Celebrate Ethiopia’s Ashenda Festival Culture, Color & Tradition
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Tour Overview
Celebrate Ethiopia’s vibrant Ashenda Festival on this 5-day tour, witnessing young women in traditional grass skirts singing and dancing through the streets of Mekele and Tigray. Explore historic rock-hewn churches, monasteries, and spiritual sites in Gheralta, Hawzen, and Addis Ababa, including Mount Entoto, the National Museum, and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions, music, and local ceremonies while enjoying domestic flights, expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and exclusive cultural experiences in one of Ethiopia’s most colorful and heartwarming celebrations.
Tour Highlights
- Ashenda Festival
- Tigray Culture
- Rock-Hewn Churches
- Gheralta Mountains
- Hawzen Monastery
- Mekele Highlights
- Addis Ababa Sights
- Traditional Ceremonies
- Grass Skirt Dance
- Ethiopian Heritage
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrive at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon sightseeing includes Mount Entoto for panoramic views, the National Museum to see “Lucy,” Holy Trinity Cathedral, Ethnographic Museum, and Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Fly to Mekele & Explore Tigray
Morning flight to Mekele. En route to Hawzen, visit Wukro Cherkos (semi rock-hewn church), Abraha Atsbeha (Ethiopia’s first church), and Dugum Selassie. Overnight in Hawzen.
Excursion to Abune Yemata & Rock Churches
Drive to Gheralta Mountains to visit Debre Mariam Korkor Monastery (6th century) and Abba Daniel’s Prayer Room, a small rock church with stunning views. Return to Hawzen for overnight.
Hawzen to Mekele & Ashenda Festival
Drive to Mekele, the heart of the Ashenda Festival. Witness girls and young women wearing traditional grass skirts, singing and dancing through the streets. Experience local music, ceremonies, and the end of the Filseta fast. Overnight in Mekele.
Mekele to Addis Ababa & Departure
Morning continuation of Ashenda festivities. Transfer to Mekele airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa and connect to your international departure.
Essential Travel Information
Everything you need to know before your journey begins.
Best Time to Visit
November to March
Weather & Climate
Mild and sunny, cooler evenings, occasional rain from June to September
Currency & Language
Ethiopian Birr (ETB), Amharic
Visa Requirements
Visa on arrival or e-visa available for most nationalities
What's Included
- Domestic Flights
- Accommodation In Hotels/Lodges (B&B Or HB)
- English-Speaking Guide
- Entrance Fees To All Sites
- Transfers And Airport Pick-Ups
What's Not Included
- Domestic Flights
- Accommodation In Hotels/Lodges (B&B Or HB)
- English-Speaking Guide
- Entrance Fees To All Sites
- Transfers And Airport Pick-Ups
Hotels
Hotel Name
Location not specified
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Limited spots available for 2024 departures. Book now to secure your place on this incredible journey.