Booking Form for Ethiopian Trip

Ethiopia with The Women’s Travel Group  Nov 1-13 2019

Booking Form to be Mailed or Scanned / Emailed.
Land only $4599   Single: $699    Shares guaranteed 
Internal airfare if your international ticket is on Ethiopian Airways: $399, and if not: $831. Do not book your own internal airfares.

November 1-13 2019 Some flights depart Nov 13/14, a few minutes after midnight so will be dated Nov. 14. Make a note of this when booking your flights.

Name(s) as listed on Passport:

1.________________________________________________________________________________________________________ First Middle Last

Passport #: __________________________________ Date of Issue: ________________ Date of Expiry: __________________ Date of Birth: ____________________  I prefer single?   Requesting a share?     and/or name of share:

Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________________________ State: ______________ Zip: _______________ Telephone:  Day _____________Night Mobile_________________________ 
E-mail:_________________________________________

Family Contact: Name/Land and Cell Lines. 

We send you Travel Insurance information after you book. 

Deposit $600 per person by check written to ECPS Consulting Corp. subject to Terms and Conditions on the itinerary and all other trips on our site. For balance, please add your credit card information here. We will use PayPal or direct credit card. We also accept Chase quick pay.

$____________________ Form of Payment-circle: Check Enclosed Chase quick pay  Paypal   Credit Card

 Card number#: ______________________________________ Security Code: __________ Exp. Date: _____________

Billing Address:_______________________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________________________________________ State: ________________ Zip: ______________ I have read the Terms & Conditions which apply and agree to abide by the same. My payment is in agreement with these terms and those on www.thewomenstravelgroup.com/tours

Signature: ___________________________________________Date: _____________________

Phyllisnycity@gmail.com   646 309 5607  Write check to ECPS Consulting Corp.

Mailing: Phyllis Stoller/ECPS Consulting 116 East 63 Street Suite 4A NY NY 10065.   www.thewomenstravelgroup.com

Once you have an overseas ticket, we need the ticket number to honor the lower Ethiopian Airlines domestic airfare. (available if you are flying Ethiopian to or from overseas). The Ticket numbers usually start with 071 if on Ethiopian Airways.

Inbound Flight Schedule:

Returning Flight Schedule:

Suggested Reading for Women's Travel Group Ethiopia

Reading List for Our Trip to Ethiopia

A History of Ethiopia  by Harold G. Marcus

The one must book which surveys the country. Only buy the newest edition which includes more current developments.

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghes, a novel

New York Times Review is here.

In Ethiopia With a Mule by Dervla Murphy, a travelogue

For More About Dervla Murphy  A great read for women who love to travel

No Biking in the House Without a Helmet  by Melissa Fay Greene, non fiction

NPR Interview with Ms.Greene who adopted 3 Ethiopian children:

Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Capetown   by Paul Theroux, a travelogue

A trip through Africa with insightful comments about foreign aid and more.

The following are recommended by The Lonely Planet Guidebook on Ethiopia.

Life of My Choice a classic 1920's travelogue, by Wilfred Thesiger, a travelogue

Thesiger is an early explorer whose readings are a thrill for adventure travel readers.

In Eating the Flowers of Paradise,  by Kevin Rushby the history of ghat, a narcotic used in the Middle East and Africa, non fiction

Sheba: Through the Desert in Search of the Legendary Queen by Nicholas Clapp

A combination of academic study and personal experience about the theme of the Queen of Sheba. non fiction and a travelogue

Somebody Else by Charles Nicholls  follows Rimbaud in his 19c travels which include Ethiopia; this is an award winning biography, history and travelogue.

Terms, Conditions,Visas, Payment Schedule

 
Visas

All participants are required to get an entry visa for Ethiopia prior to departure. Details are on: www.ethiopianembassy.org. The exact page for visas is here: http://www.ethiopianembassy.org/ConsularServices/ConsularService.php?Page=VisaRequirement.htm

