Destination: the source of the Blue Nile (Sekela) & Lake Zengena
Tour Code: TT-1006
Duration: one day
Tour Title: History with Nature
Transportation: surface drive
Sekela is found 165 kms south of Bahir Dar. The town of the woreda, Gishe Abay, was founded in 1989 and is located 30 km east of the town of tilily which is 430 km far from Addis Ababa. Gish Abay is the place where Gilgil Abay (source of the Blue Nile) originates and which is the most voluminous of the 60 odd rivers that flow into Lake Tana, is generally accepted to be the ultimate source of the Blue Nile. For the local people, the sacred stream from where Gilgil Abay pours out is believed to have strong healing power, and it has been regarded geographically significant by Ethiopians for many centuries. Abagis Wall in Sekela woreda, Abisken Maryam Kebele administration, there are ruins of a wall called ‘Fasil Ginb’ (Fasil Wall) or Abagis which is said to be built in the 17th century during the reign of Emperor Fasil. The ruins of the building are found 27 kms far from the town of Gishe Abay.
Lake Zengena:
Zengena Crater Lake is found in Chewsa kebele administration which is located about 4km south-East of Injibara alongside the Debre Markos road in Banja woreda. To get to Zengena from Ingibara, follow the Debre Markos road south for 4km until you see cypress-covered slope to your left, then follow the rough pathway that leads to the plantation for about 200m to a shady parking area. The forested rim of this near-perfect crater is set an altitude of 2,500m.
After breakfast drive 165km towards to southern part of Bahir Dar to the source of the Blue Nile, Sekela woreda. Visit the St. Michael church which is located on the source of the Blue Nile River. As it’s mentioned in the holy bible (“and the name of the river is Gihon: the name it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia. Genesis 2: 13”) it’s among the greatest rivers and longest river in world. Late afternoon drive back to Bahir Dar
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A great place to unwind… Thanks.
I had an amazing time with your tour guides. Thank you so much.
This is my second time visiting and it was wonderful. Thank you guys.
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Liability and Responsibility
Only the laws of Ethiopia govern Tsega Ethiopia Tours liability to its clients and all claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the court of Ethiopia in which the cause of action arises. Although every possible care is taken to safeguard you and your property, Tsega Ethiopia Tours accepts no liability for loss or damage of any personal effects. Tsega Ethiopia Tours will dispose its best efforts to assist visitors when dealing with third parties such as hotels, airlines and other transport companies and travel agents. However, Tsega Ethiopia Tours cannot be held responsible for any loss or harm such as sickness, injury, death or additional costs incurred due to denied boarding, overbooking, cancellation or delay caused by the third party.
Program Reservations
Contracts and agreements will be valid consequent to Tsega Ethiopia Tours confirmation of the booking signing a contractual agreement/form. At the time of confirmation, a deposit of 50% of the total cost is requested. The remaining amount of the total cost shall be paid upon arrival before the tour commences. Unless prior arrangements have been made, Tsega Ethiopia Tours cannot be forced to conduct the tour if complete payment has not been received.
Quotations
Tsega Ethiopia Tours provides tour prices (quotations) on request. After the contractual agreement is concluded the final quoted price is non-negotiable. Tsega Ethiopia Tours offers prices with validity date & has a full right in revising the offered prices which are not confirmed within the time frame/validity date.
Cancellation
Cancellation of confirmed booking must be made in writing via email Cancellation received 30 days prior to departure will be subject to a penalty of 30% of the total rate of the tour. Cancellations received less than 15 days prior to departure will result in relinquishment of the entire advance payment.
Visa and Immigration requirements
Visas may be obtained from Ethiopian diplomatic mission overseas ,in addition nationals of 33 countries listed below are allowed to receive their visa on arrival to Ethiopia, the detail includes:- Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, and US.
Health Requirements
Prior to entry, visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also required for any person who has visited or transited a cholera-infected area within six days prior to arrival in Ethiopia.
Religion
The main religions are Christianity and Islam, but some other traditional beliefs are also practiced.
