The Ethiopian Sound System Experience
Addis Dub Club & The Great Ethiopian Run + Dub in Jah garden Festival
Program
Thursday 14 November 2024
Arrival in Addis Ababa, the captivating capital of Ethiopia. We’ll be there to greet you at the airport and bring you to a proper guesthouse nestled in the heart of the city. If time permits, our local Rastafari guides are eager to introduce you to some of the city’s hidden gem.
Accommodation: Tirago hotel or similar
Meals: –
Friday 15 November 2024
Our journey begins with a warm meet and greet, where you’ll get acquainted with the remarkable individuals and organizations behind our tour programs. Our experienced guides and tour leaders will extend their welcome, and you’ll have the privilege of meeting the charitable associations that are partnering with us on this tour.
After the introduction we explore the city. You will trod into the footsteps of Haile Selassie I, visiting places that are of interest of H.I.M.’s legacy. Our first stop takes us to Arada, the historic quarter of the city, where we’ll explore the renowned National Museum and delve into Ethiopia’s rich ancient and contemporary history. A refreshing Ethiopian fruit smoothie and the quintessential Ethiopian coffee will energize us for the next part of the day. We’ll continue to the compound of the Addis Ababa University, which once served as a palace for His Majesty, now transformed into a museum with preserved rooms that will transport you back in time!
The day concludes with an ascent to Entoto Mountain, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Addis Ababa. In the evening, indulge in a delectable dinner prepared by our very own Rastafari chef. Ital options will always be available.
Accommodation: Tirago hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Saturday 16 November 2024
Our exploration of Addis Ababa continues as we delve into the vibrant heart of Merkato, acclaimed as Africa’s largest and busiest marketplace. This bustling hub offers a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and scents. Next, we’ll visit Unity Park, a captivating fusion of a zoo and an open-air museum. This unique attraction allows you to experience historical imperial palaces up close, offering a deep dive into Ethiopia’s rich cultural tapestry and history. To complete the experience, we’ve included a lunch featuring delectable, authentic Ethiopian cuisine, and we will drive around this city visiting statues and important landmarks.
In the evening we will join our regular Dub event Addis Dubclub, featuring the mighty King Shiloh Sound System, this time with a very special guest that will be announced soon!
Accommodation: Tirago hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Sunday 17 November 2024
Early in the morning, at around 7 am, we go to the start of the Great Ethiopian Run, the biggest running event in Africa. Those who want can participate in the 10 km run, either as a serious physical challenge, or just on a calm paste to enjoy the unique atmosphere. Alternatively, you can also join the King Shiloh crew who will set up the Sound System alongside the road to entertain the 45000 runners. Either way, it will be an absolute unique experience!
After the run we will go to our guesthouse for a special brunch organized for all our guests and colleagues. The rest of the day you can relax or explore Addis Ababa further with our local guides. They are standing by to serve you. We will offer a range of optional excursions, such as visiting the brand new Adwa Museum in the historical quarter of Piassa.
Accommodation: Tirago hotel or similar
Meals: Brunch
Monday 18 November 2024
In the morning we board a domestic flight and fly to the tropical city of Arba Minch in the south of Ethiopia. We make a boat ride on lake Chamo looking out for hippos and crocodiles. After a local lunch we move up to the Dorze mountains; a mountainous area which is home to the Dorze tribe. We will have lunch on the way and spend the night in Dorze Lodge, an ecolodge that is run together with the Dorze community. We will make sure to arrive before sunset so you can enjoy the stunning view from the mountains.
Accommodation: Dorze Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tuesday 19 November 2024
We spend a full day in the Dorze Mountains, exploring the authentic tribal culture of the Dorze people. We visit local families and learn about their way of life, far away from the modern world. We also make a hike to a waterfall, and we visit a local school where we participate in a sports activity with local schoolchildren provided by professional sports instructors who have a disability. This is part of the outreach programs of one of the charities we work with. The evening holds a delightful surprise around the campfire.
Accommodation: Dorze Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Wednesday 20 November 2024
After breakfast we leave the mountains and we trod on to Shashamane. a town known for its vibrant Rastafari community. Many Rastafarians from all over the world have made this place their home based on a land grand granted by His Imperial Majesty. We will visit Ras Kawintsaseb, a renowned musician from the Caribbean who made Ethiopia his home. He is one of the original repatriates in Shashamene and will provide a acoustic music session for us.
Accommodation: Zion train lodge or local guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Thursday 21 November 2024
We spend a full day in Shashamane visiting the spiritual sites of different mansions and we interact with the local community. We visit philosophers, musicians, artists, and local chefs will provide Ital Rastafari cuisine.
Accommodation: Zion train lodge or local guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Friday 22 + Saturday 23 November 2024
Today we will bring you to the first edition of Dub in Jah garden festival, a unique Reggae Dub sound system event in the paradise environment of Wondo Genet. The festival will feature international and local heroes of the Dub scene such as King Shiloh Sound System, Tippy I grade, Kibir la Amlak, Sydney Salmon, Ras Ibi, and many more. We will arrange a VIP ticket that includes accommodation, entrance to the festival, and some excursions in the forest.
Accommodation: Hotel Wondo genet
Meals: Breakfast
Sunday 24 November 2024
We drive back to Addis Ababa. There will be some time to do shopping, and in the evening, we will drop you at the airport where you can check in for your flight back home.
You can also extend your stay in Ethiopia with a visit to one of the many sites of historical and cultural value and / or natural beauty.
Accommodation: –
Meals: Breakfast
Contact
For bookings and more information contact us at:
Contact person: Heran Tadesse
Email: info@rootsandculture.travel
telephone / whatsapp / Telegram: +251929112170
find us on Facebook and Instagram
Price
€ 1150 per person*
* 2 people sharing, conditional upon availability and price changes
Single supplement: € 250
Included:
- A comprehensive meticulously organized 11 day travel program, designed with respect for local communities, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all.
- Traveling in small groups with experienced local tour leaders and knowledgeable local guides.
- Accommodation for all overnights with breakfast included.
- Most meals included (as per program described below).
- All activities and excursions as outlined in the program with all entrance fees and local guides included.
- Private transportation throughout the whole journey for your convenience.
- Domestic flight to Arba Minch from Addis Ababa
- Entry ticket to Addis Dubclub and Dub in Jah Garden festival
- Participation Great Ethiopian Run (€82)
- All local taxes and surcharges are included in the package, ensuring no hidden costs.
Not included:
- International airfare to Ethiopia (for a comprehensive quote that includes airfare from your country, please contact us).
- Tourist visa fees (US$85) + possible service charge (US$30).
- Any activities or excursions that are not mentioned in the day-to-day program.
- Personal travel insurance and possibly travel vaccinations.
- Personal expenditures such as souvenirs, laundry services, beverages, etc.