Duration
8-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
8-Day Ethiopian Epiphany Festival Gondar & Historical
Overview
This is a historic circuit trip in Ethiopia that coincides with the Timket Celebration in Gondar. Witness this somber but joyous festival in January as your own guide explains the ceremonies and provides insight into the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's blessed traditions and culture. Explore the Simien Mountains and Blue Nile Falls at Bahir Dar, as well as the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela. Get a solid introduction to Ethiopian culture.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Bahir Dar (City), Gondar (City), Simien Mountains NP
Country & park
Ethiopia / Simien Mountains National Park
Style
Mid-range shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Activities
game drives & boat trip
Accommodation
Cassiopeia Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Meals at Own Expense
Meals
Meals at Own Expense; Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$2,365 USD
$2,035 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$2,310 USD
$1,925 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children of all ages. Children under 9 receive a discount and children under 3 are free.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Ethiopia
Start
Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 2
Bahir Dar (City)
Day 3-4
Gondar (City)
Day 5
Simien Mountains NP
Day 6
Axum (City)
Day 7
Lalibela (Town)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 8)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses hotels.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 10 people per vehicle.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request changes to this tour.
Suitable for single travelers
Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
Suitable for all ages
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives & boat trip
Game drives: minivan
Getting around: minivan, bus, boat & air transfer
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Cassiopeia Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Meals at Own Expense
Meals at Own Expense
Day 2
Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast Included +3 Photos
Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 3-5
Goha Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City)
Day 1-4: Breakfast Included; Day 5: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 6
Sabean International Hotel Budget hotel in Axum (City) – Breakfast Included
Budget hotel in Axum (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 7
Maribela Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Lalibela (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 8
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Arrival of Addis Ababa and sightseeing
Arrival Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time make sightseeing in Addis, Visit the National Museum that exhibits numerous antiquates, historical relics, archaeological and pale-ontological objects including the 3.2 million year old skeleton of Lucy; Mercato – biggest open market of its kind in Africa and the commanding panoramic view point Mount Entoto. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals at own expense Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Cassiopeia Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Meals at own expense Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Bahir Dar Lake Tana and Blue Nile fall
This morning, depart for the airport for your journey to Bahir Dar. Transfer to your hotel and check in. Bahir Dar is located on the south shore of Lake Tana, near the Blue Nile River. Settle down and refresh up before taking an afternoon boat excursion to several of Lake Tana's islands, which are home to some of the world's oldest churches and monastic sites. Visit the 14th-century monastery Ura Kidane Mihret, which is well renowned for its painted maqdas and collection of crosses and crowns. This afternoon, travel to the hamlet of Tis Isat to visit the Blue Nile Falls, a stunning cascade formed by a dam along the river just outside of town. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bahir Dar (City) Stay: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Drive to Gondar at the Eve of Timket
In the morning, you will drive to Gondar, 180 km from Bahir Dar, after lunch, exploring the city of Gondar, a town founded in 1636 by Emperor Fassilades. Once the Royal Capital of Ethiopia, Gondar stands in a breathtaking landscape, dotted with historic buildings, cathedrals, and churches. Explore the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie Church, where biblical lore and medieval history intricately decorate its walls and ceilings. This afternoon, you and your guide will attend the Timket Festival evening ceremony, or Ketera, which marks the beginning of the festival. During Ketera, priests display the Talbots to the crowd. The TalbotsThe Bible describes the Talbots as intricate replicas of tablets given to Moses. s solemn and sacred event as people meditate and prepare for the next day's festival and baptisms. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Attend Ethiopian Epiphany Gonder
This morning, you'll return to the Taboat Maderia to watch the morning ceremonies and baptisms that take place at Fassilades Bath. The priest blesses the water, symbolizing the Jordan River from the Bible, and a patriarch uses it to extinguish a burning candle on the altar. The priest then sprinkles the water on the entire assembly, commemorating Christ's baptism. Following the baptisms, the Talbots start their way back to their respective churches, while feasting, singing, and dancing continue all the way along the churches’ routes. Join in the dancing with your guide and witness this joyous event. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Excursion to Siemen mountain
Depart to Debark town (100 Km from Gondar), where the head quarter of Simien Mountains National Park is found. Here we pay the entrance fees and a scout and a local guide will accompany us. Then we continue driving to Sankaber (31 Km), the first campsite of the National Park. On this drive, you will gain your first impression of the scale and beauty of this highland region, the extraordinary scenery, enjoying the endemic Gelada Baboons and the bone breaker giant bird Lammergeyer roaring around, visit and drive back to Gonder for Overnight stay. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Gonder to Axum
