AFRICA FOR THE AFRICANS

PRESENTS

ETHIOPIA ROOTS & CULTURE TOUR

OCTOBER 7-16, 2017

Welcome to the journey of a lifetime everyone. Join us for a real cultural experience on an incredible7 City tour throughout Ethiopia in East Africa. This journey includes Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Axum, Lalibela, Shashamene and Hawassa. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to reconnect with our people, land, enjoy paradise in the tropics, networking with the group, and learn about the roots, culture, repatriation, investment opportunities and more. Africa is the future; see you in the motherland.  

DAY 1 SATURDAY OCT 7 DEPART WASHINGTON DULLES Q ADDIS ABABA

Meet and greet 9:30 AM at departure gate at International Terminal at Washington-Dulles Airport. Flight departs at 11 AM on Ethiopian Airlines flight # ET 501 to Ethiopia, East Africa and arrive at 7.15 AM the next day.   

DAY 2 SUNDAY OCT 8 WELCOME to ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Arrive at Bole international airport, meet and assist by ET-holidays representative. Orientation and hotel check in. Welcome to Ethiopia, we will start with Addis Ababa city tour. Sightseeing will include Mount Entoto for the panoramic view of Addis Ababa, National museum: home for the oldest and famous hominid fossil ‘Lucy’ or Dinknish, Bahata church.  Afternoon visit to Ethiopian Aviation Academy.  Welcome Dinner Party at traditional restaurant. Along the way you will visit significant historical monuments of Addis Ababa. Overnight at Jupiter International Hotel. www.jupiterinternationalhotel.com

DAY 3 MONDAY OCT 9 ADDIS ABABA Q BAHIR DAR/ BLUE NILE, ETHIOPIA

Early morning flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar. Depart on ET 120 at 8:10 AM and arrive at 9:10 PM. On your arrival our representative will take you to your hotel. In the morning you will take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the 14th century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret which is the most famous of the Zegwe peninsula monasteries (beautiful mural paintings, religious books, processional crosses and sacred artifacts).  

Afternoon drive 35km to the small village of Tis Abay to visit Blue Nile Falls, along the way enjoy the local life style and typical countryside of Ethiopia. Up on arrival hike through the beautiful scenery and cross over Portuguese bridge to the waterfall. Enjoy the fall and on the way back you will cross by boat the legendary Blue Nile River which joins the White Nile at Khartoum (Sudan) then form the longest river in the world. (Note that the volume of the water could be minimal depending on the season). Overnight at Grand resort. www.grandresorthotel.com

DAY 4 TUESDAY OCT 10 BAHIR DAR - GONDAR, ETHIOPIA

Early in the morning drive 186km to Gondar. En route, you will visit Guzara castle, predates Gondarian castles. Then continue north via the scenic road. After lunch you will have a city tour. Gondar, once was the Royal Capital of Ethiopia which was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasilides. It was a hub of art, music and literature for Ethiopia. Your visit will include the Royal enclosure, Fasilides bath and the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie church which is well known for its intriguing ceiling paintings. Overnight Goha hotel. www.gohahotel.com 

DAY 5 WEDNESDAY OCT 11 GONDAR Q AXUM

Early morning flight to from Gondar to Axum. Depart on ET 122 at 9:45 AM and arrive at11:15 AM. A city more than 3000 years of history and once the center of a great empire and ancient civilization, home of the original Ark of the Covenant. The sightseeing of this ancient city includes St. Mary’s Church, the sanctuary Chapel which is the repository for ‘Ark of the covenant’, the coronation yard, the Stelae Park, Tombs of Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel, Ezana’s inscriptions and Dungur palace (popularly known as ruins of Queen of Sheba’s palace). Overnight at Sabean hotel. www.sabeanhotel.com

DAY 6 THURSDAY OCT 12 AXUM Q LALIBELA

Early in the morning flight from Axum to the holiest city of Lalibela. Depart on ET 123 at 11:45 AM and arrive at12:25 PM Lalibela is known for its well preserved Rock Hewn churches; each rock churches are carved out and crafted beautifully from a single volcanic rock plateau. Here you head on back to 11th c. viewing the rock hewn churches of Lalibela; it is truly a world wonder. The time of Lalibela is the ultimate period of masonry. In the afternoon, visit the 1^st group churches. Late in the afternoon enjoy the surrounding breathtaking scenery and take part in a traditional Tej or honey wine taste experience related with the local legend of Ethiopia. Overnight at Maribela hotel. www.maribelahotel.com