Accommodations
Addis Ababa offers variety of hotels ranging from luxurious 5 star hotels to the tourist standard. Tourist accommodation facilities are also improving at destinations outside Addis, the offer ranges from 2-4 star hotels to camping facilities.
Food
Enjera, the Ethiopian national dish is a flat, circular pancake of fermented made from an endemic grain seed called teff, served with different kinds of cooked meats, vegetables and different sauce. Though it is different from region to region, in generally Ethiopians used hot and spiced sauces that give Ethiopian food its characteristic taste. Vegetarians should try “Ethiopian fasting food”, a colorful spread of salads and vegetables devoid of all meat and animal products.
In Addis Ababa and major towns, it is possible to get traditional Ethiopian restaurants and others specialized in Italian, Far East and western dishes. In hotels found at tourist sites European style foods are always available. Those visitors who are travelling to the remote and adventure tourist sites such as deep in the Omo valley and Erta’le, Tankwa Tours & Travel Agency is provide professional cook and cooking materials. To read more about food in Ethiopia click here
Clothing
Visitors should take light, summer clothes for the day time and warm cotton made clothes for the evenings. The temperature drops quite rapidly towards sunset. Mountains trekkers should bring warm clothes and water proofs for unexpected seasonal rains. Shoes must always be removed before entering churches and mosques.
Safety
Generally, Ethiopia is considered as safe destination, but one should still take normal precautions while visiting cities and tourist sites: avoiding unfamiliar areas at night and not carrying large sums of money in pockets.
Time and calendar
Ethiopia is found within GMT +3 hours’ time Zone, and follows the Julian calendar, which consists of twelve months of thirty days each thirteen months of five days (six days in a leap year). The calendar is seven years and eight months behind the Western Gregorian calendar
Currency
The Local currency is the Ethiopian Birr, made up of 100 Cents. Notes are used in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 birr. There is no limit to the amount foreign currency imported, but it must be declared to the customs authority upon arrival.
Custom
Visitors may export souvenirs, although some Articles (such as animal skins and antiques) require an export permit.
Power
Ethiopia uses 220 volts and 50 HZ. It is good to bring your own round two prong adaptor and transformer if necessary.
Public holidays
The following are Ethiopian public holiday dates:-
Banking and Currency Exchange
Banking hours are usually from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday and from 8:00 am – 11:00 am on Saturdays. Closing times may be an hour longer in some private banks. Most banks work through lunchtime including foreign exchanges services
Courier and Money Transfer Services
Money transfers can be made through Western Union and Money Gram. Both have representative branches in Addis Ababa and in some other major towns and make their services available from private and national banks. For courier services, DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT, and EMS have offices in Addis Ababa.
Language
Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia although English, Italian and Arabic are also spoken in cities and towns.
Communication
Internet, Telephone, Tele fax, and postal services are available in the country. Numerous internet cafes are available in Addis Ababa and in other cities. They all give Internet, Fax and telephone calling service. The country Dialing Code is +251
Tipping
Though tipping is a frequent custom, amounts vary depending on the service quality offered and the interests of the visitors. In most hotels and restaurants, a 10 per cent service charge is added to the bill.
Points of Entry
Bole International Airport, Bahir Dar, Mekele and Dire Dawa Airports are entry ports. Dawale and Galafe for those crossing from Djibouti border, Moyale for those driving from Kenya, Humera and Metema from Sudan are surface entry points .All arrivals undergo full customs and immigration checks. These are only entry points and no visa services available.
Driving
In Ethiopia driving is on the right. Drivers require a valid international driving license which can be obtained by exchanging yours with local license. Visitor can recover their license prior to their departure
These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
TYPHOID
Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
HEPATITIS A
Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
CHOLERA
Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
TUBERCULOSIS
Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 3 months before travel.
HEPATITISB
Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 2 months before travel.
RABIES
Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 1 month before travel.
MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITI
Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 3 weeks before travel
YELLOW FEVER
Recommended for Ethiopia. Ideally 10 days before travel.