Timket Festival at Gondar & Simien Mountains Tour

Destinations: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar – Gondar – Simien Mountains – Lalibela – Addis Ababa
Day 1: January 17, 2025 – Arrival in Addis Ababa
Meet and greet at Bole International Airport.
Transfer to hotel for check-in and refreshment.
City tour of Addis Ababa:
- National Museum (home of Lucy, the 3.2-million-year-old fossil)
- Holy Trinity Cathedral
- Entoto Hills for panoramic views
- Merkato – Africa’s largest open-air market
Traditional Ethiopian dinner with live cultural dance performance.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Day 2: January 18, 2025 – Fly to Bahir Dar – Blue Nile Falls & Lake Tana Monasteries
Morning flight to Bahir Dar.
Visit the spectacular Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat – “Water that Smokes”).
Boat trip on Lake Tana, visiting ancient island monasteries (Ura Kidane Mehret, Azwa Mariam).
Sunset over the lake.
Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 3: January 19, 2025 – Drive to Gondar – Castles & Timket Eve Procession
Morning scenic drive to Gondar (about 3 hours).
Explore Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure) – a UNESCO-listed fortress city.
Visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, famous for its angelic ceiling paintings.
Timket Eve (Ketera) procession: Witness the sacred Tabots being carried to the baptismal pool with vibrant chanting, dancing, and candle-lit celebrations.
Overnight in Gondar.
Day 4: January 20, 2025 – Timket Festival in Gondar – Ethiopian Epiphany
Early morning Timket celebrations at Fasilides’ Bath, where the mass baptism takes place.
Experience the colorful religious chants, priests in dazzling robes, and local festival atmosphere.
Join in the celebrations and enjoy Ethiopian coffee and traditional snacks.
Relax in the afternoon or explore local markets.
Overnight in Gondar.
Day 5: January 21, 2025 – Drive to Simien Mountains National Park – Trekking & Wildlife
Morning drive to Simien Mountains National Park (about 3 hours).
Visit Sankaber (3,200m), the first campsite, for a short hike.
Encounter Gelada baboons, endemic birds, and stunning viewpoints over dramatic escarpments.
Overnight at a lodge in the Simien Mountains.
Day 6: January 22, 2025 – Simien Mountains – Chenek & Ras Dashen Views
Full-day exploration of the Simien Mountains, hiking to Chenek (3,600m).
Spot Walia ibex, Ethiopian wolves (if lucky), and breathtaking landscapes.
Optional longer hike towards Ras Dashen (Ethiopia’s highest peak).
Return to the lodge for an evening of relaxation.
Overnight in the Simien Mountains.
Day 7: January 23, 2025 – Drive Back to Gondar – Fly to Lalibela
Morning drive back to Gondar.
Afternoon flight to Lalibela, the 'New Jerusalem' of Ethiopia.
Visit the first cluster of rock-hewn churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and the iconic Bet Giyorgis (St. George’s Church).
Traditional Ethiopian dinner with a Tej (honey wine) tasting experience.
Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 8: January 24, 2025 – Lalibela – Second Cluster of Churches & Local Village Visit
Visit the second group of rock-hewn churches, including Bet Gabriel-Rufael and Bet Abba Libanos.
Optional hike to Asheton Maryam Monastery for a spectacular view.
Visit a local village to experience traditional Ethiopian rural life and cuisine.
Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 9: January 25, 2025 – Fly Back to Addis Ababa – Shopping & Cultural Dinner
Morning flight back to Addis Ababa.
Explore Shiro Meda Market for Ethiopian handwoven textiles and crafts.
Visit the Ethnological Museum (optional).
Farewell traditional Ethiopian dinner with live cultural music and dance.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Day 10: January 26, 2025 – Departure
Relax at the hotel or explore the city before your airport transfer.
Departure from Bole International Airport.
Tour Inclusions:
✔ Airport transfers & all ground transportation
✔ Domestic flights (Addis – Bahir Dar, Gondar – Lalibela, Lalibela – Addis)
✔ Accommodation in selected hotels/lodges
✔ Daily breakfast & selected meals
✔ Professional English-speaking guide
✔ Entrance fees to all sites
✔ Simien Mountains trek & park fees
✔ Boat trip on Lake Tana
✔ Coffee ceremony experience