THE DOWLING CLUB VISIT TO ETHIOPIA
ADDIS ABABA – GONDER
15th – 23rd February 2013 (Main Visit)
23rd - 27th February 2013 (Optional Extension)
With the approval of Dr Stephanie Munn, Honorary President of the Dowling Club, and Dr FionaWorsnopHonorary Secretary, we are pleased to advise you that arrangements have now been made for the forthcoming educational visit to Ethiopia.
A preliminary visit to Ethiopia will be made in early November with Dr Munn and Dr Worsnop. If as result of the visit some minor changes to the itinerary shown below need to be made, these will be advised in our final account letter and may or may not affect the overall package cost.
We are also pleased to advise that 10 places have been reserved at a heavily subsidised rate for Trainee Dermatologists (Main Visit Only). These will be allocated on a first come first served basis, subject to a completed booking form and deposit being received by Star Travel and subject to availability at time of booking
The cost for a Trainee sharing a room will be £ 969.00 per person.
To secure space, a non refundable deposit of £ 500.00 per person is required byThursday 15 November 2012.
MAIN VISIT ONLY:
Friday 15th February 2013: Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 701 ( Acft Boeing 767)
Depart: London Heathrow Terminal 3 at20.15hrs
Arrive: Addis AbabaIntlAirport07.30hrs
(On Saturday 16th Feb.)
Upon arrival meet and transfer to the 4* Radisson Blue Hotel where accommodation has been reserved for 5 nights (from 15th February, early occupancy, to 20th Feb)in a Twin/Double or Single room, on bed and buffet breakfast basis, service and VAT charges included.
After check in formalities, breakfast and own arrangements for lunch.
After lunch: Orientation afternoon Tour of Addis Ababa( 2355 m. above sea level) including a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, the Trinity Cathedral, the largest open air market in East Africa: the Merkato and if time allows, drive up to Mount Entoto for a panoramic view of the city. Return to the Hotel by early evening and own arrangements for Dinner.
Sunday 17th February:
Early morning Breakfast and Full Day tour to the Blue Nile Gorge and the Monastery of Debre Libanos.
07.30: Depart from the Hotel, north towards the Blue Nile Gorge, which is located approx. 200km from Addis Ababa. Drive through a number of Oromo settlements and towns before arriving at the View Point. The Blue Nile Gorge offers a spectacular view of the gorge, descending approximately 1000 meters bellow the surrounding highlands; it has been described as the African version of the Grand Canyon.
Afterward, drive to the Monastery of Debre Libanos, founded by St. Tekle Haimanot in the 13thcentury, credited with the spread of Christianity in Ethiopia and one of the most revered saints in Ethiopia.
Lunch will be served at the nearby Ethiopian-German restaurant.(Included, except for beverages other than tea/coffee)
Afterwards drive back to Addis Ababa by late afternoon/early evening.
Evening:
Optional Dinner at the Italian Restaurant Castelli.
Monday18th February:
Morning Breakfast:
Doctors Only:Return transfer to local Hospital for full day Clinical Meeting
Accompanying Persons:
After breakfast, morning tour of the EthnographicMuseum and the Coronation cathedral.
Own arrangements for lunch and afternoon at leisure.
Tuesday 19th February:
Morning Breakfast:
Doctors only: Return transfer to local Hospital for a Full Day Clinical Meeting.
Accompanying persons:Day at leisure.
Evening: The Dowling Club Farewell Dinner:
Venue: To be advised
Wednesday 20th February:
Early morning breakfast and check out.
Coach transfer to Addis AbabaAirport in good time to check in for the following flight:
Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 124 (Acft DH8- De Havilland Dash 8)
Depart: AddisAbabaInt.Airport Terminal 1 at 07.40hrs
Arrive:Gonder Airport 08.50hrs
Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the 3* Goha HotelorTaye Belay Hotel for 3 nights accommodation in a Twin/Double or Single Room with private facilities, on FullBoard Basis,service and VAT charges are included.
En route to the Hotel, orientation Tour of Gonder (2210m Above Sea Level).
After check in formalities, Lunch in the Hotel. (Included except for beverages)
After lunch, Tour of Gonder including a visit to the Royal Enclosure and the Debre Berhan Selassie, one of the most stunning churches in Ethiopia.
Return to the Hotel by late afternoon and Dinner in the Hotel (Included except for beverages)
Thursday 21st February:
Morning Breakfast.
Doctors Only:
Return transfer to local Hospital for morning Clinical Meeting.
