The festivals of Ethiopia are colorful, fascinating and are all year round. Both traditional and religious festivals are celebrated by its diverse ethnic groups with their picturesque native lives in their most rustic settings.

ENQUTATASH – (ETHIOPIAN NEW YEAR CELEBRATION)
This festival is celebrated by all Ethiopians. To herald the New Year, boys offer flower paints to their neighbors and relatives while girls express their wishes for the New Year by going to each family in the neighborhood singing. It is celebrated on the 1st month of Ethiopia (Meskerem) September 11th every year and 12th on a leap year.

MESKEL (THE FINDING OF THE TRUE CROSS)
This festival is celebrated to commemorate the finding of the True Cross. The priests sing religious hymens and chants. So do young deacons and Sunday school members. Their colorful robs and the bonfire made in connection with the celebration, all the people in their traditional clothes make this festival colourful. It is celebrated every year on September 27th. Though the festival falls on September 27th, the celebration is held on the eve. The eve is called Demera, meaning Bonfire. The Bonfire is lit in the presence of tens of thousands of followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church. Its celebration is more colorful in Addis Ababa at Meskel Square.
The festival is more colored by the golden yellow flowers called Meskel Daisies, endemic flowers locally known as “Adey Abeba” which bloom once a year during Meskel.


GENNA (ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS)
The Ethiopian Christmas is celebrated colorfully in Lalibela. It is celebrated on January 7th. The reason behind the unique celebration of the festival in Lalibela is that the date coincides with the birth day of King Lalibela. It is an all night celebration in one of the Churches, Bete Mariam. Thousands of pilgrims flock to attend the celebration every year. So are visitors from abroad.
In most rural areas, it is celebrated in various activities like horse race and folk dances of authentic type. A match which looks like European Hockey but typically Ethiopian is conducted between youth teams of two. The game is named after the festival and is called “Yegena Chewata”.

TIMKET (ETHIOPIAN EPIPHANY)
This festival is staged every year on January 19th to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ by the hands of John the Baptist at the River Jordan. On the eve of the day, Tabots (the Replica of the Ark of the Covenant) are taken out from the holy of holies in all the churches of Ethiopia. And the Tabots are taken to the side of a river or water body for an overnight stay, except the Tabot of Archangel Michael which stays for two nights. The tabots are accompanied with great procession while they are taken out and brought back to their respective churches. The unique and exquisite religious chants and jubilation are created as a result the dances and music from attendees of the ceremony.
In addition to the above 4 main colorful festivals, the following are official public holidays chronologically:

Tour Code: 5001
Duration: 16days 15night
Tour Title: HISTORIC ROUTE/CHRISTIAN PILIGRIMAGE WITH THE ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF AXUM TSION MARIAM/

Day1. Arrival at Addis Ababa, meet your guide and transfer to hotel.
Day2. Full day in Addis visiting the National Archeological Museum of Addis Ababa- where the fossil remains of the oldest hominid (Lucy - 3.25 mil) is kept, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Merkato - the largest open-air market in Africa, and driving to Mt. Entoto (3,200 meters) to have a panoramic view of Addis.
Day3. Drive from Addis to Debre Markos visiting the remarkable Blue Nile Gorge, and the largest monastery in Ethiopia - Debre Libanos Monastery (13th Century AD).
Day4. In the morning drive from Debre Markos to Bahir Dar, and in the afternoon make a city tour of Bahir Dar which includes visiting the popular cultural market of Bahir Dar, and driving to Bezawit Hill to have a panoramic view of the town of Bahir Dar, Lake Tana, and the outlet of the Blue Nile River.
Day5. In the morning, drive 32 Km south of Bahir Dar to the famous Blue Nile Falls and in the afternoon have a boat trip on Ethiopia’s largest water body - Lake Tana(3,600 Km Sq) to visit the island monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret(14th Century AD) and Azwa Mariam(14th Century AD).
Day6. In the morning drive 180 km to Gondar - the 17th century capital of Ethiopia. And in the afternoon, visit the Imperial Castle Compound of Gondar, the Bath of Emperor Fasiladas and the church of Debre Birhan Sillassie that is famous for its wall and ceiling paintings.
Day7. Drive from Gondar to the Simien Mountains National Park and visit the endemic mammal of Ethiopia - the Gelada Baboon, and the breathtaking scenery of the Simien Mountains. Then drive back to Debark for overnight.
Day8. Drive to Axum - the earliest Capital of Ethiopia, crossing the Tekeze Gorge and visiting the Lima Limo mountain ranges.
Day9. Visit of Axum which is known for its huge stele cut from granite stones. The visit includes, the Archaeological museum of Axum, the famous stele park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the church of St. Mary of Zion which is believed to be the last resting place of the original Ark of the Covenant, the palace and tomb of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel (6th Century AD), and the ruin palace of the Queen of Sheba (9th Century BC).
Day10. Celebrate the colorful festival of the Annual memorial day of St. Mary.
Day11. Drive from Axum to Mekelle visiting the Yeha Temple (5th Century BC), and the rock-hewn churches of Abreha Atsebeha (4th Century AD) and Wukro Cherqos (10th century AD).
Day12. Drive from Mekelle to Lalibela through the scenic Wollo Mountains visiting the Amhara people.
Day13. Morning visit of the first group of churches of King Lalibela and in the afternoon make an excursion trip to the nearby Cave built up church of Ne’akuto Leab.
Day14. In the morning, mule ride to the hill top semi-monolithic church of Asheten Mariam which rewards with very nice scenery around. And in the afternoon, visit the second and third group of churches of Lalibela.
Day15. Drive from Lalibela to Dessie visiting through the Wollo Mountains.
Day16. Drive back to Addis and Evening Departure

