ASHENDA IN LALIBELA

Overview

3-day, 2-night trip to Lalibela for the Ashenda Festival, departing August 21st with Nu Enezur Tour and Travel. Witness traditional tilfi dress, singing, and dancing in the streets alongside Lalibela's iconic rock-hewn churches — book now: +251 96 860 3122 |

Experience Ethiopia's most vibrant cultural celebration in the heart of its most sacred city on this 3-day, 2-night journey to Lalibela for the Ashenda Festival, departing August 21st and returning August 23rd with Nu Enezur Tour and Travel. Ashenda is a beloved Ethiopian festival celebrating girls and young women, filling the streets with traditional tilfi dresses, woven grass skirts, rhythmic drumming, singing, and joyful dancing, and Lalibela hosts its own local celebration of this tradition alongside its world-famous rock-hewn churches, making this trip a rare opportunity to witness living culture and ancient history together in a single visit. The journey begins with arrival in Lalibela and an afternoon exploring the Northern cluster of churches, followed by a welcome dinner and an evening immersed in the early atmosphere of Ashenda as it fills the town. The second day continues with the Southern cluster of churches in the morning, followed by an afternoon and evening dedicated fully to the festival itself, watching and joining local girls in traditional dress as they move through the streets singing and dancing, culminating in a community celebration filled with music and color. The final day begins with an early sunrise visit to Bete Giyorgis, the iconic church carved in the shape of a cross, followed by free time for souvenirs before departure back to Addis Ababa. This all-inclusive package covers transportation, all meals including breakfast lunch and dinner, a dedicated guide, entrance fees, accommodation, photography, and soft drinks, along with hotel pick-up and drop-off, for 25,000 ETB per person; flight tickets, alcoholic drinks, and personal expenses are not included. Seats are limited for this departure, so travelers are encouraged to reserve early by reaching out at +251 96 860 3122, +251 96 860 3010, or +251 96 813 3595, or by following @nu_enezur_ethiopian on Instagram for a closer look at what this journey feels like on the ground.