ETHIOPIA ON THE RISE – 2015’S NEW DESTINATION FOR SCOTT DUNN

This November, Scott Dunn expands its African portfolio further to include Ethiopia – home to spectacular landscapes, unique traditions, an enchanting mosaic of people and abundant wildlife experiences. Just one of a few tour operators to venture into Ethiopia, Scott Dunn’s new portfolio is set to showcase a different side to the country through a series of fresh experiences spanning north to south.

It’s also an interesting twin centre destination with places such as Oman (4 hour flight), the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar (5 hours) and Kenya (2 hours), where Scott Dunn offers a Wolves, Wildebeest and Weaver Birds itinerary taking guests from Ethiopia’s Bale Mountain National Park to the rugged scenery of Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau and the phenomenal game on the vast open plains of the Maasai Mara.

Experiences to be offered and incorporated into Scott Dunn’s itineraries include:

• Spotting the rare and endangered Ethiopian Wolf in the Simien Mountains or Bale Mountains
• Helicopter flights over the Danakil Depression – renowned to look like Mars! 
• Visiting the rock hewn churches at Lalibela
• Exploring the Camelot of Ethiopia at Gondar
• Visiting remote tribal village in southern Ethiopia
• Private trekking in the breathtaking Simien Mountains
• Exploring the remote island monasteries in Lake Tana
• Discovering delicious anti-pasta at a family restaurant in Addis – a throwback to the taste of Ethiopia’s Italian period

Andrew Dunn, Founder of Scott Dunn, comments: “We are very excited to be venturing into Ethiopia and believe it’s very much a destination to watch. The diversity of our new itineraries enables our guests to create an experience that blends the country’s unique culture with its incredible wildlife and believe even African enthusiasts have the opportunity to see a fresh side to the country.”

New itineraries include:

ULTIMATE ETHIOPIA FROM CHURCHES, CASTLES TO MOUNTAINS:

ADDIS ABABA – LAKE TANA – GONDAR – SIMIEN MOUNTAINS – AXUM – LALIBELA – BALE MOUNTAINS
Over 17 nights, discover the contrasts of Ethiopia from its fascinating churches of Lalibela and castles of Gondar to the bustling city of Addis, and the rugged Simien Mountains before concluding in the serenity of bamboo forests in the Bale Mountains. Hosted by the very best guides and complete with private transfers, this Northern Circuit itinerary offers travellers an insight into modern and historic Ethiopian life and the chance to observe endemic species in their native landscape.

Scott Dunn’s 17 night Ultimate Ethiopia itinerary is available from £7,405 per person including accommodation, flights and transfers.  

NORTH TO SOUTH ETHIOPIA EXPLORATION

LALIBELA & OMO VALLEY:

Spend 16 nights exploring Ethiopia from Lake Tana in the north, the source of the Blue Nile and Ethiopia’s largest lake, to the remote villages of the Omo Valley in the South to meet the tribes native and still inhabiting this area. Highlights of the itinerary include visiting the fascinating rock hewn churches of Lalibela, exploring island monasteries and beautifully painted churches in Lake Tana, and learning about the Axumite people – a little known, but ancient civilization in Gondar.

Scott Dunn’s 16 night North to South Ethiopia Exploration itinerary is available from £4,540 per person including accommodation, flights and transfers.

THE TWIN TRIP - ETHIOPIA & ZANZIBAR:

For those seeking a twin-trip experience, Scott Dunn offers a 15 night itinerary combining historic Northern Ethiopia, from Gondar’s castles and rock churches to the island monasteries of Lake Tana, with relaxation time on Zanzibar’s white sand beaches. The itinerary is split between 7 nights exploring Ethiopia’s gems with 6 nights of R&R at the Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas and Spa, located on the stunning Paje Beach edged with turquoise waters and elegant palms. The resort is also renowned for its Kite Surfing and is one of the best areas in the world to hit the surf so perfect for watersports enthusiasts.

Scott Dunn’s 15 night Ethiopia & Zanzibar itinerary is available from £4,765 including accommodation, flights and transfers.