Ethiopia: 9-Day Christmas and Epiphany Festival Tour

Experience the Ethiopian Christmas and Epiphany celebrations on a 9-day tour. Visit the rock-hewn Church of St. George, explore the Simien Mountains, and take a boat excursion on Lake Tana.
Embark on a 9-day tour of Ethiopia, celebrating Christmas in Lalibela and the Timket festival in Gondar. Visit the Simien Mountains, the Blue Nile Falls, and the historic island monasteries of Lake Tana.

Day 1: Addis Ababa
Arrive at Bole International Airport, where your guide will warmly welcome you with an excellent reception. You will then be transferred to your reserved hotel for check-in.

Day 2: Lalibela
In the morning, take a short flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival, visit the First Group of renowned rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, enjoy a brief visit to Nakuto Le’Abe, a semi-monolithic church located just outside the town.

Day 3: Lalibela
Start the day early by attending the mesmerizing Christmas celebration at the iconic rock-hewn Church of St. George, known for its unique architecture and spiritual significance. After the festivities, visit the Remaining Group of Lalibela churches in the afternoon.

Day 4: Gondar
Fly from Lalibela to Gondar, the Camelot of Africa. Spend the day exploring the historic Fasil Ghebbi Castle Complex and the beautiful Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its vibrant frescoes.

Day 5: Simien Mountains
In the morning, embark on a scenic drive to the stunning Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy an overnight camping experience surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife.

Day 6: Simien Mountains & Gondar
Spend the day exploring the Simien Mountains, known for their dramatic cliffs and endemic species like the Gelada baboon. In the afternoon, drive back to Gondar.

Day 7: Gondar
Participate in the colorful Timket (Epiphany) festival, a vibrant religious celebration full of processions, prayers, and rituals.

Day 8: Bahir Dar
Drive to Bahir Dar and take a boat excursion on Lake Tana to visit its historic island monasteries, rich in Ethiopian Orthodox Christian heritage.

Day 9: Bahir Dar
In the morning, visit the stunning Blue Nile Falls, also known as Tis Issat ("The Smoking Water"). In the evening, enjoy a city tour of Bahir Dar, including a visit to the local market.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.