Lalibela Tours
Day Trip to Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela
5

Day Trip to Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela

By Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 8-78
Duration: 8h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • We pick up guests at Airport but we will not pay for the shuttle!!
What's not included
  • Entry/Admission - Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela


Start:Traveller pickup offered.
    Pickup details
    • We will pick up guests from the Airport, but we will not pay for the Shuttle and this payment did not include entrance fee and shuttle fee. Shared Taxi 200 birr. there is also an entrance fee for all the churches and the ticket will be valid for 5 days.
    Airport pickup offered
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included airports.
    • Lalibela Airport, Lalibela Ethiopia
    End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

      • Wheelchair accessible
      • Near public transportation
      • Infants must sit on laps
      • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
      If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 219523P7

      • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
      • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
      • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
      • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

      • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

      If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 219523P7

      From
      ÂŁ36.94
      per adult
      Select date and travellers
      Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

      Similar experiences

      Itinerary
      • 1
        Explore the extraordinary rock-cut churches of Ethiopia on an all-day tour Learn about Ethiopian history and culture at the churches of Lalibela Visit Bete Medhani Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskel, and other sites and also different wonder the different species of birds.
      About the operator
      Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
      • Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours
        87
        Lalibela, Ethiopia
        Joined in November 2019
      • Allegra T
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great tour of churches of Lalibela
        I had a spectacular experience on this tour thanks to Maereg. I hadn't organized anything basically and he helped me find a place to store my larger bag in Addis, show me everything with detailed history and make sure I felt safe and comfortable when I got back to Addis by introducing me to his brother there. The tour was full of great history, very customizable based on my interests and time. Even with my room he was able to get me a beautiful place and an upgrade. Thanks for everything
        Written 19 January 2025
      • Odyssey16494967812
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Stunning Ethiopia
        Maereg is an excellent guide and tour leader! We spent 10 days in Ethiopia and always felt safe and taken care of by him. Everything was perfectly organized - transfers, hotels, car rental, entrances to tourist attractions. Ethiopia is a beautiful country and Maereg helped us to see it.
        Written 26 November 2024
      • kaiyoorsrirama
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Out of the World Experience. We learnt a lot about the culture and history of Ethiopia.
        The trip was amazing and we had the best time of our life in Ethiopia. It was just wonderful. Very loving people and country.
        Written 15 October 2024
      • khurramriazs
        0 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        Lalibela Rock Churches Tour
        The history in Lalibela is amazing and Maereg is a knowledgeable, helpful and a fun host to tour with. Highly recommended.
        Written 7 October 2024
      • 309janism
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Sunken Churches of Lalibela
        Cannot recommend this tour operator enough, from the arrival to the departure was flawless. Their knowledge of not just the churches and history of Lalibela, but even down to the details of the bird life made this a truly one in a lifetime experience.
        Written 3 July 2024
      • kaneshiac2019
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Highly recommended
        Our guide was very knowledgeable and did a great job sharing the history and culture of Ethiopia. He was very attentive and open to feedback. I highly recommend this company.
        Written 17 June 2024
      • owlietakesflight
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Lalibela- A step back in time
        I had the pleasure of experiencing a guided tour with Maereg, owner/operator of Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours. The churches of Lalibela are extraordinary, with St. George being my favorite. The history associated with these churches is fascinating. The structures themselves, take you back in time, allowing you to experience the reverence of the culture, past and presence. Maereg's knowledge and respect for these churches are clearly apparent during his explanation of their importance. His humility and respect for his culture and religion allows you appreciate these churches through the lens of a practicing local. Thank you Maereg for sharing your story and bringing to life an experience.
        Written 22 April 2024
      • 435marketai
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Stunning Lalibela, a must-see!
        Just back from last week's trip to stunning Lalibela. Had an amazing time, all organised by Maereg and his team at Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours. Stayed at Sora Lodge with beautiful views and lovely rooms. Maereg made the entire experience extremely smooth, organised every aspect of my trip and had a great team of extremely knowledgeable guides and drivers which made the whole experience very enjoyable and safe (particularly for a solo female traveller). Would highly recommend Extraordinary Ethiopia to anyone considering visiting Ethiopia.