Today is a full day visiting the sites in Axum. Sites to visit include the famous obelisks, the Queen of Sheba’s Bath (which supplies water to Axum year-round), King Bazen’s tomb, and the Queen of Sheba’s Palace. You will also visit the St. Mary of Zion church, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept, according to local Ethiopian tradition. Men only are allowed to enter the old church. Unfortunately, no one (except one specially chosen guardian monk) is allowed to enter the chapel where the Ark is kept. Budget hotel located in Axum (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Axum (City) Stay: Sabean International Hotel Budget hotel located in Axum (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Axum to Lalibela
In the morning, you will fly to Lalibela, the most famous of all of the Ethiopian historical sites. Begin to explore the 11 rock-hewn churches of the remarkable King Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches - Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha. Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Maribela Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Lalibela to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, continue to visit the Southeastern Cluster of Lalibela churches – Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis, a huge monolithic in the shape of a cross, and constructed in honor of St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia. After visit, transfer to Lalibela airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. After noon, you will have shopping refreshment at the hotel then in the evening there will be farewell dinner with cultural food, traditional special buffet and local drinks to experience Ethiopia’s cultural meals and drinks. After farewell dinner, you will be transferred to the airport after a memorable experience in Ethiopia. Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Liyu Ethiopia Tour and Travel
4.8 operator rating
54 reviews
Liyu is an Amharic word which means “unique” in English. Liyu Ethiopia Tours is established to promote and market Ethiopia as a major tourist destination in the world. Liyu Ethiopia in the tourism sector carries the objective of maximizing the satisfaction of its customers through its professional and experienced staff, who are always ready to render courtesy and personalized service in all areas of its operations. If you are planning a tour to Ethiopia, contact us for expert recommendation and
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2017)
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Ten unforgettable days in Ethiopia
Etiopia is my 86th visited country. Our group of ten girls and one men has chosen Liyu Ethiopian Tours as one of my friends recommended me Yhun Ejigu. I am usually sceptic reading reviews this and that one is the best but I can guarantee Yhun is the best with abilities you can not learn in schools. Although he can not understand Hungarian he could read sighns on our face and our bodylanguage and reacted immediately. Ethiopia is safe, wonderful, heart touching, a must to see. We will never forget our memories and Liyu Ethiopian Tours, without them the ten spent days wouldn’t be so fantastic that it was. We are very thankful.
Tunde Toth · Hungary
The tour operator shared his deep knowledge and love for Ethiopia with hunor and heart.
Liyu Ethiopia Tours & Travel has the perfect team to make you fall in love with Africa — especially with Ethiopia’s ancient culture, breathtaking nature, and fascinating tribes. Our 10-day tour was not only perfectly organized but also thoughtfully tailored to our needs. The guides were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and had a great sense of humor. The drivers were kind and professional, and we felt safe throughout the entire journey. Traveling with Liyu Ethiopia Tours was pure joy — full of adventure, unforgettable experiences. We came home with thousands of photos — but even more, with beautiful memories and new friends. It was the trip of a lifetime!
Anita Darida-Sarkozi · Hungary
Liyu - more than a tour and travel company
Having been let down at 7am on the day of a tour by another provider, I signed up to do a cooking class. This was so worthwhile. It is not simply about just the food, you get a glimpse into the life and living of the inhabitants of Addis. Liyu Ethiopia Tours were excellent hosts. I was collected from my hotel at 10am, communication was excellent. A young gentleman called Oli collected me from my hotel with a driver. For young man his knowledge of food, ingredients and Ethiopian food was extraordinary, and really added to my experience. In summary a tour round Sola market to walk through the food quarter, which is really insightful and then to his family home for a simply brilliant time learning how to cook with the ingredients we had just purchased. The watchful of Gran was a real bonus too. I cannot speak too highly of this. Book this tour for a real experience above and beyond cooking.
Ade · United Kingdom
Reliable, kind, knowledgeable and extremely professional
This is my second time traveling with Yhun from Liyu agency. After booking an extremely successful trip to the north of Ethiopia, this time we toured Addis. Yhun knows all the less-visited spots, and can accommodate a visit in both rain and sunshine. He is very pleasant, extremely reliable and I wholeheartedly recommend him. But I won't tell you all the sector places he took me- you have to come and find out for yourselves....
Dr. Raya Leibowitz · Israel
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children of all ages. Children under 9 receive a discount and children under 3 are free.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request changes to this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Cassiopeia Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Meals at Own Expense. Meals: Meals at Own Expense
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Liyu Ethiopia Tour and Travel, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
This group tour requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Liyu Ethiopia Tour and Travel.
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