How it works
How it Works
Agesha tours operate in a secure, trustworthy and confidential operating system.
Our tour service
is divided in a package with its respective areas. Our service We give our customer a program which strive their want with detail activities they are going to carry out during their travel (tour) in chosen areas of destination; because our aim is to satisfy you when you are on our hand. We want our program to meet your desire; which means its fully flexible in accordance with the possibility to be done.
Tour Availability
Reservations are subject to availability .once you decide to visit the chosen program and want to book then a conformation letter will be send. We reserve hotel, flight booking and transportation based on your choose.
Rates
For Tour rates may change without prior notice however, once your deposit has been received, your price is guaranteed and no longer subject to change.
Payments
You can make your down payment by, Visa, MasterCard, express after the agreement is made and confirmation issued to make sure the program is as scheduled. Then the credit invoice will be sent based on the amount of money paid with the company stamp to seal your booking.
Refund Timing
All refunds will be processed within 6-8 weeks. N.B based on some change policy of the bank might be faster.
Refunds on arrangements
Once the trip has commenced, no refund can be given for any unused portion of the trip. Please follow the cancellation policy if there are any change will guide you to cancel and refund as the policy stated.
Passports and Visas
Passengers must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after date of travel. Additionally, all passengers are required to hold a valid visa wherever required. It is the passenger’s responsibility to check with the appropriate consulates as to the visa requirements and obtain proper travel documents before the trip. Visa fees are not included.
Air Transportation
Round-trip economy class airfare is included wherever indicated from designated gateways only. Air schedules are subject to change and Agesha tours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by such changes and delays caused by the Ethiopian airlines.
Flight Add-ons
Agesha tours guarantee the most direct routing and domestic airline. In the event an overnight is required, it is the responsibility of the passenger.
Hotels
Accommodations are on a “run-of-the-house” basis. Agesha tours reserves the right to substitute hotels of similar or better category due to unforeseen operational requirements. please note that single rooms cannot be guaranteed.
Transportation
- Agesha Tours is responsible for realizing all the necessary maintenance of the car before the starting date of the program, and also shall secure comprehensive insurance for the vehicle.
- The car must have two extra tiers and jack to replace quickly in case of flat happens.
- If there is any mechanic problem which may appear on the way must take care and if the car would have big problem to stop definitely. The company must to arrange another car immediately. Cover all the expense for the delay.
- The Lessor will provide its own driver, will cover all his expenses. The driver is full responsible of the sureness of the travelers, and to be kind with them in any moment.
- The driver have to be healthy, he cannot drink alcoholics and take any during the program. If he would do, automatically inform the company measurement will be taken.
Meals
Only as specifically indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch D=Dinner); If we are agree to include on the program as our customer requested. N.B Beverages are not included.
Itinerary and Domestic Transportation
Arrangements for the itineraries, domestic transportation and flights are solely at the discretion of the local land operators and are subject to change without notice. Where appropriate, at the discretion of Agesha Tours and/or the tour escort/tour director/guide, a mandatory coach seat rotation will be implemented. Once the tour escort/tour director/guide implements the seat rotation policy, there will be no exceptions.
Baggage
Each passenger is allowed one piece of checked luggage (suitcase) not to exceed 100 pounds when if Ethiopian airline is first choose and for Domestic flight 44 pounds as one carry-on. Carry-on must not exceed the above then excess baggage charges must be covered by the passenger. Agesha Tours cannot be responsible for any lost or damaged luggage once the baggage is check in.
Frequent Flyer Miles Agesha Tours is not involved in or responsible for crediting miles. You must follow the rules of the airline(s) and deal with them directly. Rates do not include Passport and visa fees, excesHYPERLINK "https://www.smartours.com/baggage-allowance/"s baggage charges, baggage and personal insurance, gratuities, optional tours, beverages, other items and expenses of personal nature and any items not specifically mentioned in the itinerary or tour inclusions section. Certain foreign taxes and fees are not pre-collected and must be paid overseas by the customer. All
Agesha Tours is not involved in or responsible for crediting miles. You must follow the rules of the airline(s) and deal with them directly.
