Addis Ababa - Lalibela

Addis Ababa - Arrive in Addis Ababa early in the morning. Welcome to Ethiopia! Begin your journey in the lively city of Addis Ababa, the capital, situated at an altitude of up to 2,450 meters, making it the third highest capital city globally. The altitude might be tiring, so take it easy today. After some rest, explore Addis Ababa, a city of contrasts, where modern skyscrapers stand alongside corrugated iron huts, and donkey and horse carts share the roads with modern vehicles. Discover colorful traditional markets alongside supermarkets. Visit the National Museum, home to the famous hominid fossil “Lucy,” Entoto Mountain, and the largest open-air market, Merkato. Experience a vibrant blend of modern and traditional city life.

Lalibela - Continue your journey with a flight to Lalibela, known as the “Jerusalem of Ethiopia,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the opportunity to meet the local community at a coffee shop.

Lalibela

Lalibela - Lalibela is renowned for its churches. Explore the 12th–13th century rock-hewn churches, which have served as an active Christian sanctuary for over 800 years and are the spiritual heart of the country’s religious life. Today, visit the monolithic churches carved from a 2,600-square-meter natural rock terrace by King Lalibela in the 12th century AD. The maze of underground churches and their fascinating architecture and history will leave you in awe!

Lalibela – Hudada-Lasta Mountains

Asheton Maryam Monastery - Early in the morning, drive up to Asheton Mariam, dramatically carved from a cleft on the cliffs of Asheten. The monastery is located between the historic Ethiopian town of Lalibela and the Hudad Eco-Lodge. Built in the 11th century, King Lalibela originally planned to construct the rock-hewn churches at Asheten Maryam. The monastery’s setting is particularly captivating, offering 360-degree views of the valley and town.

Asheton Maryam Monastery - From Asheton Maryam, begin the hike up to the plateau where the Hudad lodge is located. Enjoy stunning views of Lalibela and the surrounding Lasta mountains.

Hudada-Lasta Mountains

Hudad - Alternatively, visit the nearby Abichagula Reserve, situated on the northern side of the Hudad, and embark on one of the many short walks. The reserve is home to a rich variety of endemic fauna and flora and is one of the few remaining areas of dense wild vegetation. Additionally, the mysterious and unexplored buried church of Beta Gabriel is a two-hour hike from the Lodge.

Hudada-Lasta Mountains – Lalibela

Lalibela - After visiting the church, a car will be waiting to take you back to Lalibela.

Lalibela - Addis Ababa

Lalibela - In the morning, visit a local school before heading to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or engage in a program of your choice.

Addis Ababa - In the evening before departure, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Addis’s finest traditional restaurants, where you can savor a variety of Ethiopian dishes and watch folkloric dancers perform. Then, transfer to Bole, Addis Ababa airport, for your flight back home.

• English speaking local guide
• Private transportation
• Two Domestic flights (price based on the guest international arrival by Ethiopian Airlines)
• All Entrance fees and licenses as per the program
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Accommodation for Addis Ababa
• Tip

This tour combines the cultural highlights of Lalibela with hiking in beautiful nature with stunning views of the Lasta Mountains. The surrounding area of Lalibela offers superb hiking, including Abune Josef Mountain, the third highest peak in Ethiopia. Nestled on a plateau, Lalibela Hudad is a world in itself. The Hudad Lodge is a great place to stay and use as a base to explore the area. A hidden Eden with great views and a superb variety of animals, birds, and plant life. Accessible only by foot, community-run, built in traditional style with local materials, solar powered, and all waste products recycled, the lodge showcases local sustainable and ecological tourism at its’ best.
Nowhere else can you find the form of rock churches so typical of Ethiopia in this concentration and quality as in Lalibela. A play of light and shadow, color and shape, often referred to by many as one of the ‘Living Wonders of the World,’ will keep you amazed.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.