        Written 15 April 2024
      • getraj2024
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        A wonderful trip experience
        The trip was very nice and well organized. I appreciated the drivers and everyone who supported me. You and your brother did an excellent job guiding us through North Ethiopia!
        Written 9 April 2024
      • cheflenalprice
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Top Notch Tour Company!!
        If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired, then look no further than this tour company! From start to finish, everything ran smoothly thanks largely due in part by their experienced staff who really know what they are doing. I can't thank you enough. I'll DEFINITELY be referring to anyone visiting Ethiopia!! Take care.
        Written 22 March 2024
      • Amary J
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Wonderful, exciting, educational and spiritual.
        Maereg was a great host and tour guide. He knows the history, the restaurants, where to shop and all the info you might need to get the most out of your Ethiopian experience.
        Written 28 February 2024
      • D4165XDcalebc
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND........MAEREG!!
        What can I say about the amazing Maereg that hasn’t been said, there’s a reason this kind fellow has nothing less than a five-star review! I ended up in Lalibela as a solo traveler aloof to the recent conflict that scared away all the usual tourists that would be visiting the beautiful sites and people of this high-altitude town. From the group taxi to the hotel I encountered aggressive tour guides trying to get a high price for their services. GEESH! Let a guy get to his room and settle in first. Feeling the hustle, as any seasoned traveler does, I walked into town to find my own way. Lucky for me, I came across the best tuk-tuk driver in Lalibela, Baye. Baye spoke English well enough, has a passion for driving and a great sense for freewheeling adventure. He bought me through he bustling Saturday market and would help me score goods at a fair price. When I mentioned that I was interested in not-so-touristy and out-of-the-ordinary adventure, he said he knew just the guy, his good friend and brother-in-arms, Maereg. I liked Maereg instantly. He’s out of the box genuine, honest, sharp, and witty. He blew me away with his knowledge of the history of the churches, people, plants and animals of the region. When a plan fell through for one adventure, it was swiftly replaced with another outstanding plan to be executed flawlessly. Maereg is a strong hiker who is diligent about your safety all the while enjoying the great and vast beauty of Ethiopia himself, seemingly just as much as I. On our all-day trips, he would supply a delicious lunch or know just where to go to get the best coffee and food. I arrived to Lalibela a lone traveler and left feeling like I gained a family and a brother. We stay in touch to this day, a world apart. So, if you're looking for the best, no-pressure, fair and knowledgeable guide in Ethiopia, look no further, Maereg’s the man! May peace be upon you my brother, until next time:)
        Written 30 January 2024
      • Sunshine22057356430
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Safe tours of Lalibela with excellent service, accommodation, and meals. Maereg is the best!
        Maereg is the best! He kept me safe in Lalibela during a politically sensitive time. He has an encyclopedic understanding of the history of the monolithic cave churches and is a logistical genius during difficult circumstances. Accommodation and meals were fabuolus, and the hotel even celebrated my birthday with a postcard of St. George and by decorating my breakfast table with flower pedals. Also ask him about his brother's luxury-at budget prices-tours of the Omo valley!
        Written 26 November 2023
      • Ruben C
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Short visit to Lalibela from Addis, very safe and convenient for a weekend
        Amazing tour, I was skeptical of visiting Lalibela but it was very safe. Maereg tailored the tour so I could visit the most important churches and even attend to the service all in 1 day because I was short in time but there's many other buildings to visit. I flew from Addis on Saturday morning and I was back on Sunday afternoon. Maereg is a knowledgeable guide, he reached out the moment I reserved and was always available, he even booked me an amazing hotel with a discount. He will definitely make sure you get the most out of your trip. I'd strongly recommend to try the tour with Maereg, I had a great experience visiting the churches and even eating at local restaurants
        Written 23 October 2023
      • 84robertantony
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Addis day tour & Adadi Maryam
        High point was our visit to Adadi Maryam - beautiful history . But disappointed that we missed Tiya. The Addis day tour was done really well and adequate time for shopping and ending with a lovely dinner with Ethiopian songs and dances . Highly recommend
        Written 20 October 2023
      See all 87 reviews
      These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

      Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

      Popular mentions

      We perform checks on reviews.
      Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
      Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
      When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
      Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
      Learn more about our review moderation.
      5.0
      5.0 of 5 bubbles12 reviews
      Excellent
      12
      Very good
      0
      Average
      0
      Poor
      0
      Terrible
      0