Rates do not include
Passport and visa fees, exces baggage charges, baggage and personal insurance, gratuities, optional tours, beverages, other items and expenses of personal nature and any items not specifically mentioned in the itinerary or tour inclusions section. Certain foreign taxes and fees are not pre-collected and must be paid overseas by the customer. All Agesha Tour tour rates are guaranteed once deposit is paid.
Consumer Disclosure and Responsibility
The Travel Agent/ Tour Operator, AgeshaTours, acts as agent for the companies they represent, and as a consequence, accepts no responsibility for accidents, damage, baggage losses and/or delays due to strikes, weather, acts of God, acts of governments or authorities, wars, criminal acts committed by third parties, hostilities, civil disturbances, riots, pilferage, defects of vehicles or breakdown in equipment, or to the fault or default of any company used for carrying out these tours. Nor shall Agesha Tours be liable for any damage resulting directly or indirectly from delays, cancellation or changes in flights. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable, for the comfort or well-being of the passengers, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the Tour Operator. Additional expenses shall be borne by the passengers. No refund can be made for the absence from parts of the tour. The right is also reserved by the Tour Operator, at its absolute discretion, to refuse or cancel any person at any time, without being under obligation to assign a reason therefore. In the event of exercise of this right, the Tour Operator shall be under no liability to that person whatsoever. The airline companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any acts, omissions, or events during the time passengers are not aboard their aircraft and/or vessels. The passage contract in use by the companies concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the company and the purchase of these tours, and/or the passengers. Agesha Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour, for any reason, prior to departure and cannot be held responsible for any damages resulting from said cancellation. In case of such tour cancellation by Agesha Tours, a full refund of the monies paid to Agesha Tours will be offered. There is no additional liability. Any dispute arising from any tour, itinerary, product or service provided by Agesha Tours as well as any dispute arising under these terms and conditions will be governed by the laws of the state of the tourism minster.
Safety & security
Safety & Security
Safety & Security Ethiopia is a safe and beautiful country, best weather, culture and heritage. It is a place where you will have a lifetime experience. At Agesha tour, we take the welfare of each and every participant on our tours very seriously. Just as we work tirelessly to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences to group leaders and students, we are equally committed to ensuring that all of our travelers return home safely.
Booking Term & Conditions
Booking TERM AND Conditions
Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking a trip with us.We strongly recommend that you also read at the website essential trip information relating to your trip prior to booking to ensure that you understand the itinerary, Style and physical demands of the trip you are undertakeing.
• OUR CONTRACT
All international direct bookings are made with Agesha tours directly at the website by filling the booking form (www. Ageshatours.com), afterwards a conformation invoice will be sent. By booking a trip with us you are deemed to have agreed to these Booking Conditions (which constitutes the entire agreement between you and us) and your booking will be accepted by us on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation invoice.
• DEPOSIT REQUIREMENT
You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the chosen package for your booking to be confirmed. If your booking is made within 56 days of the departure date then the full amount is payable at the time of booking.
• ACCEPTANCE OF BOOKING AND FINAL PAYMENTS
If we accept your booking we will issue a confirmation invoice. A contract will exist between us from the date we issue the confirmation invoice or if you book within 7 days of departure the contract will exist when we accept your deposit. Please refer to your booking confirmation invoice for details regarding final payments. Payment of the balance of the trip price is due 56 days before the departure date.
N.B:- Please note that full payment is required earlier for Agesha Tours. If this balance is not paid on or before the due date we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled.
• YOUR DETAILS
In order for us to confirm your travel arrangements you must provide all requested details with the balance of the trip price. Necessary details include full name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport issue and expiry date and any pre-existing medical conditions you have which may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements. On some more demanding trips we also require you to complete and forward a Self-Assessment form. Your booking cannot be confirmed without provision of these details.
• BOOKING AMENDMENTS
A fee of $100 per person per change will apply (in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines). If you notify us less than 56 days prior to the proposed departure date the refund policy applicable to cancellations will apply.
N.B:- This fee is in addition to any charges levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines and No amendments are permitted to your booking within 10 days of departure.
