01
Day 1 — Arrival
Overnight at Ramada Addis.
Menu
Ethiopian Christmas & Genna
8 Days
8 Guest
Hotels & Lodges
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Northern Ethiopia
Addis Ababa · Bahir Dar · Gondar · Lalibela
Tour overview
Christmas, or "Genna," falls on January 7th in Ethiopia. The focal point of this tour is the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebration held in Lalibela at Bete Mariam Church.
Tour highlights
Addis Ababa's National Museum, St. George Cathedral, Entoto Mountain, Merkato
Lake Tana boat trip and Blue Nile Falls
Gondar's medieval architecture and Eskesta dance
Simien Mountains wildlife and scenery
Christmas Eve candlelight ceremony at Bete Mariam Church, Lalibela
Christmas Day ceremony with King David's dance
Fixed departures
| Tour Dates | Tour Price (from) | Special Notes | Single Supplement | Guaranteed Departure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2 - 9, 2027 | USD 2405 | USD 470 | Yes | 8 Spaces |
Day by day
The itinerary
02
Day 2 — Flight from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar
Overnight at Avanti Blu Nile Resorts.
03
Day 3 — Journey from Bahir Dar to Gondar
Timket-related sites, Eskesta dance. Overnight at Haile Resort Gondar.
04
Day 4 — Excursion to Simien Mountains National Park
Overnight at Haile Resort Gondar
05
Day 5 — Fly from Gondar to Lalibela for Christmas Eve Celebration
Church clusters, Christmas Eve candlelight ceremony at Bete Mariam. Overnight at Mezena Lodge.
06
Day 6 — Ethiopian Christmas - Excursion
King David's dance ceremony and remaining rock-hewn churches. Overnight at Mezena Lodge.
07
Day 7 — Flight from Lalibela to Addis
Farewell dinner. Overnight at Ramada Addis.
08
Day 8 — Departure
Transfer to the airport.
The route
Ethiopian Christmas & Genna
What's included
Included
- Private vehicle and driver-guide throughout
- English-speaking guide
- Trekking scouts, permits, and camping equipment
- All accommodation/camping as listed
- All meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
- Domestic flights per itinerary
- Park entrance and permit fees
Not included
- International flights
- Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
Where you'll stay
Accommodation
Addis Ababa
Ramada Addis
Hotel
Bahir Dar
Avanti Blu Nile Resorts
Resort
Gondar
Haile Resort Gondar
Resort
Lalibela
Mezena Lodge
Lodge
Accommodation can be adjusted based on your budget and preferences. Premium and budget alternatives are available on request.
On the road
Our vehicles
All Absolute Ethiopia tours use well-maintained 4WD vehicles - Toyota Land Cruisers or similar - driven by experienced, professional drivers. For larger groups we use minibuses or coaster buses. Your comfort and safety on the road is our priority throughout every journey.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is Ethiopia safe for tourists?
Ethiopia is generally safe for visitors, and our group tours are planned around established tourist routes and destinations. Conditions can vary by region, so our local guides monitor the situation and adjust the itinerary when necessary to keep the group safe and comfortable.
Do I need a visa to visit Ethiopia?
Most nationalities can apply for an Ethiopian e-Visa online before travel. Visa requirements vary by nationality, so we recommend checking the current requirements before your trip and arranging your visa in advance where possible.
What currency should I bring to Ethiopia?
The Ethiopian birr (ETB) is the local currency. US dollars, euros, and other major currencies can generally be exchanged in Ethiopia, although exchange rates vary. We recommend carrying some cash for smaller purchases and places where card payments may not be available.
Are ATMs available in Ethiopia?
ATMs are available in Addis Ababa and many of the larger towns and cities, although availability can be more limited in remote areas. It’s a good idea to withdraw or exchange enough cash before travelling into areas where ATM access may be limited.
What is the best time to visit Ethiopia?
Ethiopia can be visited throughout much of the year, but the best period depends on the region and the experience you want. Many northern and historic-route tours are particularly pleasant during the drier months. Festival departures follow specific dates, so the timing of those tours is determined by the festival calendar.
Is Ethiopia safe for tourists?
Ethiopia is safe for tourists across all the destinations we operate. Our team monitors conditions on an ongoing basis and will always communicate any updates that affect your itinerary. We have been operating tours safely for many years and your wellbeing is our first priority.
Do I need a visa to visit Ethiopia?
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Ethiopia. The Ethiopian e-Visa is available online before travel and is the most straightforward option. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Contact us if you need guidance on the visa process for your specific nationality.
How physically demanding is this tour?
This tour includes trekking at Erta Ale - a two to three hour walk on uneven terrain - and multi-day trekking in the Simien Mountains at altitudes above 3,000 metres. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. You do not need prior trekking experience but should be comfortable walking for several hours on varied terrain. Please let us know of any health conditions when inquiring.
Is the Danakil Depression safe to visit?
The Danakil Depression requires armed scouts as a standard precaution - this applies to all tour operators working in the region. We have operated safely in the Danakil for many years and work exclusively with trusted local partners. We monitor conditions continuously and will always communicate any changes that affect the itinerary.
What altitude does this tour reach?
This tour covers an extraordinary range - from the Danakil Depression at 116 metres below sea level, the lowest point in Africa, to the Simien Mountains above 4,000 metres. We acclimatise gradually throughout the itinerary and your guide monitors the group's wellbeing throughout the trekking sections.
Can I do this tour without the Danakil Depression section?
Yes. We can adapt this itinerary to focus on the northern historic route and Simien Mountains without the Danakil section. Contact us via WhatsApp or email and we will build the right itinerary for your interests and fitness level.
Dates & departures
This is a suggested private itinerary
Every detail can be adapted to suit you - dates, duration, accommodation tier, pace, and group size. Use this as your starting point and let us design your perfect journey.
Related tours
See all tours →Timket and Africa’s Hidden Gem
Enquire NowMeskel Festival Tour
Enquire NowOmo Valley Cultural Express Tour
Enquire NowTour inquiry
Interested in this tour?
Tell us a bit about your trip and we'll get back to you with everything you need.
Ethiopian Christmas & Genna
Private
No obligation, no rush
Ready to start planning your Ethiopia adventure?
Our team in Addis Ababa is ready to help. Tell us what you're dreaming of and we'll take it from there.