Below is the page on Tourist Visas for US Nationals. If you prefer to use a visa service,  http://us.cibt.com. If you are traveling on a non US passport, we are not responsible for your visa or acceptance into Ethiopia. Visa Requirements as of October 2017
·         Current passport valid for at least 9 months from date of departure from Ethiopia
·         One recent passport-size photograph.
·         Completed visa application. (The form can be filled out online, printed and with necessary documents, sent to the embassy or presented in person with proper payment in the form of a money order.) Here is information for the form: Address in Ethiopia: Radisson Blu, Tel  251 1 15 15 76 00.  Contact person Samrawit Moges,  Travel Ethiopia  Tel Numbers: 251 11 5523 165, or  5508 870, or 5525 478. You are entering the country via Addis Ababa Airport.
·         Service fees paid in money order, Cashiers Check or Certified bank check made payable to Embassy of Ethiopia; Click here to view a chart of the visa types and associated fees
·         A self addressed return envelope with sufficient prepaid postage (if using mail service); we recommend an overnight service with tracking.
·         If all the necessary requirements are fulfilled, the visa can be issued quickly.

US Tourist Visas are now good for 2 years once received. $70 fee. 

Miscellaneous Terms and Conditions to be read along with those on our site.

• Travel Insurance is Recommended.  Prior to starting a tour with us, insurance should be a major consideration, to cover personal injury, medical expenses, delays, baggage and more. If a client falls ill, all hospital expenses, medical expenses, doctor's fees and repatriation costs are the client's responsibility and neither us nor our local vendors is liable for any refund of the tour. We recommend emergency evacuation insurance be added to your insurance plan. 
• You are responsible to ensure that your full, official name is provided at the time of booking, exactly as it appears on your valid passport. And that your passport has 9 months left after departure.

• FUEL: Fuel surcharges can increase; if so, we  notify you when or if we are told. 
• LUGGAGE: Ethiopian Airlines allows only 20 kg total per person on internal flights.
  ITINERARY VARIATIONS: We make every effort to operate the trip as advertised.  Situations may arise, voluntarily or involuntarily, that require changes or exceptions.
  TOUR CANCELLATIONS: We reserve the right to cancel the entire trip (or any component of the trip) for any reason and /at any time. In this event, our liability, if any, shall be limited to and liquidated by refunding to each participant the payments made.
  RESPONSIBILITY: We are an agent for airlines, issuers of air or other tickets, hotels, or other service providers. We are not responsible for acts or omissions of the Suppliers or their failure to provide services or adhere to their schedules. We assume no responsibility for, and shall not be liable for, any refund, personal injury, property damage (including damaged baggage), or other loss (including lost baggage), accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be caused by: (1) defaults, wrongful or negligent acts, or omissions of  Suppliers; (2) defect in or failure of any vehicle, craft, equipment, or instrumentality owned, operated, or otherwise used or provided by Suppliers; (3) any force majeure, including but not limited to, acts of God, war or terrorism; or (4) any wrongful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under our control.  We  have no special knowledge regarding the financial condition of the Suppliers, unsafe conditions, health hazards, weather hazards, or climate extremes in Ethiopia. We recommend  www.travel.state.gov and Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov/travel. You assume full and complete responsibility for checking and verifying  all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements and all conditions regarding health, safety, security, political stability, and labor or civil unrest at such destination. You hereby release us from all claims arising out of anything covered by this paragraph.  Liability to passengers using our vehicles is governed by laws of Ethiopia, and all claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the court of Ethiopia in which the case of actions arises

Policy on Refunds and Cancellations 
Price of Land $4599 Single: $699  
Deposit $600  Domestic Airfare in Ethiopia is $399 if on Ethiopian Airways from overseas.  If not on Ethiopian from overseas, internal air is $831. Single Supplement: $699.  A filled out Booking Form is required to be accepted on the trip.  Deposit payable by check.

On confirmation of your place, payment is due as follows: $600 per person to hold your space, with $350 of deposit not refundable.  We need a signed Booking Form to be filled out when you decide to come.  We will notify you of your confirmation by email. If you do not receive the email, do not assume we received your booking form or payment. Balance is due 90 days prior to the commencement of the tour and is non refundable 75 days before departure.  If complete payment hasn't been made on time, we are not obliged to accept you nor to refund your deposits. If you wish to be paired with another solo, we will guarantee this accommodation. If the arrangement does not work out: we cannot guarantee another room, nor the cost which is your responsibility.

Before visiting Ethiopia, you need vaccinations and medications: (Note: Your doctor will determine what you need. We visit during the dry season. Try to see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.     Travel Insurance is recommended:click here for a quote and put ECPS Consulting into the blank for tour operator.

