I will be traveling in East Africa in September ’08 and would like to do a 3 or 4 day side trip to Lalibela to see the Rock-Hewn Churches I can fly from Kigali, Nairobi, or Tanzania does anyone have suggestions as to which of these cities is best to fly from, and also maybe have suggestions on other MUST SEE in this area.
Cheers,
Gloria
I really enjoyed hiring a mule and going up to the monastery behind the town. Females aren't allowed in, but the trip up with the view of the Lasta Mountains, was spectacular.
Since Ethiopian Airlines flies to Addis from all the destinations coming into question, check the schedule to get the best onward connection to Lalibela.
GloriaJean - it's very easy to organise this. Just tell your hotel 'receptionist' that you want to hire a mule and driver for the next morning at [whatever time is convenient for you], to take you up to the monstery behind the town. Confirm the price with them. They'll have them waiting for you outside your hotel at the appointed hour.
You can also walk up the hill if you like. I've done both, but you obviously enjoy the scenery a lot more if you are on a mule and not watching your footsteps all the time. At the very top you get a lot of hassle from the kids, but then you get that everywhere in Ethiopia.
There is also another monastery or church (can't remember which) along the road out of town that you can visit in the same way.
My family and I were in ethiopia a couple of months ago...
The churches of Lalibela are probably the best sites in Ethi. and particularly if you are short of time, the one "must-see". (However, 'lonley-planeters' can join me in writing UNESCO to tell them what a bad job the are doing at botching the super-ugly structures meant to protect from the elements of nature).
You can easily find a guide through your hotel to take you to the 12 church sites in town (all in walking distance) or do it on your own (but be constantly pestered as to whether you need a guide)... Try joining another group and going about 1 1/2 away, towards Axum and see a cool church in a cave with real human skeletons inside.
Axum was not really worth the long bumpy trip. The monolith retrieved from Italy is not set up yet and not a lot else to see considering how far up it is..
The Simien mountains are extremely beautiful... and the 2nd best thing... try a day hike or a few day trek...