4-Day Christmas in Lalibela – Photography Expedition

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Addis Ababa – City & Market Photography

Arrival in Addis Ababa at Bole International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Depending on arrival time, begin a guided city photography tour of the capital. Visit Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, offering vibrant scenes of daily life, street vendors, textures, and colors ideal for documentary photography.

Overnight: Crescent International Hotel in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Crescent International Hotel

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinks not included

Flight to Lalibela – Pilgrims Arrival & Church Exploration

Take a morning flight to Lalibela. This is a special day as pilgrims from across Ethiopia begin arriving for Ethiopian Christmas (Genna), creating powerful cultural and documentary photography opportunities.

Upon arrival, explore the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, capturing early pilgrim movements, priests, and the sacred atmosphere before the crowds intensify. Focus on architectural details, rituals, and candid moments of devotion.

Overnight: Tukul Village in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Tukul Village

• Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Portraits & Christmas Eve Night Ceremony

Spend the day focusing on portrait photography of pilgrims, priests, and local communities, capturing expressive cultural and spiritual moments.

In the evening, experience the highlight of the expedition: the Ethiopian Christmas Eve night ceremony. Stay at the church throughout the night to document the full religious mass, candlelight processions, chanting priests, and the deeply spiritual atmosphere that continues until dawn.

Overnight: Tukul Village Hotel in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Tukul Village

• Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Ethiopian Christmas – Dawn Ceremony & Departure

Early in the morning, photograph the Ethiopian Christmas Day (Genna) sunrise ceremony, capturing pilgrims dressed in traditional white garments, engaged in prayer and celebration around the churches.

Following the morning ceremonies, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner before your onward departure.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.