Lalibela
Enquire NowLocated in the northern region of Ethiopia, Lalibela is a living UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its remarkable rock-hewn churches. Often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Laliblela’s 11 unique churches were carved out of volcanic rock during the 12th and 13th centuries.
Stepping into Lalibela is like taking a journey back in time, as the town’s ancient churches, built by King Lalibela as a ‘New Jerusalem’, continue to draw many pilgrims to the site.
Among these architectural marvels, the most famous is the Church of St. George, an astonishing cross-shaped church sculpted 40 feet below ground. Its intricate design and unique form are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of Ethiopian artisans, with an immense underground maze of subterranean tunnels and passages connecting them together, and beautiful paintings, frescoes, and other treasures hidden within. Lalibela’s soul is alive here and no pictures can ever prepare you for the breathtaking experience of seeing them for yourself.
Lalibela is also an established conservation area, for both wildlife and indigenous flora and fauna, created by people who share a vision of long-term sustainability. It is blessed with vast areas of savannah grassland supporting huge herds of plains game, like zebra, impala, wildebeest and eland. This in turn sustains a remarkable density of free-roaming lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard, as well as other predators like cheetah, hyena, jackal and lynx, which all contribute to truly memorable game-viewing experiences.
A visit to Lalibela offers an extraordinary blend of inner pilgrimage and outer safari, that promises an unforgettable experience for the intrepid traveller.