Experience Ethiopia’s Most Colorful Orthodox Festival

🌟 Introduction

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime cultural journey through Ethiopia during Timket — the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of Epiphany, one of the most important and colorful religious festivals in the country. This 10-day guided tour blends Ethiopia’s spiritual grandeur, ancient history, and stunning natural beauty, with the highlight being the Timket celebration in Gondar or Lalibela, where faith, tradition, and joy come together in a vibrant spectacle.

🗺️ Tour Overview

• Tour Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
• Best Time: January (Timket Festival is celebrated on January 19th or 20th in leap years)
• Destinations: Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gondar (or Lalibela), Axum, Lalibela, and back to Addis
• Tour Type: Cultural, Historical & Religious Festival
• Group Size: Small Group or Private Tour
• Start/End Point: Addis Ababa

📅 Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

• Airport pickup and hotel transfer
• Short city tour: National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and local market
• Welcome dinner with traditional music
  Overnight: Addis Ababa

Day 2: Flight to Bahir Dar – Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls

• Morning flight to Bahir Dar
• Boat tour on Lake Tana – visit the island monasteries
• Afternoon excursion to Blue Nile Falls
  Overnight: Bahir Dar

Day 3: Drive to Gondar – Castles and Churches

• Drive through scenic landscapes
• Visit the Royal Enclosure, Fasil Ghebbi Castles, and Debre Berhan Selassie Church
  Overnight: Gondar

**Day 4: Timket Eve – Ketera Procession

• Witness the dramatic procession of the Tabots (replicas of the Ark of the Covenant)
• Thousands of pilgrims in white robes join priests and choirs
  Overnight: Gondar

**Day 5: Timket Festival Ceremony

• Early morning blessing of water ceremony
• Experience mass baptisms, chants, and celebrations
• Afternoon is free for exploration and interaction
  Overnight: Gondar

Day 6: Drive to Simien Mountains National Park

• Scenic drive to Simien Mountains (UNESCO site)
• Short trek to spot Gelada baboons and panoramic views
  Overnight: Lodge or hotel near the park

Day 7: Drive to Axum – Ancient Capital of Ethiopia

• Cross through mountains and valleys to Axum
  Overnight: Axum

Day 8: Axum Historical Sites Tour

• Visit the Obelisks of Axum, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, and St. Mary of Zion Church
• Explore the Ark of the Covenant Chapel (exterior)
  Overnight: Axum

Day 9: Flight to Lalibela – Rock-Hewn Churches

• Tour the UNESCO-listed rock churches, including Bet Medhane Alem and Bet Giyorgis
• Traditional coffee ceremony and cultural dinner
  Overnight: Lalibela

Day 10: Flight Back to Addis Ababa & Departure

• Return to Addis
• Shopping or an optional spa experience
• Transfer to the airport for international departure

✅ Tour Includes:

• All ground transport with an English-speaking driver
• 3-star or best available hotel/lodge accommodation (twin/double room)
• Professional local guides in each destination
• All entrance and park fees
• Daily breakfast + selected dinners
• Bottled water during the tour
• Traditional welcome & farewell dinners
• Timket Festival participation & guidance

❌ Tour Excludes:

• International airfare
• Visa fees (available on arrival or e-visa)
• Lunches and dinners are not listed
• Travel insurance (required)
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, drinks, etc.)

💰 Price Per Person

Starting from $1,750 USD
(Based on 2 people sharing, prices may vary depending on group size and accommodation preferences)

📌 Additional Information

• Booking Deadline: December 15
• Minimum Group Size for Timket Group Tour: 4 people
• Private departures available upon request
• Customization: This tour can be extended to include the Danakil Depression or Southern Ethiopia (Omo Valley)