DAY 7 FRIDAY OCT 13 EXCURSION to ASHETON MARIAM CHURCH

After breakfast, excursion drive to Asheton Maryam, located at cliff is one of the highest sites in Ethiopia, set at an elevation of almost 4000m to the southeast of Lalibela. Sits hidden in a rocky mountain carved into the side of a cliff. The small church harbors impressive crosses, illuminated manuscripts and other treasures. The site is remarkable for its magnificent setting and the stunning views as you ascend. After visit, drive back and in the afternoon, visit the 2nd and 3rd group of rock hewn churches. Maribela hotel. www.maribelahotel.com 

DAY 8 SATURDAY OCT 14 LALIBELA Q HAWASSA/ SHASHAMENE

Fly back to Addis Ababa. Depart on ET 120 at 10:40 AM and arrive at11:40 AM to Addis Ababa to connect to ET 135 to Hawassa at 1:30 PM and arrive at 2:10PM In the afternoon. Enjoy afternoon at leisure. Dinner, networking and night life options. Overnight at Lewi resort Hotel. www.lewiresort.com 

DAY 9 SUNDAY OCT 15 HAWASSA and SHASHAMENE

In the early Morning we will visit fish market at the shore of Lake Hawassa. We will then drive to Shashemene, a small town where you feel like you are in Jamaica, because the city is inhabited by plenty of Jamaicans and other islanders who settled in the town after being granted part of the land from Emperor Haile Selassie in 1948. Visit the Rastafarian community and meet members who repatriated from the African Diaspora. Visit the Banana Art Gallery Museum and Nyabinghi Church. Lunch at the Usain Bolt house. In afternoon return to Hawassa to visit Wondogent hot springs, parks and open air markets in and around the area. Overnight at Lewi resort Hotel. www.lewiresort.com

DAY 10 MONDAY OCT 16 HAWASSA Q ADDIS ABABA QATLANTA

Final day. Check out of your room by 6:30 AM. Depart on ET145 at 9:10 to Addis Ababa arrive at 9:50 AM. After Lunch, visit Ethnographic museum the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. Visit Merkato the biggest open air market in East Africa., dinner and final group networking in Addis Ababa. Depart Addis Ababa at 10:45 PM to Washington Dulles on flight # ET 500 and arrive at 8:40 AM the next day Tuesday Oct 17.

(Note this itinerary may change slightly for logistic and operational efficiency)

For questions and additional info visit our website www.africafortheafricans.org and

Contact Tour Organizer: Bomani Tyehimba at (404) 931-9429 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

AFRICA FOR THE AFRICANS

PRESENTS

ETHIOPIA ROOTS & CULTURE TOUR

OCTOBER 7-16, 2017

General Terms & Conditions of Tour

*Please read carefully – This is your responsibility

Tour Package: The total cost of this tour is $3,300 per person for the full accommodations in Ethiopia and flights on Ethiopian Airlines from IAD Washington Dulles to  Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and all domestic flights. View the tour overview on our website www.africafortheafricans.org for all details.

Deposit: A $400 per person deposit is needed to secure your reservations for this tour. Deposits are due by June 15. Reservations are confirmed only upon receipt and clearance of deposit.

Late Reservation:  After June 15, 2017 a $100 fee will be added to all late reservations.

Payment Schedule: All Payments are due on or before documented dates listed below.

June 15, 2017 $400 Deposit to secure your tour accommodations.

July 15, 2017 $400

Aug 15, 2017 $400

Sept 15, 2017 Remaining balance is due. (Note $100 late fee charge after this date)

Note: If payments cannot be made by due date contact a Tour Organizer to make payment arrangements. Failure to make payments or arrangements will lead to cancellation of your reservation.

This payment schedule is for tour participants who purchase our tour package that includes flight accommodations leaving from the U.S.A. Everyone else payment schedule is the same date with adjusted cost based on confirm package price from a Tour Organizer.

