. For clients
example, booking
07:00 alone, as
Western time couples and
is Ethiopia’s in small
01:00am groups of
(approx. friends. If you have a group of friends or
sunrise and the start of a new day), while at family who are interested in having their own
noon it is 06:00am Ethiopian time. Most customised trip, then please let us know and
Ethiopians translate their time into Western we can cost it for you.
time when speaking English, but it is best to
confirm if time given is “Ethiopian or
European” to avoid confusion.
Am I fit
Guiding Enough?
You are visiting the mountainous areas of
Supporting you on your holiday will be a
Ethiopia and your itinerary involves hiking/
minimum of 2 experienced, approachable
trekking over rough terrain (see Itinerary for
and knowledgeable guides’ one from the UK
details). To get the most of out of this
YellowWood team, and an in-country local
adventure, you need to be a regular walker
guide. On some days, we will be joined by
and in good physical condition. You do not
additional local experts to help give us
need to be experienced in trekking, however.
expert information and guidance.
The hiking is at the natural pace of the
group, with regular stops.
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountain Adventure 62019
Walking is in the heat and over rough
terrain. Travel
You will be carrying just a day pack and Your YellowWood adventure starts at the
bottle of water (bottled water) airport in Addis Ababa. We understand that
arriving into an unfamiliar airport can be
Training
very daunting, so we aim to give you as
much information her as possible to help
you prepare.
As with all active holidays, the fitter you
are the more you Finding
can relax and flights
enjoy the
stunning route, Flights are not
and the better included in the
you can cope cost of your
with challenges holiday, and
such as the whilst we are
outside elements. happy to help
advise you,
Clients are responsibility for
advised to get in booking the
as much regular correct flights
walking/ short rests with you.
runs before the We recommend
trip as that you use a
convenient. comparison tool
when searching
NB: If you have for flights, such
bought new as: momondo or
hiking boots for skyscanner.
this adventure,
this is the right time to wear them in, not on
Foreign Travel Advice
the trip itself.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign
& Commonwealth Office including security
Start & End and local laws, plus passport and visa
information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-
travel-advice.
Monarch Hotel (www.monarchaddis.com)
(+251 116672480)
In Country Contacts
Abeba Tours:
Airport &
From abroad: +251 927819331
In country: 091 927819331
Arrival Info
Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa)
YellowWood Adventures:
has reassuringly tight security measures
Sam McManus +44 (0)7742869969
and for this reason they do not allow any
non passengers into the airport.
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountain Adventure 72019
Fortunately, the Monarch Hotel has a small
booth inside the airport so all you need to do
is head to the booth and tell them you are a Domestic Flights
hotel guest with YellowWood, and they will
organise your shuttle transfer straight to the All domestic flights are operated by
hotel (transfer of 20mins). Ethiopian Airlines, unless prior arrangement
has been made for special charter flights.
Before you head to the Monarch desk
however, you have a couple of jobs to do! This trip involves Internal flights as follows
(not included):
1. Purchase your Visa on arrival, if you
haven’t already got an e-visa: the visa Addis Ababa to Lalibela (Day 2)
desk is clearly signposted (see later Lalibela to Axum (Day 3)
section for detail) Mekele to Addis Ababa (Day 8)
2. Exchange Currency: The easiest is Domestic flight baggage allowance is as
probably to use the ATM in the arrivals follows:
lounge, however there is also a bank to
change money near immigration and Checked baggage must not exceed 20kg,
baggage claim (see later section on whether in one bag or combined for 2 bags;
Currency Exchange). For convenience, we Excess weight will be charged at the rate of
would recommend changing currency at 40ETB/kg.
the airport rather than doing this in Addis
Ababa. Carry-on baggage must not exceed 7kg,
excluding personal handbags or purses,
Toilets can be found in the arrivals lounge. laptop, reading material or other special
carry-on items.
Hotel Arrival Special arrangements can be made for
On arrival at the Monarch hotel, you should
photographic equipment. Liquids may be
head to reception. You will be greeted by
taken in carry-on luggage and are not
your guide at the hotel, and will be welcome
required to be in a zippered plastic bag.
to settle into your room.
For Domestic arrivals, again, we are not
You will be heading to a local restaurant for
permitted inside the terminal so our rep will
lunch and a trip briefing, once everyone has
be outside in the parking lot
arrived.