Return to the Hotel by lunch time and Lunch in the Hotel. (Included except for beverages)
Accompanying Persons:
Morning at leisure and join partners for Lunch (Included) in the Hotel.
Whole group:
After lunch:
Visit the Gorgora Health Centre and Tour of Gorgora, lying at the north end tip of Lake Tana, approx. 65Km from Gonder, for a panoramic view of Lake Tana and visit the attractive 14th century Debre Sina Mariam Church .
Return to the Hotel by late afternoon and Dinner in the Hotel. (Included except for beverages).
Friday 22nd February:
Morning Breakfast:
Doctors Only:
Return transfer to local Hospital for morning Clinical Meeting.
Return to the Hotel for Lunch (Included except for beverages)
Afternoon at leisure.
Accompanying Persons:
Breakfast and rest of the day at leisure. Join partners for Lunch (included) in the Hotel.
Evening: The Dowling Club Farewell Dinner:
Venue: “To be advised”
Saturday 23rd February:
Morning breakfast and check out.
Transfer to GonderAirport in good time to check for the following flight:
Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 123 ( Acft DH8 De Havilland Dash 8)
Depart: GonderAirportat 12.15hrs
Arrive: Addis Ababa InternationalAirport Terminal 1 14.20hrs
(This flight is via Lalibela)
Upon arrival meet and transfer to the Radisson Blue Hotel where 5 Rooms
have been reserved for members to freshen up prior departure to AddisAbbaAirport for the early morning flight to London. (Room only basis, service and taxes included)
Early Evening: Own arrangements for Dinner
21.30hrs: (approx.)
Depart from the Radisson to Addis AbabaAirport in good time to check in for the following Flight:
Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 700 (Acft Boeing 767)
Sunday 24th February:
Depart:Addis AbabaInternationalAirportat 01.35hrs
Arrive:LondonHeathrow Terminal 3 07.15hrs
(Same day-Sunday 24 February)
Please note, details of the Clinical Meetings in Addis Ababa and Gonder will be given either in our Final Account Letter 8weeks prior departure OR in the final Itinerary 10 to 14 days prior departure.
OPTIONAL POST MEETING TOUR
AXUM-LALIBELA- HISTORICAL TOUR
23rd – 27th February 2013
A limited number of places have been reserved for participants wishing to Visit the Ancient Kingdom City of Axum and the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Saturday 23rd February:
Early morning breakfast and check out from the Goha Hotel or the Taye Belay Hotel.
Group private transfer to GonderAirport in good time to check in for the following Flight:Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 122 (Acft DH8 De Havilland Dash 8)
Depart: GonderAirport at 10.00hrs
Arrive:AxumAirport 10.45hrs
Upon arrival at Axum Airport, meet and transfer to the 3* Consolar Hotel or similar in Axsum where accommodation has been reserved in a Twin/Double or Single room with private facilities for 2 nights (23rd to 25th February) on Full Board basis, service and VAT charges included.
After check in formalities, Lunch in the Hotel (included, except for beverages).
After lunch, orientation Tour of Axum (elev. 2130m above sea level),Ethiopia’s most ancient city. Axum was once a centre of a great empire and the seat of learning for the ancient Ge’ez language and literature. After the orientation tour, return to the Hotel by late afternoon and Dinner(included, except for beverages).
Sunday 24thFebruary:
Morning breakfast and Full Day Tour of Aksum World Heritage ArchaeologicalSite.The tour include visit the Northern Stelae Field Tombs, the Archaeological Museum, the Aksum Stelae including the Great Stelae, The Rome Stelae, the king Ezana’s Stelae and if time allows, the churches of St Mary of Zion, the sanctuary chapel which is the repository of the “Ark of Covenant”, the Queen of Sheeba’s Palace ruins .
Lunch will be served in Consolar Hotel. (Included except for beverages).
Return to the Hotel by late afternoon and Dinner (included, except for beverages).
Monday 25th February:
Morning Breakfast and check out.
Private transfer to AxumAirport in good time to check in for the following flight:
Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 123 (Acft DH8 De Havilland Dash 8)
Depart: AxumAirportat 11.10hrs
Arrive:LalibelaAirport 12.55hrs
Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the 3* Mountain View Hotelor similarfor 2 nights accommodation with private facilities in a Twin/Double or Single Room, on Full Board basis, service and VAT charges included. ( 25 to 27 February)
After check in formalities, Lunch in the Hotel (included, except for beverages), followed by a brief orientation tour. Rest of the day at leisure and Dinner in the Hotel (included, except for beverages).
Tuesday 26thFebruary:
Morning Breakfast and Full Day Tour of Lalibela.