Final Payment: Remaining balance is due by Sept 15, 2017. Final payments received after due date are subject to a $100 late fee. No personal or company checks will be accepted within 7 days prior to departure.

No travel documents will be issued until selected tour is paid in full.

Invoice: An invoice will be sent to you via e-mail each time you make a payment. Please verify the details on your invoice. Also keep up with the payments and your own documented payment history for management purpose.

Methods of Payments:

Make checks or money orders payable to:

Africa for the Africans LLC

Mail payments to:

Africa for the Africans LLC

505 Independence Dr

Jonesboro GA 30238

Other Payment Options:

To make a payment using Credit Card or PayPal click on this link or logo below:

www.africafortheafricans.org/index.php/payment-options-plan

For non-standard payments, Bank Transfers, Money Gram, Western Union, etc. Contact us by Phone or E-mail.

Note: Applicable fees will apply for payments other than check or money order.

Returned Checks: A $50 fee will be charged for any return checks.

Cancellation Policies: If you need to cancel your tour commitment we will need a detail confirmation e-mail send toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We will process your credit & refund options within 1-2 business days. If you are eligible for a credit it can be put towards one of our next two tours. After those two tours the credit will no longer be valid and become a full lost. Credits are optional offers from the Tour Organizer and are based on your cancellation situation. Only 50-75% of the money you have paid will be offered as a credit. If you are eligible for a refund it will be based on the time frame of your notification and the related loss of total cost listed below. 

Cancellation notification time frame                 Penalty

121-360 days prior to departure            Loss of Deposit ($400 Non Refundable)

91-120 days prior to departure              25% loss of tour cost

61-90 days prior to departure              50% loss of tour cost

31-60 days priors to departure             75% loss tour of cost

Less than 30 days prior to departure   100% loss tour of cost

Disabled Tour Participants: Any disability requiring special attention should be reported to the tour organizers/sponsors at time of reservation. The tour organizers/sponsors will make reasonable attempts to accommodate special needs of disabled tour participants, but is not responsible for any denial or services by carriers; hotels, restaurants or other independent suppliers of services that may be used in the fulfilment of this tour. Africa for the Africans tour personnel may not physically lift participants or assist them on or off transportation vehicles. A person requiring such assistance must be accompanied by a responsible and qualified companion.

Meals and Beverages: Each person will be responsible for meals and beverages not included as part of this tour program. Beverage and meals are those indicated in the itinerary and tour overview.

Paid in Full Receipt: Each person will be required to show a “paid in full” receipt from the hotel for included and any personal services that are not included in the itinerary.

Immigration Requirements: A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining from departure date is required for entrance into Ethiopia. 

There is no refund whatsoever for failure to obtain all proper admission documents for any country included in this tour. Failure to obtain all valid travel documents shall not create a right to cancellation or refund further information can be obtained from specific embassies or consulates in the U.S.A or the country you reside in.

You must submit your valid passport, visa applications, visa fee, required number of passport- size photographs and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the embassy. You are advised to send your documents via registered/certified mail and receive them by registered/certified mail.

Health Requirements: None to travel with Africa for the Africans. Check the Ethiopia embassies for their requirements or recommendations. 

Drink bottle or purified water; fruits and vegetable are ok to eat. Do your own research for additional information or check with a natural heath practitioner for recommendations.

Gratuities: Prior to departure Africa for the Africans will collect tips for hospitality services provided in Ghana. This amount will be based off the number of confirmed tour participants. This will serve as a separate charge for tour and will be collected on departure date upon arrival at Atlanta or Amsterdam. Estimated amount $50.

Documentation: We are committed to documenting our story and will use pictures, videos, audio, journalism and other means to promote/market this source of work. Tour documentations will be shared publicly. Any tour member who does not want to be a part of any documentation should let a tour organizer know immediately. We will not be able to change any public project if notification is not given a head of time.

Tour Information: Our website www.africafortheafricans.org serves as our main source for information for this tour. Tour participants are responsible for reviewing information and contacting AFTA staff with any questions or concerns. All tour information can be found in the Ethiopia Oct 2017 link from the main menu on our website. Information will be sent to you at the e-mail address that you register with. We request a response to all e-mails with an indication: please reply.

