Festival
5-Day Timkat Festival in Lalibela
The eve procession, the baptism ceremony and the second day of Timkat among Lalibela’s churches.
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Season
- January (Timkat)
- Group Size
- Private or group
- Starting from
- $1,500
The Journey
4 nights, designed around the hours that matter
Experience Epiphany in Ethiopia’s holiest town. Arrive in Lalibela for Ketera, the eve of Timkat, when the Tabots are carried in procession; witness the baptism ceremony the following morning; and join the joyful second day of celebrations, with an excursion to the mountain monastery of Asheton Maryam.
Day by Day
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is carefully planned, but minor adjustments may be made due to weather, local festivals, road conditions or your personal interests to ensure the best possible experience.
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa – Cultural City Tour
Begin your Ethiopian adventure with a cultural introduction to Addis Ababa, the vibrant capital city and the gateway to your Timkat Festival journey. Upon arrival, meet your guide and start exploring Ethiopia’s rich history and traditions with a visit to the Ethnological Museum, located in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. The museum provides fascinating insights into Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups, traditional lifestyles, cultural heritage, and historical development. Continue to the lively Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, where you can experience the energy of Addis Ababa through colorful stalls, local products, spices, traditional crafts, and everyday city life. Later, visit the magnificent Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of Ethiopia’s most important religious landmarks and the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen. The cathedral is also known for its beautiful architecture, historic significance, and impressive religious artwork. After the city tour, check in at the Jupiter International Hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner, preparing for the journey ahead.
Day 2
Fly to Lalibela – Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches & Timkat Eve (Ketera)
After breakfast, transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your domestic flight to the sacred town of Lalibela, home to Ethiopia’s remarkable UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-hewn churches. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin exploring the first group of Lalibela’s ancient churches. Carved directly into volcanic rock more than 800 years ago, these extraordinary monuments showcase remarkable engineering, artistic detail, and deep spiritual significance. Discover their unique architecture, hidden passageways, ancient religious paintings, and the history behind one of Ethiopia’s greatest cultural treasures. In the afternoon, experience the sacred Timkat Eve celebration known as Ketera, one of the most important moments of the Ethiopian Orthodox Epiphany festival. During this ceremony, priests carry the sacred Tabots, symbolic replicas of the Ark of the Covenant, from the churches in a colorful procession accompanied by prayers, chants, and traditional religious songs. The Tabots are taken to the baptismal area, where the water is blessed in preparation for the following day’s Timkat celebration. In the evening, return to Tabot Maderia to witness the powerful atmosphere of the night prayers. Join priests and local worshippers as they perform traditional hymns, prayers, and spiritual songs throughout the night, creating an unforgettable experience of faith and devotion. Return to your lodge for a peaceful overnight stay.
Day 3
Timkat Baptism Ceremony & Explore Lalibela’s Rock-Hewn Churches
Rise early this morning to experience the highlight of the Timkat Festival: the sacred baptism ceremony at Tabot Maderia. Join thousands of worshippers, priests, and visitors as they gather for this deeply spiritual celebration, commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. During the ceremony, Ethiopian Orthodox clergy perform ancient religious rituals, blessing the water with prayers and sacred chants. A ceremonial cross is immersed in the water as part of the traditional ceremony, and the blessed water is then sprinkled over the congregation, creating a powerful moment of faith, renewal, and communal celebration shared by thousands of participants. Following the baptism ceremony, witness the colorful procession as the sacred Tabots are respectfully carried back to their respective churches. The return journey is filled with joyful singing, traditional dancing, religious chants, and celebrations throughout the streets of Lalibela. Later in the day, continue exploring more of Lalibela’s magnificent rock-hewn churches, discovering their remarkable architecture, ancient artwork, underground passages, and spiritual importance. Return to Sora Lodge for a relaxing evening after this unforgettable cultural experience.
Day 4
Second Day of Timkat Celebration & Asheton Maryam Excursion
This morning, continue experiencing the vibrant Timkat Festival celebrations as the second day of the festivities takes place near Lalibela’s first group of rock-hewn churches. Join local worshippers and visitors as the celebration continues with traditional prayers, religious songs, and joyful gatherings that reflect the deep spiritual importance of Ethiopia’s Orthodox Christian heritage. After lunch and a short rest at the hotel, take an afternoon excursion to the spectacular Asheton Maryam Church, located high above Lalibela on a scenic mountain ridge. Reach the church by a rewarding hike or a comfortable drive, depending on preference and conditions. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding highlands and rural landscapes. At the summit, explore this historic monastery, known for its ancient manuscripts, religious treasures, and peaceful mountain setting. The visit provides a deeper connection to Lalibela’s spiritual traditions while offering some of the best panoramic views of the region. Return to Lalibela in the evening and enjoy an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony hosted in a local home. Share this cherished cultural tradition with your hosts while experiencing Ethiopian hospitality, conversation, and the unique flavors of freshly roasted coffee. Return to Sora Lodge for your final night in Lalibela.
Day 5
Fly Back to Addis Ababa – Farewell Dinner & Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, depending on your international departure schedule, you may have the opportunity to enjoy an optional city tour or some free time for last-minute shopping and relaxation. In the evening, join a special farewell dinner party hosted by Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours. Enjoy a delicious selection of traditional Ethiopian cuisine, local drinks, cultural music, and a memorable Ethiopian coffee ceremony prepared in the traditional way. This final evening offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate your journey, share memories, and experience the warmth of Ethiopian hospitality before your departure. After dinner, you will be transferred to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your international flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Timkat Festival and Lalibela cultural journey.
What Is Included
- Meet-and-assist at Bole International Airport and all transfers
- Domestic flights as shown in the itinerary
- Comfortable air-conditioned minibus with a professional driver
- Licensed English-speaking guide (other languages on request)
- 4 nights of accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Guided festival programme with a knowledgeable local guide
- Entrance fees to all sites and churches in the itinerary
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Before You Book
Questions about this journey
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Guest reviews
What our guests say
Rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor and Google, and 4.9 on SafariBookings.
“My tour operator was very communicative even before the trip began and very responsive on WhatsApp. He booked all my domestic flights and arranged all my airport pick-ups and drop-offs. He had professional guides in all the regions I visited, the itinerary was clear, and he was flexible with any changes. There were no extra costs. He is reliable, communicative and well experienced. I will be back with the same company.”
Sarah · Kenya · August 2026
Read more reviews on SafariBookings“Excellent services provided by Maereg and his team. The local guides and the drivers – Geta (my fave) – were all great. They were patient, professional, knowledgeable and took great care of us. Everything was seamlessly coordinated and they were always on time for pickups and made sure we were briefed in advance of the itinerary and any changes. One of my top travel destinations in Africa, with some of the kindest and warmest people. Maereg went above and beyond! First-class service, always with a smile!”
D Thomas · Google review · May 2026
Read more reviews on GoogleEnquire
Make 5-Day Timkat Festival in Lalibela 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 (Timkat) · Private or group · starting from $1,500 per person
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