Ethiopia in June, Milhela in Axum and annular eclipse

The medieval splendour of Gondar, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the islands of Lake Tana: Africa’s rich history, carved into unique monuments

Celebrations always help to beautify the places visited. This time, our trip to Ethiopia: single departure on 12 June, will coincide with the distinctive night-time ceremony of the Milhela in Axum and the little-known celebration of anniversary of King Lalibela in a city that bears his name.
Weather permitting, the highlight of the trip will be an annular eclipse that we can observe from Lalibela on the last day.

Trip highlights

• Ancient Abyssinia
  Gondar’s medieval splendour, Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches and the islands of Lake Tana: Africa’s rich history, carved into unique monuments.
• Landscapes, lakes and markets
  The variety of landscapes is one of the riches of Ethiopia: savannah, lakes, tropical forests, highlands and mountains… Travelling by road offers a comprehensive picture of everyday life, with visits to its most unusual markets.
• Annular eclipse on 21 June
  The annular eclipse can be observed from Lalibela, combining history and astronomy around its rock-cut churches.

Itinerary of the trip to Ethiopia

The itinerary follows a classic northern circuit—Axum, Gondar, Bahar Dar and Lalibela. What makes this departure special is that it coincides with several events that add to the experience:

• Celebration in Lalibela the birthday of King Lalibela (in Lalibela, of course)
• Night Ceremony of the Milhela in Axum.
• Possibility of observing a annular eclipse of the sun in Lalibela on Sunday, 21 June (weather permitting).

Departures and prices

Eclipse in Ethiopia single departure on June 12

Difficulty and conditions of travel

The poor condition of Ethiopia’s road network and the changeable weather can cause the local organisers may have to change the planned itinerary at short notice.
Although the itinerary is suitable for anyone of average fitness, some driving days are very long, the few amenities in the south and the unusual reception visitors receive in some villages may challenge travellers less accustomed to remote areas.

Upcoming trips to Ethiopia

The Omo Valley and Ancient Abyssinia

✔️ Ethiopia
✔️ 18-day trip
✔️ Departures 7, 28 JUL > 11 AUG > 8 SEP > 6 OCT 2023
✔️ From 3375€

The north is the land of Christians who have left their ancient monuments as testimony.
In the south, in sub-Saharan Africa, culturally diverse peoples live alongside one another along the Omo River.

More information about the trip