Responsibilities: Africa for the Africans responsibilities for these tours begin from the city of departure in the United States airline terminal on departure day and ends on the return day from the respective African countries indicated in the itinerary. Africa for the Africans and their domestic and international associates, representatives and suppliers of travel services act only as tour organizers and travel consultants. Africa for the Africans assumes no liabilities on connections with the service of any aircraft, vessel, carriage, hotels, and providers of international services, motor or any other conveyance which is used wholly or in part in the performance of the duty to the passenger. Nor will Africa for the Africans and its associates or representatives be responsible for any acts of God, weather, government actions, strikes, activities, errors or omissions, any personal injury, losses of limbs, loss of life, acts of terrorism, warranties, theft, losses or any additional expenses due to delays or changes in flight or other services, sickness, air or other causes. The right is reserved to withdraw any feature of this customized tour and to substitute hotel, and make alteration in the itinerary as may be desirable for the convenience and safety of the participants. The changes can be made without penalty or cost to Africa for the Africans and its associates/representatives. Additional expenses, if any shall be borne by the tour participants.

Africa for the Africans and their associates/representatives and the tour sponsors reserve the right to cancel the tour if the minimum group size required of full paying persons is not met. There is no refund for lateness, missed flights, meals or activities featured in this tour. A completed registration form is required for each tour participant prior to the issuance of any travel documents or vouchers, if under the age of 18, parental or legal guardian is required.

By being a participant of this tour you agree to all our terms and conditions listed in this document.

For questions and additional info contact Tour Organizer:

Bomani Tyehimba (404) 931-9429 and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

AFRICA FOR THE AFRICANS

PRESENTS

ETHIOPIA ROOTS & CULTURE TOUR

OCTOBER 7-16, 2017

DEPARTURE & REMINDER LIST OF EVERYTHING FOR ETHIOPIA 2017

1. All of the Ethiopia 2017 documentation can be found on our website link below or from the main menu of our website.

www.africafortheafricans.org

2. Gratuities: Prior to departure Africa for the Africans will collect tips for hospitality services that will be provided in Ethiopia. This amount is based off the numbers of confirmed tour participants. This will serve as a separate charge for the tour and will be collected on the departure date upon arrival at Atlanta or Amsterdam Airport. (Total Per Person is $50). This will allow us to expedite services. You can give additional tips to anyone who gives you great services or whoever you choose. This is basic tips for all AFTA Ethiopia staff including drivers, Guides at all sites, Hotel staff and Entertainment. All other services that may be provided on this tour are a tip if you choose situation based on the services you get.

 3. When you visit do not come with a romanticized notion about Ethiopia/ Africa or you will be disappointed and unnecessarily frustrated. Come with open eyes and an open mind, knowing that Ethiopia is a developing nation. There is much to do and we can be a positive contributory part of it. Keep in mind that Ethiopia / Africa is not America or Europe nor do we want it to be. We are Mother Africa’s children returning home and we want to be part of Mother Africa’s growth and development. 

4. Ethiopia Airlines E-ticket: To login go to www.ethiopianairlines.com then click on My booking then enter your name and confirmation #  to access your flight info, change seats, add special services, add frequent flyer number, e-mail address, emergency contacts and more. Print ticket and put with your passport. If you have any issues with accessing your ticket or see incorrect details on your flight itinerary or have questions in general please contact us ASAP. Note this access to your ticket is only available 45 days before your flight departure date when tickets are paid in full. 

5. Make sure you secure your personal documents including passport, ticket etc. (Scan a copy of these documents, save on your e-mail and leave a copy with family).Keep a copy of your passport at all times and leave the original in your rooms secured in your luggage.

6. Please verify all travel documents and have them secured for your travel date. 

7. Arrive at the Airport 2-3 hours to give yourself enough time to check in, go through security and get on the flight. 

8. Check Baggage: 2 check in bags each with a 50 pound limit per bag on international flights. 1 check in bags with a 45 pound limit on domestic flights.  Make sure your bags are secured with a lock and name tag. Verify all labelling of bags direct to ADD for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Put your bag receipt with your passport and ticket. Ethiopian Airlines charges $100 for overweight and $200 for an additional checked bag. No bags are allowed over 70 pounds.

