Tour overview
This itinerary is specially designed for those travelers who wish to attend on the colorful Timkat Religious Festival and combines it with the famous Northern Historic Route. The trip will start and end in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia and center for the African continent. This is a great itinerary that visits the very best of the Northern Ethiopia Historic Circuit whilst offering hidden treasures and includes several UNESCO world heritage sites.Travel to Ethiopia and discover a beautiful country and explore the hidden treasures. It’s an incredible combination of history, tradition, culture and nature. You will discover fascinating places and beautiful scenery on this journey across the heart of Ethiopia’s countryside. Ethiopia is a land of spectacle, of amazing natural scenery and wildlife as well as impressive man-made structures.
In addition to attend and experience the magnificent Timkat Ceremony, this trip takes you deep into human history. The discovery begins in Addis Ababa with a panoramic escape to Mt. Entoto and an important stop at the National Archaeological Museum, home of the 3.5 million-year-old bones of Lucy, the world’s oldest hominid. Continue to the north to the amazing rock-hewn churches, hidden crypts and grottoes in Lalibela (which is considered to be the 8th wonder of the world); The 500-year-old monastery islands of Bahirdar on Lake Tana and taking in views of the Blue Nile and its fall. Then you will drive to Gondar tfor the famous Timkat ceremony and elegant castles. Timkat festival is the celebration that commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the river of Jordan by John the Baptist. Pilgrims congregate from all parts of the country to celebrate the epiphany. It takes place on 19th January every year and Gondar is the best place to attend to the ceremony. The itinerary also incudes, The majestic geological formations of the Simien Mountains (meeting red-chested Gelada baboons); The giant obelisks that rise out of Axum , also home of the Ark of the Covenant and a place to discover archaeological treasures; The Mysterious and some of the most rarely seen ancient rock churches of Tigray on Gheralta Mountains. You’ll be sure to taste the country’s famous coffee and delectable cuisine, and meet the genuine and friendly people along the way. This is an adventure like no other.
Download pdf brochureDay 1: January 13: Arrive in Addis Abeba Ethiopia & City Tour
Welcome to Ethiopia! Arrive at Addis Abeba Bole International Airport. Here you will be greeted by your tour guide or driver from Memento Ethiopia Tours. Then you will be transferred to hotel. If your arrival is early morning, after a leisurely morning rest and relax you will spend the afternoon on a site seeing of Addis Abeba. Established by Emperor Menelik II 1887 Addis Abeba or ‘New flower’ in Amharic, is relatively young city full of contrasts. This city tour includes, The National Museum which houses the country’s historic treasures & the famous ‘Lucy”, The Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Ethiopian main cathedral and home to the remains of the last emperor: Drive up to Mount Entoto to have a panoramic view of the city and end the tour with Merkato, one of the largest open air markets in Africa.
Overnight: Addis Abeba.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 2: January 14: Fly to Lalibela & Explore the 11 rock churches of Lalibela
In the morning transfer to Addis Abeba Bole International Airport for a short Scenic flight to Lalibela. Up on arrival at Lalibela airport you will meet your Guide and transfer to your accommodation. You will spend the day exploring one of the world’s most remarkable historic sites. The 11 rock churches of Lalibela are believed to be built 900 years ago by Saint King Lalibela. These elaborate edifices are each carved by hand entirely out of a single block of living granite rock and considered as ‘8th Wonders of the World’, ‘Jerusalem of Africa’ and ‘Petra of Africa’. It is a deeply spiritual place and UNESCO world heritage site. These churches are divided into two groups. The first group symbolizes Earthly Jerusalem while the second represents Heavenly Jerusalem. Today you will visit the first group of churches.
Overnight: Lalibela.
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.
Day 3: January 15: Yemrhane Kristos Church & Second Group Churches of Lalibela.
Today’s excursion takes you out of the town of Lalibela and visit one of fascinating rock churches located around the town. In the morning drive out to Yemrhane Kristos cave church built inside the cave in Aksumite wood and stone construction style. The church has become famous for its interior. The flat-span roof displays paneling richly adorned with geometrical designs. The ceiling over the sanctuary is domed and displays carvings and paintings. The founder of the church is Saint King Yemrhane Kristos a predecessor of Saint King Lalibela. Drive back to Lalibela and after lunch break visit the Second Group of 11 Rock Churches of King Lalibela.
