Packages Details

  • Epiphany (Timkat) Festival in Gondar
  • Ethiopia
  • Addis Ababa
  • 7 Days
  • Group Tour
  • Cultural
  • Inclusive

Hightlights

Timkat Celebration in Gondar: Witness the colorful procession, traditional dances, and ceremonial re-enactment of Christ's baptism. Fasilides’ Bathing Pool Ceremony: Watch the water blessing and immersion at the 17th-century Fasilides’ Bath, where pilgrims gather to participate in the symbolic renewal of faith. Gondar Castle Complex: Tour the historical castles and palaces of Gondar, known as the “Camelot of Africa.” Debre Berhan Selassie Church: Marvel at beautiful Ethiopian Orthodox frescoes and intricate religious art inside one of Ethiopia's most iconic churches. Simien Mountains Excursion: Enjoy a trek in the stunning Simien Mountains, where you'll encounter unique wildlife like the Gelada baboon and breathtaking landscapes.

Overview

The Timkat Festival, celebrated in January, is Ethiopia's most vibrant and spiritually significant festival. This tour immerses you in the heart of the celebration in Gondar, where Timkat (Epiphany) commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. Alongside the festival, you’ll explore the history, architecture, and natural beauty of the Gondar region.

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You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. Refresh and begin your sightseeing of Addis with a drive up to mount Entoto for a panoramic view of Addis. Descend down and drive to National museum where you will have a chance to spot the oldest hominids of ‘Lucy’ fossil. Visit and proceed to the Holy Trinity built during the WWII. Then proceed to Ethnographic museum, which use to be the palace of Emperor Hailesellase. To wrap up you drive to merkato, the biggest market in East Africa.
Accommodation image
Accommodation: Overnight in Addis

Type: Cultural

Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Overnight in Addis
Type: Cultural
Meal Plan: Full Board

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You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bahir Dar. Be met and transferred to your hotel. Later, you will take a boat cruise on Lake Tana to visit the 14th century Monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret which is the most famous of the Zege peninsula monasteries. Afternoon, you will drive to the village of Tis Isat to see the Blue Nile falls (Note that the volume of the water could be minimal because of the construction of the new dam.)
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Accommodation: Overnight in Bahir Dar

Type: Cultural

Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Overnight in Bahir Dar
Type: Cultural
Meal Plan: Full Board

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After having your breakfast, you will begin your journey to Gondar. The Royal Capital of Ethiopia, Gondar was founded in 1636 by Emperor Fassiladas. Afternoon you will attain the most colorful eve ceremony of Timket. It commemorates Christ’s baptism by St. John in the Jordan River. ON this day the tabots (replica of arc of covenant) of each church are carried out in procession to a place near a river where the next day’s celebration will take place. A special tent is set up for each tabot, each hosting a proud manner depicting the church’s saint. The ceremony is accompanied by hymns and dances of the priests, drum beating, bell ringing and blowing of trumpets. Overnight in Gondar.
Accommodation image
Accommodation: Overnight in Gondar

Type: Cultural

Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Overnight in Gondar
Type: Cultural
Meal Plan: Full Board

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Early in the morning you will walk to the baptism place to be baptized. In the afternoon you will visit the city of Gondar with the drive to the Castles and Churches built by Emperor Fassiladas and his descendants. Proceed to the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie (The Enlightening of Trinity) with Wonderful murals art, Qusquam Church. Overnight in Gondar.
Accommodation image
Accommodation: Overnight in Gondar

Type: Cultural

Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Overnight in Gondar
Type: Cultural
Meal Plan: Full Board

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You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Axum. A city more than 2500 years of history, once the center of a great empire and ancient civilization, home of the original Ark of covenants, Axum is the prime historical site in the north of Ethiopia. Take a city tour that include the St. Mary’s Church, the sanctuary Chapel which is the repository of the ‘Ark of covenant’, the coronation yard, Stelae Park, Tomb of Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel, Ezana’s Inscriptions, Queen of Sheba’s Bath, Queen of Sheba’s palace ruins and Axum Museum. Overnight in Axum.
Accommodation image
Accommodation: Overnight in Axum

Type: Cultural

Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Overnight in Axum
Type: Cultural
Meal Plan: Full Board

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You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. ‘Eighth wonder of world Heritage’ Lalibela is famous for its underground rock-hewn cathedrals. In the afternoon you will visit top attractions of Lalibela that will simply stagger you. Visit the rock hewn churches. Overnight in Lalibela.
Accommodation image
Accommodation: Overnight in Lalibela

Type: Cultural

Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Overnight in Lalibela
Type: Cultural
Meal Plan: Full Board

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This day you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Addis. In the evening attend a folkloric dinner where you will have a chance to taste several national dishes and watch dances of the various ethnic groups of Ethiopia. The traditional coffee ceremony will also be served. Later you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.
Accommodation image
Accommodation: Hotel

Type: Cultural

Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Hotel
Type: Cultural
Meal Plan: Full Board
Number of Pax Price Per Pax
1 Adult $1164
2 Adults $1164
3 Adults $1164
4 Adults $1164
5 Adults $1164
6 Adults $1164
7 Adults $1164
8 Adults $1008
9 Adults $1008
Adolescent (5-17) $0
Child (1-4) $1008
Baby (0-1) $0

Epiphany (Timkat) Festival in Gondar

Duration:
7 Nigts
City:
Addis Ababa - Ethiopia
Cancellation:
Free
ADULT$1164

The Timkat Festival, celebrated in January, is Ethiopia's most vibrant and spiritually significant festival. This tour immerses you in the heart of the celebration in Gondar, where Timkat (Epiphany) commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. Alongside the festival, you’ll explore the history, architecture, and natural beauty of the Gondar region.

BOOK NOW
Meetin Point Hotel
Start Time 00:00:00
Duration 7 Days / 7 Nights

Includes:

Transport: Private vehicle throughout the tour.
Accommodation: 6 nights at hotels or guesthouses in Gondar.
Guides: Professional tour and local guides for each segment.
Entrance Fees: Access to Timkat events, Gondar castles, and Simien Mountains.
Meals: Breakfasts; options available for full board.


Excludes:


Cancellation:

All bookings require prepayment. Your credit card will be charge with the full amount at the time you make your reservation. All bookings can be cancelled no more than 48 hours prior to the scheduled pick-up time. Cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to pick-up are not refundable.


Other Information:

Best Time to Book: Timkat is held annually from January 18–20. It’s recommended to book well in advance due to high demand.
What to Bring: Modest clothing for religious sites, comfortable shoes for trekking, warm clothing for evenings, and sun protection.

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