WHAT’S ON TIMKAT FESTIVAL, ETHIOPIA Head over to Ethiopia for the Timkat Festival, an Orthodox Christian celebration of the Ethiopian Epiphany. The festival marks the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. Pilgrims participate in and witness the re-enactment of the baptism. The threeday festival is the most colourful in Addis Ababa. It takes place annually on January 19th, starting with Ketera (preparations) the day before. In the capital, the streets are adorned with green, red and yellow to represent the Ethiopian flag. The ceremony commences on the first day when models of the Ark of the Covenant, Tabots, are carried to the river in a procession led by the most senior priest of each church. At dawn the water is blessed and sprinkled on the participants.
DIANI BEACH FESTIVAL
This festival returns to Diani from December 29th 2018 to 1st January 2019. Hosted at Diani Beach Club, activities will include sports like skydiving. Throughout the month there will be a lot of entertainment by international, regional and domestic talent. Among those on the line up include Sauti Sol, Nyashinski, DJ Kace, Brook Bailey, H_art the Band and more. Prices start from Ksh 2,500 in the Bronze Package option to Ksh 12,000 in the Gold Package range. The Platinum package (whose prices are available on enquiry) offers return flights plus accommodation, concierge service and access to the VIP lounge. Email: info@dianibeachclub.com
NILE RIVER FESTIVAL
This four-day annual event in Jinja, Uganda is a true celebration of the Nile River and the range of fun activities available on it. Every year, the festival draws some of the
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best kayakers from around the world who go to compete for the champion’s title. The 2019 festival which will take place from 24th to 27th January will include a mountain bike race and their first ever freestyle white water rafting event, complete with big celebration parties in the evenings. For more information: kayakthenile.com/nile-river-festival-2019
RUSINGA CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Rusinga Festival is an annual two-day celebration of the culture of the Abasuba people of Kenya. Now in its seventh year, the 2018 edition will be held from December 20th to 21st 2018 in Rusinga Island, Homabay County. There will be music, fashion, film, food, artistry, literature, sports and conversations that explore the Suba culture. Entry is free. For more information, call 0705367469.
ADVENTURE IN PARADISE
Beat the January blues at the Watamu Treehouse, the home for meditation, yoga and wellness. For four days (18th to 21st January), experience freedom, vitality and excitement while you let nature recharge and relax you. There will be unique accommodation, full board delicious food and special activities which include floating and paddling through the mangroves, swimming, walking, yoga and meditation. Two nights costs Ksh 34,000 while three costs Ksh 49,000. Email: watamutreehouse@gmail.com
NEW YEAR’S AT THE ALCHEMIST
Do you want to celebrate the jump off with a bang? If you’ll be in Nairobi, join other cool peeps at the Alchemist on 31st December for just that! There will be music, live DJ mixes, food and drinks. Email: info@alchemist254.com
