Lalibela Ethiopia 6 Day Itinerary

Lalibela, Ethiopia: A 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lalibela

Morning

  • Arrive at Lalibela Airport (LLI) or take a bus from Addis Ababa ( approx. 10 hours)
  • Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
  • Visit the Lalibela Tourist Information Center to get an overview of the town and its attractions

Afternoon

  • Explore the Old Town, including the historic church of Beta Medhane Alem
  • Wander through the narrow streets and alleys, taking in the local culture and architecture
  • Try some traditional Ethiopian coffee at a local café

Evening

  • Dine at Ben Abeba Restaurant, serving delicious Ethiopian cuisine with a Scottish twist
  • Stay overnight at Mountain View Hotel or similar, with stunning views of the surrounding hills

Day 2: Rock-Hewn Churches

Morning

  • Visit the famous Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Explore the northern group of churches, including Beta Medhane Alem and Beta Maryam
  • Marvel at the intricate carvings and ornate decorations

Afternoon

  • Take a break for lunch at Lalibela Restaurant, offering local and international dishes
  • Visit the southern group of churches, including Beta Golgotha and Beta Abba Libanos

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Ethiopian music and dance at Torpedo Tejbet
  • Stay overnight at Mountain View Hotel or similar

Day 3: Villages and Scenic Views

Morning

  • Take a guided hike to the nearby village of Wugalech, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside
  • Visit the local market, where you can interact with the friendly villagers and buy handicrafts

Afternoon

  • Stop by the scenic Asheton Mariam Viewpoint, overlooking the town and its surroundings
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at the viewpoint or return to Lalibela for lunch

Evening

  • Dine at The Lal Hotel Restaurant, offering international cuisine with an Ethiopian twist
  • Stay overnight at Mountain View Hotel or similar

Day 4: Monastery and Cave Church

Morning

  • Visit the Asheton Mariam Monastery, a peaceful oasis in the hills surrounding Lalibela
  • Explore the nearby Neakutoleab Cave Church, featuring ancient frescoes and artifacts

Afternoon

  • Return to Lalibela for lunch and some relaxation time
  • Visit the local Lalibela Museum, showcasing the history and culture of the region

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at your hotel or a local café
  • Stay overnight at Mountain View Hotel or similar

Day 5: Trekking and Scenic Views

Morning

  • Embark on a guided trek to the nearby hills, offering breathtaking views of Lalibela and its surroundings
  • Stop by the Waja River, where you can swim and relax in the scenic surroundings

Afternoon

  • Return to Lalibela for lunch and some relaxation time
  • Visit the local Lalibela Weavers, where you can see traditional weaving techniques in action

Evening

  • Dine at The Lal Hotel Restaurant, offering international cuisine with an Ethiopian twist
  • Stay overnight at Mountain View Hotel or similar

Day 6: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring the town
  • Depart for Lalibela Airport (LLI) or take a bus back to Addis Ababa

Things to Know:

  • Lalibela is a high-altitude town, so be prepared for altitude sickness and take necessary precautions.
  • Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Transportation:

  • Flights: Ethiopian Airlines operates daily flights from Addis Ababa to Lalibela.
  • Bus: Take a bus from Addis Ababa (approx. 10 hours) or other nearby towns.
  • Taxi: Taxis are available in town, but be prepared for rough roads and limited English.

Tips:

  • Hire a local guide to get the most out of your trip and support the local community.
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the high-altitude sun.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches and monasteries.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Lalibela Camel Trek: Take a guided camel trek through the surrounding countryside.
  • Ethiopian Cooking Class: Learn how to prepare traditional Ethiopian dishes with a local cooking class.
  • Local Markets: Visit the bustling local markets, where you can buy handicrafts and interact with the friendly villagers.