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Photo: Hulivili, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ethiopia · East Africa · History

Lalibela

Medieval churches carved down into solid rock, still in daily use.

Best timeOct to Mar
Ideal stay2 nights
GatewayLalibela (LLI)
Month by month
  1. JAnuary (good)
  2. FEbruary (good)
  3. MArch (good)
  4. APril
  5. MAy
  6. JUne
  7. JUly
  8. AUgust
  9. SEptember
  10. OCtober (good)
  11. NOvember (good)
  12. DEcember (good)

Travel advice: some regions are off-limits. Check your government’s advice for the exact areas before you book.

Lalibela’s eleven rock-hewn churches, carved around 800 years ago, are among the world’s most extraordinary buildings. Visit at dawn to hear prayers, and during Genna (Ethiopian Christmas) or Timkat for unforgettable ceremonies.

Highlights

  • Bete Giyorgis (St George’s Church)
  • Dawn services
  • Genna and Timkat festivals
  • Asheton Maryam monastery hike

Where to stay

Hotels in town, some with views over the hills.

Getting there

Fly from Addis Ababa.

Tips

  • Check your government’s current advice for the Amhara region before booking.
  • Hire a local guide at the ticket office.
  • Bring a scarf; women cover their heads in churches.

Best time to visit

Oct to Mar. See where to go in Africa in October and our guide to the best time to visit Africa.

Travel advice: Parts of the country are off-limits under most government travel advice. Check your government’s advice before booking.

Plan your stay

Hotels on Booking.com Tours on GetYourGuide Tours on Viator

These searches open on the booking sites. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Always check reviews and the operator’s licence.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Lalibela?

Oct to Mar. Check your government’s current advice for the Amhara region before booking.

How long should I spend at Lalibela?

2 nights.

How do I get to Lalibela?

Fly from Addis Ababa.

Have you been to Lalibela?

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