Overview
This short journey introduces Ethiopia’s capital and its most remarkable site. After exploring Addis Ababa — the National Museum, Entoto Hill and a traditional dinner with music and dance — fly north to Lalibela.
Two nights in Lalibela allow time to explore both clusters of rock-hewn churches, including Bete Giyorgis, and to experience the morning prayers of pilgrims. It works perfectly as a stopover on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
Route
Highlights
- National Museum and "Lucy"
- Traditional Ethiopian dinner and dance
- Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
- Bete Giyorgis (Church of Saint George)
- Ideal Ethiopian Airlines stopover
Activities
- City tour
- Coffee ceremony
- Cultural dinner
- Guided church tours
- Monastery hike
- Dawn ceremonies
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1:
Welcome to Addis Ababa
Addis AbabaArrive at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. After a rest, visit the National Museum to meet "Lucy", then drive up Entoto Hill for views over the city. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner of injera with music and dance.
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Day 2:
Lalibela's Rock-Hewn Churches
LalibelaAfter breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela. After lunch, begin exploring the northern cluster of rock-hewn churches, including Bete Medhane Alem, the largest monolithic church in the world, with its forest of columns.
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Day 3:
Bete Giyorgis & the Eastern Churches
LalibelaRise early to see pilgrims at prayer, then explore the eastern cluster of churches through tunnels and trenches. In the afternoon, visit Bete Giyorgis, the cross-shaped Church of Saint George, carved 12 metres into the rock — the most photographed site in Ethiopia.
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Day 4:
Lalibela to Addis Ababa
LalibelaEnjoy a final early-morning activity and breakfast, then transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Addis Ababa. You will be met on arrival and transferred to Bole International Airport for your onward journey, or to a day room on request.
Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
Accommodation
This itinerary is priced with mid-range accommodation. Every property is chosen for its location, guiding and service; final properties are confirmed at booking and we can upgrade or adjust any night.
- Addis AbabaBoutique hotel in the Bole area1 night
- LalibelaHotel with views across the valley2 nights
Meals: Full board on tour days; breakfast and dinner in cities
What's included
Included
- Private vehicle with driver and an expert English-speaking guide
- Accommodation as listed (or similar, subject to availability)
- Meals as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- Entrance fees to churches, monasteries, museums and parks
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- All government taxes and levies
- 24-hour in-country support from our Nairobi office
- Domestic and light-aircraft flights as described in the itinerary
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance (required)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Drinks other than drinking water, unless stated
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
- Camera and photography fees at some churches and villages
Travel information
Best time to travel
October to March. Genna (7 January) and Timkat (19–20 January) are extraordinary but very busy — book early.
What to pack
- Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing (khaki, olive, beige)
- A warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards
- Insect repellent and personal medication
- Soft-sided duffel bag — light aircraft allow around 15 kg per person
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, and a scarf for women
- Socks for church visits (shoes are removed)
- A small torch for dark church interiors
Experiences on this safari
Frequently asked questions
Is this a private safari?
Yes. This itinerary runs privately for your own group, with your own vehicle and guide. It can start on any date, and we can adjust the route, pace and accommodation to suit you.
What does the price include?
The guide price from USD 1,250 per person is based on two people sharing mid-range accommodation in the low season. It includes accommodation, the meals and activities listed, park fees and transfers. Prices vary by season and group size; we confirm an exact quote when you enquire.
Is there a luggage limit on the flights?
Yes. Light aircraft and some domestic flights allow around 15 kg per person including hand luggage, packed in soft-sided bags. We can store extra luggage for you.
How long should I spend in Lalibela?
Two nights allows a full day for the churches; three nights adds Yemrehanna Kristos and Asheton Maryam.
Gallery
Enquire about this safari
Every date is available on request. Tell us when you would like to travel and we will send a tailored quote — adjustments welcome.