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountain Adventure 82019
Climate & Despite generally moderate temperatures,
it’s important to remember that Ethiopia sits
Weather close to the Equator, making the sun very
strong. It is therefore recommended to use
high-factor sunscreen and wear a hat.
Known as the Roof of Africa, much of
Ethiopia sits in the highlands, between
1800-2400m (5900-7900 feet). This keeps
the climate temperate with warm sunny days
Health
and cooler nights. In the south the weather is With proper precautions, visitors to Ethiopia
warmer, but the nights may still be cool. can enjoy a healthy stay. Please ensure you
inform your guides if you have medical
There are two main rainy seasons; the conditions they need to be aware of, or if you
shorter rainy season, known as ‘belg’, which feel unwell during the trip.
happens in the highlands generally between
February and April, and the longer rainy For the most up to date information on
season, known as krempt, from June – vaccinations and medical advice for travel,
September. please go to https://travelhealthpro.org.uk -
a very comprehensive website providing up-
In the south, the rains generally fall April - to-date and reliable information for the
June with some chance of rain later in the traveller, travel industry and health
year, October/ professionals.
November.
Malaria
Addis Ababa has a There is no malaria
moderate climate in Addis Ababa
throughout the and in many
year, ranging from places in the
20-28°C northern highlands
(68-83°F), and (with the
cooler during the exception of Bahir
rainy season, from Dar), as the
10-20°C malaria-carrying
(50-69°F). mosquitoes do not
travel to higher
The mountainous altitudes,
regions, including generally above
the Simien 1800-2000m.
Mountains and the
Bale Mountains, Malaria is present
can drop to near in lower-lying
freezing at nights areas, however, so
when at high proper precautions
altitudes and should be taken.
during the rainy The only
season. Visitors, guaranteed way not to contract malaria is to
and especially trekkers, should dress in not get bitten by a malaria-carrying
layers. mosquito.
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountain Adventure 92019
Suggested ways to avoid contracting malaria important to know that public restrooms may
include: offer a different scenario. Squat toilets may
be all that is available, and toilet paper is
• Sleeping under mosquito nets (provided in rarely provided. Guests are advised to always
hotels where malaria is present) carry their own supply of toilet paper with
them to public facilities. Pocket tissues
• Using insect repellent and wearing long (known locally as “soft”) are widely available
trousers and long-sleeved shirts and are a convenient and discreet option.
• Taking a prescription anti-malarial drug Altitude Sickness
(atovaquone/proguanil aka Malarone, The highest peaks in the Simien Mountains
doxycycline and mefloquine are are over 4000m, which can
recommended; chloroquine is NOT an
effective anti-malarial in Ethiopia) be difficult for people coming from lower
altitudes. While we do our best to create an
Water itinerary that
Water should allows for
always be some time for
boiled or acclimatising,
treated before altitude
drinking. affects
Alternatively, everyone
bottled water differently,
is always safe and varying
and is widely degrees . It is
available on not foreseen
your holiday. that you will
You should be have problems
cautious when with altitude
eating raw on this
vegetables or adventure as
salads that our maximum
may have been altitude is
washed in local water. Food should always be around 2700m, however, if you experience any
eaten freshly cooked. Remember the traveler’s of the following symptoms while trekking,
mantra: “Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it.” make sure to inform your guide and try
descending to a lower altitude as soon as
Medical Treatment possible.
Hospitals vary greatly in quality throughout
the country and private hospitals or clinics • Headache
are generally preferable. In the unlikely • Fatigue or weakness
situation where you require Medical input, you
will be advised by your group guides. • Dizziness or lightheadedness
Recommended hospitals in Addis Ababa • Nausea or vomiting
include: St. Gabriel Hospital, Bethzatha
• Excessive shortness of breath
Hospital and Myunsung Christian Hospital
(Korean Hospital). • Persistent rapid pulse
• Peripheral oedema (swelling of feet, hands
Public toilet facilities or face
While the hotels that we use offer us good
facilities with Western-style toilets, it is
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountain Adventure 10Social and living. Sleeveless tops, mid-length skirts2019
longer shorts are generally acceptable, but
and
Cultural Norms people should always cover up with a shawl or
longer clothes when visiting a church or other
religious site. Miniskirts, crop-tops and short-
Ethiopian culture is quite unique and there shorts should all be avoided. While wearing
are some things first-time travellers to the comfortable clothes is a priority while
country will need to observe. Most Ethiopians travelling, it is recommended to avoid
are either Christian (with the majority being excessively torn, tatty or shredded clothing.