INCLUSIONS
The land price of your trip includes:-
• all accommodation as listed on the package
• all transport listed on the website
• sightseeing and meals as listed on the package
• the services of a group leader as described on the package
EXCLUSIONS
The land price of your trip does not include:-
• international or internal flights unless specified
• taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified
• meals other than those specified on the package
• Visa and passport fees
• travel insurance
• Optional activities and all personal expenses
• PRICES & surcharges
Our trip prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. This means our trip prices may vary at any time in accordance with demand, market conditions and availability. It is likely that different passengers on the same trip may have been charged different prices. Your best option if you like the price you see is to book at that time. Once you have received a quote the price will be locked in provided you pay the required deposit prior to the quote’s expiry. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your deposit will not apply. If you wish to cancel you’re booking to take advantage of a cheaper price, full cancellation conditions apply. The most up-to-date pricing is available on our website. Prices are based on currency exchange rates. We reserve the right to impose surcharges up to 56 days before departure due to unfavorable changes in exchange rates, increases in airfares or other transportation costs, increases in local operator costs, taxes, or if government action should require us to do so. In such instances we will be responsible for the any amount up to 2% of the trip price and you will be responsible for the balance. If any surcharge results in an increase of more than 10% of the trip price you may cancel the booking within 14 days of notification of the surcharge and obtain a full refund. We will not surcharge any booking for travel within the validity of this brochure once paid in full. Air Passenger Duty is included in the price of your air inclusive trip. In view of the current volatility of world oil prices, a fuel supplement may be added to the price of your holiday at the time of booking.
• AGE & HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
1.Minimum General Policy:
For the majority of our trips the minimum age is 15 at the time of travel. All travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveler under the age of 18. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort in their lieu, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document, to delegate their authority.
N.B:- Please note we cannot guarantee triple or joining rooms for families; accompanying adults may be required to share with others in the group on a twin share basis.
2. Maximum General Policy:
For the majority of our trips we have no upper age limit though we remind you that our trips can be physically demanding and passengers must ensure that they are suitably fit to allow full participation.
We are able to provide details on mandatory health requirements; however, we are not medical experts. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain proper and detailed medical advice at least two months prior to travel for the latest health requirements and recommendations for your destination.
• SMALL GROUPS & COMBINATION TRIPS
Our trips are guaranteed to depart once they have fully paid traveller unless minimum group size specifically states otherwise. This means at times we can have small groups. Many of our trips are designed to fit with other departures to create a longer “combination” trip; this means that some of your group may have already been travelling together for some weeks when you commence your trip. If you would like to know how many people are booked on your trip or any combination trip it is part of please ask prior to making your booking.
N.B:- optionally you can acquire a separate trip based on the requirement; make you’re on tailor made itinerary.
• PASSPORT AND VISAS
You must carry a valid passport and have obtained all of the appropriate visas, permits and certificates for the countries in which you will visit during your trip. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the duration of the trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip; please refer to the website for details.
N.B:- We are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE
We also strongly recommend to have travel insurance in order to covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide proof of your travel insurance on the first day of your trip.
• FLEXIBILITY
You appreciate and acknowledge that the nature of this type of travel requires considerable flexibility and you should allow for alternatives. The itinerary provided for each trip is representative of the types of activities contemplated, but it is understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events.
• CHANGE OF ITINERARY
While we endeavor to operate all trips as described we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary. Please refer to our website before departure for the most recent updates to your itinerary.
1.Before departure
If we make a major change we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before departure. The definition of a major change is deemed to be a change affecting at least one day in five of the itinerary. When a major change is made you may choose between accepting the change, obtaining a refund of money paid on the land portion of the trip only or accepting an alternative tour offered.
2.After departure
We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or events outside of our control. In such emergency circumstances the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itinerary such as visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights.
• AUTHORITY ON TOUR
Our group trips are run by a group leader. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any person participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our responsible travel guidelines.