Tour Code: 5002
Duration: 8days 7night
Tour Title: HISTORIC ROUTE/TIMKET FESTIVAL IN GONDAR/

Day1. Arrival and transfer in to hotel.
Day2. Fly from Addis to BahirDar and visit the Blue Nile Falls before lunch. In the afternoon, have a boat trip on Ethiopia’s largest water body - Lake Tana (3,600 Km Sq) to visit the island monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret (14th Century AD) and Azwa Mariam (14th Century AD).
Day3. Drive from BahirDar to Gondar - the 17th century capital of Ethiopia. This afternoon, visit the most colorful religious celebration of the eve of Timket (Epiphany) which is held to memorize the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. All the replicas of the Ark of the Covenant will be accompanied by crowds of colorfully dressed Christians to a nearby water place. And the priests and the deacons of the churches spend the night praying, singing religious songs and dancing.
Day4. After early breakfast, attend the celebration on which the replicas of Ark of the Covenant will be accompanied back to their respective churches with the same dancing and singing. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Castle Compound of Gondar, the Bath of Emperor Fasiladas and the church of Debre Birhan Sillassie which is famous for its wall and ceiling paintings.
Day5. Fly to Axum - the earliest capital of Ethiopia. Visit the Archaeological museum of Axum, the famous stele park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the church of St. Mary of Zion which is believed to be the last resting place of the original Ark of the Covenant, the palace and tomb of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel (6th Century AD), and the ruin palace of the Queen of Sheba (9th Century BC).
Day6. Fly to Lalibela - the home of the 12th rock hewn churches and Ethiopia’s top tourist attraction. In the afternoon, visit the first group of the rock hewn churches Lalibela.
Day7. In the morning, mule back ride to the hill top semi monolithic church of Asheten Mariam (13th century AD). Getting to the top of the hill rewards with great and unforgettable scenery of the area. In the afternoon, visit the remaining second and the third group of the churches of Lalibela.
Day8. Fly back to Addis and have a half day city tour of Addis which includes visiting the National Archeological Museum of Addis Ababa, Mercato - the largest open air market in Africa, and driving to Mt. Entoto(3,200 meters) to have a panoramic view of the capital then Departure.

Tour Code: 5003
Duration: 7days 6night
Tour Title: HISTORIC ROUTE/CHRISTMAS IN LALIBELA/

Day1. Arrival and transfer in to hotel.
Day2. Fly from Addis to BahirDar and visit the Blue Nile Falls before lunch. In the afternoon, have a boat trip on Ethiopia’s largest water body - Lake Tana (3,600 Km Sq) to visit the island monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret (14th Century AD) and Azwa Mariam (14th Century AD).
Day3. Drive to Gondar and visit the 17th century capital of Ethiopia. In Gondar, visit the Imperial Castle Compound of Gondar, the Bath of Emperor Fasiladas and the church of Debre Birhan Sillassie which is famous for its wall and ceiling paintings.
Day4. Fly to Lalibela and visit the first group of the rock hewn churches Lalibela.
Day5. After early breakfast, attend the colorful celebration of the Ethiopian Christmas (Birth of Christ). And in the afternoon, visit the second and the third group of churches of King Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Day6. Fly to Axum - the earliest capital of Ethiopia. Visit the Archaeological museum of Axum, the famous stele park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the church of St. Mary of Zion which is believed to be the last resting place of the original Ark of the Covenant, the palace and tomb of King Kaleb and Gebre Maskel (6th Century AD), and the ruin palace of the Queen of Sheba (9th Century BC).
Day7. Fly back to Addis and have a leisure time in Addis which you can spend on shopping. In the evening, Departure

Tour Code: 5004
Duration: 17days 16night
Tour Title: HISTORY & NATURE WITH MASKEL FESTIVAL

