Departs 17 Jan
Popular 4 days, 3 nights Cultural
Addis Ababa
Timket in Addis Ababa
Walk beside the tabots to Jan Meda on the eve, then stand in the crowd at dawn as the blessed water falls.
Cultural journeys
Irreecha
Crowds in white carry fresh grass and yellow daisies to the water, giving thanks for the end of the rains.
Overview
The journey in brief
- Duration
- 3 days, 2 nights
- Where
- Central · Bishoftu
- Travel style
- Small group
- Best season
- Early October
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Price
- USD 795 per person
At dawn on the shore of Lake Hora in Bishoftu, people dressed in white dip handfuls of fresh green grass and yellow daisies into the water and touch them to their faces. Irreecha is the Oromo thanksgiving to Waaqa, the Creator, for the end of the rains and the harvest ahead. It belongs to the Gadaa system, the Oromo form of self-government on UNESCO’s intangible heritage list, and draws some of the largest crowds in Ethiopia.
You attend as guests, with an Oromo guide who explains the songs and blessings. Expect early starts, security checks and long hours standing.
Highlights
- Fresh grass and yellow daisies dipped in the water at Lake Hora
- Traditional Oromo dress, songs and blessings from the Abbaa Gadaa
- The city gathering at Hora Finfinne in Addis Ababa
- An Oromo guide explaining Waaqa and the Gadaa system
- A quiet lunch by Lake Bishoftu after the crowds
What is included
- 2 nights’ accommodation, twin share
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Vehicle and driver
- English-speaking Oromo guide
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water
What is not included
- International flights
- Ethiopian visa
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Single room (optional extra)
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1 Gadaa, Waaqa and the Meaning of GrassAddis Ababa
Your guide meets you at Bole International Airport on Friday 1 October. Over dinner, your Oromo guide explains Irreecha, the Gadaa system and how to be a good guest: where to stand, what to wear, when to lower the camera.
Activities
- Airport pickup
- Welcome dinner
- Irreecha briefing with an Oromo guide
Day 2 Irreecha at Hora FinfinneAddis Ababa, then Bishoftu
An early start to join the gathering at Hora Finfinne in Addis Ababa, where Oromo from across the city come in traditional dress, singing. In the late afternoon we drive about an hour to Bishoftu, ready for the main day.
Activities
- Irreecha at Hora Finfinne
- Drive to Bishoftu
- Dinner and briefing
Day 3 Dawn at Hora ArsadiBishoftu
Before dawn we walk with the crowds to Lake Hora, known as Hora Arsadi, for the main celebration as elders bless the gathering. After midday we rest by Lake Bishoftu, then drive back to Addis Ababa for your hotel or an evening flight.
Activities
- Irreecha at Hora Arsadi
- Lunch by Lake Bishoftu
- Transfer to Addis Ababa
Itineraries can change with weather, road and flight conditions. We will tell you promptly if they do.
Gallery
A look at the trip
Photo: Unsplash
Good to know
Before you book
- Guide languages
- English, Amharic
- Minimum age
- 10 years and over
- Group size
- 6 to 16 travellers
- Meeting point
- Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa. Your guide meets you in arrivals with a name sign.
- Accessibility
- Very large crowds, a pre-dawn walk to the lake, security queues and little shade; not suitable for wheelchairs.
What to bring
- White or light clothing
- Comfortable shoes
- A hat and sunscreen
- Water
- As little in your pockets as possible
Dress code: White or light clothing with shoulders and knees covered; follow your guide’s lead at the water’s edge.
Cancellation policy
This tour follows the Strict policy. Days are whole calendar days before departure.
| When you cancel | What you get back |
|---|---|
| 30 or more days before departure | 50% refund |
| Fewer than 30 days before departure | No refund |
Questions
About this tour
Can visitors take part?
Yes, as respectful guests. Watch first, and your guide will tell you when joining in is welcome.
Is Irreecha a religious festival?
It is a thanksgiving rooted in Oromo tradition, and people of many faiths take part.
What if the dates move?
The Abbaa Gadaa announce them each year, usually for the first weekend of October. We shift the trip to match.
Can I take photos?
Of the crowd, yes. Ask before photographing any person up close, especially elders.
Can I combine this with Meskel?
Yes. Our Meskel departure ends on 29 September, a few days earlier.
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