Yoga Events and Happenings | Yoga and the Historic Sites of Northern Ethiopia
Yoga and the Historic Sites of Northern Ethiopia
Ethiopia is regarded as the land of history and the cradle of mankind. Among the most striking and atmospheric sites are the monasteries of Lake Tana, the castles of Gondar and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. The magnificent Simien Mountains National Park is known for dramatic peaks and endemic species.
This unique guided holiday combines these fascinating sites with the ancient practice of yoga. The yoga sessions will be at viewpoints and peaceful sites, perfectly integrated into the surroundings. The tour finishes in Addis Ababa with the candlelit processions of the Festival of Meskel.
Mulugeta Ababu, specialist in Ethiopian history and expert Ethiopian guide, will lead the tour, bringing his in-depth knowledge and quirky humour to the sites. Tamara Britten, certified in Vinyasa Flow and SUP yoga, will lead the yoga sessions at specific sites she has chosen along the route.
On day one in Addis, the group will meet and celebrate with a traditional Ethiopian dinner with performances from singers and dancers.
Days two and three will be in the Simien Mountains: the stunning scenery of the Simien Mountains includes summits, cliffs, waterfalls and rivers, and several jaw-dropping viewpoints. The highest peak, Ras Dashen, stands at around 4,500m, and several of the surrounding peaks are over 4,000m, making this the highest mountain range in Ethiopia. Rare animals here include the Gelada Baboon, Walya Ibex and Ethiopian wolf.
Day four will be in Gondar: established as the capital by Emperor Fasiladas in 1636, Gondar was the Royal Capital of Ethiopia until the 1860s. The castles and palaces built during these years have led Gondar to be referred to as the Camelot of Africa, and to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most striking collection of castles is known as Fasil Ghebbi, or the Royal Enclosure: with six stone castles, three historic churches and a collection of lesser buildings, the compound is awash with myths and intrigue.
Days five and six will be spent on Lake Tana: Lake Tana is dotted with islands, some of which have monasteries containing the remains of ancient Ethiopian emperors and treasures of the Ethiopian church. The artwork inside the monasteries is remarkable for having been created from paints made from local plants and natural items, and on the walk to the monasteries – a gentle shaded climb of less that 1km through coffee plantations – locals demonstrate the making of these natural paints.
Days seven and eight will be in Lalibela: the most famous site in Ethiopia, and the one that arguably no visitor should miss, is Lalibela. Sometimes called the Eighth Wonder of the World, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of Ethiopia’s holiest cities, visited as a pilgrimage site by many Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. The rock-hewn churches, built in the 12th century, are incredible feats of engineering and spellbinding.
The holiday finishes in Addis at the festival of Meskel: Meskel, or the Finding of the True Cross, is a sparkling festival of light and nowhere is better to see it than Meskel Square in Addis. According to legend, Queen Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, discovered the cross on which Jesus had been crucified, in around the 4th century, after a dream inspired her to light a bonfire whose smoke revealed the site of the cross. The festival is celebrated with dancing, processions, music and the lighting of bonfires.
Daily yoga sessions will include Vinyasa Flow, Hatha and SUP (stand up paddle board)
Rates:
Price per person: 2,732 USD or equivalent EURO/person.
Single supplement 706 USD
Maximum 12 people. Book early - places are limited
Current airfare for the sector:
Addis – Bahir Dar // Gondar - Lalibela - Addis is 193 USD per person using Ethiopian Airlines internationally.
Addis – Bahir Dar // Gondar - Lalibela - Addis is 368 USD per person for those using other carriers internationally.
This price should be added to the above quote.
Includes:
• All accommodation based on double room occupancy
• Meals on full board basis
• Special terrace dinner at Hyatt Regency during the Meskel celebrations
• All entrance fees at sites, churches, parks and villages
• Daily yoga sessions - either morning or sunset
• All transfers in Addis Ababa using a new model minibus
• All ground transportation using recent model high roof minibus with AC according to the itinerary
• A professional yoga teacher throughout
• An English-speaking professional guide throughout
• Boat fee at Lake Tana
• Portage fees
• Drinking water throughout the trip
• 15% Ethiopian government taxes
Event Dates: 20 September 2020 ~ 29 September 2020
Organised by:
About The Region
Northern
The historic north is home to what are arguably Ethiopia’s most popular sites. The legendary historic route includes Bahir Dar, Gondar, Axum, Lalibela and Gheralta. The region also includes Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, and the Simien Mountains, with Ethiopia’s highest peaks and most diverse wildlife.
Read more about NorthernWhere To Stay
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