Timkat in Lalibela: Ethiopia’s Vibrant Celebration of Epiphany
Code / 1683
Timkat, derived from the Amharic word ጥምቀት, is the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s joyous celebration of Epiphany, commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. It is celebrated annually on January 19th (or January 20th during leap years).
Our promise
What you'll experience
Dance and Communal Spirit
Timkat aligns with the 11th day of Terr in the Ethiopian calendar. Recognizing its profound cultural value, UNESCO inscribed Timkat on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019.
At the heart of Timkat is a vibrant reenactment of Jesus’ baptism, a practice inspired by early Christian pilgrims who journeyed to the Holy Land to symbolically renew their own baptisms at the Jordan River. Central to the celebration is the Tabot, a sacred replica of the Ark of the Covenant found on every Ethiopian altar. Usually hidden from public view, the Tabot symbolizes the revelation of Christ as the Messiah during His baptism.
Ceremonies begin at around 2 a.m. with the Divine Liturgy conducted near a stream or pool. The Tabot, beautifully draped in richly embroidered cloth, is carried with reverence atop the head of a senior priest, leading a solemn procession to the water. At dawn, the waters are blessed, and the crowd eagerly receives sprinklings of the holy water. Many believers immerse themselves, symbolically renewing their own baptismal vows in this sacred rite.
As morning progresses, festivities grow exuberant. By midday, large gatherings form at the ceremonial site, preparing for the vibrant procession that returns the Holy Ark to its home church. The air fills with songs, rhythmic dances, and vibrant colors. Clergy, dressed in vivid robes and carrying richly decorated umbrellas, dance joyfully. Elders solemnly parade with ceremonial weapons, singing deep, resonant chants, while children play energetically amidst the celebration.
Women, splendidly attired, enjoy spirited conversation on this special day of freedom and joy, while young men leap enthusiastically, their energetic dances accompanied by rhythmic singing, encapsulating the communal spirit and rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia.
Join in this magnificent celebration of faith, culture, and community—an unforgettable immersion into Ethiopia’s vibrant spiritual traditions.
Euro 240
Prices are per person and include VAT.
Note: Due to local currency and economic fluctuations in Ethiopia, listed prices may vary. However, as part of Ayzoh! Ethiopia’s transparency policy, once your contract is signed, the agreed price is guaranteed and will not change under any circumstances.
What's included
- All domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines
- All ground transportation in a recent-model, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional Ethiopian driver
- Accommodation throughout the tour
- Three meals per day
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- All tips and gratuities, except for your tour driver (tipping is at your discretion)
- Entrance fees to all historical sites, museums, and national parks
- Fees for licensed local guides and required national park scouts
What's not included
- International flights
- Accommodation in Addis Ababa prior to the night before Day 1 (we’re happy to arrange extra nights for you if needed)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal expenses – Credit cards are accepted in many places, but we recommend bringing some cash in US Dollars or Euros
- Ethiopian tourist visa (approximately US$52, available online or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
How to Book Your Tour
FAQ / Suggestions
Absolutely! All our tours are flexible — we can adjust the itinerary, dates, and experiences to match your needs and interests.
Just fill out the contact form or message us directly. Once we agree on the plan, we’ll send you a detailed itinerary, contract, and payment instructions.
You can pay by bank transfer, credit/debit card, or PayPal. You may also choose to pay the final balance upon arrival in Ethiopia — no hidden fees.
Yes, fully refundable if you cancel at least 15 days before Day 1. After that, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
Yes! You can cancel or reschedule up to 14 days before departure with no penalty. We’ll always do our best to accommodate changes.
Yes, a 1-month tourist visa (around US$52) is required. You can get it online or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip. Common vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and sometimes yellow fever (if arriving from certain countries).
Bring light, comfortable clothes for warm days, a sweater or jacket for cool evenings, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a sense of adventure! We'll send you a full packing list before departure.
We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip. Common vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and sometimes yellow fever (if arriving from certain countries).
Let’s Design Your Journey
Interested in this itinerary as it is? Or would you like to personalize it? Just fill out the form with your details — our travel designers will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
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