9. Carry-on Baggage: You may carry on one bag and one personal item at no charge. Please note that all items must easily fit into the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. 

10. When packing luggage remember that less is better. You will want to purchase clothing and artifacts to bring back. 

11. Bring comfortable walking or hiking footwear for the various terrain that we will be around on tour. 

12. Bring any school supplies you can to donate to the children in Ethiopia; this includes books, bags, paper, pencils, calculators, clothing etc. We are also collecting black doll babies for the young children at the schools and orphanage. 

13. Meet and greet 9:30 AM at departure gate at International Terminal at Washington-Dulles Airport. Flight departs at 11 AM on Ethiopian Airlines flight # ET 501 to Ethiopia, East Africa and arrive at 7.15 AM the next day.

14. Bring any necessary medicine that you might need. 

15. Camera/ Camcorder: bring extra film or memory card and rechargeable batteries. If you have electronics bring a converter, foreign adapters and an extension cord.

16. Travel Iron, Alarm clock, plastic bags, compact umbrella, waterproof poncho and other convenient accessories. 

17. Mosquito spray or repellant or Citronella oil which is an excellent insect repellent. (Avoid wearing scented lotions or oils, mosquitoes like sweet scents). Note most of these sprays have dangerous chemicals so do your research for the safest things to use. 

18. Calculator for basic things like currency exchange. Ethiopian Birr exchange rate is $1 = 23 Birr. Bring big bills $50s & $100s to get the best exchange rate for your money. 

19. Bring as much cash as you think you will need $400-$800. Bring a Visa card to access the ATMs. Master Cards are not recommended because of the lack of ATMs that take them. Note: Make sure you call your bank for that card and let them make a note that you will be using your bank card to access international currency. This will prevent your account from being locked and save you time from calling your bank from Africa and getting them to unfreeze your account. If you fail to make the call your card might stop working the second time when you try to use it. 

20. The weather is going to be in the low 70’s to mid-80 like Jamaica. Bring light clothing; sandals, shorts, walking shoes, sundress, tank tops, swimwear etc. Casual/ African clothing for certain night life and evening events like business network/ conference, welcome and farewell dinners. 

21. No photo taking allowed at Airports, state office buildings, and other government facilities. Your film will be confiscated and you could be arrested. 

22. AFTA Tours does not offer travel insurance but it can be purchased from an independent insurer. Passport Health is one of the companies that have locations in different parts of the United States that offers travel and health services. Few of our group members from the Atlanta area have used their services. www.passporthealthusa.com

23. Toiletries including toilet tissue, soaps, feminine napkins, wet wipes, facial tissues wash cloth, beach towel, laundry soap etc. 

24. Ethiopians are very friendly!  However, be wary of people who just want to make quick money off you and make promises they cannot keep. You should know as much as possible about the people you are planning to do business with. 

25. Games for leisure time, social gathering and tournaments including deck of cards, Dominoes, Chess, general board games etc. 

26. Emergency things: Flash light, basic first aid kit, laxative, Pepto Bismal, Decongestants, Anti Diarrhea, Dramamine, any related emergency medicine or materials. Note: these medicines are not all natural; do your research for the safest and healthiest things to bring. 

27. Please focus on enjoying yourself and accomplishing your mission. Do not get distracted by others or get caught up in complaining. This is an experience that will have its ups and downs; it’s a part of your introduction to Ethiopia /Africa. We recommend you go with the flow and enjoy your time in paradise around the wonderful itinerary that we have put together on this Journey of a Lifetime. 

28. Remember to have your yellow fever card or waiver to present at the point of entry in Ethiopia before you get to customs to avoid any delay. 

29. When you get to baggage claim in Ethiopia, get your own free cart and put only your bags on it.  Make sure you have your checked bag receipts from when you check your bags. These numbers need to match the ones on your bags to show during your final airport exit. Do not let anyone else push your cart while proceeding to the bus. Once we are ready we will exit the airport together and get on our bus to the hotel. 

30. Bring anything you need for meditation or symbolism if you need to make homage to the ancestors or a family member to make certain moments special.