Tips for Visiting Lalibela, Ethiopia
Who doesn’t have the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela on his bucket list? We recently visited this amazing site and offer the following tips for you.
- It’s best to book your hotel at Expedia or Hotels.com where one is required to prepay. f you book at Priceline or Booking and are expected to pay at the property, don’t be surprised to show up and find your reservation canceled. The manager at our hotel told us that if someone shows up and he’s booked, he’s cancelling all non prepaid reservations.
- There are no taxis at the airport. Be sure that your hotel knows when you are arriving so that one of the collective shuttles can reserve space to bring you to town. The airport is rather far from the actual town because that was the only location with enough flat land to build an airport.
- Do NOT attempt to visit the churches without a guide. There are 11 churches that are inner connected with tunnels and pathways. We did not see any map of how to get around and to be honest; without out a guide, I never would have known where to go. In addition, a guide knows the customs for entering the church and gender restrictions.
- Entrance is $50 US cash. Be sure to carry a crisp, new 50 dollar bill. A ticket is obtained at the ticket office in town. Be sure to secure your ticket before setting out to the sites.
- Churches close in the afternoon until 2:00 p.m., yet we were still able to see all the churches in one afternoon.
- Wear shoes that are comfortable, safe, good for walking yet are easy to remove. You will need to remove your shoes before entering every church.
- A guide should cost no more than $30 for a party of two.
- Enjoy it. It is so worth it. Please enjoy the pictures below.
~Bella