Lalibela Abune Yoseph Hiking Tour: Gelada Baboons Views

Hike to high altitude and watch gelada baboons graze on the afro-montane plateau

A 3-day guided hiking tour from Lalibela to Abune Yoseph mountain in Ethiopia, with overnight stays in community houses. You trek through highland villages and historical sites, climb to over 4,000 meters to see gelada baboons and rare Ethiopian wolves, and return through the plateaus to Lalibela. A live English-speaking guide leads the route. Hotel pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Trek from Lalibela to Wedebeye

• Morning pickup from hotel
• Start trek to Wedebeye
• Pass beautiful villages and mountains
• Climb to Asheton Maryam monastery
• Hike through Merebabru path
• Arrive at Wedebeye late afternoon

Day 2: Hike from Wedebeye to Abune Yoseph

• Start morning hike to Abune Yoseph
• View birds, flora, and wildlife
• Climb to over 4,000m peak
• Spend time at Abuhay Gara and Abune Yoseph
• Return to community lodge for overnight

Day 3: Return trek from Wedebeye to Lalibela

• Walk downhill to Lalibela
• Stop for lunch at Hudad lodge
• Continue trip to Lalibela
• Arrive in Lalibela afternoon

The experience

The trek starts with morning pickup from your hotel and a climb toward Asheton Maryam monastery, the first structure King Lalibela built before carving the eleven rock churches. The narrow path called Merebabru winds upward through villages where you'll see how Ethiopian Highlanders live day to day. By late afternoon you reach Wedebeye at 3,800 meters, where you overnight in a community house.

Day two is the push to Abune Yoseph, the third-highest peak in Ethiopia at 4,300 meters. The afro-montane environment here holds giant lobelia, troops of gelada baboons, and the rare Ethiopian wolf. The views from the summit and the surrounding plateau stretch across the landscape. After time spent at the peak and the nearby Abuhay Gara site, you return to the community lodge for another overnight.

The final day descends through the plateaus back to Lalibela, with a lunch stop at Hudad lodge along the way. Bottled water, snacks, and coffee or tea travel with you each day. The guide speaks English throughout and handles the route logistics. You bring athletic and warm clothing for the altitude and mountain conditions.

What’s included

• Bottled water, snacks, and coffee or tea each day.
• overnight stays in community houses.
• live English-speaking guide for the full 3 days.
• hotel pickup on day one.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00, 08:00 and 08:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (25 to 50 years) · Senior (51 and older) · Youth (13 to 24 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Addis Ethiopia Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the route and the commentary without translation. This trek demands high physical fitness and warm mountain clothing. It suits hikers comfortable at altitude and ready for a genuine highland experience rather than a vehicle-based tour.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 24 years); Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What is Asheton Maryam monastery and why do we pass it on the first day?

Asheton Maryam is the monastery King Lalibela built before he carved the eleven rock churches in Lalibela itself, dating to the early Christian era and the 12th century. The hike to it on day one offers increasingly impressive views as you climb toward Wedebeye.

What wildlife will I see on Abune Yoseph mountain?

Abune Yoseph is home to troops of gelada baboons, the rare Ethiopian wolf, and giant lobelia plants in the afro-montane environment. The peak's elevation and landscape create ideal conditions for viewing these species.

Where do I sleep on this 3-day trek?

You overnight in community houses: one at Wedebeye on night one after the climb from Lalibela, and another at the community lodge on night two after summiting Abune Yoseph. On day three you descend back to Lalibela.

Is a guide included, and what language does he speak?

A live guide in English leads the entire trek and handles the route. Hotel pickup on day one is also included in the booking.

What should I pack for the altitude and weather?

Bring athletic and warm clothing. Temperatures drop significantly at 4,000+ meters. The operator provides bottled water, snacks, and coffee or tea each day, but you'll want layers and sturdy hiking boots for the mountain terrain.