Duration
4-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
4-Day Christmas in Lalibela – Photography Expedition
Overview
A 4-day photography expedition to Lalibela during Genna, capturing powerful moments of faith, culture, and tradition. From the vibrant streets of Addis Ababa to the sacred Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, this journey focuses on pilgrims, rituals, candlelit ceremonies, and the unforgettable Christmas sunrise celebration.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Lalibela (Town)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
On request
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
Getting around: minivan & air transfer
Accommodation
Crescent International Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Meals
Lunch & Dinner Included; All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 4, 2027
$2,343 USD
$2,167 USD
Click a Rate to Request a Quote USD
- USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is not available to groups larger than 7 people.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour is unavailable for children.
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 2-3
Lalibela (Town)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 4)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges and hotels.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Scheduled departures
This tour starts on fixed start dates only.
Cannot be customized
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
18
Minimum age of 18 years
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: minivan & air transfer
Book your own international flights when using this operator
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Crescent International Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2-3
Tukul Village
Mid-range lodge in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
End of tour
(No accommodation)
All Meals 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 in Addis Ababa – City & Market Photography
Arrival in Addis Ababa at Bole International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, begin a guided city photography tour of the capital. Visit Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, offering vibrant scenes of daily life, street vendors, textures, and colors ideal for documentary photography. Overnight: Crescent International Hotel in Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Crescent International Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinks not included
Day 2
Flight to Lalibela – Pilgrims Arrival & Church Exploration
Take a morning flight to Lalibela. This is a special day as pilgrims from across Ethiopia begin arriving for Ethiopian Christmas (Genna), creating powerful cultural and documentary photography opportunities. Upon arrival, explore the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, capturing early pilgrim movements, priests, and the sacred atmosphere before the crowds intensify. Focus on architectural details, rituals, and candid moments of devotion. Overnight: Tukul Village in Lalibela. Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Tukul Village Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 3
Portraits & Christmas Eve Night Ceremony
Spend the day focusing on portrait photography of pilgrims, priests, and local communities, capturing expressive cultural and spiritual moments. In the evening, experience the highlight of the expedition: the Ethiopian Christmas Eve night ceremony. Stay at the church throughout the night to document the full religious mass, candlelight processions, chanting priests, and the deeply spiritual atmosphere that continues until dawn. Overnight: Tukul Village Hotel in Lalibela. Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Lalibela (Town) Stay: Tukul Village Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 4
Ethiopian Christmas – Dawn Ceremony & Departure
Early in the morning, photograph the Ethiopian Christmas Day (Genna) sunrise ceremony, capturing pilgrims dressed in traditional white garments, engaged in prayer and celebration around the churches. Following the morning ceremonies, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner before your onward departure. All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals included 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)
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
Drinks
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Book your own international flights when using this operator
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
Ethiopian Photography Tours
5.0 operator rating
6 reviews
We are a private Ethiopian tour company, established in October 2015, specializing in personalized and unforgettable travel experiences. With an experienced and friendly team, we design seamless journeys tailored to your interests, bringing Ethiopia’s rich history, culture, and landscapes to life.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2015)
Tour Types
Specialized photographic safaris (Mid-range & luxury)
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Ethiopian Safari at its best
I can highly recommend Ethiopian Photography Tours. I’ve travelled with them three times over the years, and each experience has been consistently excellent. They are trustworthy and very flexible when it comes to designing tailored private itineraries, and they provide a high level of service throughout. Their experience in organising photography-focused trips really shows. If you’re considering a trip, I suggest contacting Mulie directly.
JB F · Switzerland
Excelent guide
I loved how Mule showed me around. He is very kind, professional, well prepared, and honest guide. I really recomand him!
Alexandru Petolescu · Romania
Wonderful
Beautiful experience with Mulei We travel to south to see the tribes and to north. I recommend Mulei because every is safe with him. He understood what you want to do. Everything was good. The tour as we ask. He knows a lot of things and the price for the car with the driver and mulei is ok And the more important thing it is safety
Myriam Benhayon · Spain
Great knowledge of egions, ethnic groups, culture, food, music and more.
Great operation. Mulugeta (Mulu) seamlessly handled my air travel and lodging accommodations at nice places with reduced rates. He has an impressive breadth of knowledge of the various regions, ethnic groups, culture, food, music and more. Highly recommend using him and his team for making this trip and my last one providing unforgettable experiences that Ethiopia has to offer.
Ramalaka · Greece
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 is unavailable for children.
Can the itinerary be customized?
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Crescent International Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Lunch & Dinner Included. Meals: Lunch & Dinner Included
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
How does the quote request work?
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators () Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Ethiopian Photography Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
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 Ethiopian Photography Tours.
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