Overnight: Lalibela
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge
Overnight: Lalibela.
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.
Day 4: January 16: Full Day Scenic Drive to Bahirdar
Today you will enjoy a full day scenic drive to Bahirdar, a beautiful city located next to Lake Tana and capital to Amhara regional state. The drive takes you through the spectacular northern highland scenery and gives you the chance to see the life of the local Amhara people. On the way stop and visit the Small community Awramba. The Awramba are famous for their unique way of life, philosophy, Social and economic system. Meet the founder or other representative of the community and listen to their philosophy. Arrive in Bahirdar late in the afternoon.
Overnight: Bahirdar
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.
Day 5: January 17: Explore Ancient Monasteries on Lake Tana & Famous Blue Nile Falls
In the morning embark on a boat trip of Lake Tana. Covering 3,600 sq. kms, this is Ethiopia’s largest lake and home to 37 islands. 20 of these islands house some of the country’s most venerated monasteries, which many of them believed to date back to the 13th& 14th century and feature superb ecclesiastical art. First you will visit the monastery of Ura Kidane Miheret on the Zege Peninsula famous for its incredible wall paintings and collection of cross and crowns. Continue to Betre Mariam monastery and then the boat will return to Bahirdar via the source of the Blue Nile and here you might see some Hippos on the lake. After lunch break at the lake shore enjoy an hour scenic drive to the famous and stunning Blue Nile falls. The fall known as “the water that smokes” in Amharic, is located about 32kms south of Bahirdar. The Blue Nile Fall measure over 400 meters wide and descends 48 meters in full flood. You can take a longer scenic walk (1.5kms) or a short walk to reach the foot of the falls. Then cross the Nile River with a boat to reach to your car and drive back to Bahirdar.
Overnight: Bahirdar.
Accommodation: Hotel & Lodge
Day 6: January 18: Drive to Gondar & Attend on the Eve of Timkat Festival
Leaving Bahirdar this morning and drive further north to Gondar. Enjoy a 4 hours scenic drive through the northern highlands. Arrive in Gondar in the afternoon and check in to hotel. In the afternoon you will attend the start of the ceremony. Today it is the eve for the Timkat ‘Ethiopian Epiphany’. Timkat festival is the celebration that commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the river of Jordan by John the Baptist. Pilgrims congregate from all parts of the country to celebrate the epiphany. It takes place on 19th January every year. This afternoon, priests take the Tabot (which symbolizes the Ark of the Covenant) containing the Ten Commandments that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai, from each Church. Concealed by an ornamental cloth, it is taken to a tent, close to a consecrated pool or stream, accompanied by much ringing of bells, blowing of trumpets and the burning of incense.Carrying the Ark of the Covenant to the river signifies the coming of Jesus to the river to be baptized by John the Baptist. You will walk with the faithful towards the remarkable Bath of Emperor Fasil known as ‘the pavilion od delight’ where this religious ceremony is held colorfully. Throughout the night sermons in relation to the Baptismal of Jesus, singing, dancing and praying to continue.
Overnight: Gondar
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 8: January 19: Visit the Main Ceremony & Explore Sites of Gondar
Early in the morning (around 3:30am) transfer to Bath of Fasil to witness the main part of this fascinating religious ceremony. The Kiddase (Divine Liturgy) is administered near the pools early in the morning. Passages from the story of the Baptism of Jesus Christ recited from the four Gospels at the cardinal points of the pool.The Patriarch (head priest) dips his cross to bless the water. Three candles are floated on a water of wood in the baptismal pool, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The water is then blessed and sprinkled towards the assembled congregation, some of whom immerse themselves in the water, symbolically renewing their baptismal vows. After this you will return back to hotel for breakfast and rest. In the afternoon after visiting the colorful procession during which the tabors are escorted back to the churches, you will visit other sites in Gondar. Located on the high plateau, Gondar was the imperial capital for 200 years and famed for its medieval castles and churches. Spend the afternoon visiting the city’s Royal Enclosure home to dramatic 17th century castles built by different emperors. These whole complexes of buildings are unique in Ethiopia and never found elsewhere in Africa and known as the Camelot of Africa. After the castles stop by the famous church of Debre Berhan Selassie, one of the finest in Ethiopia. The walls and ceilings covered with stunning ancient murals.
