Ethiopia & East Africa · office in Gondar · Open daily · 8:00 - 18:00 (East Africa Time)
Northern Highlands
Home to the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's great pilgrimage destinations.
In the 12th century, builders carved a series of monumental churches directly into the living rock of the northern highlands, creating the famous monolithic churches of Lalibela.
Split between two main groups and connected by a network of tunnels, these churches remain deeply alive today, still used for daily worship by the community and visited by pilgrims from across Ethiopia.
Walking into their courtyards, lit by shafts of natural light, is an experience unlike any other in Africa.
The most famous cross-shaped church, hewn entirely from the rock.
A complex of churches linked by tunnels and courtyards.
Home to some of the largest and most atmospheric churches.
Most travellers arrive through Addis Ababa's Bole International Airport, then fly or drive north. We arrange every flight, transfer and road leg as part of your itinerary.
Read the transport guideDomestic flights link the capital with Gondar, Lalibela, Axum and Bahir Dar across the northern circuit.
We arrange airport and hotel transfers as part of every itinerary.
The northern circuit can be driven between sites by private 4x4, which we arrange for you.
Marvel at monolithic churches carved whole from the living rock more than 800 years ago.
Watch a living pilgrimage site where worship continues daily, not a museum frozen in time.
Climb through the surrounding highlands for sweeping views over this extraordinary mountain town.
Join the throng if you time your visit around the great Ethiopian festival of Genna (Christmas).
Highlands and holy rock churches
The classic combination: trek the Simien escarpment, then Lalibela's rock-hewn churches — history and highlands in one unforgettable journey.
Castles, churches and Lake Tana
Journey the legendary northern circuit — Gondar's castles, the churches of Lalibela, the stelae of Axum and the monasteries of Lake Tana.
The complete Ethiopia
The definitive overland journey — northern castles and churches, the Simien trek, Danakil's volcanoes, Tigray's cliffs and Harar's alleys in one grand loop.
The rock churches, plus a hidden chapel in a cave
Two extraordinary days among Lalibela's rock-hewn churches, crowned by the cave-church of Yemrehanna Kristos with its forest of mummified pillars.
Every wonder of the north in one journey
The complete northern odyssey — Simien trekking, Gondar, Tana, Axum, the Tigray cliff churches, Lalibela and the Danakil in one grand loop.
The astonishing history of Ethiopia — the rock churches of Lalibela, castles of Gondar, stelae of Axum, monasteries of Lake Tana and the walled city of Harar.
Learn morePhotographing and absorbing some of Africa's most dramatic scenery — vast escarpments, deep valleys, deserts, great lakes and endless savanna horizons.
Learn moreYes. They're open throughout the year, though access around major festivals can be very busy — and wonderfully atmospheric.
Lalibela is a living pilgrimage site. Wearing modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appreciated out of respect.
Most travellers combine this destination with another — the northern circuit, the Danakil, the Omo Valley or beyond. See which places fit your route.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crown of the Ethiopian highlands — the 'Roof of Africa' — where sheer escarpments fall thousands of metres.
The 'Camelot of Africa' — an imperial city of castles, churches and a rich royal history in Ethiopia's northwest highlands.
The ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire, famed for towering stelae, royal tombs and a history spanning nearly two millennia.
Send us an inquiry and we'll help you build the perfect itinerary — tours, timing and logistics included.
