Meskel is second in importance only to Timket and has been celebrated for over 1,600 years. The word means "cross," and the feast commemorates when the cross of Christ was revealed to Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great.
In Addis Ababa, celebrations start in the early afternoon when a procession bearing flaming torches approaches Meskel Square from various directions. Participants include priests in brightly colored vestments, students, brass bands, contingents of the armed forces, and floats carrying huge lit crosses. They circle the "demera" and fling torches upon it while singing a special Meskel song.
Thousands gather at the square to bid farewell to the rains and welcome "Tseday," the spring season with its profuse Meskel daisies and golden sunshine. As evening darkens, the flames glow brighter, and it is not until dawn that the burning pyramid consumes itself entirely and the tree at its center finally falls. During the celebrations, houses are stocked with "tella," the local beer, and strangers are made welcome.
Trip Highlights
- ✦Visit the vibrant city of Addis Ababa
- ✦Attend the Celebration of Meskel ("Ethiopian True Finding of the Cross")
- ✦Experience Ethiopian Orthodox Christian doctrines and traditions
- ✦Be amazed by the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
- ✦Enjoy the magnificent nature and endemic wildlife of the Simien Mountains
- ✦Discover the "Camelot of Africa," Gondar
- ✦Take a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the ancient island monasteries
- ✦See the source of the Blue Nile River and the Blue Nile Falls
- ✦Try the varied flavors of Ethiopian food
Itinerary
| Day | Day Activities | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrival in Addis Ababa & Sightseeing Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy sightseeing in Addis Ababa, including the National Museum (home to the famous Lucy fossil skeleton), the Ethnological Museum, Trinity Cathedral Church, and the Entoto Hills. | Hotel in Addis Ababa — Bed & Breakfast |
| Day 02 | More Excursions in Addis & Attend Meskel Festivity After breakfast, continue excursions in Addis Ababa with a visit to the vast Merkato market. In the afternoon, witness the Meskel Festivity in Jan Meda. | Hotel in Addis Ababa — Bed & Breakfast |
| Day 03 | Drive to Bahir Dar In the morning, drive to Bahir Dar, stopping en route to visit the 13th-century Debre Libanos Monastery and the 16th-century Portuguese Bridge, where Gelada baboons can easily be spotted. Enjoy the fascinating scenery of the Blue Nile Gorge along the way. | Hotel in Bahir Dar — Bed & Breakfast |
| Day 04 | Excursion in Bahir Dar — Lake Tana & Blue Nile Falls After breakfast, take a boat cruise on the beautiful highland Lake Tana and visit island monasteries decorated with distinctive, colorful frescoes and old manuscripts. After lunch, take a scenic drive to the town of Tiss Abay to visit the famous Blue Nile Falls, then return to Bahir Dar for the night. | Hotel in Bahir Dar — Bed & Breakfast |
| Day 05 | Drive to Gondar & Sightseeing of Gondar Head to the legendary city and World Heritage Site of Gondar, known as the 'Camelot of Africa' and the 17th–18th century capital of Ethiopia. Visit the Royal Enclosure, surrounded by high stone walls (UNESCO World Heritage Site), as well as Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famed for its ceiling of winged angels and biblical murals, and the Bathing Pool of King Fasiledes. | Hotel in Gondar — Bed & Breakfast |
| Day 06 | Drive to Simien Mountains National Park Head to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Simien Mountains National Park, famed for its dramatic landscapes, afro-alpine vegetation, and unique wildlife and birds. Lunch is served by lunch box with a view. Spend the day on a combination of short hikes and drives, spotting endemic troops of Gelada baboons before returning to the lodge for overnight. | Lodge in Simien Mountains — Bed & Breakfast |
| Day 07 | More Excursions in Simien NP & Drive Back to Gondar Spend more time exploring the breathtaking scenery of the Simien Mountains National Park. Hike along mountain trails among unique flora and fauna, including the Giant Lobelia. Drive to Chenek and trek to see the Walia ibex, a species endemic to Ethiopia and the Simien Mountains. Drive back to Gondar in the late afternoon. | Hotel in Gondar — Bed & Breakfast |
| Day 08 | Fly to Lalibela & Sightseeing Catch a morning flight to Lalibela and transfer to your hotel. After a short break, visit the first group of the magnificent rock-hewn churches, carved out of living volcanic tuff, including Bete Medhane Alem (House of the Redeemer), the largest with 5 aisles and 72 pillars, and Bete Mariam (House of St. Mary), the most decorated of the rock-hewn churches. | Hotel in Lalibela — Bed & Breakfast |
| Day 09 | More Excursions in Lalibela Excursion to Yemrehane Kristos Cave Church outside Lalibela, through beautiful mountainous landscape. Return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the second group of rock-hewn churches: Bete Emanuel (House of Emanuel), architecturally the finest, and Bete Giyorgis (House of St. George), considered the finest of all Lalibela's churches, believed to have been carved last, once the masons had perfected their skill. | Hotel in Lalibela — Bed & Breakfast |
| Day 10 | Fly Back to Addis Ababa In the morning, after breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening before transferring to the airport for your flight home. | Departure — End of the Tour |