Ethiopia Pilgrimage & Spiritual Journey – 11 Days
Overview:
Ethiopia Pilgrimage & Spiritual Journey, Travel to learn and discover the hidden Treasures of Ethiopia.
There are few words adequate to describe the astonishing spectacle of the Orthodox Christian Christmas celebrations held each January in Lalibela, Ethiopia. Visited by few travelers due to its remote location, the 3-day event is a rich tapestry of colours, chanting and rituals stretching back into the mists of time to the days of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
Join us on a one-of-a-kind adventure into the heart of the second-most ancient Christianity in the world after the Holy Land with many traditions intact that have been long lost in the western church. Starting in Addis Ababa, the lively capital, we will visit the palaces of the late Emperor Haile Selassie alongside jazz evenings and memorable restaurants.
Flying to the Northern Highlands and the old city of Gondar, there will be a guided tour of 17th century castles and baths of Emperor Fasilides as well as church with the most famous ceiling in Ethiopia. The climax of the tour will the all-night visit to a gathering of pilgrims at a ceremony held outside a 12th-century rock-church church in Lalibela, called Ethiopia’s ‘New Jerusalem’.
Day 1: Arrive to Addis-Ababa
Arrive at bole international airport meet and greet and Transfer to your hotel.
Overnight hotel
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Dirdawa – Harar / The African Mecca
Fly to the old city of Diridawa, which is the best known for the queen of desert. Diridawa is believed to be the old city in Ethiopia where the ethio- djibouti railway started. Explore and photograph the old Arabic style lined up house and explore the markets and beautiful stress under big trees. Late afternoon drive the walled city of Harar
Day 3: Exploring Harar – The Walled City of Rich Heritage
Nestled amidst the desert and savannah, Harar, the fortified Walled City, stands as a true testament to Ethiopia’s rich history and cultural diversity. Regarded as the fourth holy city of Islam, Harar boasts 82 mosques and 102 houses of prayer, some dating back to the 10th century. The city’s unique architectural charm, a combination of one-storey traditional houses and two-storey Indian-style buildings, sets it apart from other Muslim cities. In this blog post, we will embark on a journey to explore the enchanting city of Harar, its captivating history, and the exceptional craftsmanship that defines its identity.
The Fascinating History of Harar
Harar’s history dates back centuries, with its walls built between the 13th and 16th centuries to fortify the city. During its illustrious past, Harar served as the capital of the Kingdom of Harar from 1520 to 1568, witnessing periods of prosperity as a center of commerce and Quranic teachings in the 16th to 19th centuries. In the 17th century, Harar and its surrounding areas became an independent emirate before being occupied by Egypt. Ultimately, in 1877, it was incorporated into Ethiopia, adding another layer of cultural influence to this vibrant city.
Immersing in Harari Culture
The people of Harar, known as Hararis, take great pride in their cultural heritage. The city is known for its rich traditions, such as the unique Harari language, handicrafts, and cuisine. Indulge in the taste of Harar’s famed coffee, renowned for its distinct flavor and preparation rituals that have been passed down through generations.
Harar’s Unique Architecture and Cultural Heritage
The architectural layout of Harar is truly exceptional, distinct from any other city in Ethiopia or among Muslim cities worldwide. The labyrinth of narrow streets and high facades of houses creates an awe-inspiring sight. The blend of traditional one-storey houses, Indian-style two-storey buildings, and the combination of both showcases the city’s rich cultural diversity and historical evolution.
The heart of Harar lies within the ancient walls, known as Harar Jugol. Stepping inside this walled city is like stepping into a living museum, where traditions and customs are well-preserved by its warm and welcoming residents. Stroll through narrow alleys and labyrinthine streets lined with colorful houses adorned with wooden doors and intricate designs. This unique urban layout is a testament to the remarkable urban planning of the past.
Artisanship and Interior Design
Harar is renowned for its skilled artisans, who specialize in weaving, basketry, and book-binding. The city’s artistic craftsmanship extends to the interior design of houses, where intricate patterns and vibrant colors create a unique ambiance. Harari houses are not just dwellings but living works of art that reflect the city’s cultural pride.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
In recognition of its outstanding cultural significance, Harar was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The preservation of its historical sites, including ancient mosques, traditional houses, and the harmonious coexistence of various cultures, contributed to this prestigious accolade. over night hotel
Day 4: Harar – Addis Ababa
In the morning walk in the walled city of Harar, and drive to Dirediwa to catch your flight to addis Abeba.
