ETHIOPIA
GETTING THERE
ABOVE: The city of Gondar is home to the remains of several royal palaces LEFT: The gelada baboon is found only in the grasslands of the Ethiopian Highlands
Ethiopian Airlines was the first African carrier to make a major investment in Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner. Five are already in service and eight are on order. One of those is the aircraft scheduled to service the Heathrow-Addis Ababa route. However, due to the excellent load factors the airline was enjoying at the time of my trip, my group was moved to a larger 777: good news for the airline, but not such great news for my travelling companions and me. That said, the service on the aircraft was impeccable. The business-class cabin had almost fully lie-flat seats in a 2-3-2 configuration. The touchscreen inflight entertainment system had a wide selection of the latest films and TV programmes. The food, drink and service were excellent. Both legs of the journey were night flights. The airline has operated a daily service between Heathrow and Addis Ababa since July 8.
ETHIOPIANAIRLINES.COM
BOOK IT
well-informed and to have visited other African countries several times. Most go to see the incredible architecture on the northern historical route, as well as World Heritage Sites including the Simien Mountains and Blue Nile Falls. Schuurman adds: “Visitors to Ethiopia can enjoy a variety of experiences, from exploring Lalibela’s churches and 17th- century castles, to spotting unique wildlife including the Simien wolf and gelada baboon, as well as mule trekking in the mountains, homestays and attendance at
bizarre hyena-feeding rituals.” Ethiopia’s cuisine is generally
very palatable. Spicy meats, stews and vegetables are standard fare in most eateries. You may have to ask for utensils. Most Ethiopians scoop up their food with handfuls of injera, a sourdough bread that will be an acquired taste for most westerners.
While Ethiopia is not a
destination for the novice traveller or the faint-hearted, expect to hear more and more about one of Africa’s most beautiful and fascinating countries.
Cox & Kings has a 14-day escorted tour to Ethiopia priced from £2,935, including flights, transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily and most other meals. The tour visits Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Axum, the Simien
mountains, Bahir Dar and Gondar.
COXANDKINGS.COM
Rainbow Tours offers a 10-day Historical Ethiopia and Spa itinerary from £2,635. It includes the main historical sites, such as Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela, Addis Ababa and the Simien Mountains. The price is based on two sharing with return flights from Heathrow and includes all transport and taxes, the services of a professional guide and all
entrance fees and permits.
RAINBOWTOURS.CO.UK
aspire september 2011 — 9
issue 04 — 93
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