This trip has high altitudes up to 10,500 ft., and some rough walking. 

Your deposit/payment is your agreement with all our terms and conditions here and on all trips on our site. We require a filled out Booking Form. 

Our Itinerary: Falasha, Christian and Tribal Ethiopia

Ancient History and Tribal Beginnings: Ethiopia in Depth Nov 1-13 2019

Price: $4599 Single: $699   


Domestic airfare in Ethiopia if on Ethiopian Airways overseas at writing is $399. If flying other airlines even code shares: $831 Domestic airfares can change; we will notify you if they increase.
Book here November 1-13, 2019  
Suggested Flights on October 31:
ET501 departs 11AM Washington DC arrives 7:15AM next day or Nov 1 Addis Ababa
ET713 departs Rome 111:45AM  arrives Addis next day or Nov 1 6:20AM
ET710 departs London Heathrow  9PM arrives Addis 6:35AM next day or Nov 1
There will be 2 return transfers to the airport on the departure day, times tba
Some women each year overnight at the Rome Airport Hilton and take the quick Rome-Addis flight

Nov 1 Arrival  Addis Ababa AM
Sightseeing Addis Ababa.

Be met upon arrival, transfer to Radisson Blu Hotel (early arrival rooms included). After a rest, we begin a city tour with a drive up Mount Entoto then proceed to the Ethnographic Museum, with a large collection of crafts and historical items. Visit The Archeological Museum which houses the prototype of 3.4 million year old fossil ‘Lucy’, plus other interesting finds. Visit Trinity Cathedral, outside of the synagogue and mosque. To wrap up, drive through the largest open-air recycling market in Africa. (We will stop at one museum quality craft vendor in Addis today or tomorrow).

This evening (or tomorrow) attend a folkloric dinner with national dishes,watch dances of the ethnic groups some of whom we visit in the South. Traditional coffee + a ceremony is performed.  Ethiopia is world famous for its coffee; cuisine is Italian and stews-quite pleasant to western stomachs. Overnight Radisson Blu Hotel. (Dinner). 

Nov 2 We continue in Addis with sightseeing we might have missed due to traffic or late arrival of flights.There will be time later on for shopping. Addis is a safe city with many taxis and we will recommend a few fine stores. Altitude is 8,000 so it is cool. (B- breakfast D- Dinner). 

Nov 3 Addis - Bahir Dar

Transfer to the airport for flight (55 minutes) to Bahir Dar.  Be met and transferred to our hotel. We take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the 14th century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret, the most famous of the Zege monasteries with painted icons and priceless collections of crosses and crowns. The uphill walk to the monastery is fascinating with vendors along the way. You are now in very early Christian country.Note: today includes walking; if you wish to stay behind, one of our guides will help you.

Afternoon, drive to  see the Blue Nile Falls (the water level is minimal  still impressive). Overnight at the Kuriftu Resort &Spa .B.D.

Nov 4 Bahir Dar - Gondar

After breakfast drive to Gondar on the spectacular route around Lake Tana. Gondar was founded in 1636 by the Emperor Fassiladas. Set in a landscape of incomparable beauty, it was the Royal Capital. Visit the Castles and Churches built by Emperor Fassiladas and his descendents. Proceed to the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site) its walls and ceilings decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history. Overnight at the Goha Hotel. B.D.

Nov 5 Gondar-Simien Mountains UNIQUE FEATURE OF OUR TRIP

Drive to the breath taking Simien Mountains and stay at the highest lodge in Africa - 10,600 ftl, known for unique wildlife- baboons and other species. We walk around the park past deep canyons, right next to baboons, still unafraid of humans.  Simien Lodge. B.D.  Note for those who cannot go to this altitude, we can arrange an overnight in Gondar. We must know ahead of time.

  

Nov 6  Simien Lodge to Gondar

We drive to Gondar after a morning game drive/walk. Overnight Gondar. The road to/from Simien is rocky and bumpy but the park is worth every bump. There will be some walking in the park. Again if you do not wish to walk, we can drive you around. Goha Hotel B.D.