• ACCEPTANCE OF RISK
You acknowledge that the nature of the trip is adventurous and participation involves a degree of personal risk. You will be visiting places where the political, cultural and geographical attributes present dangers and physical challenges greater than those present in our daily lives. We use information from government foreign departments and reports from our own contacts in assessing whether the itinerary should operate; this allow us to take the tour safety before departure. However it is also your own responsibility to acquaint yourself with all possible relevant travel information and the nature of your itinerary. You acknowledge that your decision to travel is made in light of consideration of this information and you accept that you are aware of the personal risks attendant upon such travel.
• OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Optional activities not included in the trip price do not form part of the trip or this contract. You accept that any assistance given by your group leader or local representative in arranging optional activities does not render us liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and activity provider.
• CLAIMS & COMPLAINTS
If you have a complaint about your trip please inform your group leader or our local representative at the time in order that they can attempt to rectify the matter. If satisfaction is not reached through these means then any further complaint should be put in writing to us within 30 days of the end of the tour.
• SEVERABILITY
In the event that any term or condition contained in these Booking Conditions is unenforceable or void by operation of law or as being against public policy or for any other reason than such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from this contract or amended accordingly only to such extent necessary to allow all remaining terms and conditions to survive and continue as binding.
• PHOTOS AND MARKETING
You consent to us using images of you taken during the trip for advertising and promotional purposes in any medium we choose. You grant us a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to use such images for publicity and promotional purposes.
N.B:- please be noted that have the power to load on the gallery of the website so that we keep your history to stay with us.
APPLICABLE LAW
The laws of Supreme Court of Ethiopia, Hospitality and Tourism minister of Ethiopia govern these Booking Conditions to the fullest extent allowable. Any disputes in connection with a trip or these Booking Conditions must be initiated in the supreme courts, Ethiopia.
• FORCE MAJEURE
Except where otherwise expressly stated in these Booking Conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by, or you otherwise suffer any damage, loss or expense of any nature as a result of, “force majeure”. In these Booking Conditions, “force majeure” means any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity (actual or threatened), industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our or the supplier(s) concerned control. Advice from the Foreign Office to avoid or leave a particular country may constitute Force Majeure.
Special requests and medical problems
If you have any special request, you must advise us at the time of booking. Although we will endeavor to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, we regret we cannot promise that any request will be met unless we have specifically confirmed this in writing. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed onto the supplier or the inclusion of the request on your Booking Confirmation and Invoice or any other documentation is not confirmation that the request will be met. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all special requests are subject to availability. We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. any booking which is specified to be conditional on the fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be treated as “standard” bookings subject to the above provisions on special requests.
• LIABILITY
To the extent permitted by law, neither Agesha tour nor anyone on its behalf can be held liable for any alterations, act or omission on the part of the service providers/principals for any consequential, loss, death, injury, accident, delay or damage occasioned to any person or their belongings (including baggage) in connection with the tour or holiday offers supplied Agesha tour whether or not such loss, injury or damage is due directly or indirectly to any default, negligent act, misrepresentation, breach of duty, or omission of the travel operator, their respective representatives, servants, contractors or agents. Matters outside the control of Agesha toursmay affect the services offered and Agesha will not be responsible for any such matters. Programs, offers, tour prices, services and conditions are current at the time of publication of promotional material are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances, including increases in operating costs. Agesha tour will not accept responsibility or liability for any traveler who contravenes the law or regulation of any country visited. Agesha tour strongly advice against the use or possession of prohibited drugs in foreign countries and warns travelers that if found to be involved in the use or possession of illegal drugs on Agesha tour and travel package, we reserve the right to discharge the traveler from a tour. This is a zero tolerance policy.
REGISTERED ADDRESS
Agesha Tours Ethiopia plc, Mickey Leland Street, Addis Ababa, postal box 132, Ethiopia.
• UPDATING OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The Company reserves the right to update and/or alter these terms and conditions at any time, and it is the Clients responsibility to be familiar with them. The latest terms and conditions can always be found on the Company website www.ageshatours.com and will supersede any previous versions.
For groups of all sizes, organize a special departure of one of our pre-existing adventures, or tailor-make an itinerary to one of our destinations around the world.