Ethiopian Orthodox, followed by Protestant)
or Muslim. Most people, regardless of their Affection
religion are very devout and conservative in Public displays of affection are not seen in
their lives. We offer the following tips and most areas of Ethiopia and can be
guidelines: embarrassing to locals. We suggest you
refrain from kissing, holding hands (man/
Smoking woman) or engaging in any other forms of
Smoking is still something of a taboo in affection in public. Male/male hand-holding is
Ethiopia and is generally frowned upon. While quite common in Ethiopia and is a sign of
few men may smoke in public in urban areas, friendship. It is also important to note that
women certainly do not and it may attract homosexuality is illegal in Ethiopia; if same-
strange looks or blatant comments to “stop sex couples share accommodation it must be
smoking”. Smokers may best be advised to in twin accommodation (2 beds).
smoke in designated areas or in private.
Please make sure to dispose of your butts in a Garbage
proper way. Many restaurants, hotels, bars, etc Proper disposal of garbage is still not
allow smoking inside. common practice in Ethiopia, however, we
hope that you will set a good example and
Drinking & Drugs respect the environment of Ethiopia by
Drinking is acceptable, but it is always holding on to your garbage until it can be
advised to drink in moderation and try to disposed of properly. If a local accompanying
avoid blatant public displays of intoxication. you throws garbage on the ground, we
All drugs, narcotics, etc, including cannabis, suggest you pick it up (or ask them to, kindly)
are illegal, and often unknown in rural areas. and explain why it is better to dispose of it in
Narcotics should not be sought after or used. a proper place (so we can enjoy beautiful
Ethiopia!)
Chat
Also known as ‘qat’, chat is a mildly- Standards
stimulating leaf that is chewed, similar to the Ethiopia is fast developing but does not have
coca leaf in South America and the betel leaf all Western luxuries. Food items may not be
in Asia. available on menus, electricity might go out
and water may stop working (to name a few).
This is often done socially amongst friends, While this may be frustrating after a long day,
but you may also see people go about their when the only thing on your mind is a hot
daily work while chewing chat. Chat is legal in shower, for example, it’s important to
Ethiopia, but is illegal in many Western remember that these minor inconveniences
countries and should not be brought out of are short-lived and relatively small in
the country. comparison with the daily challenges in the
life of the average Ethiopian.
Clothing
Ethiopians generally bare much less skin than Please try to accept these challenges as they
Westerners and do their best to look their come with the territory of adventure!
best, despite often meagre standards of
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountain Adventure 112019
Begging a fee (1-5 Ethiopian birr) to take their
Despite its cultural richness, Ethiopia photos. You should always negotiate the
remains one of the poorest countries in the price before taking a photo. You may, of
world, with a significant percentage of its course, opt not to take a photo if you don’t
population living in poverty. This has led to a agree with the price, terms or practice.
large number of beggars and street-
dwellers, particularly in Addis Ababa. Giving Tipping
money to these beggars There is no obligation to
unfortunately supports tip, however, it is a nice
the practice. We gesture to reward good
therefore advise guests service. Whilst the
to support a local tourism industry
organisation instead of sometimes results in an
giving handouts of expectation of such a
candy, pens and clothes reward, a tip is
to street children. ultimately your decision
and is not mandatory,
NB: giving handouts or so should be considered
making purchases while a bonus.
in a vehicle is illegal
throughout Ethiopia, The challenge is that
and the driver is subject there are no standard
to a ticket if he or any tipping guidelines to
of the passengers are offer, but consider the
caught. following points:
Highland Frenzy: •In many restaurants, a
Highland was the first 10% service charge is
bottled water in Ethiopia, and its name has often added. While this is meant to go to
become synonymous with the plastic the staff, it is often unclear if that actually
bottles, which are highly coveted. The happens. Giving a few extra birr for good
“Highland frenzy” involves children running measure is acceptable.
after fast-moving vehicles hoping that
• In small cafes, 1-2 birr or some spare
plastic bottles will be thrown out to them.
change is an appropriate tip for a small bill
This creates a very dangerous situation of
(for coffees, etc).
children running in front of the vehicles with
dire consequences. We therefore ask our • For local guides for a day, the average is
guests to refrain from the practice of giving probably between $5-$10.
plastic water bottles to children, but rather • For drivers and guides who are with you for
leave them with a hotel or restaurant, where an extended time, the average is probably
they will be distributed properly. between US$10-20/day.