Overnight hotel
Day 5: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar / The lake side city of Bahir Dar / lake Tana monastery
Fly to Bahir Dar , then have a boat trip on lake Tana and walk in the plam city of Bahir dar . The boat cruise takes us to the old monasteries tucked away on the islands and far shores of the lake. Many of the ornately decorated rock churches date back to the 14 century, with two dating back to the Gonderine Period (17th and 18th centuries). One of the monasteries we visit is Ura Kidane Mehret, featuring an elaborately decorated main structure. Located on the Zege Peninsula, Ura Kidane Mehret is one of the finest examples of traditional Ethiopian Orthodox Christian monasteries, with colourful biblical scenes painted on its inner walls. This monastery is also known for its old manuscripts and ecclesiastical objects including gold and silver processional crosses and the crowns of emperors dating back to the 14th century. We also visit the small monastery of Azwa Mariam, located on an island in Lake Tana and also dating back to the 14th Century AD. On our boat trip, we are likely to spot various birds, hippos and local people paddling their reed boats known as tankwa. The handcrafted tankwa boats of today still resemble the boats of ancient Egypt. As the source of the Blue Nile River, Lake Tana has a fascinating history. Later in the afternoon, we drive to Bezawit Hill, located next to the former palace of Haile Selassie. From the top of Bezawit Hill, we get to look out over Bezawit Hill and watch the sunset over the lake.
Overnight Hotel
Day 6: Bahir Dar – Gondar ( Camelot of Africa ) EXplore the historical city of Gondar
Drive to the historical city of Gondar ,Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient Imperial city, traveling through a fertile landscape of wide open fields; a perfect African tableau punctuated by undulating hillsides and valleys. Gondar was the first capital city of the Ethiopian Empire, which began in 1632 with the reign of Fasilidas. In Gonder, there are a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. The city seems more European than African. visit Fasilidas’ Palace, probably the most impressive of all the castles found in the area and the oldest one! We continue on to the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie (Light of the Trinity). The interior of Debre Berham Selassie is decorated with beautiful frescos, cherubs and paintings. Debre Berham Selassie is rumored to once have been the proposed final resting-place of the Ark of the Covenant. Overnight Hotel
Day 7: Day Trip to Simien Mountain national park / The roof of Africa – Gondar
On this day we will drive to the majesty of Semien Mountain National park. Early morning with the lunch box drive to Debark. This is a small market town at an altitude of 2700 meters near the boundary of the Semien Mountains National Park , After we register at the park headquarters just outside the city. Here armed Scout – joins one of the parking regulations. Then we head through pretty Countryside Pass, which is at the foot of the mountains Semen, with attention paid to fields, open with grazing horses, trees and distant rocky peaks. At the height of the road there is a magnificent view of the strangely eroded foothills of the series, and you can also be lucky enough to spot at first bearded vulture and gelada baboons. On this day we will see a vast expanse of lowlands and gain some perspective of this incredible mountain range. There are also options to take a circuit walk and enjoy one of the most dramatic trekking days imaginable. The most Common animal in this area is the gelada baboon, unique to Ethiopia and also known as the bleeding-heart baboon, or lion monkey. Klipspringers and grey duikers may also be seen in this area but it is usually only a glimpse as they nimbly spring across the rock face. Another or Ethiopia’s endemic species, the Walia Ibex with its distinctively ridged horns can sometimes be seen on the rocky crags of the escarpments. After noon we will drive back to Gondar for our over night.
Overnight hotel
Day 8: Gondar – Lalibela / The second Jerusalem / The African petra
Fly to Lalibela, the second jerusalem, upon arrival in the airport drive to the city and cheekin to your hotel. Then start your tour and explore the first group of the church. Lalibela’s churches are collectively referred to as ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’. Legend has it that Emperor Lalibela had been instructed, in a vision from God, to build the New Jerusalem after returning from Jerusalem which was sacked by the Muslims. Visit the 11 majestic, rock churches that are still used as places of worship by Lalibela. Since its relatively remote location, Lalibela has yet gained worldwide exposure and has been compared as the “Petra of Africa”. Today you have a full day city tour in Lalibela. The city contains 11 monolithic churches that were built in the 12th century and are carved out of the pink granite rock; they have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the first and the third group of churches, which have seven rock churches. Overnight hotel.
Day 9: All The day in lalibela
In the morning after breakfast, Visit the Second group of the church. After lunch you will drive outside the city to visit the cave church of Nakutaleab monastry which is one of the great religious sites outside Lalibela.
Overnight hotel
Day 10 : Lalibela – Genete Mariam Rock church
Drive to outside Lalibela , visit Geneta Maryam is thought to have been built around 1270 by Yekuno Amlak, who restored the Solomonic line. With its rectangular shape and 20 massive rectangular pillars that support it, Geneta Maryam resembles Lalibela’s Bet Medhane Alem. It’s also known for its remarkable 13th-century paintings, though most are very faded. There’s a moon-shaped face of Christ on the western wall. Dive back to the city for over night.
Day 11 : Lalibela – Addis Ababa / Departure
Fly back to Addis Ababa, and visit and photograph Saint George church in pissa, in the evening, dinner and transfer to the airport. Fly back home.