Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FESTIVAL OF MARYAM ZION
This vibrant festival is held only in Aksum (
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)
. In the days leading up to the
event on 30 November, thousands of pilgrims head towards Aksum. Celebrations start in
front of the Northern Stelae Field, where the monarchs of the Orthodox church line the
steps.
December
The weather is mostly dry throughout the region and it's a fine time for wildlife
watching. Temperatures are also at their best - warm but not stifling. This is a great
time to explore the Danakil Depression.
KULUBI GABRIEL
Although not on the official religious holiday list, large numbers of Ethiopians make a pil-
grimage to the venerated Kulubi Gabriel church (
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)
, near Dire Dawa in the east
(28 December).
TREKKING
This is an ideal month for trekking in the Bale Mountains (
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)
. It's dry and the
skies are clear - perfect for capturing scenic landscapes.
BIRDWATCHING
Calling all birders! Some 200 species of Palaearctic migrants from Europe and Asia join
the already abundant African resident and intra-African migrant populations.
WHALE-SHARK SPOTTING
Whale sharks migrate annually from their usual feeding grounds to the warm waters of the
Gulf of Tadjoura (
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)
to mate and give birth. They can be observed from Novem-
ber to January.
