Community Trekking in Lalibela

Community trekking in Lalibela lets you explore stunning highlands while staying in local guesthouses—an eco-friendly journey that supports and connects with the community.

What makes Community Trekking special?

Community trekking in rural Lalibela blends breathtaking landscapes with genuine cultural connection. Hike across sweeping plateaus, through ancient footpaths, and stay in traditional guesthouses run by local families—experiencing the warmth, simplicity, and resilience that define life in Ethiopia’s highlands.
It’s more than a trek; it’s a chance to share meals, stories, and morning coffee with those who call these remote villages home. With every step, you gain a deeper appreciation for both the land and the people—making community trekking in Lalibela a truly special and meaningful journey.

How to include a community trek in your itinerary

Community trekking is a great add-on to the northern circuit, often planned before or after visiting Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. Treks typically last 2–4 days and can be tailored to your time and fitness level. Short on time? A one-night hike to Hudad Lodge offers stunning views with just 3–4 hours of walking each way.

Trek Start to Mequat Mariam

Trek to Mequat Mariam

Trek Begins: Werkhaye Mariam to Mequat Mariam
Your trek starts in the village of Werkhaye Mariam after a local lunch and meeting your guide. It’s a 3-hour walk through farmland and dirt roads, offering insight into rural life.
As you approach Mequat Mariam, the scenery opens up to sweeping mountain views. The guesthouse sits on a dramatic plateau edge—arguably the most stunning of all community lodges.
On arrival, enjoy fresh coffee or tea and bread while taking in the incredible views before dinner.

Mequat Mariam to Wajela

Mornings on the trek start with fresh coffee, bread, and golden sunlight over the valleys—pure magic.
The walk from Mequat Mariam to Wajela takes about 7 hours, including breaks. It’s mostly flat but long, so be ready for a full day on your feet.
Lunch is served in Meskal Mikael village. Wajela’s views are scenic, though more shaded due to surrounding juniper and acacia trees.
On arrival, expect fresh coffee, bread, and dinner by 7pm. Beers and soft drinks are available.
End the day under a sky full of stars, sharing stories with your guide.

Wajela to Aterow

The trek to Aterow takes about 5 hours with breaks. It’s the usual endpoint for most treks in West Meket, though Yadukulay guesthouse lies further for those continuing.
Aterow is a great spot to see Gelada monkeys, but they’re shy and quick to flee.
There’s also a small waterfall nearby—follow the trail toward the Lalibela road, where a vehicle can pick you up.

Aterow to Yadukulay

This 4-hour trek begins with a steep descent before climbing toward the guesthouse. Yadukulay sits on twin peaks, offering panoramic highland views.
As the shortest trek in West Meket, it leaves you time to relax or explore nearby villages with your guide—where you might even sample local home-brewed spirits.
Yadukulay also marks the transition into East Meket for those continuing onward.

East Meket

Yadukulay to Boya

Yadukulay (2600 m) is the starting point for the East Meket trek, about an hour’s drive from Lalibela. Perched on a peak, it offers sweeping views of the lowlands.
The trek to Boya takes 5–6 hours, starting with a steep climb to 2800 m. Lunch is in the village of Dufti, followed by an afternoon walk through farmland to the Boya guesthouse on the plateau edge.

Boya to Aina Amba

At 3,200 m, Boya offers stunning westward views, similar to Mequat Mariam.
The trek to Aina Amba is gentler, crossing open plateau with views of Abuna Yoseph (4,300 m). Lunch is provided by the Ware Mikael community. The route is a good place to spot Gelada monkeys.
Aina Amba sits on the escarpment edge with views of Geneta Mariam and Abuna Yoseph. It’s a popular endpoint, though you can continue east to Melkidefer, where a road allows pickup back to Lalibela.

Kurtain Washa

Kurtain Washa is the easternmost guesthouse on the trail, set in rugged, mountainous terrain that makes for tougher trekking but rewards you with stunning views, rich flora, and wildlife. At 3,600 m, it’s also a great spot to see Gelada monkeys.
The trek begins at the drop-off point in Ahun Tegene village, followed by a 1-hour walk to reach the guesthouse.

Geneta Mariam

Geneta Mariam sits in a quiet corner of rural Lalibela, known for its rock-hewn churches with vivid frescoes. Mekina Medhane Alem is a highlight, often overlooked next to Yimrehane Kristos.
The site is a 45-minute drive from Lalibela, or you can hike most of the way and drive the last stretch. It’s open year-round, even in the rainy season.
From here, you can trek west to Meket or east toward the tougher trails of Abuna Yoseph

Tadios Amba and Agaw Beret

Tadios Amba and Agaw Beret are two newer additions to the community trekking network, set in remote and dramatic corners of the highlands. The terrain is rugged, the views are wide open, and the sense of isolation makes the experience truly special.
Agaw Beret is particularly exciting for wildlife lovers, with a rare chance to spot Ethiopian Wolves in the area. Both guesthouses are perfect resting points before beginning the challenging ascent towards Abuna Yoseph.

Ad Medhane Alem

Ad Medhane Alem serves as the base camp for trekking Abuna Yoseph. The guesthouse sits on the escarpment edge at 3,500 m, offering dramatic highland views.
The trek up from Lalibela passes through farmland, forest, and a corridor of Giant Erica trees. Along the way, you may spot Gelada Monkeys or Hamadryas Baboons.
After a few hours of steady climbing, you’ll reach Ad Medhane Alem and be greeted by breathtaking scenery in every direction.

Abuna Yoseph

Starting early from Ad Medhane Alem, the trail leads through the village of Wedebiye. After about 3 hours, you reach the Afro-alpine meadows—home to unique high-altitude flora. There’s an optional climb to Zigit Peak (4,030 m) for those wanting more.
Further along, you’ll pass areas where large troops of Gelada Monkeys roam. Ethiopian Wolves also inhabit this zone, though sightings are rare.
The final stretch brings you to Abuna Yoseph summit at 4,300 m, with sweeping, unforgettable views in every direction.

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