Community Trekking in Lalibela – 7 days
Magnificent rock-hewn churches which were built by hand between 800 and 1200 AD and are still active worship places.
Day 1: Arrival in Addis and City Tour
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we have various sight-seeing options.
Accommodation: Hotel, Addis Ababa
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Lalibela (Flight)
After breakfast, you will fly to Lalibela where you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. We then begin our tour of the spectacular 11 rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world”. Carved in one piece from the rock on which they stand, the churches of Lalibela appear to be of superhuman creation in terms of size, workmanship and concept. Some are carved out of solid volcanic rock; others are connected by long underground tunnels and labyrinths.
Accommodation: Hotel, Lalibela
Day 3: Hike from Lalibela to Hudad Lodge
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and hike to Hudad Eco-lodge (3’300 m). During the almost 3-hour ascent, you will pass various villages and learn more about the local crops on the different plateaus. From the Hudad Lodge you have a spectacular 360-degree view of the breath-taking landscape. Spend the rest of the afternoon spotting the endemic Gelada monkeys, or head to the nearest village to experience local life. We enjoy the evening around a cosy fire.
Accommodation: Hudad Eco Lodge
Day 4: Hike from Hudad Lodge to Degosach Eco Lodge
After breakfast we hike from the Hudad to the beautiful Degosach Eco Lodge at 3’800 m above sea level. M. (approx. 3 hours). From here you can also enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding Lasta Mountains, Abune Yousef Park and the Sekota mountain range. After lunch at the lodge, you have various options such as a walk to the nearest village to experience local life, a short or long hike to Abune Yousef Park or just relaxing around the lodge. Enjoy a beautiful sunset from the lodge, and a cosy campfire after dinner.
Accommodation: Degosach Eco Lodge
Day 5: Trek from Degosach Eco Lodge to Abuna Yousef Park Lodge
After breakfast we trek to Abune Yousef Conservation Area where you will enjoy the spectacular views of Abune Yousef Mountain and most likely encounter the endemic Gelada Monkeys, Red Foxes and many birds. With our picnic lunch we will spend most of the day in Abune Yousef Park and if you wish we will climb the highest point, Mount Gedel (4’288m) and hike back to the lodge from the summit.
Accommodation: Abuna Yousef Park Lodge
Day 6: Abuna Yousef Park Lodge back to Degosach Eco Lodge
Today we hike back down to the Degoasch Eco Lodge on a different route than we came. The walk is fairly easy, passing through villages and across different plateaus with remarkable views until we finally reach the lodge.
Accommodation: Degosach Eco Lodge
Day 7: Drive or trek from Degosach Eco Lodge back to Lalibela / Flight to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, you can drive from Degosach Lodge to Lalibela Airport. Driving time is around 1.5 hours while trekking via Keneknit Micheal Anchiant Church takes around 4 hours. If you are not planning to fly back to Addis Ababa today, you can spend the morning at Degosach Eco Lodge and then return to Lalibela.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lalibela or Addis Ababa or departure