Nov 7   Flight to Lalibela. Be met and transferred to the hotel. Lalibela, known as ‘Africa’s Petra,’ is the scene of major religious ceremonies. Visit the magnificent rock Churches, the “Eighth Wonders of the World,” created 800 - 1200 AD and still active worship places. You often hear ancient prayers or festivals, funerals, etc.   Overnight  Mountain View Hotel or Tukul Village. B.D. We pick up passengers in Gondar if any chose not to go to Simien.

  

Nov 8  Lalibela – Addis –Langano

Be transferred for flight to Addis, then drive to Langano- 95 miles. We finish at beautiful Lake Langano in the Rift Valley. This is a resort and birding area surrounded by rolling green hills. Overnight African Vacation Club or Sabana B.D.

Nov 9  Langano-Chencha-Arba Minch

Our drive today (140 miles on flat roads) takes us to our first tribal peoples. The Dorze in Chencha are known for bee hive houses and cotton weaving. The Christian tribe, Wolayta descend from an ancient kingdom and are famous for music. Expect serendipity: keep cameras ready. Buy local textiles if you wish.  Overnight at Paradise Lodge.B.D.

Nov 10  Arba Minch- Konso-Turmi-Key Afer Market OMO RIVER AREA

We drive to Turmi where the Hamer people live. The Hamer are one of the most beautiful and dignified people in the Omo River basin. The women wear elegant leather skirts festooned with tiny pearls. Elaborate hairstyles are another form of adornment. Birders will enjoy this area. Overnight at Buska Lodge.  B.D.

Nov 11 Turmi -Omorate- Turmi

Tribal visits during the day as we drive through the Omo River area. Over night at Buska Lodge. B. D.

Nov 12 Turmi-Murelle

We drive towards the Murelle to see the Karo ethnic group, experts in body painting, using clay and vegetable pigments to trace fantastic patterns on their faces, chests, arms, and legs. Karo men are also famous for their unique hairstyles. Visit and drive back to Arba Minch Overnight at Paradise Lodge B.D.

Nov 13 Arba Minch-Addis Today fly Arba Minch to Addis   We leave on Ethiopian Airlines, around 11:30PM. We have late departure rooms to freshen up in Addis.  B.  (Radisson Blu). Group transfer to airport. 

Please note: this trip includes some long drives but we have modern range rovers. We use best available hotels. All hotels have private bathrooms some are basic.  See itinerary for high altitude day in Simien. Ethiopian Airlines is a modern well run airline.  We did not include lunches but will stop in acceptable places for a drink/light fare.  We supply water daily.  Physical challenges like getting into a dugout on the Omo River are met with lots of local helpers. Our group goes South to the Omo River tribes who still see very few visitors.  Guides will instruct us at each tribe on how to interact. This trip has some walking on steep and rocky terrain.

Phyllis at Phyllisnycity@gmail.com or 646 309 5607

Price and Airfare Information

Dates:  Arrive Nov 1. Depart Nov 13  or 14  if after midnight.
Price: $4599. Domestic Airfare if on Ethiopian Airlines from overseas: $399  If not: $831
Single Supplement: $699 and limited.
Deposit due: $600 (on booking of land and domestic airfare in Ethiopia) of which $350 is not refundable. Write checks to ECPS Consulting Corporation or use Pay Pal, Chase Quick Pay or other. Balance due 90 days before departure  and non refundable 75 days before departure.
Included are:  Hotel accommodation on a double/twin room occupancy and breakfast (no breakfast on Day 1), welcome  dinner with entertainment, all other dinners mentioned in the itinerary, early arrival rooms on day 1, airport transfers for Ethiopian Airlines from Rome or DC, and ground transport per the above itinerary in modern bus in the North and air conditioned vans in the South, English-speaking professional guide, all entrance and scout fees, and 15% VAT.     Not Included are other meals, alcoholic drinks, photographing/video fees, gratuities, and other related expenses of personal nature, transfers other than the group transfer on Ethiopian Airways flights in itinerary, Rome airport hotel. And international and domestic airfare to / from Ethiopia. 

Passport Information:  You must have six months left after date of departure on your passport and sufficient empty visa pages for each entry and departure visa stamp. For more on The State Department's advice on Ethiopia , go to http://travel.state.gov. Special Note:  Medical facilities are minimum and we strongly suggest you consult a travel doctor for information on malaria prevention  and any other information you might need.