Tefferi Araya

We have been using Lion of Judah Travel Inc. / All African Travel for the past few years and would not think about calling anyone else for our delegation trips and personal trips to Ethiopia. Fitsum has been a kind and incredible resource for me in my planning of up to 24 people. He has great knowledge with his work and it’s wonderful to talk to someone who is so knowledgeable about Ethiopia as well.

We do philanthropic trips every year to Addis Abba, Fitsum is patience with me as I am extremely busy in our own businesses, he sets us up and is kind to get the information when he can from me. I appreciate him and his organization. We will continue to do our travel plans with them!

Noel and Tammy Cunningham

I thank you so much for all the time you spent waiting in us and your help with this, but my husband purchased the tickets already with the help of his friend. We will have to cancel our itinerary with you.

I feel so badly because you stayed late last night for me. I’m so sorry for dropping this like I am. You have been a great help and I appreciate you working so quickly for us. Please forgive me!

Patti Mason

We have all the information you need to know for your trip, from helping with visa queries to walking you through a placement induction on your first day in Ethiopia. Our hassle-free approach means you can concentrate on what really matters, making a difference at your placement.

• ARRIVAL AIRPORT & PICK-UP IN ETHIOPIA

You will arrive in Ethiopia at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Our main offices in Addis Ababa are just a few minute’s drive from the airport.

Most volunteers fly into Ethiopia in the evening. As you disembark, the first thing that you’ll notice is the humidity. You will walk across the tarmac to the arrivals building and pass through immigration control to the baggage reclaim area. Once you have your luggage, you need to go through customs. Be ready to have your bags opened by security staff as this is done routinely even when you go through the “nothing to declare” channel.

As you walk out of the airport building, you will be met by a wall of people on the other side of a barrier. It might seem overwhelming at first, but one of our staff members will be there to meet you with a ‘Volunteer Tours & Projects’ sign. Seeing a friendly face there to welcome you and take you to your accommodation will immediately put you at ease.

If your placement is in Addis Ababa, you will be taken from the airport straight to your host family. If you are going to a placement away from the city, you will usually stay overnight in Addis before travelling to your region the following morning.

• BOOKING YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US TO ETHIOPIA

Lion Of Judah Travel has over 25 years of experience arranging flights for thousands of volunteers around the world. Searching for flights online can be a time-consuming, overwhelming, and frustrating process. Let us do the work for you!

We can help you book the best return flights, making sure you have the safest, most convenient, and cost-effective flight options, no matter how complex your travel plans. Email us for any flight inquiries.

Visas requirements for your volunteer project or internship in Ethiopia.

• VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR VOLUNTEER PROJECT/INTERNSHIP IN ETHIOPIA.

One of the perks of volunteering with us is the visa guidance we give you. We have a dedicated visa team who have up-to-date information on visa requirements for all of our destinations around the world. You can get in touch with us if you have any visa queries, big or small, and we will talk you through the process. Once you apply, you’ll also get a link to our web page, which will include all the necessary visa information.

• YOUR INDUCTION & ORIENTATION IN ETHIOPIA

The next working day after your arrival, you will be met at your accommodation by one of our local staff. You will spend the day getting a comprehensive induction and orientation. You’ll get to see the city, and where internet cafes, banks, and the post office are located. You will also enjoy a traditional Ethiopian lunch.

You’ll visit our offices and hear more about the different projects that are run in Ethiopia. Our staff are always close and on-hand, no matter which region you are based in. You’ll also receive an induction pack. This contains all the information you need, like a map of the town with important places highlighted.

Your primary contact is the Lion Of Judah Travel Coordinator, who is a full-time member of our local staff. He has a detailed knowledge of all the projects and host families in the region. They are available 24 hours a day by phone if you have any questions or concerns.

In preparation for your first day at your placement the following day, a staff member will show you the best route to and from your placement. They’ll also show you how to navigate public transport, usually a minibus taxi. Lion Of Judah Travel covers all necessary work-related transport costs.