Overnight: Gondar
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 9: January 20: Drive up to the Simen Mountains National Park & Hike
Following breakfast this morning, continue traveling north to the Simen Mountains. After two hours scenic drive stop at the town of Debark, where the park headquarter located, to full fill park regulations and get local guide and park scout. Then you will drive in to the Simen Mountains National Park to start short hike (2-3hrs) through the breathtaking scenery. Today you might have a chance to see the endemic Ethiopian Gelada Baboons and klipspringers. After finishing your hike spent the night in the lodge or drive back to Debark town. The simen mountains range lies north of Gondar and many of the peaks rise above 4,000 meters, with the highest point of Ras Dashen at 4,620 meters absl. Being the fourth highest in Africa. The striking towers and formations have been described as ‘the chess pieces of the gods’. The park is home to some of the world’s most elusive animals, like the Walia Antelope and Ethiopian Wolf.
Overnight: Inside the Park or Debark.
Accommodation: Lodge or Basic Hotel.
Day 10: January 21: From the Simen Mountains Travel down to Aksum
Enjoy a full day scenic drive to the fabled and ancient city of Aksum through the lowlands of the Simen Mountains and Tekeze river gorge. The road between the Simen Mountains and Tekeze gorge is one of the most fascinating in Ethiopia. First you will take the zigzag road of Lima Limo with many hairpins and crossing a rough mountain landscape. Later you will descend into impressive Tekeze river gorge. Arrive in Aksum late in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Aksum
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 11: Discover the Ancient Capital of the Aksumite Kingdom& Transfer to Hawzen
In the morning explore Aksum, the birth place of Ethiopian civilization, and discover the incredible historical site of ancient city. Aksum was once the capital of the kingdom of Aksum, Africa’s oldest empire, which lasted from 1 AD to 700 AD and grew to rank among the most powerful and civilized kingdoms of the ancient world. Visit the famous monolithic Stelae filed of Aksum. The filed is home to over 100 stelas, which, the largest one measuring 33 meters & weighing 517 tones, are carved from a single piece of granite and are often elaborately decorated. Then visit the church of St. Mary of Zine, which is believed to be the first church to be built in Sub-Saharan Africa and home to the original Ark of the Covenant. You will also visit the Archaeological Museum, the Ruined Palace of Queen of Sheba and different Toms of Kings. In the afternoon drive towards Hawzen a town which is center to visit ancient rock churches of Tigray.
Overnight: Hawzen.
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.
Day 11: January 23: Explore Rock churches of Tigray & Gheralta Mountains.
The day dedicated to discover and admire the little visited area of the Gheralta Mountains and ancient rock churches. In the morning short drive to the small town of Megab and climb up and visit Debre Mariam Koror rock church. This is among the biggest church found in Gheralta Mountains. The interior part has 6 pillars and the walls are decorated with different paintings. Daniel Korkor another small rock church is also located behind this big rock church. Here you will have an amazing panoramic view from the top. After lunch and short break walk an hour through local village to Mariam Papaseti Rock Church known for its vivid cloth paintings, which depict various old and New Testament stories.
Overnight: Hawzen
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge.
Day 12: January 24: Flight Back to Addis Abeba & Return Home
In the morning sat drive towards Mekele capital city of Tigray region. On the way visit the church of Wukro Cherkos at Wukro town with its cruciform pillars and barrel vaulted ceiling. Arrive at Mekele and transfer to the airport to catch a fight that takes you back to Addis Abeba. Arrive in Addis in the afternoon. Transfer to hotel to rest and get settled before your night flight or you can do last minute shopping. In the evening enjoy final farewell dinner at a well-known local Ethiopian restaurant with cultural danses. Later this evening you will be transferred to Addis Abeba Bole International Airport for your return flight back home. Your vacation ends here.
