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16-Day Ethiopian Festival Tour: Lalibela, Gondar, Omo Valley
Features
- Free cancellation available
- 16d
- Mobile voucher
- Instant confirmation
- Selective hotel pickup
- Multiple languages
Overview
- Celebrate Ethiopian Christmas Eve & Day among thousands of pilgrims in Lalibela
- Meet the diverse tribes of the Omo Valley including the Hamer, Mursi, and Karo
- Trek in the breathtaking Simien Mountains and take a boat trip on Lake Tana
- Witness the spectacular Timket (Epiphany) festival celebrations in Gondar
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and Axum
Activity location
- Addis Ababa
- Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Addis Ababa
- Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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What's included, what's not
- 15 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 15 dinners
- 15 nights in 3-star hotel in Addis or best available hotels where possible
- A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader:
- Expert local guides for each section
- Advice for people with limited mobility
- This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
- site entrance and national park fees as listed in itinerary
- Genna Festival (Ethiopian Christmas) and Timket Festival supplements
- elsewhere on a twin share bas local guides in each location (English speaking
- tour leader throughout for 6 or more guests)
- Driver-guide plus local guides in each location (for 5 or fewer guests)
- Airport transfers on Days 1 and 16 only
- Private road transport
- Boat trip on Lake Chamo and Lake Tana
- Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up-to-date information
- Singles:
- International flights
- Domestic flights Addis Ababa/Lalibela return, and Arba Minch/Addis Ababa/Axum, and Bahir Dar/Addis Ababa are not included
- We recommend booking these flights with East Africa Tour Operator as it is easier to manage any schedule changes locally
- Arrival and departure transfers in Addis Ababa (other than airport transfers on Days 1 and 16 only)
- Note: The Addis Ababa group hotel (-------Hotel) offers a free airport to hotel shuttle service upon arrival or departure. This shuttle must be prebooked prior to your arrival or departure – please refer to your reservation’s consultant for more details
- Aerated and alcoholic drinks
- Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, internet, laundry, etc
- Travel insurance, visa, tips
Know before you book
- Not allowed: Alcohol and drugs
- Not suitable for: Babies under 1 year, People over 95 years, Wheelchair users
What you can expect
16-Day Ethiopian Festival Discovery Tour: Lalibela, Gondar & Omo Valley
Join us on a journey through the heart of Ethiopia.
Day 1 – Welcome to Addis Ababa
Arrive in Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a city tour including the National Museum (home of “Lucy”) and Ethnological Museum. Overnight hotel.
Day 2 – Fly to Lalibela & Celebrate Genna Eve
Morning flight to Lalibela, home to 11 incredible rock-hewn churches. Explore these architectural marvels before attending Genna Eve celebrations—an atmospheric midnight ceremony at Bet Maryam Church.
Day 3 – Genna Festival in Lalibela
Witness the main Genna Day celebrations, where thousands of pilgrims gather in white robes, filling the sacred sites with chants, drums, and incense. Afternoon hike or mule ride to Asheton Maryam Monastery.
Day 4 – Fly to Addis, Drive to Awassa
Return to Addis and drive to Awassa, stopping at scenic lakes en route. Optional visit to the fish market.
Day 5 – To Arba Minch via Dorze Village
Visit the Dorze tribe, known for their beehive-shaped huts and weaving. Continue to Arba Minch.
Day 6 – Boat Safari & Drive to Turmi
Boat trip on Lake Chamo to spot hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Drive south to Turmi, stopping by Tsemai villages.
Day 7 – Karo & Hamer Tribes
Explore the Karo tribe, famed for body painting, and later visit a Hamer village, known for ornate hairstyles and elaborate adornments.
Day 8 – Mursi Tribe & Drive to Jinka
Visit the Mursi people, known for lip plates and traditional customs. Continue to Jinka, gateway to Mago National Park.
Day 9 – Explore Konso Village
Drive to Konso, a UNESCO-listed site with fortified villages, terraced hills, and fascinating waka totems.
Day 10 – Return to Arba Minch & Fly to Addis
Morning drive back to Arba Minch, followed by flight to Addis.
Day 11 – Fly to Axum: Ark of the Covenant & Ancient Obelisks
Discover Axum, Ethiopia’s ancient capital, said to house the Ark of the Covenant. Visit the Church of St Mary of Zion and archaeological sites.
Day 12 – Drive to Debark, Gateway to the Simiens
Scenic drive to Debark, near Simien Mountains National Park. Accommodation here is basic.
Day 13 – Hike in Simien Mountains, Drive to Gondar
Morning hike among dramatic peaks and endemic wildlife. Late afternoon drive to Gondar.
Day 14 – Gondar Sightseeing & Timket Eve
Tour Gondar’s castles, royal enclosures, and Debre Berhan Selassie Church. Afternoon: join Timket Eve celebrations as tabots are paraded to Fasiladas’ Bath.
Day 15 – Timket Festival & Drive to Bahir Dar
Attend the vibrant Timket morning ritual, where sacred water blessings and religious processions mark Christ’s baptism. Afternoon drive to Bahir Dar, on Lake Tana.
Day 16 – Blue Nile Falls, Lake Tana, Fly to Addis
Visit Blue Nile Falls, then cruise Lake Tana to explore island monasteries. Evening flight to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a traditional farewell dinner with cultural music and dance before airport transfer.
Note: For all 16 days - Meals: B, L, D
Location
Activity location
- Addis Ababa
- Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Addis Ababa
- Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia