Lalibela, Ethiopia-2-day-itinerary

Lalibela, Ethiopia: A 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Morning

  • Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela: Start your day by visiting the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex consists of 11 medieval monolithic churches carved out of volcanic tuff stone.
  • Get a guide: Hire a local guide to get a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the churches.

Lunch

  • Ben Abeba Restaurant: Head to Ben Abeba Restaurant, located near the church complex, for a delicious Ethiopian lunch. Try their famous injera (flatbread) with various stews.

Afternoon

  • Hike to Asheton Mariam Church: Take a scenic hike to Asheton Mariam Church, located on top of a hill. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Explore the Local Market: Visit the local market in Lalibela town to see the daily lives of the locals and shop for souvenirs.

Evening

  • Mountain View Hotel: Check-in at Mountain View Hotel, which offers comfortable rooms with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Dinner at Seven Olives Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious dinner at Seven Olives Restaurant, known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Day 2

Morning

  • Monastery of Nakuto Leab: Visit the Monastery of Nakuto Leab, located about 10 km from Lalibela town. The monastery is famous for its ancient manuscripts and stunning views.
  • Trek to Yemrehanna Kristos Church: Take a guided trek to Yemrehanna Kristos Church, a rock-hewn church located in a scenic valley.

Lunch

  • Lal Hotel Restaurant: Head back to Lalibela town and have lunch at Lal Hotel Restaurant, which serves traditional Ethiopian cuisine.

Afternoon

  • Lalibela Museum: Visit the Lalibela Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the region.
  • Explore the Town: Take some time to explore the charming town of Lalibela, visit local shops, and interact with the friendly locals.

Evening

  • Farewell Dinner at Panorama Restaurant: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Panorama Restaurant, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Things to Know

  • Dress Modestly: Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries.
  • Respect Local Customs: Respect local customs and traditions, especially when interacting with monks and priests.
  • Altitude Sickness: Lalibela is located at a high altitude. Take necessary precautions to avoid altitude sickness.

Transportation

  • Fly from Addis Ababa: Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela Airport (LLI).
  • Hire a Car and Driver: Hire a car and driver for the duration of your stay in Lalibela.

Tips

  • Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices when shopping at local markets.
  • Learn Some Amharic: Learn some basic Amharic phrases to interact with locals.
  • Be Prepared for Power Outages: Be prepared for power outages, which are common in Lalibela.

Other Things of Interest

  • Take a Cooking Class: Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Ethiopian cuisine.
  • Attend a Traditional Coffee Ceremony: Attend a traditional coffee ceremony, an integral part of Ethiopian culture.
  • Support Local Communities: Support local communities by purchasing handicrafts and souvenirs.