Tailor-made your itineraries
Tailor-made your itinerary
How to sell hotel room
How to sell hotel rooms
Why agesha tours
Why Agesha Tours
AGESHA Tours (Agere-Genet (paradise) Ethiopia of Symbolic & Historic Attractions):- has come into the tour operation business recently; and is managed and operated by its staff that have extensive education and knowledge about the tourism industry of Ethiopia. Our tour guides in particular have wide-ranging understanding about the historical, cultural, natural and religious sites of our country making us a preferable company that provides multi-dimensional service to the needs and satisfaction of our customers. In addition to this, the modern fleets of land cruisers and latest vans that are operated by our diligent drivers with extensive years of experience and mechanical know-how are our added assets that assure our customers an enjoyable and yet reliable visit to any selected destination.
After an enjoyable tour to your desired destination, we will make you depart back home with memorable days and nights staying in our good hands. Based on our principal objective of satisfying the interests of our customers, we offer them meticulous service worth the money they spend and their precious time they intend to utilize properly.
Our vision
To be the preferred income travel agency by tour operators, individual, group travelling and women’s traveler to Ethiopia.
Our mission
BY offering a first class personal service and by using our local knowledge, experience and contacts, we are proud to serve our customers with tailor made solutions so that to exceed the customer expectation.
Our values (S.E.R.V.E)
Service
Our customers come first and we work to the highest operational standards in order to exceed the expectations of our customer and want to give service for the value of money they paid.
Excellence
We deliver excellence to our travel partners and our mutual customers through the development of quality system and continued focus on smarter way of working.
Respect
We work together with our partners and suppliers will respect and integrity of the development and maintain long lasting mutually beneficial working relationship.
Value
By using our strengths, we deliver value to our customers by offering quality, innovative and value for money, product and service.
Environment
We will operate responsibly to minimize negative and enhance positive environment, social and economic impact to ensuring the long term sustainability of our business and of the resources on which we depends.
Sell your Resrvation
Sell you reservation
Ethiopia
Ethiopia
The short history of The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, formerly known as Abyssinia is located in the northeast of Africa, in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia covers an area of 1.19 million Sq km and shares borders with Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Sudan and Kenya.
Ethiopia’s ancient historical landmarks and antiquities with its numerous ethnic groups and diverse cultures and traditions, its breathtaking landscape, magnificent crater lakes, and the Great Rift valley system with its lined lakes characterized by fabulous aquatic life, together with its numerous National parks with their stunning views, makes Ethiopia a three-in-one destination.
Ethiopia is old beyond imagination; the origin of Ethiopia is largely the origin of us all. More than 3 million years ago one of our first hominid ancestors walked that portion of the earth which is now Ethiopia's spectacular Afar Depression. Scientists have named her Lucy but Ethiopians call her Dinkensh meaning “Thou Art wonderful”.
Ethiopia is a land of natural contrasts, from the tops of the rugged Simien Mountains (4543m) to the depths of the Danakil Depression which, at 116 meters below sea level, is one of the lowest dry land points on earth. The cornucopia of natural beauty that blesses Ethiopia offers an astonishing variety of landscapes: Afro-Alpine highlands soaring to around 4300 meters, deserts sprinkled with salt flats and yellow sulphur, lakes with rare and beautiful birds, moors and mountains, the splendor of the Great Rift Valley, white-water rivers, savannah teeming with game, giant waterfalls, dense and lush jungle… the list is endless.
Ethiopia is also known as ‘The Roof’ and ‘The Water Tower’ of East Africa, because of its high altitude and its great rivers that flow towards the neighboring countries, including the origins of the Blue Nile.Ethiopia is one of the ancient countries of the world. Its history and culture goes back 3000 years. Its legendry history starts with the mythical Queen of Sheba who, after a visit to the biblical King Salomon in Jerusalem, gave birth to his son Menelik I, the latter king of the pre Axumite Empire. [According to legend?] He took the Ark of the Covenant from Jerusalem to Ethiopia, where it is believed to rest until now.
