Ethiopia Essentials 5-Day

Duration: 5 Days | Countries: Ethiopia | Difficulty: Easy–Moderate

Addis Ababa and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela — the essential Ethiopia introduction.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Addis Ababa

Arrive Addis Ababa. National Museum (Lucy, the 3.2 million-year-old Australopithecus), Merkato (one of Africa’s largest open-air markets), Holy Trinity Cathedral. Ethiopian coffee ceremony dinner.

Day 2 — Fly to Lalibela

Morning flight to Lalibela. Afternoon: first cluster of rock churches — Bete Medhane Alem (largest rock-hewn church in the world), Bete Maryam, Bete Meskel. Overnight Lalibela.

Day 3 — Lalibela Full Day

Second cluster: Bete Giyorgis (the most photographed church — a Greek cross carved deep into the earth), Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios. Evening: monks and priests conducting evening services.

Day 4 — Lalibela & Surrounds

Ashetan Maryam monastery (above Lalibela, 1-hour hike). Lalibela village walk. Traditional injera dinner.

Day 5 — Return Addis Ababa — Depart

Morning flight back to Addis. Departure or continue to next destination.