The festival of Timket celebrates the baptism of Christ, and is considered to be Ethiopia's most spectacular event. Our 13-day small group tour begins in Addis Ababa, where Timket is at its most impressive, and includes visits to Bahir Dar, the Blue Nile Falls, Gondar, and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Places on our small group tour are limited to a maximum of 12.
Timket festivities
The night before the festivities begin, priests take the Tabots (symbols of the Ark of the Covenant, containing the Ten Commandments) from the church, to a tent beside a consecrated pool or river. The ritual takes place amidst a cacophony of bells and trumpets and clouds of incense.
At 2 am crowds carry flaming oil lamps to a special Mass. As dawn breaks, a priest uses a ceremonial cross to extinguish a candle that is burning high on a pole, set beside the consecrated river or pool. This is the sign for members of the congregation to leap into the water. The Tabots are then transported back to the churches in colourful processions, accompanied by horsemen, and the three days of festivities and celebration begin.
Itinerary
On this trip you will visit:
- Addis Ababa
- Axum
- Bahir Dar & Lake Tana
- Gondar
- Lalibela
- Simyen Mountains
Day 1
17 January 2014
Depart from London Heathrow on the Ethiopian Airlines flight to Addis Ababa at 20h15.
Day 2
18 January 2014 - Addis Ababa
On arrival into Addis Ababa at 07h30, your professional guide and driver will meet and assist you.
Transfer to Jupiter International Hotel for a 2-night stay, all meals included.
Relax for the morning. In the afternoon, take a tour of the capital highlights and witness some of the Timket preparation.
Accommodation: Jupiter International Hotel
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Day 3
19 January 2014 - Addis Ababa
Attend the Timket festivities, these are at their most spectacular in Addis Ababa, due to the number of participants involved.
Day 4
20 January 2014 - Bahir Dar
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Bahir Dar where you stay 2 nights at Homeland Hotel with all meals included.
Take a boat trip on the deep blue Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest body of water (3600 km sq) to see the regions famed island monasteries with their magnificent friezes. Spend the night at Homeland Hotel.
Day 5
21 January 2014 - Bahir Dar
Visit Africa's second largest waterfalls, the Blue Nile Falls. The Blue Nile plunges over a 45m high rock face into a steep narrow gorge to form one of Africa's most spectacular waterfalls, known locally as Tis Abay (Smoke of the Nile).
Spend the rest of the day on a tour of Bahir Dar visiting the local colourful market.
Day 6
22 January 2014 - Gondar
Drive from Bahir Dar to Gondar to see the town's attractions, best known of which are the impressive 17th century castles in the Imperial Compound which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ‘Bath of Emperor Fasilidas’ and the church of Debre Birhan Sillassie which is famous for its wall and ceiling paintings.
Day ends at Goha Hotel for a 1 night stay with all meals included
Accommodation: Goha Hotel
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Day 7
23 January 2014 – Simyen Mountains National Park
Set off early morning on a four hour drive to the Simyen Mountains National Park, another of Ethiopia's World Heritage Sites and one of Africa's largest mountain ranges with varied flora in three distinct biospheres. Stay 1 night at Simien Lodge, all meals included.
Visit Sankaber nearby, in the beautiful Afro-alpine zone, and take a drive to Chennek to seek critically endangered Wahlia ibex on sheer rock faces.
Day 8
24 January 2014 - Simyen Mountains National Park
Morning walk in the park which covers an area of 180 km sq at an altitude of between 4500-6200 feet, the highest parts have meadows with little vegetation.
Drive back to Goha Hotel for a 1 night stay, all meals included.
Accommodation: Goha Hotel
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Day 9
25 January 2014 - Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia's World Heritage Sites because of the awe inspiring 12th AD rock-hewn churches of King Lalibela, cut into the mountainsides here.
Visit the first group of churches with your guide, day ends at Mountain View Hotel Lalibela for a 2 night stay, all meals included.
Day 10
26 January 2014 - Lalibela
This morning, opportunity to incorporate a mule back ride to the semi monolith church of Asheton Mariam which has great views over the area. In the afternoon your guide will take you to the remaining second and third group of churches in Yemrehane Kristos.
Day 11
27 January 2014 - Axum
Transfer to the airport for flight to Axum in the semi arid northern part of the Historical Circuit, for a 1 stay in the simple hill-top Yeha Hotel, all meals included.
Visit the many attractions of this town, notably the Obelisk Park, the Axum museum, the remains of the Bath of the Queen of Sheba and the Mariamtson Church where the original stone tablets of the Ark of the Covenant are said to be housed. Spend the night at Yeha Hotel.
Day 12
28 January 2014 - Addis Ababa
Fly to Addis Ababa where you will be taken to see more of the city's attractions including the Merkato, Africa's largest market districts selling everything from casual clothes and spices to spare parts.
This evening will be a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant in Addis to enjoy a variety of Ethiopian dishes and traditional dances.
Evening transfer to the Bole International Airport for your…
Day 13
29 January 2014
Ethiopian Airline flight departing at 01h15 to London Heathrow arriving early morning
Price guides 2013/2014
From £2,795 per person, sharing for travel January 2014
Single room supplement is £495
Inclusive of international flights on Ethiopian Airlines (economy class subject to availability) from London Heathrow, departure taxes, transfers and internal travel with all transportation, mule hire in Lalibela, boat trip in Bahir Dar, local guide fees, all entrances fees, porterage, services of a dedicated, professional guide and driver, all excursions and activities, entrance fees, local guide fees, park permits, all accommodation and most meals.
Excludes: Ethiopian visa (US$38 issued on arrival), gratuities, photographic fees and personal items (for example drinks, tips, phone calls, laundry, travel insurance)
Group size: minimum 6 - maximum 12.
Please note you have to have to reasonably fit for this tour as there are some long walks and uneven surfaces.
Flight prices are subject to availability and we would be happy to assist with alternative airlines and routings.
Speak with a specialist
Rainbow specialists provide a high-quality, personal service and respected, impartial advice so you can make informed decisions about your individual holiday. To talk through your holiday ideas and plans, ring us on
020 7666 1250, or make an enquiry by
email.
Accommodation
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Gondar, Ethiopia
Goha Hotel in Gondar is recently privatised and superbly located on a hilltop with lovely views over the town. From the terrace, where guests can enjoy sundowners, various raptor species are regularly seen flying low overhead....
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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Jupiter International Hotel is one of two Jupiter hotels in Addis Ababa. The first is in the heart of the city with a second near Bole airport. The 142 rooms and suites are clean and comfortable and the service friendly and...
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