The 3 day Lalibela tour from Addis Ababa takes you back to history. On this African safari tour to Ethiopia, you will visit the rock hewn churches in Ethiopia. This has earned the churches a rightful place for a wonder of the ancient world.

Where To on the 3 Day Lalibela Tour from Addis Ababa

Your 3 day Lalibela tour from Addis Ababa goes to Lalibela. Lalibela is one of Ethiopia’s most famous and serene settings. This town is beloved by tourists and Ethiopian Orthodox Christians alike. A 3 day Lalibela tour from Addis Ababa takes you to see its concentration of rock-hewn churches.

Lalibela (ላሊበላ) is history and mystery frozen in stone. Its soul alive with the rites and awe of Christianity at its most ancient and unbending. No matter what you’ve heard about Lalibela, no matter how many pictures you’ve seen of its breathtaking rock-hewn churches, nothing can prepare you for the reality of seeing it for yourself.

It’s not only a World Heritage site, but truly a world wonder. Spending a night vigil here during one of the big religious festivals, when white-robed pilgrims in their hundreds crowd the courtyards of the churches, is to witness Christianity in its most raw and powerful form.

This 3 day Ethiopia safari goes to thistown   remotely perched at an altitude of 2,630 meters in the Ethiopian Highlands.

The 3 day Lalibela tour from Addis Abba goes to a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. This Ethiopia tour will expose you to a cluster of 13 churches are one of Ethiopia’s most popular tourist destinations.

History of Lalibela

During the reign of Gebre Mesqel Lalibela, a member of the Zagwe dynasty who ruled Ethiopia in the late 12th century and early 13th century, the current town of Lalibela was known as Roha.

The saint-king was named because a swarm of bees is said to have surrounded him at his birth, which his mother took as a sign of his future reign as emperor of Ethiopia. The names of several places in the modern town and the general layout of the rock-cut churches themselves are said to mimic names and patterns observed by Lalibela during the time he spent as a youth in Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

Lalibela, revered as a saint, is said to have seen Jerusalem, and then attempted to build a new Jerusalem as his capital in response to the capture of old Jerusalem by Muslims in 1187. Each church was carved from a single piece of rock to symbolize spirituality and humility.

Christian faith inspires many features with Biblical names – even Lalibela’s river is known as the River Jordan. Lalibela remained the capital of Ethiopia from the late 12th into the 13th century.

The first European to see these churches was the Portuguese explorer Pêro da Covilhã (1460–1526). Portuguese priest Francisco Álvares (1465–1540), accompanied the Portuguese Ambassador on his visit to Dawit II in the 1520s. He describes the unique church structures as follows: “I weary of writing more about these buildings, because it seems to me that I shall not be believed if I write more… I swear by God, in Whose power I am, that all I have written is the truth[.]”

Although Ramuso included plans of several of these churches in his 1550 printing of Álvares’ book, who supplied the drawings remains a mystery. The next reported European visitor to Lalibela was Miguel de Castanhoso, who served as a soldier under Cristóvão da Gama and left Ethiopia in 1544. After de Castanhoso, more than 300 years passed until the next European, Gerhard Rohlfs, visited Lalibela some time between 1865 and 1870.

Accommodation on the Lalibela Tour from Addis Ababa

There are several places available for you on your 3 Day Lalibela tour from Addis Ababa. Here are a just but a few of them that we have for our Ethiopia safaris:

Degosach Mountain Eco Lodge

This is our prefered lodge for those on the 3 day Lalibela tour from Addis Ababa. Degosach Mountain Ecolodge is built in traditional style. It is situated on top of a hill with spectacular views over the surrounding.

The  Eco  Lodge offers excellent accommodation on a spectacular and peaceful rural setting, accompanied by authentic cuisine and traditional hospitality.

It is  Located  close to Ethiopia important historical site of Lalibela. You may take part in many possible excursion options and exciting Lalibela trekking routes over mountain ranges and deep valleys. or just relax on the terrace overlooking the wonderful landscape with a good book and a pot of fresh coffee, and let our friendly staff take care of you.

Sora Lodge

This is another one of our favorite for those on Lalibela tour from Addis Ababa. Sora Lodge offers a unique and spectacular view of the Asheten Mariam Mountain, the valleys and countryside villages around Lalibela.

All rooms in our three-storeyed main building have a large private veranda facing east, providing unforgettable views of the sunrise, while the sunset can be watched from the common verandas facing west.

Apart from the rooms in the main building, we have beautiful rooms in traditional round huts, likewise with large private balconies and amazing views.

Panoramic View Hotel

The Panoramic View Hotel stands high on Lalibela Mountain. It command breathtaking views of the surrounding Ethiopian highlands and countryside in all directions. This hotel boasts beautiful landscapes, sunrises, and sunsets, combined with convenient access to magical Lalibela.

For those on 3 day Lalibela tour, the famous churches of Lalibela are only a 10 minute walk. There are many restaurants, artisan shops, and bars located nearby. As the name of the hotel implies, the views dazzle guests from dawn to dusk. This offers a Panoramic View of both the city of Lalibela and the Ethiopian countryside as well.

3 Day Lalibela Tour from Addis Ababa Outline

This is a brief outline of the 3 Day Lalibela Tour from Addis Ababa itinerary:

Day 1: Pick up from hotel/ Bole Airport and transfer by flight to Lalibela. Check into hotel and embark on church tours.

Day 2: Full day in lalibela with a tour of Abune Yousef Conservation Park and more churhes.

Day 3: Breakfast and transfer back to Addis Ababa to end your 3 day Lalibela Tour from Addis Ababa.