Throughout its long history, Ethiopia has had incomparable art and antiquities - the Ancient town of Axum with its amazing carved obelisks, Christian festivals and relics including the Ark of the Covenant; Lalibela with its extraordinary rock hewn churches; Gondar with its castles and Medieval Churches; the Monasteries of Lake Tana with their amazing mural paintings and relics; the Ancient rock hewn churches of Tigray and the walled Muslim city of Harar, plus so many more.
Ethiopia is also a mosaic of diverse cultures. Currently it has a population of more than 82.5 million people, from four different linguistic families, speaking over 80 languages with 200 dialects, a melting pot of diverse customs and cultures, some of which are extremely ancient.
Ethiopia is the only country in Africa to posses its own alphabet and Calendar. The Ethiopian calendar follows the Julian calendar being 7 years and 8 months behind the Gregorian calendar.
Country Tip
Country Tip
Country tip of The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Country Location
Located in the Eastern part of the African Region, Ethiopia is a country endowed with vast historical and natural resources of sparkling and contrasting physical features. It covers an area of about 1.14 million square kilometers. In the East and the South East it is bordered by the Republic of Djibouti, Somalia borders it to the East and South East, Eritrea to the North, Sudan and South Sudan to the West and South West, and Kenya to the South.
Country Topography
The country’s topography features high and rugged mountains, flat-topped plateaus, deep gorges, valleys, vast rolling plains and low lands. Its altitude ranges from 148 meters below sea level at the Dallol Depression in the northeast, to 4620 meters above sea level at Mount Ras Dashen-the highest peak found in the northwestern part of the country
The country’s fascinating major geographical features among others include, the Great Rift Valley - that divides the country into western and eastern highlands; and different canyons, gorges and river basins. The major rivers of the country are:-Abay, Awash, Baro, Omo, Tekeze, Genale and Wabe Shebele. They are used as sources of power generation, irrigation and transportation.
The Country climate
Ethiopia’s climate varies from cold to temperate and from tropical to sub-tropical from one part of the country to other. Although the country lies within 150onorth of the equator, owing to the influence of high altitude, significant part of its landscape enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate with average temperature rarely exceeding 200 0C.
Further to this reality, sub-tropical and tropical climates are evident in the sparsely populated lowlands of the country. At approximately 850 mm, the average annual rainfall for the whole country is considered to be moderate by global standards. In most of the highlands, rainfall occurs during two distinct seasons: These seasons are the ‘small rains’ that come during February and March, and the season of the ‘big rains’ that rain continuously from June to September every year.
Country anthropological
Ethiopians enjoy a three century-old diverse culture and deep-rooted values. Major anthropological findings have proven this truth. This is further attested by among many others by the finding of the 3.5 million year old Australopithecus skeleton otherwise known as ‘Lucy’ discovered in the Afar Region at a particular place called Hadar including by the 4.4 million year old remains of an Australopithecus Remides which is envisaged to be man’s anthropoid ancestor. Various earliest hand tools unearthed around the same area and in some other parts of the country also signify the truth that the country is endowed with ancient history that has also made it to become one of the few preferred tourist destinations in Africa.
The people of Ethiopia are considered exclusive in the face of the world because of their ethnic and cultural diversity. About 90 million people make up the population of the country and they are represented by 80 ethnically diverse nations, nationalities and peoples who are living together in harmony; each having its own cultural identity one of the most daring attraction that most tourists consider the country a ‘must to be visited destination.’ The peoples’ unity is exemplified by their history of togetherness that has been evidenced for more than three millennia.
Amharic is the official working language of the Federal Government. Other indigenous languages i.e. Tigirigna, Oromigna, Sidamigna, Wolaytigna, Guragina, Afarigna and Somaligna are also spoken by substantial number of people. English and Arabic and French are amongst the foreign languages spoken widely.
Country Religion
The two major faiths that constitute significant number of followers are Coptic Christianity and Islam. The other faiths that have also substantial followers are the Catholic and Protestant faiths.
The Structure of the Government
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) is structured constituting nine regional states and two chartered cities based on the country’s Constitution promulgated in 1995. The parliament is bicameral and comprises the House of the People’s Representatives and the House of the Federation. The House of the People’s Representatives is the upper authority of the Federal Government while the House of the Federation represents the interest of the nations, nationalities and peoples of the different regions.
