Welcome to The END Fund’s Summit to See the END: Simien Mountains Trek in Ethiopia! Below you will find information that will be useful while planning your travels.
REGISTRATION FORM & PAYMENT DEADLINES:
To register for the trip, please complete our Registration Form at your earliest convenience. This allows us to easily record your vital travel information. The registration & payment deadline is July 1, 2019. The END Fund will accept registrations after July 1st if space permits. Once we receive your registration form, we will be in touch with you about payment to reserve your spot on the trip.
Due to the physical nature of this trek, a physician’s form is required for participation. You can download the form here. Please return signed forms to Megan at megan@elevatedestinations.com by August 15, 2019.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS:
International arrival and departure flights are booked by travelers independently. If you would like the contact information for a trusted independent travel agent we are happy to provide you with this information. Kindly forward your international flight information to Megan (megan@elevatedestinations.com) once you have booked your flights.
Here are our recommended arrival/departure times:
- October 11th: Arrive at Bole International Airport (ADD) anytime
- October 20th: Depart Bole International Airport (ADD) anytime (to stay for the final brunch together, please book your return flights for after 2:00 pm)
While the Simien Mountains Trek begins on October 11th and ends on October 20th, we would be happy to help you extend your travels in the region. Please see the Extend Your Travel tab for more information.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Elevate Destinations strongly recommends that all travelers have travel insurance for any trip they wish to take with us. Please note that some insurance options require purchase within 24 hours of making payment for your trip. Elevate Destinations recommends that travelers evaluate the insurance options available for their needs, and inquire with providers about insurance that will provide coverage if the trip needs to be cancelled.
Elevate Destinations is partnered with the Travel Insurance Center, a broker of travel protection products. For assistance, contact Alan Lightbody, Agent Representative, E-mail alightbody@travelinsurancecenter.com, Toll Free 1-866-979-6753 Ext. 3648, or Direct 402-343-3648.
Another recommended insurance option is World Nomads.
Guests may acquire travel insurance through the Travel Insurance Center, World Nomads, or any other travel insurance company of their choosing.
PASSPORT:
Please make sure your passport is current and valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip departure date. Your passport should have at least 3 blank pages for the entry and exit stamps, or more if you are visiting several countries on this trip. Please note that the last two amendment pages are not acceptable for visas and immigration stamps.
VISA/TOURIST CARD:
US Citizens will require a visa to visit Ethiopia. Any Foreign eligible individuals that are planning to visit Ethiopia are able to complete a short and easy online e-Visa application form for traveling to Ethiopia for tourism purposes.
The e-Visa for Ethiopia is a document granted by the Government of Ethiopia that is allowing the citizens of any of the eligible countries with passports that are valid for at least six (6) months from the expected date of entry into Ethiopia, to apply online for any of the two types of Ethiopia e-Visa for tourism purposes.
We recommend applying for the e-visa 21 to 14 days in advance of your trip. It typically takes 72 hours to process your visa. Please apply for the ordinary Visa / Ethiopian Tourist Visa. You will need:
- Copy of your passport
- A recent passport size photo
- US $52 for tourist visa single entry
Click here to apply for your e-Visa.
If you would like to use a visa-processing service, we recommend A1 Passport and Visa in Washington, DC, for their great customer service. For questions regarding your visa application you can reach A1 Passport directly at (202) 639 1500.
You may be asked to provide contact information on the visa applications– providing the name, address and phone number of the hotels should be sufficient.
Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa
Meskel Square, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tel : +251 11 517 1234
If asked for a local contact on your visa application, please provide the following contact:
Dawit Teferi – Elevate Destinations’ ground partner
Phone: +251 911335722
Email: dawit@nightjartour.com
Address: Addis Ababa, Yeka, Woreda 11