• For other service providers (shoe-keepers,
Photography
priests, scouts, etc), tips might range from
Please ask before taking a photograph of
a few birr to a few USD per day, depending
any person. Many people will happily oblige,
on the nature of their service.
but others may not want their photos taken,
and that should be respected. In some areas, The above guidelines are for individuals and
in fact, cultures believe that photographing small groups; larger groups might consider
women, camels or other people or animals giving more if they wish and feel the person
will in fact put a curse upon the performed above and beyond expectations.
photographed subject. People might ask for
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountain Adventure 122019
Safety and Finances
Security Currency
Ethiopian currency is the birr, available in
Ethiopia remains a very safe country for notes of 1, 5, 10, 50 & 100. Coins are
travellers. There are, however, some basic available in 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents (or santim)
precautions to consider for safe travels. and 1 birr (though the latter are not used so
if you do end up with one, consider it a
Always watch your belongings and beware of souvenir!
pickpockets, especially in large crowds.
Particularly in Addis Ababa (most notably Ethiopia is a cash economy and you will not
the ‘mercato’ and near to the stadium), be able to use cards in most places.
pickpockets operate in large numbers. Use
common sense and keep all money in a Exchange
money belt and all valuables in your hotel US$, Euros and GB£ can all be easily
safe. exchanged at banks. For US$, please bring
notes that are series 2000 or later and for
Crimes that do happen are often crimes of larger bills eg $100, series 2006 or later are
opportunity, so it is advisable not to walk even better. Older notes were more easily
around with mobile phones, i-pods or other counterfeited and so many banks will not
tempting valuables out in the public eye. change them.
You can change money at Bole International
While Addis Ababa is a very safe city, guests
Airport. Keep your receipts for ATM
should of course be sensible and vigilant.
transactions if you think you may need to
change back your birr to foreign currency
As a tourist, you can certainly expect a lot of
before leaving Ethiopia as you will need to
attention on the street. Although on
present this to make the transaction. NB-
occasion, this can feel like a hassle or
sometimes AT receipts are not available (the
harassment, it is rarely an actual threat.
ATM should notify you before you finalise
the transaction).
Walking in the city alone during the day is
still very safe, but we do not recommend We have reports that airport exchange
walking alone in dark areas at night. We also service are unwilling to change bills of less
do not recommend going to local coffee than 100 birr, and that they require a
ceremonies with strangers. You will be given minimum of 1000 birr to change the money
further advice on this during your holiday to foreign currency.
briefing.
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountain Adventure 132019
We are often asked how much money you
should bring with you on your trip - this is Stay in Touch
hard for us to answer as it is often a personal
choice re budget, however we would advise
Phone
having more available rather than less. We Ethio Telecom is the sole provider of phone,
would suggest a budget of an equivalent of mobile and internet services. Progress is
£50 cash/day, which will cover you for being made but connections may sometimes
snacks, be disrupted,
alcoholic slow, or
drinks, tipping altogether
and souvenirs. impossible!
You could have
International
this cash in
mobile phones
£GBP or in US
may or may
$ which can be
not work
exchanged as
depending on
required- as
your provider,
well as having
for either
local currency
making or
available.
receiving calls
ATMS and/or SMS
messages, and
(Visa &
there is often no mobile signal in rural areas
Mastercard) and the mountains. For emergencies
There is one at Bole International Airport as
however, your Yellow Wood guide has a local
well as being available in Addis Ababa and a
SIM card which works in the areas you are
few other locations. However, it is best not
visiting.
to rely on ATMs outside of the capital as
they may be out of order or empty of cash.
