The festival in Lalibela and sail across Lake Tana
The Timkat Festival (every January) is one of the most important festivals in Ethiopia. In several cities, the baptism of Christ is commemorated by John the Baptist. With this trip you will visit the festival in Lalibela,culminating in the priest who gives the signal to 'get wet'. With its eleven world-famous rock churches, Lalibela is also one of ethiopia's biggest tourist attractions. But before you attend the festival, head into ethiopia's beautiful nature. You take a boat trip on Lake Tana, the highest lake in Ethiopia with no less than 37 islands. You will take a walk through the Simien Mountains where many native species such as the Gelada baboon, the Walia ibex and the Ethiopian wolf live. From the top of the Simien Mountains you also have some magnificent views over surrounding lowlands.
Ethiopian tribes and the Great Slenk
You will be introduced to the different tribes that live in Ethiopia, such as the Konso and the Hamar,which are distinguished by the beautiful clay hairstyles of the men and women with goat skin skirts. Another interesting strain is the Dorze, which is known for self-built huts of up to fifteen meters high, which in shape are reminiscent of giant beehives but are inspired by the head of an elephant. After this, look for nature again to reflect on the Great Rift, a crack in the earth's crust that runs from Lebanon to Tanzania and Malawi. Due to its low location, many lakes have sprung up here and it is a breeding ground for various bird species such as flamingos and white pelicans. With this beautiful nature in your memory you return to Addis Ababa.
Tips & Tops Timkatfestival:
- The impressive salt lakes Abiyata and Shala, near the Great Slenk, together form a national park half of water
- Of the 37 islands in Lake Tana, 29 have a monastery or church
- At the Monastery Asheton Marian, which is 3,150 meters above Lalibela you have a spectacular view
- The Timkat Festival is one of the highlights during this trip, you also attend the evening ceremony
- The bath of King Fasiledes and the Debre Birhan Selassie church are just a few highlights in Gondar
- The roofs of the rock churches of Lalibela are at the same height as the ground where you walk, if you then look into the depth you will see 15 meters lower the entrances
- The Hamar are both farmers and livestock farmers and live on a special diet of honey from wild bees
- At Axum you can enjoy the many archaeological treasures, including the bath of the Queen of Sheba, Stele Square and Tsion Mariam
