The 10 Best Historical & Heritage Tours in Lalibela, Amhara Region

June 20, 2021 Flossie Demartino

Lalibela (Amharic: ላሊበላ) is a town in Amhara Region, northern Ethiopia famous for monolithic rock-cut churches. The whole of Lalibela offers an exceptional testimony to the medieval and post-medieval civilization of Ethiopia. Lalibela is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities, second only to Aksum, and a center of pilgrimage. Unlike Aksum, the population of Lalibela is almost completely Ethiopian Orthodox Christian. Ethiopia was one of the earliest nations to adopt Christianity in the first half of the fourth century, and its historical roots date to the time of the Apostles. The churches themselves date from the seventh to thirteenth centuries, and are traditionally dated to the reign of the Zagwe dynasty king Gebre Mesqel Lalibela (r. ca. 1181–1221 AD).
Restaurants in Lalibela

1. Two Day Lalibela Rock-hewn Churches Adventure-UNESCO World Heritage Site

Travel Africa Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Nice and easy tour of all 11 Lalibela Rock-hewn churches, as well as Asheton Maryam monastery and/or Yemrehanna Kristos church. Experience some of the most amazing examples of monolithic churches on earth when you come to Ethiopia with Travel Africa Tours. You'll also have the opportunity to hike to Asheton Maryam a 13th century rock-hewn monastery offering sweeping views over the town of Lalibela and its mountains. Another option for this tour is to drive to Yemrehanna Kristos a gorgeous church that predates the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Fuel surcharge, National Park fees, TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee, Bottled water, Dinner, Lunch, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, 2 nights accommodation, Breakfast

Exclusions: Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, Domestic Airfare to/from Lalibela

Reviewed By 849rafiqj

In spite of the travel restrictions and other unexpected closures, Travel Africa tours was able to put together a tour itinerary for me to see Ethiopia. The tour company even made it possible for me to do additional activities that I wanted to do. I highly recommend Travel Africa Tours for your touring needs and Ethiopia and throughout Africa.

2. North Ethiopia Tours 12 Days From Addis Ababa

Aman Ethiopia Tours & Travel
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Book your tours to North Ethiopia with our company and you will have a chance of experiencing the amazing Ethiopian daily life , foods , markets and we will show you the real historical parts and archaeological destination

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: All Flight

Reviewed By Sebrodas

My partner and I had a wonderful day at the Zuqualla Mountain. Joseph and Nico guided us on a private visit. They took care of everything, and showed us local jems. It felt like we were road tripping with our buddies - it was above and beyond! Really great service, it is not the last time, can definitely recommend! Thanks

3. 5 Days Denakil & Lalibela Tour

Lalibela Eco Trekking Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This tour includes the world famous 11 rock cut Lalibela churches  and the very special Danakil Tour to the permanent active volcano Erta Ale, the hottest spot on this planet and also the lowest place on earth.Apart from those highlights you will see and smell Sulfur lakes, watch salt cutting workers in the desert and camel- caravans plodding in the sand

Inclusions: 4 nights accommodation, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Airport/Departure Tax, Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax), Fuel surcharge, Local taxes, TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee, Beverages, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions: Domestic flight Tickets

Reviewed By SoumeyaU

We had a great time with Mesfin. We spent two days in and around Lalibela it was beautifully lead, instructive and rich. Thanks Mesfin for a great experience

4. Northern Ethiopia And Danakil

Escape into Ethiopia
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Take a 11 days tour around one of our northern routes including Danakil depressions, Simien Mountains, Lalibela churches, and ancient city of Axum. Escape into Ethiopia tours will take you the highlights of Ethiopia’s magnificent places. Ethiopia lands of extremes: having the Danakil Depression, Cliff-Top Churches, extraordinary Mountains and underground rock-cut churches. Escape into Ethiopia tours help visitors to explore this entire extremes. Start from the Danakil Depression, is currently over 100 meters below sea level; make it one of the lowest points on the earth surface. Simien Mountains (roof of Africa): Cloud piercing peak, shield secrete of Eden and cliff-top teaming with life. Simien Mountain is homes of endemic mammals including Gelada baoons. Axum was a political and religious capital around 3000 years ago and crowed obelisks tombs of the kings of Axum carved from Geraint with some towering over 33 meters tall. This memorial’s was seen stairway to heaven.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, All Fees and Taxes, All domestic flights:Addis Ababa to Bahir-dar, from Gondar to Axum and From Lalibela to Addis Ababa , Tour leader, Hotels as per the itinerary, Bottle of water everyday, Scouts fees in the national parks (Simen National Park). , Boat Cruise over Lake Tuna at Bahir-dar and local boat at Blue Nile , Military service in Danakil Depression

Exclusions: Alcohol Beverage , Lunch, and Dinner, Tips , Snacks

Reviewed By dtadst

Reliable and honest guide good English and friendly highly recommended. He also can help with other tours

5. Visiting Lalibela Churches

Ethio Begena tour and travel
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Our tour is very friendly and give priority for our clients and all of our staff's are Experianced.

Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages

Reviewed By Make32

Ethio Begena is a young company with a friendly owners. They can show you the best sides of Ethiopia, especially Lalibela (rock-hewn churches). Ethio Begena has a vibes of small company, but they work truly professionally and ambitiously.