Lalibela, also known as“Africa’s Petra, the jewel in the crown of Ethiopia, the home of the most famous churches and the scene of so many major religious ceremonies.
Visit some of the magnificent rock hewn Churches of Lalibela, (North Western and South Eastern group of Churches) which apparently are also called "The EighthWonder of the World”. These Churches were hewn out of solid rock between 800 A.D. to 1200 A.D. and are still active places of worship.
Lunch will be served in the Hotel (Included, except for beverages).
Return to the Hotel by late afternoon/early evening and Dinner (included, other than beverages.
Wednesday 27thFebruary:
Morning breakfast and check out.
Private transfer to LalibelaAirport in good time to check in for the following flight:
Ethiopian AirlinesFlight ET 123 (Acft DH8 De Havilland Dash 8)
Depart:LalibelaAirportat 13.15hrs
Arrive:Addis Ababa InternationalAirport Terminal 1 14.20hrs
Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the Radisson Blue Hotel and overnight accommodation in a Twin/Double Room or Single Room on room and breakfast basis, service and VAT included.
Own arrangement for early Dinner.
Thursday 28th February:
Early morning Breakfast
Private group transfer to Addis AbabaInternationalAirport in good time to check in for the following Flight:
Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 710(Acft Boeing 767)
Depart:Addis AbabaAirportat 10.20hrs
Arrive:London Heathrow Terminal 3 17.40hrs
(Same day)
MAIN VISIT ONLY:
COSTS PER PERSON:
In a Twin/Double Room: £ 1969.00
Single Room Supplement: £ 475.00
Trainee sharing a room£ 969.00 (10 spaces only)
Optional Diner at the “ Castelli” Restaurant in Addis Ababa:
Estimated cost: £ 52.00 to £ 55.00 per person (Excluding beverages)
(Including return transfer based on a minimum of 20 persons)
Current CAA/Atol Protection Fee: £ 5.00 per person.
OPTIONAL POST MEETING TOUR
COSTS PER PERSON:
(Supplement to the Main Visit costs)
In a Twin/Double Room:£ 649.00
In a Single Room:£ 820.00
Costs include: (Main Visit only)
1- Group return air fare on Ethiopian Airlines services in Economy Class.
2- Current UK and Ethiopian government and airport security and service charges and current fuel surcharge.
3- Accommodation in a 4* Radisson Blue Hotel in Addis Ababafor 5 nights on Bed and Buffet Breakfast basis.and in a 3* Hotel in Gonder for 3 nights on a Full Board basis.
4-Five Courtesy rooms at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Addis Ababa on departure date.
5- Current Hotel Service charges (10%) and 15% VAT.
6- Private Group arrival anddeparture transfer from Airports to Hotels and back.
7- Transfers to Hospitals for Clinical Meetings in Addis Ababa and Gondar.
8- Use of a 42 seats A/C De-Luxe coach for transfers and local tours in Addis Ababa.
9- The use of Two A/C De Luxe 22 seats coaches in Gonder for transfers and local Tours.
10- The services of English Speaking Guide(s) throughout the main visit.
11- The services of a Local Regional speaking guide for local Tours(compulsory).
12- Lunches during the full day Tours in Addis Ababa and in Gonder.
13- Entry Fees to Churches, Monasteries, Museums and Archaeological Sites
14- Meals and beverages as described above.
15- Accompanying persons Tours in Addis Ababa and Gonder.
Costs do not include:
1- Gratuities to Guides, Driver(s) local guide(s) and Scouts.
2- Gratuities to Restaurant(s) and Hotel staff.
3- Meals and Beverages other than those described above.
4- The Dowling Club Farewell Dinners in Addis Ababa and Gondar.
5- Any possible increase in local taxes, meals, service charges and fuel costs
6- Possible local fees for use of cameras or/and video cameras during Tours.
7- The cost of Ethiopian Entry Visa Fee.
8- Optional Evening Dinner in Addis Ababa at the “Castelli” Restaurant.
Costs are based on a minimum of 35 persons travelling together, current Group Airfare on Ethiopian Airlines, airport taxes and service charges, current Hotel rates, meals costs and coach transportation, local entry fees current Ethiopian Government taxes ( VAT and Service charges) and may be subject to change. Costs are also based on current rate of Exchange of USD 1.55 to GBP £ 1.00 Sterling and may be subject to change. Costs are based on availability of services at time of booking.
Optional Post Meeting Tour:
Costs Include:
1- Group air fare supplement on Ethiopian Airlines for the Gondar to Axum to Lalibela to Addis Ababa flights.
