Tour Overview
Discover the spiritual heart of Ethiopia through two unforgettable tour options. Explore the UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, carved from solid rock in the 12th century, or embark on a 6-day trekking adventure through the breathtaking highlands surrounding Lalibela, visiting remote monasteries and local communities.
Our tours offer deep cultural immersion, from participating in traditional coffee ceremonies to hiking through stunning landscapes. Whether you choose the 3-day cultural experience or the 6-day trekking adventure, you'll leave with a profound understanding of Ethiopia's rich history and natural beauty.
6-Day Community Trek to Lalibela Surroundings
This immersive journey combines the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela with trekking through stunning highlands to Hudad Lodge and Abuna Yosef Mountain. Experience Ethiopia's rich history and breathtaking landscapes, witness ancient monasteries, and encounter local communities.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
You will be welcomed by our representative at Bole International Airport regardless of arrival time. For morning arrivals, the tour will begin after checking into your hotel. For afternoon or evening arrivals, tours will begin the following day.
Activities: Visit Trinity Cathedral (resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie), tour the Ethnographic Museum (great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history), drive to Entoto Hills for a city view and visit Maryam Church, stop at Sheromeda traditional cloth market, visit Mercato or Sholla Market.
Overnight: Chosen Hotel in Addis Ababa | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Catch a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela where your guide will be waiting. Spend the afternoon exploring the clusters of rock-hewn churches.
Morning: Visit the north-western cluster: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, and Bet Danaghel. Our local guides will explain the historic significance of this World Heritage Site.
Afternoon: Visit the second cluster: Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. Finally, visit the most famous - Bet Giyorgis (St. George).
Evening: Enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony and learn the process for baking injera (Ethiopian staple food).
Overnight: Chosen Lodge/Resort in Lalibela | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning start from Lalibela town to make use of cooler hours for the 2.5-3.5 hour walk up to Hudad Lodge plateau. Mules are available to carry luggage or for riding.
Option: For active travelers, include a visit to Asheton Maryam Monastery on the way up.
Afternoon: Relax or walk near the lodge to meet local farmers and enjoy mountain scenery.
Overnight: Community lodge in Hudad | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Full day hiking (~9 hours) to Abuna Yosef Mountain (4260m). Challenging but rewarding with stunning views from over 4,000m and possible sightings of endemic Ethiopian Wolves.
Alternative: For those less interested in hiking, spend the day exploring around the lodge with smaller hiking routes.
Overnight: Community House in nearby village | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike 4-7 hours to Yimrehane Kristos, an under-appreciated gem of Lalibela. Unlike the rock-hewn churches, it was built rather than excavated, likely pre-dating them by nearly a century.
Features: Elaborate interior decoration juxtaposed with mummified bodies in caves behind the church.
Evening: Return to Lalibela for dinner at breathtaking Ben Abeba restaurant.
Overnight: Chosen Lodge/Resort in Lalibela | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly back to Addis Ababa. Visit the National Museum (home of "Lucy" skeleton). Optional souvenir shopping in afternoon.
Evening: Farewell dinner at traditional Ethiopian restaurant with dancers and musicians representing Ethiopia's ethnic groups.
Transfer: To airport for late night departure if scheduled.
Overnight: Departure or hotel on request | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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3-Day Historic and Hiking Tour to Lalibela
This shorter tour focuses on the magnificent rock-hewn churches of King Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These eleven medieval monolithic churches were carved from solid rock in the 12th-13th centuries under King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela's vision to create a "New Jerusalem" in Africa.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Short flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela Airport. Driver and local guide will greet you and transfer to your pre-booked hotel/lodge.
Afternoon: Explore the "New African Jerusalem" - the rock-hewn churches. Visit the first group (North-East Cluster) of six interconnected churches through underground trenches and caves.
Evening: Return to accommodation for rest. Dinner at hotel or local restaurant.
Overnight: Lalibela | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning: After breakfast, hike or drive to hilltop Asheton Maryam Monastery (13th century) carved from a ridge cleft with 360° mountain views.
Late Morning: Walk back to Lalibela city.
Afternoon: Lunch in city center. At 2:30 PM, explore remaining rock-hewn churches (second group with unique architecture).
Evening: Cooking class and coffee ceremony at local house - hands-on traditional food preparation and cultural learning.
Night: Overnight in Lalibela.
Morning: After breakfast and checkout, visit the Church of St. George - most impressive and iconic of the eleven churches with cross-shaped design and intricate carvings.
Late Morning: Drive to Lalibela Airport for flight back to Addis Ababa.
Afternoon: Arrive in Addis Ababa, marking journey's end.
Price Information
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