What do you what know?
Is this for experienced hikers only? How fit do i need to be?
Good question: the walk around Lalibela is a Little challenging from the first day as you are climbing the mountain, then it will be much easier from the second day. So Our trekking rote is appropriate for many ages and levels of experience.
How about safety?
It is totally safe and very friendly people alomg the trek and in the village where you stay.
Do i need to walk with a Guide?
We advise travellers to walk with a local guide because this holds several advantages. In particular for people who are new to the region and do not speak the local language, walking with a local guide will be safer and more comfortable than walking without. A second advantage is that walkers will have no concerns regarding navigation.
Even if you like path finding, consider the other advantages of hiring a local guide. There are no better explanations about the area you walk in than those from the people that live there. A guide can also introduce you to people from the area, even if you dont speak the local language, and by hiring one you will contribute directly to the local economy and the development of small-scale community tourism in Ethiopia.
Should i walk the path independently? Or With a group?
We organize privet tour so you can do the trek or the tour independently, if we have other clients in the same day we will take you to different village.
How long it take me to clime the top of abune yousef?
4 days is advisable but if you dont have that much time 3 days is the minimum.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the size of your group? But our rate start from $50/per person/per day All inclusive.
What is the best time to Hike?
From binging of September to end of June.
Internal flights in Ethiopia
The easiest and quickest way to get to around Ethiopia from Addis Ababa is to fly. Ethiopian Airlines currently connects 20 cities across Ethiopia. Many flights leave Addis early in the morning, and return early in the afternoon. Not all routes offer a daily service though. Lalibela Eco Trekking can assist by reserving and booking flights through our partner travel agency. See Ethiopian Airlines local flight network
Car hire in Ethiopia
Instead of relying on buses it is also possible to hire a vehicle to take you around. LAlibela Eco Trekking can arrange this for trips to Mekele fromLalibela, Gondar, Bahir Dar or addisabeba (or even Gheralta Lodge). We have a number of vehicles based in Lalibela. we can arrange land cruisers and minibuses too and we are able arrange pick up at Addis Ababa airport, a tour of Addis itself and trips out of Addis.
Buses in Ethiopia
Those with more time and who want to see more of the surrounding countryside may chose to do all or some parts of their journey by road. The roads are improving, Local buses ply all major roads in Ethiopia and vary from uncomfortable to hellish. However good buses leave Addis for Dessie, Gondar and Bahir Dar, and the buses from Dessie and Weldiya to Lalibela, Gondar and Bahir Dar can be OK and pass close to many of the sites south of Lalibela.
Should I bring walking boots?
It is a good idea to bring good boots. The going can be rocky and there are times of year when you might encounter rain. If you climb the mountain (AbunaYoseph) it can also be cold. However the most important thing is that you do not wear brand new boots for a hike that are not broken in as blisters are the worst outcome. Also do not wear old boots that are likely to fall apart.
What kind of clothing should I bring?
We recommend wearing ‘zip-off’ walking trousers. Good socks to go in the boots are important. A collared short sleeve shirt keeps the sun off more of the neck. Do bring a fleece/jacket/top for cold evenings, and a rain/wind jacket for showers. Remember the sun is harsh at altitude so have a sun hat.
Additional things i should Bring ?
- Torch
- Small towel
- Good fleece
- Wind/rain jacket,
- Walking boots
- Sandals/flip flops.
Fully charged batteries (extra if possible)
Is there a mobile network on the trek?
It comes and goes, some places have good reception others none. You might want to buy an Ethiopian Telecom SIM card in Addis Ababa if you want to stay in touch.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
Not essential as we provide sleeping bags, mattresses, sheets and blankets. However, if you want to feel snug and cosy there is no harm in bringing one along. The higher places can be cold at night. NOT: our sleeping bags are not the new standard.
Can we recharge equipment on the trek?
We suggest bringing enough spare batteries or a solar charger, in some of the camp we have solar light and charger for camera and phone.
Will I have to carry all my things?
No. There are donkeys provided they can carry a maximum of 40kgs. So one donkey per two guests means they can carry a 20kg bag. Please use soft bags for the donkeys. You can leave most of the things in our office that you dont need for the trek.
How do i get to Lalibela?
You can reach Lalibela by air or ground transportation. There is 3 flights everyday from addis, bahir dar, gonder and Axum. There is a direct bus from addis everyday (it will take you two days bus trip to Lalibela)
Do i need to take malaria pills?
if you travel only addis abeba, Lalibela and Surrounding no need to take Malaria pills as it is to high for mosquitoes.
Can I bring presents for the childrens or the community?
Yes it will be appreciated if you bring school equipments or second hand clothes for the childrens.
CAN I TAKE CASH OUT IN LALIBELA
They are 3 ATM cash machine often working, you can withdraw birr only.
USD How much is the local coin to USD?
The local currency birr to dollar is 27.49 ETB for $1.
when to visit?
Septmber -February.