6 Days Lalibela Eco Trekking

Overview

Lalibela is a town in the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia. It’s known for its distinctive rock-cut churches dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, which are pilgrimage sites for Coptic Christians. Carved out of rock, the subterranean monoliths include huge Bete Medhane Alem, and cross-shaped Bete Giyorgis. Many are joined by tunnels and trenches, and some have carved bas-reliefs and colored frescoes inside.

Day 01 : Arrival at Bole International Airport & Addis Ababa City Tour

Meet and greet your Ethio Target Tours representative at the exit of the luggage claim and transfer you to the hotel Depending on your arrival you will visit Addis Ababa. Your first visit will be to the National Museum (pre-historic, cultural, and archaeological attractions), and the Ethnographic Museum of Addis Ababa University (culture, dressing style, traditional practices of over 80 ethnic groups, and collection of traditional musical instruments). Your visit also comprises tourist attraction sites like Emperor Menelik’s Palace, St. Raguel’s Church (after a drive to Entoto Mountain – 3000 meters above sea level), and Merkato, (the largest open market in Africa). After lunch, you will visit Trinity Cathedral. It was constructed by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1947 (ornamented with carvings and mosaic and other artistic works such as paintings of saints and the apostles on the stained glass) and visited Merkato, the largest open market in Africa. In the evening, you will have dinner at the hotel and you will rest. Overnight stay in Oasis Hotel Apartment, Addis Ababa.

Day 2: Flight to Laliblea and trek to Merebarbu (3500m) – 3 hrs

After a relaxed breakfast, a short flight will take you to Lalibela. You will arrive in Lalibela early in the afternoon. Lunch in Lalibela. After a brief break, you will trek to Merebarbu. Late in the afternoon, you will arrive at Merebarbu, where you will visit the Wollo-Amhara village. You will have dinner and stay the night community house.
Overnight stay at the local Community House.

Day 3: Trekk Merebarbu to Tigu Kebele (5 hrs )

Right after breakfast, an early morning trek will take you to Tigu Kebele (5hrs) which is found on the foot of Mount Abune Yosef (4130 m above sea level). Lunch in the bush. En route enjoying the stunning view covered by afro-alpine types of vegetation you will have the chance to spot endemic mammals like Gelada Baboon and Simen Fox. Late in the afternoon, you will arrive at Tigu Kebele. You will have dinner and stay the night at the community house. Overnight stay at the local Community House.

Day 4: Trekk to Abune Yosef Mts. and back to Lalibela 8 hrs

In the morning, you will have breakfast and start trekking (3 hrs) to the tip of Mount Abune Yosef, the third-highest pick in Ethiopia. Lunch in Tigu Kebele. Then trek back to Lalibela. Then you will arrive in Lalibela (late afternoon). You will check into a hotel. You will have dinner, rest & spend the night there. Overnight stay in Panoramic View Hotel.

Day 5: Visit the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

Early in the morning, after breakfast, your visit will be to the eleven rock-hewn monolithic (carved from a single rock) churches of Lalibela (a UNESCO World Heritage site, with magnificent architecture & paintings inside the churches). In the evening you will get back to the hotel, rest, have dinner and relax. Overnight stay in Panoramic View Hotel.

Day 6: Flight back to Addis Ababa and departure

After a relaxed breakfast, a short flight will take you back to Addis Ababa. You will arrive in Addis Ababa in the afternoon where you will do some shopping for souvenirs. Finally, you will be taken to a farewell dinner at an Ethiopian (Habesha 2000 or YOD Abyssinia) traditional restaurant where you will taste Ethiopian food & drinks and live music & dance. Then depending on your scheduled flight; you will be transferred out to Bole International Airport for a return flight back home