      Tells77
      77 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wow is all I can say! The historical landmark of Lalibela was an unforgettable experience. Perfection is an understatement! Maereg was the perfect guide! He speaks great English and very responsive to emails! I got a response in less than 24 hours as they are in a different time zone so immediately if you ask me. He waited for me at the airport even though I was an hour late due to flight confusion on my end. He is extremely knowledgeable and gave me a deep understanding of the rock hewn churches. He is patient, kind and wonderful tour guide. Maereg answered all my questions and gave me more insight than I expected. Not only did he cover the history of the rock hewn churches but he also gave me an in depth history of Ethiopia itself. He has years of experience doing this and there is no other tour group I would choose! We got straight to the churches and I am still blown away by this experience I had to make a review to let others know of how wonderful Ethiopia and its history is! Friendly people and great tours you will love. I will return and use extraordinary tour group again!
      Written 20 March 2020
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hello Shantel Thank you so much for the wonderful review, I work hard to meet expectations like yours, and I am happy to hear I hit the mark for you. Hopefully we will meet one day to explore the other parts of Ethiopia. Kind regards Maereg
      Written 21 March 2020
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Socksthecat2017
      London, UK19 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Oct 2023 • Solo
      The churches are amazing. And we’re so brought to life by Maereg. Maereg is knowledgeable, respectful and attentive. Being from Lalibela, he knew the place v well. He went out of his way to accommodate requests, and to ensure we were safe wherever we went. We hiked up in Asheton and visited the monastery. The views and sense of space are incredible. I had a bit of time at Addis before my flight. Maereg also happened to be in Addis and kindly showed me a part of Addis.
      Lalibela is simply stunning. Thank you Maereg for bringing it to life.
      Written 18 October 2023
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hello Dr.Ayesha Thank you so much for the wonderful review, we work hard to meet expectations like yours, and we are happy to hear we hit the mark for you. Hopefully we will meet next time to explore other parts of Ethiopia. Kind regards Maereg
      Written 18 October 2023
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Ankitha Rajendaran
      Dubai, United Arab Emirates41 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nov 2023 • Solo
      I did a solo trip to Lalibela and Addis Ababa over 3 days. After I got in touch with Maereg, everything was quickly arranged and the choice of hotels were both great and convenient. I felt safe the whole time and had no issues. Thank you for the brief introduction to your country. Keep up the good work.
      Written 22 November 2023
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hello Ankitha Thank you so much for the wonderful review, we work hard to meet expectations like yours, and we are happy to hear we hit the mark for you. Hopefully we will meet next time to explore other parts of Ethiopia. Kind regards Maereg
      Written 23 November 2023
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Abdulmajeed A
      16 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nov 2024 • Solo
      I recommend this tour to see the 11 rock hewn churches.
      Learn about the history of ancient Lalbella, as its construction dates back to the seventh century
      Written 19 November 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hello Abdul Thank you so much for the wonderful review, we work hard to meet expectations like yours, and we are happy to hear we hit the mark for you. Hopefully we will meet next time to explore other parts of Ethiopia. The construction of the churchs dates back to the 11 century not 7th. Kind regards Maereg
      Written 21 November 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Asiaticus NLN
      1 contribution
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jun 2024 • Friends
      What I remember most about my guide Maereg was his diligent service, promptness, efficient time-management, and impressive knowledge of Ethiopia - the ancient and the new. During the trip, Maereg made sure that I felt at ease, safe and secure as a female traveler. And that meant a lot.

      For eight days Maereg got to know me and I got to experience the wonders of Ethiopia.

      Firstly, the capital, Addis Ababa, the highest elevation of a city in Africa, which was more like a state than a city, boasted national/ state museums, cultural centers, numerous universities/ UNESCO World Heritage Sites, churches, cathedrals, cafés (the origin of coffee began here in Ethiopia), memorials, financial, telecommunications, infrastructures, shop centers, outdoor markets, etc.,.

      Then there was the massive rock-hewn monolith churches of Lalibela, (woa!) which is home to the oldest Christian communities in the world (as well as for Maereg, his lovely wife, and adorable children who were kind enough to have invited us to their home to meet the family & served us a delicious authentic Ethiopian dinner complimented with Honey wine). Also, Lalibela is known as Ethiopia's "New Jerusalem" because it holds religious importance and the opportunity to pilgrimage for there Orthodox Christians.

