Ethiopia Cultural Tour

Ethiopia has a character unlike any you’ll find on the planet. The only African Nation to have avoided European colonialism, it retains a strong cultural identity that can be felt everywhere you go. The amazing people, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife are just some of the things that make Ethiopia so magnificent.  Ethiopia is a country rich in history, diverse in culture, with breathtaking views and awesome geology. Explore the heights of the Simien Mountains, dance with the tribes of the lower Omo Valley and marvel at the 8th wonders of the world Lalibela.

Trip Duration

11 Days, 10 Nights Package from September 17th – September 28th, 2020

Trip Cost

Double Occupancy – $4,189pp

Single Occupancy – $5,050pp

Required Deposit for Double Occupancy – $499 (Non Refundable)

Required Deposit for Single Occupancy – $599 (Non Refundable)

At the time of deposit, roommate requests can be made. No requests will be accepted after your deposit. Single occupancy requests will only be accepted at the time of deposit. Single occupancy is limited and is on a first come, first serve basis. The number of single occupancy slots will vary from trip to trip. See trip details for spaces available.

If you book a double room and do not have a roommate we will pair you with another member.

Rooming: Single Room – Twin bed

      Double Room – Twin beds

      Couples – Full bed

Payment Terms

  1. Full payment If you pay in full at time of deposit you can receive a 10% discount on $4,189 per person for double occupancy and $5,050 per single occupancy.
  2. Installments
    1. Travellers can choose to pay in 12 installments after deposit, due by:

3. Late Fees

3.1 $100 late fee charge will be applied to all payments made after the 3 day grace period. Missed payments will be applied to the next month, plus the $100 late fee. Trip will be automatically canceled after two missed payments NO EXCEPTIONS. There will be no refund of the deposit or any payments that were made for the trip if it was cancelled due to missed payments. Trip must be paid in full by March 17th, 2020. Final payments not received by March 17th, 2020 will be charged an additional $50 for every 3 days payment is not received. If a late final payment is received without the additional late fees included, your trip will be cancelled, and NO refund will be given. This is NON-NEGOTIABLE.

Invoices

Payments will be made by PayPal to www.Paypal.me/GlobetrottingSistars or by Chase/Bank of America Quick Pay (Zelle) at typhanielynch@globetrottingsistarsllc.com. Once payment is received, client will receive an invoice no later than 3 days after payment. It is the clients responsibility to provide an email address for the invoice to be sent to. Invoices will be sent out no later than 15 days before they are due. It is the Clients responsibility to alert Globetrotting Sistars LLC at least 10 days before an invoice due date of a lost, or unreceived invoice.

Refund Policy

24 hour cancellation window

Client has up to 24 hours to contact Globetrotting Sistars LLC, in writing, for a refund of their deposit after trip has been booked. There will be NO refunds of the deposit after 24 hours upon booking the trip. See your contract for cancellation date.

Client has until 90 days before the scheduled tour (March 17th, 2020) to cancel. If Client cancels their tour after March 17th, 2020 there is no refund of any payments. No Exceptions.

Clients can opt to transfer their deposit to a future Globetrotting Sistars LLC trip that they are not currently making payments on. The request for the transfer must be received at the following email address: bookings@globetrottingsistarsllc.com within the same 24 hours as their refund request.
NOTE: If your trip is cancelled due to you missing two trip payments, you can not apply the deposit to any future Globetrotting Sistars LLC trip no matter when the trip was cancelled. In case you have to cancel your trip due to a medical or personal emergency, your travel insurance policy can reimburse you for the cost of the trip.

Trip Capacity

The maximum number of Sistars on this trip is 12. Once full capacity has been reached, the tour will be officially closed. No exceptions.

Note: Couples, men and families are allowed on this trip. Bring your significant other or young adult children

Trips Reminders

  • Etiquette: Remember ladies that you will be visiting a country whose customs may differ from what you are used to in your home country. Please be aware of the following while we are in Ethiopia.
  • Tipping is customary for performances and entertainment in Ethiopia so please make sure you set aside funds for this, especially if you want to take individual or group pictures with the performers. It will reflect badly upon yourself and the group if you attempt to sneak in photos or take pictures without tipping/donation. Remember this is their livelihood and they rely heavily on our tipping/donations to support themselves and their families.
  • Tipping is customary for guides, hotel staff (housekeeping/maids) and restaurant servers. Be prepared to leave a tip when receiving a service in Ethiopia. While it’s not mandatory, generally a tip is expected and always appreciated. Please avoid being overly generous, as this may appear that you are flaunting money, but do leave enough to show appreciation for the services you receive.
  • Hotel housekeeping/maid service: $2-3 per night and up to $5 in high-end hotels. You can leave the tip on your pillow or in a similar place where it will be easily located. Tips are recommended to be done per night as the housekeeping staff will not be the same person for each night of your stay.

