How to make the best choice for your tour?

The choice of the tour is very important so that you can fully enjoy your trip.

You have to take into consideration the time you can spend, your specific interests, the distances (quite long in Ethiopia, the country is big and the roads do not allow for speed!). Still, the roads offer a «permanent theater», not only because of the scenery, which is a very changing one, but also as you will be able to discover many things during the trip… This is why BETSEGA gives the priority to travelling by car (minibus) rather than by plane… Plane is more quick, for sure, but it does not offer the possibility to approach everyday life in Ethiopia, and this is what it is all about!

Generally speaking, Harar and the North of Ethiopia allow for a more cultural approach, with the old town of Jogol in Harar, Rimbaud’s house etc. The rock hewn churches in Lalibela, Tigray and on the islands of Lake Tana are famous for the way they have been built, but also for very ancient paintings, and for the extaordinary ambiance during the religious feasts such as Timkat for instance, and during just everyday prayers… The historical cities of Axum and Gondar allow for discovering very ancient monuments, such as the stelae in Axum, the Castle and Fasil Baths in Gondar, and the very famous church of Debre Birhan Selassie in Gondar, which ceiling is entirely covered by painted angels faces! Nature is fascinating too, as landscapes are just amazing between all these cities, with beautiful mountains and breathtakening views!

For those who like markets, the famous market of Bati is memorable, with up to 20.000 people gathering every Monday, coming from different areas and tribes, amongst which the famous Afar people. Everything is to be found here, ranging from spices, baskets, jewels, salt, to clothes, potery, knifes, plastic containers… One part of the market is devoted to this «everything», while another part is devoted to animals and is worth visiting too: camels all over the place! The very special atmosphere of this huge market and the beauty of the people make Bati a very nice spot for those who look for «something special»… but this market is only on Mondays, so check!

South Ethiopia is especially a paradise for those who like nature above all: many lakes (we are in the rift valley!), different housing from place to place, according to the different ethnic groups, possibility to see hippos, many monkeys, amongst which the very beautiful «colobus», the lively fishmarket of Hawassa, the famous «crocodile market» in Arba Minch (which is not really a market, but the place is called like this, and there a really many crocodiles!), exotic trees and fruits (mangos, bananas), coffee plants etc. It will give you a completely different feeling…

Lake Tana not only makes it possible to visit some famous churches (in Zeghe, for example), but also gives the possibility for those interested in birds to do «bird-watching» during a nice boat tour, and allows for everyone just to take a peaceful rest on the lake shore…

For those who like comfort and beautifully designed lodges, the South might offer more choice, such as Paradise Lodge in Arba Minch, the beautiful Yrgalem Lodge and the very famous Sabanna Lodge along lake Langano… But in the meantime, the North is catching up, with some brand new places such as Befikir Kossoye Ecolodge, close to Gondar, the «four sisters» restaurant in Gondar, the Gheralta Ecolodge, close to the Gheralta mountains in Tigrae…

Last-but certainly not least!, for those who like to be off the beaten tracks, the visit or even some days of total immersion in the very special community of Awra Amba village (one of the projects supported by Betsega) is certainly worthwhile! You will not forget it!

If you feel a bit ensure, or not knowing what to choose, please, just feel free to ask for advise… Any adjustement of a proposed tour can be envisaged according to your wishes…

And go and take a look a tour website and pictures, it will already give you an idea!