• YOUR FIRST DAY AT YOUR VOLUNTEER/INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT IN ETHIOPIA.

On your first day at your placement, you’ll spend time getting a feel for the work you’ll be doing in the coming weeks. Your supervisor will show you around the placement and you’ll get to see some of the work we do there. They’ll also explain your role and where you fit into the running of the placement.

We’ve set aside the whole of your first day for learning to make sure you feel confident and comfortable. You’ll start your project work on your second day.

• SUPPORT, SAFETY & BACKUP

Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Lion Of Judah staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.

U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs Provides an excellent general introduction to international travel, with tips and resources for older travelers, women, and students; information about overseas citizens services; and resources for a safe and healthy trip.

Passport Information:

U.S. Department of State, Passport Services provides complete forms and information on how, when and where to apply for or renew your passport.

For most travel outside the U.S. and Canada, you will need to have a current passport. If possible, you should renew your passport approximately nine (9) months before it expires. Some countries require that your passport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the dates of your trip. Routine passport service takes up to six weeks. Two – three week expedited service is available for an additional fee. If you are traveling in less than 10 weeks, we encourage customers to expedite their applications.

If you are visiting many different countries, you should ensure that you have plenty of clear pages. You will receive many stamps traveling through Africa and having blank pages inserted into your passport while you are traveling is difficult.

It is a good idea to take a photocopy of your passport and save it with a friend/family member at home who you can easily contact or, if you will be accessing your email while away – email a copy to yourself.

Visas and Foreign Entry Requirements:

Traveling abroad doesn’t have to be confusing if you know the right things before you go. This section provides information and links to pages containing background and requirements for Americans traveling abroad. Visit Foreign Entry Requirements to access our alphabetical listing of countries to view specific entry requirements. This link also includes information on passports, visas, immunizations, medical information and additional fees. Our International Travel section also includes information concerning conditions abroad that may affect your safety and security.

Visa requirements vary depending on the country you are visiting and your nationality. Governments regularly change the requirements – so it is best to check with your local embassy/consulate what the requirements are, whether you can obtain them at your point of entry or whether you need to obtain them in advance. If in advance, allow yourself plenty of time or processing. You should also be aware of what kinds of visas are available, whether you require multiple entries.

If traveling to several countries take a few passport photos with you for visas etc.

Vaccinations/Medical:

It is very important to get the latest up-to-date information and advice for the countries you plan to visit from your physician or from a specialist in tropical illnesses and diseases.

Important, accurate and up-to-date Health Information, covering illnesses and diseases, Malaria, recommended vaccinations, advise for staying healthy and how to avoid getting sick, what to take with you, what do when you return home can be found on here.

Universal Currency Converter:

Multilingual currency converter with support for every world currency.

International Weather:

Quick forecasts for selected international cities, with a searchable travel weather section that gives you a detailed forecast and an overview of your destination’s climate.

Check My Trip:

View your travel itinerary online with your reservation number provided by your agent. It is sometimes referred to as “PNR” or “Record Locator”. If you do not have your reservation number, please contact your agent.

Protect your travel investment with Global Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a great way to protect your travel investment. By choosing to offer travel insurance, Lion of Judah Travel, Inc. is providing you a financial safety net for most unforeseen travel inconveniences. Access America travel insurance plans have been created to suit most any traveler’s coverage needs. Many of our travel plans include benefits like:

• Trip Cancellation/Interruption
• Emergency Medical/Dental coverage
• Emergency Medical Transportation
• Baggage Loss/damage
• Travel Delay
• Travel Accident
• Rental car protection

And all of our plans come with the Access America award-winning customer service!

We also provide one of the largest lists of covered reasons for trip cancellation and trip interruption including injury, illness, legal separation/divorce, strikes, natural disasters, bad weather, jury duty, traffic accidents, normal pregnancy, job loss and more.*

Be sure to read the certificate of insurance and letter of confirmation for the specifics on what your plan covers. If you’re not satisfied, Access America will refund your insurance premium if you cancel your insurance within 10 days of purchase and have not filed a claim or departed on your trip.

