Trekking · Historical
6-Day Lalibela Trek & Rock-Hewn Churches
The churches of Lalibela plus a three-day community trek through the Lasta highlands.
- Duration
- 6 Days
- Season
- September to June
- Group Size
- 1 to 12 guests
- Price
- Designed Around You
The Journey
5 nights, designed around the hours that matter
The best of both worlds: a full day exploring Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, then three days walking between highland villages and community guesthouses (Mekuat Mariam, Meskel and Wajela) before a relaxed afternoon back in town and a farewell dinner in Addis Ababa.
Places
- Addis Ababa
- Lalibela
- Mekuat Mariam
- Meskel
- Wajela
Day by Day
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is carefully planned, but minor adjustments may be made due to weather, local festivals, road conditions or your personal interests to ensure the best possible experience.
Day 1
Explore Addis Ababa
Begin your journey with a full-day city tour of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Visit the Ethnographic Museum, located in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, for an insightful introduction to Ethiopia’s diverse cultures. Continue to Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa, followed by a visit to Holy Trinity Cathedral, the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and other prominent Ethiopian figures.
Day 2
Fly to Lalibela – Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches
After breakfast, take a morning flight to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s most sacred highland town. Spend the day exploring the awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches, carved directly into the mountains more than 900 years ago. These eleven medieval churches are connected by tunnels and passageways and feature extraordinary stone carvings, icon paintings, and deep spiritual symbolism. The complex includes Bete Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church in the world.
Day 3
Trekking to Mekuat Mariam
After breakfast, drive approximately 2 hours to Flakit, where your trekking adventure begins. Enjoy lunch in Warkahye, then hike for about 3 hours to Mekuat Mariam, a remote cliffside church perched at an altitude of 2,820 meters. This scenic trail winds through traditional villages and terraced farmlands, offering sweeping views of the Meket Plateau. End your day at a community-run guesthouse, where you’ll enjoy authentic local hospitality and home-cooked meals.
Day 4
Trek to Wajela via Meskel
Begin your day with a 3-hour trek to Meskel, a beautiful area known for birdwatching and sightings of Gelada baboons, Ethiopia’s endemic highland primate. After lunch, continue trekking for another 2.5 hours to Wajela, a tranquil village surrounded by Acacia groves and Eucalyptus trees. Spend the evening relaxing at the Wajela Community Guesthouse, a model of sustainable, community-based tourism in the region.
Day 5
Return to Lalibela – Afternoon at Leisure
After breakfast, enjoy a short one-hour walk to meet your driver. From there, drive approximately 2 hours back to Lalibela. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure, perfect for reflecting on your journey, shopping for local crafts, or exploring the town further at your own pace.
Day 6
Fly Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Farewell Dinner – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. In the evening, depending on your flight schedule, attend a complimentary farewell dinner hosted by Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours. Enjoy a buffet of traditional Ethiopian cuisine accompanied by live music and cultural dance performances. Conclude the evening with an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony before transferring to Bole International Airport for your international departure.
What Is Included
- Meet-and-assist at Bole International Airport and all transfers
- Domestic flights as shown in the itinerary
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
- Licensed English-speaking guide (other languages on request)
- 5 nights of accommodation: Hotel & Community Guesthouses
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Community guesthouse stays and local trekking guides
- Entrance fees to all sites and churches in the itinerary
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Before You Book
Questions about this journey
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Guest reviews
What our guests say
Rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor and Google, and 4.9 on SafariBookings.
“My tour operator was very communicative even before the trip began and very responsive on WhatsApp. He booked all my domestic flights and arranged all my airport pick-ups and drop-offs. He had professional guides in all the regions I visited, the itinerary was clear, and he was flexible with any changes. There were no extra costs. He is reliable, communicative and well experienced. I will be back with the same company.”
Sarah · Kenya · August 2026
Read more reviews on SafariBookings“Excellent services provided by Maereg and his team. The local guides and the drivers – Geta (my fave) – were all great. They were patient, professional, knowledgeable and took great care of us. Everything was seamlessly coordinated and they were always on time for pickups and made sure we were briefed in advance of the itinerary and any changes. One of my top travel destinations in Africa, with some of the kindest and warmest people. Maereg went above and beyond! First-class service, always with a smile!”
D Thomas · Google review · May 2026
Read more reviews on GoogleEnquire
Make 6-Day Lalibela Trek & Rock-Hewn Churches yours
Send us your dates and we will confirm availability, quote precisely, and suggest the two or three changes we would make if it were our own trip.
Runs September to June · 1 to 12 guests · A quote made for your journey
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