Celebrate Ethiopia’s Grand Thanksgiving Festival with Deep Cultural Immersion

🗺️ Tour Introduction

Join us on a once-in-a-year cultural journey to experience Irreecha, the colorful Oromo Thanksgiving Festival, celebrated in Bishoftu and Addis Ababa. This 5-day tour offers a rare opportunity to witness traditional rituals, vibrant cultural attire, ceremonial songs, dances, and Oromo spirituality. Combined with visits to Rift Valley lakes, cultural sites, and Addis Ababa highlights, this tour is a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local connection.

📌 Tour Overview

• Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
• Start/End: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Festival Dates: Early October (specific dates vary each year)
• Main Highlights:
  • Attend Irreecha celebrations in Addis Ababa & Bishoftu
  • Traditional Oromo rituals and cultural immersion
  • Lake Bishoftu crater lakes visit
  • Addis Ababa city tour and cultural dinner
  • Visit Entoto Hills, Merkato market, and National Museum

🗓️ Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

• Meet & greet at Bole International Airport
• Hotel transfer and tour briefing
• Optional short city tour (depending on arrival time)
• Overnight in Addis Ababa

Day 2: Addis Ababa Irreecha Celebration

• Join thousands of Oromo people at Hora Finfinne (Irreecha site in Addis)
• Experience colorful traditional clothing, music, blessing rituals
• Afternoon: Visit National Museum (home of Lucy), Holy Trinity Cathedral
• Evening: Cultural dinner with traditional music and dance show
• Overnight in Addis Ababa

Day 3: Bishoftu Irreecha Festival

• Early morning drive to Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) – 45 km southeast of Addis
• Join the grand Irreecha ceremony at Hora Harsadii (Lake Hora)
• Witness prayers to Waaqa (God), blessings of elders, and symbolic rituals
• Explore Bishoftu’s scenic crater lakes and relax by the water
• Overnight in Bishoftu

Day 4: Rift Valley Nature & Return to Addis

• Optional morning hike or boat ride on Lake Babogaya
• Visit Mount Yerer or Kuriftu Cultural Village
• Afternoon return to Addis Ababa
• Shopping or leisure time
• Overnight in Addis Ababa

Day 5: Departure

• Transfer to airport for international departure
• End of tour

✅ Included in the Package

• 4 nights hotel accommodation (Addis & Bishoftu)
• All ground transportation with private vehicle and driver
• English-speaking cultural guide throughout the tour
• Entrance fees to all sites and festival access
• Daily breakfast & 1 traditional cultural dinner
• Bottled water during excursions
• Airport transfers (arrival and departure)

❌ Excluded from the Package

• International flights
• Visa fees (available on arrival for many countries)
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, tips)
• Meals not specified in the itinerary

💰 Tour Price

Starting From: $780 USD per person
(Based on 2-person sharing. Single supplement: +$120 USD)
Group Discounts Available – Contact us for custom quotes