Community trekking in Lalibela and its surroundings
If you are familiar with Inside Ethiopia Tours roots, you probably know that Lalibela is always in our heart. That is why we feel the need to thank our community by promoting a responsible tourism route in the highlands of Lalibela.
This community trekking tour in Lalibela is just a perfect introduction to Ethiopia’s incredible diversity of an ancient civilisation and culture in combination with incredible highlands and unique nature. Here, the incomparable landscape of the Abune Yosef Mountain contrasts with some of the most beautiful scenery of the lowlands of Bilbala and Wag Yimra. This trekking route will give you the opportunity to explore one of the most amazing places in Ethiopia and stay in community camps or tukuls (round thatched houses) while sharing scenarios with both the locals and the endemic species under a flawless starry sky.
Combine the trekking with the tour to Lalibela, a small isolated village set in the mountains of Lasta, popularly known for its rock-hewn churches. According to the legend, King Lalibela, during his exile in Jerusalem, was inspired to create “a new Jerusalem” and thus he built the churches with the help of angels. This magical town in the Ethiopian highlands is not just the home to the iconic World Heritage Site by UNESCO but a humble and stress-free spot.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ROUTE
- Lalibela rock-hewn churches
- Asheton Maryam monastery
- Stay at the highland people’s houses
- Spot the Gelada Baboon
- Reach Abune Yosef
Day 1
Early in the morning fly to Lalibela and visit the first group of rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight in Lalibela (lodge or hotel).
Day 2
Trek to Wedebye (2,600 to 3,800m) visiting the 13th century monastery church of Asheten Mariam. Stop by Hudad lodge for a short coffee break and continue along a well trodden path to the village of Wedebiye and its school to experience firsthand the lifestyles of the highland people. Overnight in Wedebye (community lodge or camping).
Day 3
Early in the morning, trek for 3 hours to Abune Yosef. En route, you will be able to enjoy the stunning view of the mountains covered by the Afro alpine meadows with the chance to spot endemic mammals like Gelada Baboons (groups of least 200 can often be seen) or the Simien fox. Overnight in Abune Yosef (community lodge or camping).
Day 4
Trek back to Lalibela visiting different villages on the way. Overnight in Lalibela (lodge or hotel).
Day 5
Fly to Addis Ababa with time to do some souvenir shopping or sightseeing. In the evening, Inside Ethiopia Tours offers you a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant with local dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s ethnic groups. End of the tour.
Day 1
Early in the morning fly to Lalibela and visit the first group of rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Eight Wonders of the World. Overnight in Lalibela (lodge or hotel).
Day 2
In the morning, visit the second group of churches. After lunch, trek to Hudad (3,500m) visiting the 13th century monastery church of Asheten Maryam on the way. Overnight in Hudad (lodge or camping).
Day 3
Trek to Wedebye (3,600 to 3,800m) through the small villages to experience first hand the lifestyles of the highland people. Overnight in Wedebye (community lodge or camping).
Day 4
Trek to Abune Yosef, the third highest pick in Ethiopia (4,130m). En route, you will be able to enjoy the stunning view of the mountains covered by afro alpine types of vegetations with the chance to spot endemic mammals like Gelada Baboons and Simien Foxes. Overnight in Abune Yosef (community lodge or camping).
Day 5
Trek to Yimrehane Kristos via Degosach, visiting different villages on the way before reaching the 12th century Yimrhane Kristos caved-church. Overnight in Yemrehanna Kristos (camping).
Day 6
In the morning, trek to visit Arbatu Ensesa, a rock-hewn church from the 4th century AD and meet your driver for the return to Lalibela. On the way, optional stop to visit the 4th century AD Bilbala Cherkos rock hewn church. Overnight in Lalibela (lodge or hotel).
Day 7
Fly to Addis Ababa with time to do some souvenir shopping or sightseeing.In the evening, Inside Ethiopia Tours offers you a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant with local dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s ethnic groups. End of the tour.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
This tour is community-based and Inside Ethiopia Tours works as an intermediate with the local communities by providing transport and guiding services. The rest of the income generated from the tour, more than half, goes directly to the community. The local families in the highlands are personally involved in hosting and feeding tourists. All families participating in this project are registered as cooperatives dependant from a local parish church. Therefore, all benefits are shared within the community.
Total Flights Footprint = 1.72 metric tons of CO2e
We encourage our customers to compensate the carbon flight emissions produced during this tour to offsetting projects. For further information please contact your agent or check our sustainability policy.
MAP OF THE ROUTE
GALLERY
Included
✓ Accommodation in community lodges or camping sites (camping equipment included) with meals included
✓ Coffee or tea
✓ Camping equipment
✓ Meals in community houses or picnic
✓ Ground transportation using 4×4, minibus or Coaster bus (depending on number of pax)
✓ Fuel expenses and daily allowance of drivers
✓ Domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines in economic class
✓ Local English speaking guides (per diem and flight expenses included)
✓ All entrance fees to the attractions included in the program
✓ Government taxes
✓ Service charge
✓ Mules or donkeys to carry luggage (less than 20 kg)
Not Included
✗ Visa fee
✗ International flights
✗ Bottled beverages such as beer, soft drinks or water
✗ Video camera and/or photo fees
✗ Tips to drivers and/or guides (at your discretion)
✗ Any other personal expenses during the trip
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