6. The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela: 3 Days / 2 Nights

Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

- Entrance fees to all 11 rock-hewn churches in Ethiopia for four days - Save time waiting in line -Visit anytime during opening hours -Less hassle than buying the tickets individually

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Reviewed By Trerra

●Our English tour guide was Maereg Tefere, a humble person with immense knowledge of churches and its history. He’s very friendly and caring all the time. We were 5 people visiting the churches in Lalibela and he was just walking us and simply explaining the background, the differences between churches, the Orthodox practices, the activities there… Sometime we couldn’t completely understand probably because he’s telling story quite fast. But we were able to ask any question and we enjoyed his company. ●The churches stood there for almost one thousand years which were built (carved/dug) in well-scaled plan in a short period of time. When we actually saw them with our own eyes, it was just unbelievable! ●Afterwards Maereg helped us buying local piece of fabrics for covering our heads at Misa the next day and we discussed about the culture, economy and the current society, everything. That day was great. ●The churches tour is highly recommended. (If you’re not religious, you would still feel speechless as knowing story behind while seeing it!) Also thanks to Maereg.

7. Day Trip to Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela

Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Experience Ethiopia’s magnificent rock-hewn churches on this all-day excursion. After a convenient airport pickup, explore the extraordinary structures carved into the Lasta Mountains centuries ago. Marvel at their impressive architecture, visit 11 churches including the important pilgrimage site of Bete Medhane Alem, and learn about the fascinating history of this UNESCO-designated site. We meet and pick up all travlers at the airport but the fee for transportation is not included.

Inclusions: We pick up guests at Airport.

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Reviewed By Trerra

●Our English tour guide was Maereg Tefere, a humble person with immense knowledge of churches and its history. He’s very friendly and caring all the time. We were 5 people visiting the churches in Lalibela and he was just walking us and simply explaining the background, the differences between churches, the Orthodox practices, the activities there… Sometime we couldn’t completely understand probably because he’s telling story quite fast. But we were able to ask any question and we enjoyed his company. ●The churches stood there for almost one thousand years which were built (carved/dug) in well-scaled plan in a short period of time. When we actually saw them with our own eyes, it was just unbelievable! ●Afterwards Maereg helped us buying local piece of fabrics for covering our heads at Misa the next day and we discussed about the culture, economy and the current society, everything. That day was great. ●The churches tour is highly recommended. (If you’re not religious, you would still feel speechless as knowing story behind while seeing it!) Also thanks to Maereg.

8. Rock Churches of Lalibela Guided Tour

Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures was carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 900 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings. We meet and pick app all travelers at the Airport but transportation fee is not inculded.

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Reviewed By Tells77

Wow is all I can say! The historical landmark of Lalibela was an unforgettable experience. Perfection is an understatement! Maereg was the perfect guide! He speaks great English and very responsive to emails! I got a response in less than 24 hours as they are in a different time zone so immediately if you ask me. He waited for me at the airport even though I was an hour late due to flight confusion on my end. He is extremely knowledgeable and gave me a deep understanding of the rock hewn churches. He is patient, kind and wonderful tour guide. Maereg answered all my questions and gave me more insight than I expected. Not only did he cover the history of the rock hewn churches but he also gave me an in depth history of Ethiopia itself. He has years of experience doing this and there is no other tour group I would choose! We got straight to the churches and I am still blown away by this experience I had to make a review to let others know of how wonderful Ethiopia and its history is! Friendly people and great tours you will love. I will return and use extraordinary tour group again!

9. 6 Days tour Package (Simien Mountains, Lalibela, and Danakil Depression)

Ethio Travel and Tours
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5.0 based on 29 reviews

Simien Mountain and Danakil are two different landscapes, simien mountains are part of the Ethiopian Highlands. They are a World Heritage Site and include the Simien Mountains National Park. The mountains consist of plateaus separated by valleys and rising to pinnacles. Where as danakil is one of the most geologically active regions with three tectonic plates meeting at the Afar Triple Junction. When tectonic plates move apart like at Danakil, it creates lave lakes, hot springs, geysers and fissures in the ground. The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia are the most extraordinary man-made sites in sub-Saharan Africa. Our tour is unique as it is well-arranged including "must visit" historic sites of Lalibela which we deliver all with Ethiopian hospitality and touch.

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, All Entrance fees and licenses as per the program., Accommodation and all meals throughout the tour., Bottles of water for the trip., Surface Transport expense with 4WD Land-cruiser including fuel expense and drivers allowance, Local guide service for the afar region as per the program., Cooking and camping equipment., Scout and police service in Afar Region as per the program., Camel and camel tires in Afar Region as per the program., All transport, English speaking Guide and Driver, Three domestic flights with Ethiopian Air Lines, Security

Exclusions: Lunch and dinner in Lalibela and Gondar., International flights, Any alcoholic drinks, Any videographer or camera fee needed, Laundry service, Any expense of Personal items like internet, fax and telephone., Services which are not mentioned in the above section

Reviewed By 290nataliiad

I've got the best possible service, as for me. I had a really good guide and great driver. He was very attentive: I did video on the way with opened windows and driver closed window for safety and said me I can continue to video street life. I liked traditional clothing market a lot: if you want to have really beautiful souvenir from Ethiopia, I think Shiromeda ( I'm not sure, if I wrote it correctly..) is the best possible place)) I really highly appreciative for the service I had. We visited Mercato market and I felt totally safe there: without a guide I would never go there. But with the guide it was very interesting and safe visit. The tour is flexible and it's great: you can choose what is interesting for you. We bought good coffee on the way and also I've tasted avocado and mango juice)) The owner of company is great and treated me in the best way)) Highly recommended Ethio Travel and Tours for your tours through Ethiopia and Addis.

10. Walking tours

Lalibela, Ethiopia Roha lalibela free walking tour
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4.9 based on 11 reviews

Roha Lalibela free walking tour is eager to offer top level service for our valued guests. We offer over and above those on tours available from other operators. As well as, we are flexible, friendly and funny with our guests and we know what the interests of tourists. we are incredibly passionate for our Job and we warmly invite you to join us for a truly unforgettable experience.

Inclusions: Guided tour

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