      And lastly, Gondar, once the capital of the former Ethiopian Empire, showcased palaces, castles, churches, fortified walls, built by each royal successor beginning the 17th century and has been called the "Camelot of Africa," idealized as in a place of high-level culture with a purpose/ belief of what community with a shared purpose can achieve.

      Since returning home, the trip to Ethiopia has stayed with me like a hum, tune or song which reminded me that for eight days I was in paradise. I hope to carry this happiness in me forward until I can get back to that happy place, Ethiopia 🇪🇹 . Thanks, Maereg for all that you did to make this experience possible.

      Sincerely,
      Romanáh H-B
      Written 21 June 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hello Romanah Thank you so much for the wonderful review, we work hard to meet expectations like yours, and we are happy to hear we hit the mark for you. Hopefully we will meet next time to explore other parts of Ethiopia. Kind regards Maereg
      Written 22 June 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Andrea B
      1 contribution
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Apr 2024 • Friends
      The trip was amazing. We had a knowledgeable tour guide who was also very patient and attentive to the needs of the group. I would love to do this again
      Written 1 May 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hello Andrea Thank you so much for the wonderful review, we work hard to meet expectations like yours, and we are happy to hear we hit the mark for you. Hopefully we will meet next time to explore other parts of Ethiopia. Kind regards Maereg
      Written 5 May 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Rosalie T
      4 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jan 2023
      It was all very interesting. In was particularly interested in the church of St George. I was also interested in the religious practices which are different in some ways to Catholicism.
      Written 19 January 2023
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hello Rosalie Thank you so much for the wonderful review, we work hard to meet expectations like yours, and we are happy to hear we hit the mark for you. Hopefully we will meet next time to explore other parts of Ethiopia. Kind regards Maereg
      Written 20 January 2023
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Efraim M
      6 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Hi I came to Lalibela for 2 weeks
      Maereg was my tour guide
      Fantastic highly recommended
      I did homestay with wonderful family
      Family guesthouse
      Wonderful experience
      Clean
      Comfortable
      Better than hotel
      And wonderful family
      Hope to come back to Ethiopia
      To ommo valley
      Will only
      Book maerek
      As tour guide
      Written 3 January 2023
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hello Efi Thank you so much for the wonderful review, we work hard to meet expectations like yours, and we are happy to hear we hit the mark for you. Hopefully we will meet next time to explore other parts of Ethiopia. Kind regards Maereg
      Written 5 January 2023
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Cora S
      3 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Aug 2022 • Solo
      Maereg was great! The communication was really good, even before the trip startet and he took the best pictures of me in all of Ethiopia!
      He really wanted me to have the best experience possible.
      Written 7 August 2022
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hello Cora Thank you so much for your review, I work hard to meet expectations like yours, and I am happy to hear that you had a good time. Hopefully we will meet one day to explore the other parts of Ethiopia. Kind regards Maereg
      Written 11 August 2022
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      A Nigatu
      3 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Mar 2020 • Couples
      I went back to Lalibela after a 15 year hiatus to show my wife the rich history of my culture. We got a phone number from the website and gave a call the day before we arrived at Lalibela. We met Mareg, who told us he was going to be our guide. He was at the airport waiting. Our visit was excellent. I ended up feeling like my prior visit was subpar as Mareg from extraordinary gave us the best tour around the churches. He did more than that; he was attentive to our needs, arranged transportation as necessary, was available when needed and was knowledgeable about the history. He was clear in his presentation and made sure to separate the myths and histories associated with this marvelous place. He balanced speaking Amharic with me while not having my English speaking wife feel left out. Even when our flight was cancelled due to weather and we needed to arrange a long car drive, he was very helpful in finding a ride. I was so impressed by his knowledge about the rock-hewn churches, his language and his overall demeanor. I would recommend him to anyone who would like to see Lalibela and all it’s beauty.
      Written 18 March 2020
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hello Abiy Thank you so much for the wonderful review, I work hard to meet expectations like yours, and I am happy to hear I hit the mark for you. Kind regards Maereg
      Written 19 March 2020
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Showing results 1-10 of 12
      *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

      Day Trip to Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela provided by Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours

      All things to do in Lalibela
      Day Trips in Lalibela
      RestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire