Lalibela
Ethiopia
- Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
- Bete Giyorgis
- Biete Medhane Alem
- Yemrehanna Krestos Church
- Simien Mountains National Park
About Lalibela
Lalibela is a small town in the Lasta mountains of northern Ethiopia, at more than 8,200 feet. It is named after King Lalibela, who began the carving of its rock churches in the 12th–13th centuries.
Its eleven monolithic churches, cut straight from the rock, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage centre for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians; the cross-shaped Bete Giyorgis is the most famous.
Natural phenomena and seasons
- Altitude — The city lies more than 6,500 feet above sea level. In the first days you may tire quickly or have headaches and shortness of breath; drink plenty of water and avoid heavy exertion on day one.
How many days do you need?
Two days are enough: one for the northern and eastern church groups, and one for Bete Giyorgis and outlying churches and monasteries such as Yemrehanna Krestos. The Simien Mountains are far away and need a separate trip.
Where to stay
- Near the church complex — Small hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of the churches.
- Hillside ridges — Lodges with views over the valley.
- Town centre — Close to cafés and the local market, with more modest options.
From the airport to the city
Ethiopian Airlines flies domestically from Addis Ababa to Lalibela Airport (LLI). The airport is outside town; use a hotel transfer or a taxi.
Getting around
The town is small and the churches are visited on foot. Passages and steps between churches are steep and narrow, so wear comfortable shoes. Arrange a vehicle and guide for outlying churches.
Good to know
- Check current official travel advisories for northern Ethiopia before you travel.
- Shoes come off inside the churches; wear clothing that covers shoulders and legs. Nights are cool because of the altitude.
- The town gets very busy at Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) in early January and at Timkat. The official language is Amharic and the currency is the Ethiopian birr.
Useful links
- Ethiopian Airlines ethiopianairlines.com
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: October–June. The warmest month is March (average high 77 °F); the wettest is July (13.2 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 73.6 | 0.32 | Ideal |
| February | 75.9 | 0.52 | Ideal |
| March | 77.2 | 1.11 | Ideal |
| April | 77.2 | 2.04 | Ideal |
| May | 76.5 | 2.70 | Ideal |
| June | 74.8 | 3.39 | Ideal |
| July | 68.0 | 13.16 | Cool or rainy |
| August | 66.7 | 12.03 | Cool or rainy |
| September | 69.1 | 4.44 | Good |
| October | 70.0 | 1.72 | Ideal |
| November | 71.2 | 0.76 | Ideal |
| December | 72.0 | 0.38 | Ideal |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
More in this region
Public holidays 2027
- Christmas DayJanuary 6
- EpiphanyJanuary 19
- First day of Ramadan *February 8
- Victory at Adwa DayMarch 2
- End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) *March 9
- Day of LamentMarch 28
- Good FridayApril 30
- Easter SundayMay 2
- Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) *May 16
- Derg Downfall DayMay 28
- Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) *August 14
- New Year's DaySeptember 11
- Finding of the True CrossSeptember 27
* Date follows the lunar calendar and may shift by a few days.
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyEthiopian Birr (Br)
- Dialling code+251
- Plugs & voltageType C, E, F, L · 220 V · 50 Hz
- EmergencyPolice 991 · Ambulance 907 · Fire 939
- DrivingOn the right
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.