Elections are held every five years at which people freely elect their representatives for the seats of the Federal House of People’s Representatives (members of parliament) and members of the regional councils.
The Parliament
The country is administered by a Bi-Cameral Parliament
Branches
The Bi-Cameral parliament has three branches namely:- The Executive: The President, the Council of State, the Council of Ministers.
Official Name of the Country
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE)
Capital City
Addis Ababa
Administrative Regions
Nine regions and two chartered city administrations (Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa) constitute the country’s administrative sub-divisions
Regional Government of the FDRE
The following Regional States are embraced under the Federal government.
1. The Regional State of Tigray
2. The Regional State of Amhara
3. The Regional State of Oromyia
4. The Regional State of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples
5. The Regional State of BenshangulGumuz
6. The Regional State of the Gambella Peoples
7. The Region State of the Harari Peoples
8. The Regional State of Afar
9. The Regional State of the Somali Peoples
Principal Government Officials
H.E. Ambassador Doctor MulatuTeshome - President
H.E. Mr. HailemariamDesalegn – Prime Minister
H.E. Mr. AbadulaGemeda, Chairman of the House of the Peoples’ Representative
H.E. Mr. KassaTeklebirhan - Chairman of the Federation Council
Type of Government
Federal Republic
Currency
The Birr note is the monitory unit of the Ethiopian currency. The coins are minted and circulated in values of 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents. The currency notes are printed in denominations of Birr 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100.
The exchange rate of the Birr is determined in the daily inter-bank market monitored by the National Bank of Ethiopia as may be necessary. Foreign currency exchanging facilities are available at the airport on arrival and at public and private banks, or licensed hotels. There are official and legal financial entities (banks) that change foreign currency both at the airport and at different parts in Addis Ababa and in many other major cities of the country.
Calendar
The Julian calendar is the origin from which the Ethiopian Calendar is derived. A year is divided into 12 months of 30 days each and with the remaining 5 days (or 6 days in a leap year) constituting the 13th month or otherwise known as Pagumen. The Ethiopian New Year falls on September 11th each year or on the 12thof September every leap year.
The country is located in the GMT+3 time zones. The official working hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.in the morning and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the afternoon from Monday to Thursday. Working hours for government offices on Fridays starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. and in the afternoon starts at 1:30 p.m. and ends at 5:30 p.m. The Friday morning working hour ends at 11:30 to allow the Muslim population conduct their usual prayer called Jumma. Private and some public owned businesses are often open on Saturdays.
Historic Sites
The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela are one of the wornders of our that significant number of tourists visit each year.
About us
Who we are
AGESHA is an exceptional tour company that provides comprehensive tour packages that enable visiting the various tourist destinations of the country, tailored to the needs and touring plans of its customers.
Background
AGESHA is an exceptional tour company that provides comprehensive tour packages that enable visiting the various tourist destinations of the country, tailored to the needs and touring plans of its customers. It provides more than satisfactory service for its guests – worth their money and their valuable time. In a short span of your visit to the country, with AGESHA tours you will deeply know about Ethiopia and its beautiful and hospitable people.
Our Approach
Our tour guides in particular have wide-ranging understand ding about the historical, cultural, natural and religious sites of our country making us a preferable company that provides multi-dimensional service to the needs and satisfaction of our customers. In addition to this, the modern fleets of land cruisers and latest vans that are operated by our diligent drivers with extensive years of experience and mechanical know-how are our added assets that assure our customers an enjoyable and yet reliable visit to any selected destination.
The Power of Story
AGESHA Tours (Agere-Genet Ethiopia of Symbolic & Historic Attractions) is one of the leading tour operators that has come into the tour operation business recently; and is managed and operated by its staff that have extensive education and knowledge about the tourism industry of Ethiopia. Our tour guides in particular have wide-ranging understand ding about the historical, cultural, natural and religious sites of our country making us a preferable company that provides multi-dimensional service to the needs and satisfaction of our customers.