Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Trekking
Though it's less of a wilderness experience than the Simien and Bale Mountains, trekking
through the villages and valleys surrounding Lalibela is a wonderful experience that
mixes astounding scenery, historical riches and a fascinating insight into the life of
Ethiopian highlanders. You'll likely meet gelada monkeys and there's a small chance of
Ethiopian wolves in the highest reaches. Plus there's a good variety of bird life, from lam-
mergeyers to bee-eaters. The treks were originally set up by a now-defunct NGO called
TESFA and many people refer to trekking here as 'tesfa trekking'.
Treks are typically three to five days long and routes can be designed based on time, fit-
ness, churches, chances of animal encounters or whatever you want. The Lasha area
northwest of Lalibela, home to Abuna Yosef, Ethiopia's third-highest peak (4300m), and
the part of the Meket Plateau to the southeast, offer rugged treks with some heavy-duty
climbs. Further away, the part of the Meket Plateau west of Gashena, has low gradients
and the walking is fairly easy.
There are 11 community-run lodges (and an additional seven lunch stops) near villages,
each consisting of traditional yet comfortable mud-and-stone tukuls and loos with views.
Most have showers.
INFORMATION & BOOKING
Bookings are managed by Addis Ababa-based Tesfa Tours ( 0923-490495;
www.tesfatours.com ) , under an agreement with the local communities. It's best to book as
far in advance as possible, especially at peak seasons: October, December and early Janu-
ary. At other times of the year you can usually just show up and head out the next day, but
maybe not on the route you had in mind. Make arrangements locally with the guides in
Lalibela through the Lasta Lalibela Community Tourism Guiding Enterprise
Offline map Google map (LLCTGE; 0913-244479; www.lalibelactge.com ) .
The treks, including guides, pack mules, accommodation, meals, tea and coffee (beer,
soft drinks and water are sold at each lodge), cost Birr978 per person per 24 hours. Any
transportation, if necessary, to and from trailheads costs extra. Solo trekkers pay an addi-
tional Birr250 per night and there's a Birr50 fee per group per night if booking less than
three days in advance. There are discounts for children.
Though a few of the community lodges are open year-round, during the heaviest rains
from mid-July to late-September most are closed and you won't likely have much fun
anyway. During this time, it would be better to head to the drier Tigray region.
A new Lalibela-based company, Highland Trekking Offline map Google map (
0912-130831; www.highlandtrekking. com) , and some of the licensed church guides, such
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