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Ethiopia Safaris - A truly remarkable land

Travel through a medieval world of historical treasures, with Christian beliefs and practices little changed in thousands of years. Mountains and plateaus divided by the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by lowlands, semi-desert and tropical forests.

Ethiopia, which has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other African country, is historically and culturally fascinating. From rock-hewn churches, diverse geographic features ranging from mountains to desert and over eighty different ethnic groups, this is a country of contrasts and diversity.

Ethiopia

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The Explorations Company, where no two journeys have ever been the same

What can you experience on a holiday to Ethiopia?

  • Walk on top of the world in the stunning Simien Mountains, surrounded by views that span for hundreds of miles. See canyons and waterfalls, interact with local shepherds tending their flocks and watch the delightful geladas forage in their large groups before returning to the cliff faces at night. There are many endemic species amongst the diverse habitats, and the possibility of seeing the endangered Ethiopian wolf.
  • Fly by private helicopter over the alien landscape of the Danakil depression, one of the hottest places on the planet. The active sulphuric springs and volcanic lava lakes leave colourful salt deposits across the desert. Meet the Afar tribe who mine the salt from the vast pans. This is where the fossil of the Austalopithecus “Lucy”, was found, along with many other ancient hominin fossils.
  • Ethiopia is well-known for its 12th and 13th century Coptic churches which were painstakingly hewn from the solid rock of Lalibela. Here there are 11 churches to explore in four separate groups. Many of these churches are linked, often by dark tunnels.
  • Explore the cliff churches, monasteries and shrines of Tigray, some of which requires one to have the feet of a mountain goat to reach them! Dating between the 4th and 11th centuries, there are over  120 churches perched high up  in the Gheralta Mountains. Many of these churches are still practised in today.
  • Axum is home to the oldest Christian sanctuary, but the city itself was founded even earlier in the 4th century BCE. The field of ancient stelae is well worth a visit, as well as many other historical artefacts.
  • Explore the 17th- 18th century palaces of Fasilidas in  Gondar.
  • The Bale Mountains are one of the least-visited areas in the country and fantastic for off-the-beaten-track escapism amongst the pinnacle-type formations reaching to the sky and vast barren plateaus with endemic wildlife and ever-lasting plants. Wildlife found here comprises endemic, endangered and newly-discovered species across the contrasting ecosystems where Afro-Alpine forests descends into  the Harenna Forest with its juniper and hygenia woodland .
  • Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, has the museum for “Lucy” as well as some fantastic philanthropic projects which one can visit during your stay here. There is also the opportunity to see a spectacular local dance ceremony while eating a traditional Ethiopian dinner.
  • Bahir Dar on the shores of Lake Tana is a base from which  one can take a boat cruise to see the colourful murals in the 14th century monasteries, or visit the Blue Nile Falls.
  • Harar is the holy city of Ethiopia’s Muslim culture with symbolic Islamic architecture in the medieval city wall, as well as over 100 mosques and shrines. Uniquely, Harar welcomes hyenas into the city and one can witness them being fed at night by the Hyena Man.
  • The tribal peoples of the Omo valley region have distinctive and unique cultures. One can meet several of these tribes and interact with them, asking them about their lives and varied traditions which are very different to our own.

If you are an adventurous traveller, interested in culture and history, Ethiopia is perfect for you! We only select the best experiences and accommodation in Ethiopia, however this is a little-visited country and most accommodations are simple rather than luxurious. 

 

Flying Safaris in Africa - By Private Fixed Wing Aircraft

A Fixed Wing Flying Safari is a unique concept of travel in Africa. It introduces another dimension to a typical African safari, that of the beauty of the continent from the air. Accompanied and guided by experienced pilots who are also experienced safari guides a Fixed Wing Flying Safari is a truly memorable and exclusive experience.

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Flying Safaris in Africa - By Private Helicopter

Epic helicopter journeys exploring corners of Africa that few have been to or even ever heard of. We specialise in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, the Congo and Namibia. Our tailor-made safaris cover wild and spectacular mountains, valleys, forests and deserts, with a focus on ‘remote and unknown, unexplored and unforgettable’.

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Take the first step on your extraordinary journey into Africa

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100% Tailor Made

- Utterly designed and tailored around you and your requirements

- Totally unique every time you travel with us

- The very best hand picked guides which can make the difference between a  good and an outstanding holiday

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Priceless Knowledge

- Established over 30 years ago we have been around longer than most

- Our specialists come from, have lived in or travelled extensively in the regions we cover

- Unparalleled knowledge provides you with the best possible experience

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Making a difference

- Philanthropy is our philosophy

- Our founding principle is to always ‘put something back’

- An amount from each holiday is donated to our selected conservation and humanitarian charities


Would you like to know more?

Our team can help prepare a unique itinerary that best suits your personal interests  – no pressure, just
support and advice. Please complete your information and we will be in touch in no time.

As a guide, the cost of our extraordinary and utterly bespoke journeys tends to start from $1200 per person per day excluding international flights.

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Explore with The Explorations Company

By Marcela Kunova - 20th April 2017

Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...

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Your holiday is fully protected by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018

Flight-Inclusive Bonding: We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and hold ATOL Number 7159

Flight-Exclusive bonding: Your holiday is further protected by our membership of ABTOT Membership Number 5197

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