2-LocalAirport Taxes and fuel surcharge in Gonder, Axum and Lalibela.
3- Accommodation on a Full Board Basis in 3* Hotels in Axum, Lalibela.
4- Overnight accommodation at the Radisson Blue Hotel on departure date in Addis Ababa,including 10% service charge and 15% VAT. ( Room only)
6- Return transfer from Airports to Hotels and vice-versa.
7- Sightseeing Tours in Axum and Lalibela as described.
8- Local English speaking guide in Axum , Lalibela and Addis Ababa.
9- Entry fees to Churches, Archaeological Sites and Museums
(Other than possible fees for using cameras and/or video cameras)
Costs do not include
1- Gratuities to Driver(s), Guide(s), restaurant(s) and or Hotel staff.
2- Meals and Beverages other than those described above.
3- Any possible increase in local taxes, service charges, meals and cost of fuel.
Costs are based on a minimum of 12 persons travelling together, current Ethiopian Airlines group airfare supplement to the main Group Visit, current airport, and service charges and fuel surcharge. Costs are also based on current hotel rates, meals costs, local transportation costs and entry fees and Ethiopian Government service and VAT taxes. Costs are also based on current rate of exchange of USD 1.55 to GBP £ 1.00 Sterling and may be subject to change.
Costs are also based on availability at time of booking.
GENERAL INFORMATION
1- Hotels:
Accommodation in good European Standard Hotels outside Addis Ababa are few and in Gondar, Axum and Lalibela, only one or two 3* rated hotels are available.
For information on the Hotels mentioned in the above itinerary please visit the following websites:
Addis Ababa: Radisson Blue:
Gonder: Goha Hotel: or Taye Belay Hotel:
Axum: Consolar Hotel:
Lalibela: Mountain View Hotel:
2-Ethiopian Visa (Tourist): Entry visa is required by all UK and EU Passport Holders.Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Tourist Visa can either be issued at the Ethiopian Embassy in London before travelling or for some Countries such as UK and most of EU, it can be issued uponarrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, for which a different application form from the one available on the Embassy website and Embassy Office is used.
For members wishing to have their entry visa issued before travelling to Ethiopia, please visit the Ethiopian Embassy website for details (
Currently the cost for a Tourist Single Entry Visa ( up 30 days staying) is £ 14.00 perVisa. In addition, if you wish us to procure the visa on your behalf, a procuration fee of £ 90.00 per Visa will apply.
For those members wishing to have their entry visa at Addis AbabaInternationalAirport upon arrival, please ensure you have two recent passport-sized photographs and no less than USD20.00 per Visa.
Further information can be obtained from the Ethiopian Embassy on:
3- Health Requirements:
The following vaccinations are strongly recommended: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever with International Certificate.
With regard to anti-malaria tablets: the parts of Ethiopia the Group will visit are classified as low risk areas; howevere we recommend that you check with your travel clinic such as Nomad or your GP for more details. Nomad website is
It is strongly recommended to avoid drinking tap water and to drink/brush teeth with bottle water.
4- Baggage Allowance:
Ethiopian Airlines:
Checked in Luggage: Economy Class One Piece max. Weight 23Kg.
Hand Luggage: One Piece max. weight 7Kg.
5- Travel Insurance:
It is strongly recommended you take up travel insurance at time of bookingagainst possible cancellation, loss of deposit, loss of luggage, money, passports, credit cards, airlines failure and medical emergencies. For details, please visit our website
.
If you have already a Travel Insurance, please provide name of Insurance Company and Policy Number in our Booking Form. This is to comply with ABTA regulations.
6-Individual Travel:
For participants unable to travel with the group or those wishing to stay shorter/longer period, alternative arrangements ca be made and upon receipt of written requirements, a revised itinerary and quotation will be given.
7- Local Time: GMT + 3hrs
8- Climate-Clothing:
Addis Ababa: (Elevation: 2354m 7724ft) Approx. 25C.
Gonder: (Elevation: 2210m) Approx 18C
Axum: (Elevation: 2130m) Approx. 18C
Lalibela: (Elevation 2630m) 17C
Light summer clothes are suitable for day time wear and a jacket and or sweater is useful in the evening. Footwear for visiting historical sites and the Blue Nile Gorge should be light but strong. Sandals are not recommended.
9-Currency:
Ethiopian Birr: ETB 27.96 to GBP £ 1.00 (Approx.)
Please note Credit Cards are only accepted in very few outlets in Addis Ababa and it is not normally possible to obtain currency advances from a credit card in Ethiopia.