Day1. Arrival and transfer to hotel.
Day2. In the morning, sightseeing tour of Addis Ababa that includes: The National museum, Ethnographic museum and Merkato /The largest open air market in Africa/. Late in the afternoon, we drive to the great Meskel Square where the colorful Meskel festival takes place. In this festival, processions of finely dressed priests and locals celebrate the finding of the ‘True Cross’ with songs and dances around an enormous bonfire.
Day3. After breakfast in the hotel, start driving 304 km north of Addis to Debre Markos visiting the Debre Libanos Monastery (13th century AD), which is the largest one in the country. We will have picnic lunch around the ‘Portuguese Bridge’ where we have the chance to encounter one of the endemic mammals of Ethiopia – the Gelada Baboon or the bleeding heart baboon. Cross the Blue Nile Gorge, which is comparable in scale with the American Grand Canyon, and further drive to the city of Debre Markos for overnight.
Day4. In the morning, drive 250 km to Bahir Dar, a town on the shore of Lake Tana; the largest lake in Ethiopia (3,600km). Lake Tana is home to thirty-seven islands, of which twenty shelter churches of significant historical and cultural interest. After lunch, drive 32 km south of Bahir Dar to Tis Isat to visit the famous Blue Nile Falls. This fall is locally known as Tis Isat which means Smoke of fire. Then, drive back to Bahir Dar and enjoy walking and bird watching around Lake Tana.
Day5. In the morning, have a remarkable boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the island monasteries of Ura Kidane Mihret (16th century AD) and Azwa Mariam (16th century AD). These monasteries are decorated with frescos, elaborate painted ceilings, church crosses, crowns and attires of former Ethiopian kings and emperors. Then, after lunch at your hotel, drive 185 km to Gondar which was the capital of Ethiopia in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Day6. After breakfast, sightseeing tour of Gondar which includes:- The ‘’ROYAL COMPOUND” with many majestic castles constructed in the European middle age architectural style, Bath of Fasiledes- (bathing palace): it stands in a rectangular, neatly walled depression, which is filled with water once a year for the Timkat (EPIPHANY) celebrations, and, though popularly referred to as a ‘bathing palace’ and the finest of the Gonderian churches is that of Debre Birhan Sillassie or ‘Trinity at the mount of light’. It was built during the reign of Emperor Iyasu (1682-1706).
Day7. After breakfast, drive to Debark visiting the Felasha village. We will walk in Semien mountins National park to visit the endemic Gelada baboon and admire the beautiful landscape.
Day8. Excursion trip to Chenek, where we spot the endemic and rarest animal, Walia Ibex. We will also enjoy the awesome landscape with magnificent scenery. Drive back to Semien Lodge.
Day9. After an early breakfast, drive to Axum through the western side of Simien Mountains National Park and crossing the Tekeze River Gorge.
Day10. Sightseeing tour of Axum which is the ancient capital of Ethiopia. This day, visit the Archeological museum of Axum, the Cathedral of St. Mary of Zion which is believed to be the last resting place of the Original Ark of the Covenant, and in the afternoon visit the famous ‘Stele field’ (4th Century AD and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruin palace and tomb of King Kaleb and King Gebre Maskel (5th and 6th Century AD) and the residence of the legendary Queen of Sheba (9th century BC).
Day11. After breakfast, transfer in to airport for your flight to Lalibela that is home to the 12th century handy carved rock churches of King Lalibela (1181 - 1221) whom the town is named after. After lunch in your hotel, visit the first group churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which are found northeast of a stream named ‘River Jordan’.
Day12. In the morning, make a mule back ride to the hill top semi monolithic church of Asheten Mariam (13th Century AD). The peak of the hill offers a wonderful viewpoint to have bird eye view of the surrounding area including the town of Lalibela. For those participants not interested in the mule ride, an alternative excursion to Na’akuto Leab cave church will be organized. In the afternoon, visit the second and the third group of churches of Lalibela.
Day13. Transfer to Lalibela air port to fly back to Addis Ababa, and then drive to Langano through the Ethiopian part of the great east African rift valley region.
Day14. After breakfast, drive from Langano to Arba Minch visiting the Alaba and Wolayita villages. As you get closer to Arba Minch, drive 40kms to Chencha to visit the Dorze people who are known for their weaving tradition and beehive shaped houses made up on bamboos. Drive to Arba Minch for overnight in Paradise lodge that offers great view of lakes Chamo and Abaya.
Day15. Drive from Arba Minch to Yabello visiting the Konso and the nomadic Borena people.
Day16. Drive from Yabello to Yirgalem through the prosperous coffee growing areas of Borena and Sidama regions.
Day17. Drive back to Addis Ababa visiting, en route visit Lake Awassa. Evening, Transfer to the airport for your departure back home.


Tour Code: 5005
Duration: 11days 10night
Tour Title: MUSLIM PILIGRIMAGE

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa. Overnight Hotel
Day 2: Drive Addis to Bale Goba. Overnight Hotel
Day 3: Excursion to Sof -Omer Cave. Overnight Hotel
Day 4: Excursion to Sheik Hussein. Islamic holiest place. Overnight Hotel
Day 5: Drive Bale to Sodere. Overnight Hotel
Day 6: Drive Sodere to Harar (the 4th Islamic holiest city in the world). Overnight Hotel
Day 7: Harar. Visit Mosques and Shrines. Overnight Hotel
Day 8: Drive Harar back to Addis. Overnight Hotel
Day 9: Fly Addis to Mekele and drive to Negash. Visit the first Mosque in Ethiopia. Overnight Hotel
Day10: Fly back to Addis. Overnight Hotel
Day 11: City Tour of Addis Ababa and departure