Lalibela is a must-visit in northern Ethiopia, famous for its incredible rock-carved churches and beautiful scenery. It’s also a significant center of Ethiopian Christianity. But there’s more to Lalibela than just the churches! This suggests exploring the surrounding area for things like monasteries, mountains, and unique places to stay.
- Monasteries: Yemrehane Kristos, Asheton Maryam, and Nakuta La’ab offer historical and scenic beauty.
- Hiking: Hike up Abune Yosef, Ethiopia’s 6th highest peak, for breathtaking views.
- Hudad Lodge: Enjoy stunning scenery and a unique stay at this locally-run lodge.
- Ben Abeba Restaurant: Experience Ethiopian cuisine with a Scottish twist!
Itinerary
Day 1 :
The Adventure Begins
Catch a flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela where your guide will be waiting for you. Spend the afternoon exploring the clusters of rock-hewn churches. You'll begin with the north-western cluster: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, and Bet Danaghel. Our local guides will help you understand the historic significance of this World Heritage Site.
If you're lucky enough to visit during one of the religious festivals, you'll be a part of something few people ever experience.
Accommodation: Top Twelve Hotel
Accommodation Upgrade Options: Mezena Lodge, Maribela Hotel, Ben Abeba Hotel
Day 2 :
Hudad Lodge
Your day starts with an early morning service before visiting the south-eastern cluster of churches: Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos.
Finally, visit the most famous of all the churches – Bet Giyorgis. If you've done any research into Lalibela, you'll have seen pictures of Bet Giyorgis. It's the most well-preserved of all the churches and is a sure highlight of any visit of Lalibela.
In the afternoon, hike to Hudad Lodge. This hike can take anywhere from 1.5 to 5 hours depending on your starting point. We'll happily make the appropriate arrangements to limit/maximise your hiking time depending on your preferences. En route, visit Asheton Maryam, a church carved into the cliff face at an elevation of nearly 4,000m. Spend the afternoon in the hills of Lalibela.
Accommodation: Hudad Lodge
Day 3 :
Abuna Yosef
For the ambitious hiker, today affords the opportunity to visit the Abuna Yosef Mountain (4260m). This is a full day of hiking (~9 hours) and should not be underestimated. Challenging though it may be, the rewards are well worth it as you soak up the views from over 4,000m, You might even be able to spot an endemic Ethiopia Wolf. For those less interested in hiking, you can spend the day exploring around the lodge - there's no shortage of smaller hiking routes. Overnight at a local village.
Accommodation: Home stay
Day 4 :
Ancient Monasteries
Today you'll hike for around 4-7 hours to Yimrehane Kristos, an under-appreciated gem of Lalibela. In stark contrast to the famous rock-hewn churches, Yimrehane Kristos was built rather than excavated, and is likely to pre-date the rock-hewn churches by nearly a century. The elaborate decoration of the interior is juxtaposed by the mummified bodies that inhabit the caves behind the church.
In the afternoon, your driver will take you back to Lalibela where an evening spent at the breathtaking Ben Abeba is an absolute must.
Accommodation: Top Twelve Hotel
Day 5 :
Onward journey or return home
Catch a flight to Lalibela to Addis Ababa to connect with your international flight home, or to continue your onward journey.
