Festival · Cultural · Private
Christmas to Epiphany
Genna at the rock churches of Lalibela, Timkat at the royal bath in Gondar, and the quiet fortnight in between.
The Journey
15 nights, designed around the hours that matter
The north's two great festivals in a single journey. Christmas night among the pilgrims at Lalibela, slow days on Lake Tana and the Simien rim, then Epiphany in Gondar. Both dates follow the Ethiopian calendar and move by a day in some years, so we confirm each January's dates when you book — and hold rooms a full year ahead.
Places
- Lalibela
- Lake Tana
- Gorgora
- Simien Mountains
- Gondar
Tailor-made journey
Priced to your plans
Quoted individually once we know your dates, lodges and group size.
- Duration
- 16 Days · 15 nights
- Best season
- January only
- Group size
- 2 – 8 guests
- Style
- Festival · Cultural · Private
Final pricing depends on season, room category and group size. No deposit is taken until the itinerary is right.
Day by Day
The itinerary, as it usually runs
A working draft rather than a fixed schedule — we move days around for weather, festivals and how you are feeling.
Day 1 · Jan 5
Arrive Addis Ababa
Private transfer, rest, and a briefing on the Ethiopian liturgical calendar over dinner.
Days 2 – 3 · Jan 6 – 7
Genna in Lalibela
A morning flight north, then the Christmas Eve vigil among thousands of pilgrims in white. At dawn, priests chant from the rock above the churches — the reason we come.
Days 4 – 5 · Jan 8 – 9
Asheton Maryam & Yemrehanna Kristos
Once the pilgrims disperse, the climb to the cliff monastery above town, and the cave church of Yemrehanna Kristos in the hills.
Days 6 – 8 · Jan 10 – 12
Bahir Dar & Lake Tana
A flight west, the island monasteries by private boat, the Zege coffee forest on foot, and the Blue Nile Falls.
Days 9 – 10 · Jan 13 – 14
Gorgora
North along the lake to Debre Sina Maryam and the Jesuit ruins at Maryam Gimb, with two unhurried nights on the water.
Days 11 – 13 · Jan 15 – 17
The Simien rim
Up to an escarpment lodge for gelada troops above Sankaber, Jinbar Falls, and sunrise at Imet Gogo — the quietest days of the trip.
Days 14 – 15 · Jan 18 – 19
Timkat in Gondar
The Ketera eve procession as the tabots are carried to Fasilides' Bath, an all-night vigil, and the blessing of the water at dawn.
Day 16 · Jan 20
Departure
A flight back to Addis Ababa and an evening departure.
What Is Included
- All domestic flights and a private vehicle with senior driver-guide
- An Orthodox Christian scholar as festival guide at Lalibela and Gondar
- Reserved vantage points for the Genna vigil and at Fasilides' Bath
- Accommodation held twelve months in advance at every stop
- A private boat on Lake Tana and an escarpment lodge in the Simien
- Breakfast daily, festival-day catering, and most dinners
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance (required)
- Gratuities and church donations
Enquire
Make Christmas to Epiphany yours
Send us your dates and we will confirm availability, quote precisely, and suggest the two or three changes we would make if it were our own trip.
Runs January only · 2 – 8 guests · priced to your plans
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Speak With a Designer
Questions before you enquire?
Altitude, road time, how hard the walking really is, whether the children will cope. Ask us anything — a designer will answer honestly.
Or call us directly on +1909-450-7246