Save money, safeguard your journey, and make your vacation memorable for all of the right reasons. Ask your travel agent which Access America plan is right for you.

*Please see Certificate of Insurance/Policy for exclusions, limitations and restrictions that may apply to the plan purchased.

Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company, rated “A-“ (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 or 52.401, or Jefferson Insurance Company, rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C-XX-01 or 101-P-XX-01, depending on the insured’s state. Access America is a brand of World Access Service Corp., a company of Mondial Assistance. World Access Service Corp. is the producer and administrator of this plan and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage because of the affiliation between World Access Service Corp. and Jefferson Insurance Company.

This avoids cancellation of your reservation. If your reservation is cancelled you will be notified via email.

When completed, please fax this form to 1-888-277-1799.

We have contracted airfares with various airlines on a volume basis. We sell these tickets to the public at a discounted rate. In this way the departure date could be this week or next month and the price remains the same.

Is the ticket refundable if I don’t use it?

The airlines enforce a no-refund policy for unused tickets on most domestic flights. However, on certain international flights, refunds may be allowed. Contact us with your travel information and we will be able to advice you.

Can I change the airline on my return travel?

In most cases the airline must be the same as the originally scheduled airline.

Can I get a refund if I don’t use the return ticket?

Unused portions of airline ticket(s) generally are non-refundable. Contact our office for further details.

Can I extend the validity of a ticket for more than 30 days?

After 30 days from the departure date the ticket is generally not valid. It can possibly be extended for additional fees.

If not used, how long is the ticket valid?

Domestic tickets are generally valid for 30 days from the date of departure. However, on certain international flights tickets can be valid for up to 1 year. Contact us with your travel information and we will be able to make the determination for you.

Can I change the return date?

In some cases the return date can be changed for a fee within the time frame allowed. This fee is beyond our control and goes directly to the airlines. However, there are certain tickets whose return dates cannot be changed at all. Please contact us for further details.

Can I change the outbound travel date?

Different airlines have different rules concerning this. Please contact us with your travel information and we will be able to assist you with your request.

What are my payment options?

We accept all major credit cards; Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Diner’s Club as well as checks, money orders, cash.

After the reservation is made, how long can I hold the reservation?

We advise you to make the purchase as soon as you are sure you will be traveling. However, in most cases we can hold the reservation for 24 hours

What is considered a Last-Minute Flight?

When one travels on very short notice (within approximately 7 days), the airlines usually charge more than 5 times the amount that they would normally charge for the same airline ticket purchased 21 days away. This is where we come in. We have been specializing in this kind of “last minute” airfare since 1991. Contact us to see the surprising difference between our last minute price and the airline’s last minute price.

Do you have a business license?

Yes. We are licensed travel agents with a Seller of Travel (S.O.T.) license issued by the California Attorney General’s Office, registration number 2027461-40. We are also licensed in the state of Washington as Registered Seller of Travel products and our Universal Business ID is 601 877 174.

Can I go to my travel agency and buy the same ticket?

Different agencies have different prices. We recommend you compare our prices with other agencies to experience for yourself how we will consistently offer the best rates and customer service.

How do I get the ticket?

As licensed travel agents, we issue electronic tickets. As soon as we receive your payment, we will email you an itinerary and give you a confirmation number and a ticket number which you verify later with the airlines directly. In the case of a paper ticket, we will ship it to you via Federal Express and give you a tracking number.

Do you have fares for children?

Adults and children pay the same fare for domestic tickets. However, the rate for children between the ages of two and eleven is 75% of the adult fare for international travel. Infants, below the age of two years, can travel for free on most airlines domestically. For international travel, the infant rate is 10% of the adult published rate.

Can I get frequent flyer miles?

Most tickets allow frequent flyer miles and others do not, depending on the airline and type of ticket.

Can I request advanced seating?

Call us and we can help you.

