Lalibela Hiking | Ethiopia

One Day Hike

Asheten Mariam Monastry is located on top of Abune Yosef Mountain at 3150 feet. It is approximately a 5 hour return hike from the town of Lalibela. En route you have incredible views down over the town of Lalibela and the surrounding countryside.

There is also the option of traveling by car and doing a thirty minute hike into the monastry.

Lalibela Accommodation

Multi Day Hikes

Aboushew will custom design your multi day hike to fit your travel plans. Below is an example of a three day/two night hiking package.

Three day/two night trek

Day 1: Hike from Lalibela to Ber Metebekiya - Six hours

Depart from Lalibela after breakfast. It is a challenging start to the day however the views make it all worthwhile. Five minutes into the hike and you will be able to see stunning vistas of the town of Lalibela and the surrounding mountains.

Take a short break for snack at Merebarbu (3300m) and there is a good chance you will see Gelada monkeys, a baboon size monkey endemic to Ethiopia. Continue on to the village of Wedebye for lunch and a short break. You can then walk to one of the villages close to Wedebye to see and learn a little about the life of the local people including farming practices, cattle rearing, local traditions and schooling. Continue on to Bar Metebekiya and spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the serenity of this lovely location.

At night you will gather around the fire and will experience the charming local tradition of a foot wash ans massage for guests. The locals will also provide some local music and you will see a typical traditional dance of the Highland Tribes.

Accommodation: Private Home stay at Ber Metebekiya

Day 2: Hike from Ber Metebkia to Abune Yousef Park and onto Dewalka Village - 7 hours

Depart early morning with your picnic lunch. You will hike from Ber Metebekia to Abune Yousef Park. You will spend much of your day at Abune Yousef Park which covers 70 square kilometres of Afroalpine habitat and has spectacular scenery. In the park there are excellent wildlife viewing points and rugged craggy peaks. Animals you may see include Gelada monkeys, red fox (more difficult to see), and a variety of bird-life. You will enjoy your picnic lunch at Small Zgit overlooking the panoramic Sekota mountain chain.

Towards the end of the day you will hike to the most beautiful village of the our route, Dewalka Village. The village a fabulous location to view spectacular sunrises and sunsets.Tonight enjoy a moonlight campfire and enjoy the local traditional dance and music.

Accommodation: Private Home stay in Dewalka

Day 3: Hike from Dewalka Village to Lalibela - 7 Hours

After breakfast depart from Dewalka village to Lalibela. On your way you will pass through various villages and learn about local crops growing on different plateaus. There will be a short stop at Merebarbu for a snack and the chance to see more animals. You will have spectacular views right up until your arrival back in Lalibela.

Package includes:

Accommodation for two nights in private homestays
Two breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners
Snacks
Donkey for transporting luggage
Porter
English speaking guide for your hike
Personal chef (please advise of any food allergies)
Unlimited water
Sleeping bags, mattress, blanket.etc
Coffee and Dance ceremony
Interaction with local communities
Entrance fee for Abune Yousef park