For bus tour (several hours or less), tip your guide 10-20 percent of the cost of the tour. For driver/tour guide for one week the suggested tipping amount is $4-$5 per day per passenger. You can give the tip at the end of the week to the driver in an envelope. The preference is for the tip to be given individually rather than as a group. While tipping is not mandatory it is greatly appreciated for all the work that goes into their job catering to travellers.

  • Bargaining: Except for goods in supermarkets, high-end shops, hotels and restaurants, nothing in Ethiopia has a set price, so bargaining is expected. The seller may offer the item at 30 to 50 percent more than what they expect for it, so your counteroffer should be lower than what you are expecting to pay. You and the seller will go back and forth until an agreement is made. If you can’t come to an agreement, don’t get frustrated. Move on and find another vendor and you may even get the price you are looking for once you’ve walked away. Remember to keep it fun and light.
  • Bartering with the locals for items can be fun, and can be done in small villages and markets. So feel free to bring items from home that you are willing to trade for items in Ethiopia. Please DO NOT bring junk/cheap items that have no usefulness. Clothing with logos (T-shirts, caps, etc.) are especially interesting to locals.
  • Activities unless stated are not optional. If you choose to opt out of a scheduled activity Globetrotting Sistars LLC will not be responsible for creating an alternate itinerary. Any excursions or activities that you choose to participate in outside of the itinerary are at your own discretion and Globetrotting Sistars LLC will not be responsible for your safety and security or any cost you incur.

WHEN IN ETHIOPIA

  • Conservative dress is essential for all. Pack clothing that covers both shoulders and knees; women in particular should take care to cover cleavage and wear loose-fitting clothing, like long flowing skirts or maxi dresses, rather than figure-hugging attire. It’s a good idea to pack a scarf/wrap or light cardigan to cover your shoulders (and hair if entering a mosque) without overheating.
  • Bikinis, shorts and swimwear are acceptable only on resort beaches.
  • Although alcohol is freely available, drunken behaviour is considered offensive.
  • Ask for permission before taking pictures of people or private houses.
  • As is the case in many Islamic countries, Ethiopians (of all religions) customarily reserve the left hand for ablutions, so it is considered both rude and unhygienic to use that potentially unclean hand to shake hands, to eat, or to pass money or any other object.

Special Attire

  • Globetrotting Sistars LLC T-Shirt
    • Location: Tours
  • Traditional Ethiopian Dress
    • Day & Location: Day 2, Welcome Dinner

Looking for your Traditional Ethiopian dress?

Try looking on Amazon, Ebay or

at a traditional shop on the second day in Addis!

Meal Requests

If you have food sensitivities please alert Globetrotting Sistars LLC at the time of booking. Please be aware that the country you wish to visit may not be able to accommodate your food sensitivities as in your home country. We will do our best to accommodate you but if it isn’t possible we will let you know.

INCLUDED TOURS FEATURES

  • Globetotting Sistars LLC T-Shirt
  • Entrance fees for all sites mentioned in the itinerary.
  • All excursions listed in the itinerary.
  • Experienced, English Speaking Tour Guide and Guide’s Expenses.
  • Ground Transportation via tour vehicle. (Includes driver and fuel.)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for Days 2 – 10
  • Meals: Breakfast for Day 11
  • Lodging as noted on itinerary for 12 nights.
  • 5 Domestic flights
  • All hotel/airport transfers listed on the itinerary
  • Welcome dinner and farewell dinner

Excluded:

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner for Day 1
  • International Airfare
  • Local Transport – Outside of scheduled activities and tour dates
  • Tours and Excursions outside of scheduled activities
  • All beverages (unless otherwise stated)
  • Visa
  • Any optional tours
  • Tipping kitty
  • Travel insurance 
  • Additional Hotel Cost – Outside of Globetrotting Sistars arrangements
  • Any Vaccines
  • International Medical Insurance
  • Personal Spending Money

Flights

Information To Come.

Visa Requirements

Visas are required for all visitors to Ethiopia. All visas will be valid from the date of issue.
Tourist visa will be issued on arrival at Bole International Airport for nationals and residents of the United States of America and Canada.

TOURIST VISA(REQ):

  • Current passport and the passport must be valid for at least six months;
  • One recent passport-size photograph.
  • Copy of Green card or I-94 or Work Permit (for Non-US Nationals)
  • A completed visa application form (Click here to download the application form)

http://www.ethiopianembassy.org

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns please sent an email to: bookings@globetrottingsistarsllc.com

We are happy to answer any questions you have. You will have a response within 24 hours.

GS reserves the right to make changes to the Booking Information without notice.

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