Tour Overview: Lalibela & Surroundings
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.
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 at Bole Airport. Depending on arrival time, tours start same day or next. Activities: Visit Trinity Cathedral, Ethnographic Museum, Entoto Hills, and Mercato market.
Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa
Morning flight to Lalibela. Explore the north-western and south-eastern clusters of rock-hewn churches, including the famous Bet Giyorgis (St. George).
Overnight: Lodge/Resort in Lalibela
Early morning trek (2.5-3.5 hours) up to the Hudad Lodge plateau. Optional visit to Asheton Maryam Monastery. Enjoy stunning views and meet local farmers.
Overnight: Community lodge in Hudad
Full day (~9 hours) challenging hike to Abuna Yosef Mountain (4260m). Breathtaking views and chance to see endemic Ethiopian Wolves.
Overnight: Community House in nearby village
Hike 4-7 hours to Yimrehane Kristos, a stunning built-up cave church pre-dating the Lalibela churches. Return to Lalibela for the evening.
Overnight: Lodge/Resort in Lalibela
Fly back to Addis. Visit the National Museum (home of "Lucy"). Enjoy a farewell dinner before transfer to the airport for departure.
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, combined with a cultural immersion experience.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly from Addis to Lalibela. In the afternoon, explore the first group (North-East Cluster) of six interconnected rock-hewn churches.
Overnight: Lalibela
Morning hike or drive to the hilltop Asheton Maryam Monastery. In the afternoon, explore the second group of churches. Evening cooking class and coffee ceremony.
Overnight: Lalibela
Morning visit to the iconic Church of St. George. Afterwards, drive to Lalibela Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.
Price Information (Lalibela Tours)
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Tour Overview: Most of Ethiopia
This is the ultimate Ethiopian odyssey. Our 17-day "Most of Ethiopia" tour is an immersive expedition that takes you through the very soul of the country. Journey from the sacred, rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the medieval castles of Gondar. Trek through the breathtaking highlands of the Simien Mountains, home to unique wildlife. Uncover the ancient mysteries of Axum, the cradle of Ethiopian civilization. Then, venture into the earth's crucible—the Danakil Depression, with its surreal landscapes, active volcanoes, and vast salt flats. This is more than a tour; it's an adventure of a lifetime.
Your Adventure, Your Way: This itinerary is a suggestion and can be fully customized. Please contact us to start planning your perfect Ethiopian adventure.
17-Day 'Most of Ethiopia' Itinerary
Your grand Ethiopian adventure begins with your international flight departing from Warsaw.
Arrive at Addis Ababa (05:25), connect to your domestic flight to Lalibela (09:00). Transfer to your lodge upon arrival.
Overnight: Sora Lodge or similar, Lalibela
Full day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage rock-hewn churches, including the iconic Bet Giyorgis.
Overnight: Sora Lodge or similar, Lalibela
Morning flight to Gondar (10:55). Explore the Royal Enclosure castles and Debre Berhan Selassie Church.
Overnight: Goha Hotel or similar, Gondar
Scenic 3-hour drive into Simien Mountains National Park. Settle into your lodge and enjoy the dramatic scenery.
Overnight: Limalimo Lodge, Simien Mountains
Two full days of trekking along the escarpment, searching for endemic wildlife like Gelada baboons and Walia Ibex. Treks tailored to your fitness level.
Overnight: Limalimo Lodge, Simien Mountains
A long but rewarding 7-hour drive through stunning landscapes to Axum, the ancient capital of Ethiopia.
Overnight: Sabean Hotel or similar, Axum
Explore Axum's historical sites: the stelae field, royal tombs, Queen of Sheba's Palace ruins, and St. Mary of Zion church complex.
Overnight: Sabean Hotel or similar, Axum
Drive 4 hours to the Gheralta region, known for its spectacular cliff-face churches and red rock formations.
Overnight: Korkor Lodge or similar, Gheralta
An unforgettable day. Morning climb to Abuna Yemata Guh. Afternoon exploration of Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor churches.
Overnight: Korkor Lodge or similar, Gheralta
Drive into the Danakil Depression to visit the surreal landscape of Dallol, then continue to Hamed Ela for camping.
Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela
Drive to the base of Erta Ale, then trek 1.5 hours in the evening to witness the active lava lake in its crater.
Overnight: Basic camping near the crater
Trek down from the volcano and drive to Lake Afdera. Enjoy a float in the hyper-saline waters.
Overnight: Camping near Lake Afdera
Drive to Semera, the regional capital, and check into a resort for a well-deserved rest and shower.
Overnight: Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort or similar
Morning flight to Addis Ababa. Free time for shopping, followed by a farewell cultural dinner.
Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight (00:30), concluding your epic Ethiopian adventure.
Price Information (Most of Ethiopia Tour)
Your grand Ethiopian adventure begins with your international flight departing from Warsaw.
Arrive at Addis Ababa (05:25), connect to your domestic flight to Lalibela (09:00). Transfer to your lodge upon arrival.
Overnight: Sora Lodge or similar, Lalibela
Full day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage rock-hewn churches, including the iconic Bet Giyorgis.
Overnight: Sora Lodge or similar, Lalibela
Morning flight to Gondar (10:55). Explore the Royal Enclosure castles and Debre Berhan Selassie Church.
Overnight: Goha Hotel or similar, Gondar
Scenic 3-hour drive into Simien Mountains National Park. Settle into your lodge and enjoy the dramatic scenery.
Overnight: Limalimo Lodge, Simien Mountains
Two full days of trekking along the escarpment, searching for endemic wildlife like Gelada baboons and Walia Ibex. Treks tailored to your fitness level.
Overnight: Limalimo Lodge, Simien Mountains
A long but rewarding 7-hour drive through stunning landscapes to Axum, the ancient capital of Ethiopia.
Overnight: Sabean Hotel or similar, Axum
Explore Axum's historical sites: the stelae field, royal tombs, Queen of Sheba's Palace ruins, and St. Mary of Zion church complex.
Overnight: Sabean Hotel or similar, Axum
Drive 4 hours to the Gheralta region, known for its spectacular cliff-face churches and red rock formations.
Overnight: Korkor Lodge or similar, Gheralta
An unforgettable day. Morning climb to Abuna Yemata Guh. Afternoon exploration of Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor churches.
Overnight: Korkor Lodge or similar, Gheralta
Drive into the Danakil Depression to visit the surreal landscape of Dallol, then continue to Hamed Ela for camping.
Overnight: Camping at Hamed Ela
Drive to the base of Erta Ale, then trek 1.5 hours in the evening to witness the active lava lake in its crater.
Overnight: Basic camping near the crater
Trek down from the volcano and drive to Lake Afdera. Enjoy a float in the hyper-saline waters.
Overnight: Camping near Lake Afdera
Drive to Semera, the regional capital, and check into a resort for a well-deserved rest and shower.
Overnight: Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort or similar
Morning flight to Addis Ababa. Free time for shopping, followed by a farewell cultural dinner.
Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight (00:30), concluding your epic Ethiopian adventure.
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