Explore Ethiopia’s remarkable landscapes and cultures
Take a boat ride across Lake Tana and visit 13th century monastaries
Go on an excursion through the 11 rock-hewn churches in Lalibela
Visit rural villages and experience the cultures of local tribes
Learn more about Ethiopia’s rich history
Stay in comfortable hotels and campsite accommodation
Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring a live dance show

What to Expect

Upon arrival you will meet at the airport and transferred to your hotel (overnight in Dream Liner or Helzer Hotel).

Day 2: Drive to Kombolcha

In the morning have a breakfast and head to Desse. En route have a visit to the Italian made tunnel and the mouth of the Rift Valley system at a place called “Tarmaber”. Overnight in Sunny-side Hotel

Day 3: Drive to Lalibela

Drive from Desse to Lalibela. En route visit the Hayq Lake and also the island monastery of Stephen (open only for men). O/n in Jerusalem guest house, Tukul village or mountain view hotel.

Day 4: Visit the Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela

Early in the morning after breakfast, head exploring the UNESCO registered world wonders of the rock-hewn churches (1st group). After lunch head for a visit of the remaining churches. O/n Jerusalem guest house, Tukul village or mountain view hotel.

Day 5: Drive to Mekelle

Head to Mekelle via the Sekota road. On the way visit the least visited but famous world-renowned cave church of Yimrhane Kirstos. O/n Axum Hotel.

Day 6: Visit the rock-churches of Tigray

After breakfast visit the nearby famous rock churches of Petros and Paulos, Medhane Alem Adi Kasho and back to Mekelle for overnight stay. O/n Axum Hotel.

Day 7: Drive to Axum

Drive Mekelle – Axum. On the way visit the Yeha Temple, Debre Damo Monastery, Abreha-Atsbeha rock church, Negash Mosque. O/n Consular International or Brana Hotel.

Day 8: Visit Axum

In the morning have a visit to Axum’s St. Mary of Zion church, Stele of Axum and the tomb there and the Bath of Queen Sheba. After lunch head to the Palace of Sheba, the Tomb of King Kaleb and his son (6thcentury), stone inscription of king Ezana. O/n Consular International or Brana Hotel.

Day 9: Drive to Semien Mountain National Park

In the morning have breakfast and drive to Debark, the biggest town before heading to the Park. En route admire scenic beauty of the Semien Mountains and also the Tekeze gorge where one can see incense trees. This is the site that is termed as the most wild and spectacular of all Ethiopian landscapes – The Roof of Africa. O/n Semen Park Hotel in Debark.

Day 10: Semien Mountain National Park

Start driving from Debark to Sankaber, the head quarter of the park where one can observe the magnificent scenery, birds and game like an endemic Gelada Baboon and also drive to another quarter of the park, Geech which is the most scenic road and an important area to spot the endemic Walia Ibex. O/n Semen Park Hotel in Debark.

Day 11: Drive from Semien Mountain National Park to Gondar

Drive from Semien Mountain National Park- Gondar. Along the road before getting to Gondar, visit the Felasha, Ethiopian Jew village and their handmade artifacts and attend the eve Epiphany celebration at the bathing pool of Gondar. O/n Florida International, Quara or Taye Hotel.

Day 12: Gondar

Attend the colorful religious celebration of epiphany festival and also visit the 17thcentury castles of Gondar together with the bathing castle of King Fasilades. Have a visit to the colorfully decorated church of Debre-Brehan Selasse. O/n Florida International, Quara or Taye Hotel.

Day 13: Drive to Bahir Dar

Drive back to Bahir Dar and make boat cruise on Lake Tana to explore the ancient medieval monasteries of Ura Kidanemheret. In the afternoon take lunch and proceed to the Blue-Nile falls. O/n Home land Hotel or Abay Minch Lodge.

Day 14: Drive back to Addis Ababa and departure

In the morning start driving back to Addis Ababa. En route admire the breath-taking Blue Nile gorge that is comparable to the grand canyon in USA and also visit the 13th century historical monastery of Debre-Libanos. Up on arrival be taken to do shopping. In the evening have traditional traditionally Dinner and show and be transferred to airport for departure.http://a6l.dc6.myftpupload.com