The church was built in 1880.The festival of Saint Gabriel (kulubi Gabriel), the Archangel, is celebrated on every December (Tahsas) 19 Ethiopian calendar (December 28 Gregorian calendar) which culminates in a pilgrimage to Kulubi, about 68 kilometers from Dire Dawa. Orthodox Tewahido (one in union) Christians mark the celebration with colorful processions and ceremonies. Kulubi is the largest pilgrimage place in Ethiopia. Pilgrims (about 100,000 People) walk up the hill to the church to fulfill their vow and give gifts to the church. People around the world gather in December for Kulubi. The area surrounding the church becomes almost a carnival site with the arrival of the multitude starting from Tahsas 18(27 December).Babies born through Gabriel's intervention are brought to the front of the Church for baptism. During the duration of the celebration about 1,000 babies may be christened, most of them named after Saint Gabriel.

Program: Kulubi (Saint Gabriel Festival)

Tour Code: ATE0067

Duration: 15 Nights (16 Days)

Transportation: Land

Day1: Arrive to Addis. Overnight - hotel

Day2: City Tour of Addis Ababa. Overnight – hotel

Day3: Drive to Awash national Park. Overnight – lodge/hotel

Day4: Drive to Kulubi (Saint Gabriel Festival). Tented camp

Day5: Drive to Harar. Overnight – hotel

Day6:  visit Babile and the Valley of Marvels. Overnight – hotel

Day7: Drive to Assaita. Overnight – hotel

Day8: Drive to Afdera. Overnight – basic hotel

Day9: drive to Waydodom. Overnight – tented camp

Day10: Trek to Arte Ale. Overnight – tented camp

Day11: trek back to Waydodom and drive to Hammed Ela. Overnight – Afar Village

Day12: Danakil Depression. Overnight – Afar Village

Day13: Drive to Mekelle.  Overnight – hotel

Day14: Drive to Kombolcha. Overnight – hotel

Day15: Drive to Addis Ababa. Overnight – hotel

Day16: departure

This Itinerary can be amended or extended to any sightseeing directions.