International phone calls and fax services
Credit cards: Visa and Mastercard can be
are available in Addis Ababa and in various
used for cash advances at Dashen Bank
locations around the country.
branches throughout the country and United
Bank in the Hilton in Addis Ababa. Few hotels
or other merchants accept credit cards, and Internet
Internet cafes are widespread, with varying
when they do there is often an additional
connection speeds (often not broadband).
service charge.
Travellers cheques Speeds will generally not match what may be
accepted at some banks but please bring the norm in most Western countries. Full
your original receipt of purchase as well as outages are also common and may last
your passport in order to cash them and note some time (eg several days). Please do warn
that there may be a service charge. They relatives and friends that you may not
can’t be used to pay for goods in retail shops respond to emails etc due to internet issues,
- only to be changed at the bank. so that they don’t worry.
Post
Ethiopia’s service is reliable, although it can
be slow. Post offices are generally open M–F
from 08:30 - 17:00/18:00, plus some are
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountain Adventure 142019
open Sat mornings, but desks may close at
16:00 and during lunch times. Insurance
EMS (Expedited Mail Service) is generally Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow
quicker and more reliable, though more Wood Adventures. Unfortunately anyone
expensive, and is able to be tracked. without insurance is not able to take part in
the holiday so please make sure you arrange
cover. We recommend sorting your
Visas insurance when you book so that if you have
problems during the run up to your holiday,
and need to cancel, you are covered.
A Tourist Visa, valid for 30 day ($50) or 90
days (US$90) can be purchased at Bole
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send
International Airport by Tourists holding
us details of your insurer, policy number, 24
passports from any of the following “tourist-
hr emergency assistance contact details and
generating” countries.
the name, address, and telephone numbers
of your NOK or persons to be notified in the
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil,
event of an
Canada, China,
emergency.
Czech
Republic,
Your insurance
Denmark,
needs to cover
Finland,
you for hiking /
France,
trekking with
Germany,
the following
Greece, India,
fairly standard
Ireland, Israel,
inclusions:
Italy, Japan,
Kuwait,
•Medical
Luxembourg,
Expenses
Mexico, the
Netherlands, •Repatriation
New Zealand,
•Helicopter
Democratic
rescue & Air ambulance
People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea),
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea Some clients also like to ensure they have
(South Korea), the Russian Federation, the following optional items:
Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden,
• Cancellation cover
Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom,
United States of America. • Loss or damage to property
Nationals from all other countries must
obtain a visa BEFORE arrival from the
nearest embassy.
If you want to save time on arrival at Bole
Airport, you can apply for an e-visa at
https://www.evisa.gov.et/#/home
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountain Adventure 152019
How to Book monies are placed directly into a trust
account so your funds are 100% protected
at every stage of your adventure.
1. Our website holds detailed trip
information and availability options, so Client monies stay in the TTA account until
booking can be made online via the trip the end of your trip or can be released prior
adventure page. to that, to pre-
We use a secure defined
World Pay suppliers, on the
service for online condition that their
payments. services are
financially insured
2. If booking more through the TTA’s
than 3 months in Supplier Failure
advance of your Cover system.
departure date,
a £200 non As part of our
refundable membership
deposit is contract we are
payable. The obliged to maintain
remainder is due a high standard of
no less than 3 service to you by
months before the TTA’s Code of
the departure Conduct.
date.
• We have full Tour Operators Professional
3. You will receive payment confirmation and Public Liability Insurance with
from WorldPay and the Travel Trust specialist brokers Tasker & Partners Ltd.
Association (TTA) as well as an email
• We carry out risk assessments on all of
from YellowWood Adventures.
our holidays to ensure we have thought
through every detail
4. As your adventure draws closer,
YellowWood will send you a detailed • We employ staff with the correct
information pack and Packing List. experience and skills to ensure you have a
safe and fun trip, and have a thorough
5. Should you have any questions about training programme each season
your holiday or the booking process, then
please don’t hesitate to get in touch: • We comply with the legislation and
email: info@yellowwoodadventures.com Tourism Code for the countries we work in.
phone: +44 (0)2078460197
Financial
Protection
YellowWood Adventures Ltd is a member of
the UK’s Travel Trust Association (TTA) –
www.traveltrust.co.uk – whereby all client
Lalibela & Gheralta Mountain Adventure 16You can also read
