Visiting Lalibela churches

If you have limited time and you want to get a comprehensive tour of Lalibela, I highly recommend Daniel and his driver, Shilesheweke. Daniel is a local guide and has extensive knowledge of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and Ethiopia in general. From the first time I contacted Daniel, he was always quick to answer my questions, he gave me a detailed description of the tour as well as Timket and even helped me with accommodations which were very limited and expensive during my visit. Daniel made sure that I had a place to stay that was reasonable and comfortable. The tour of the churches was excellent and I was very happy at how well-coordinated all the activities Daniel planned for me. I was able to visit all the churches including the Timket celebration. Daniel made sure that I experienced all the special highlights including the Timket procession in the afternoon, the evening services and the actual celebration early in the morning. I am also very happy with Shilesheweke as he was such an excellent driver. He was always friendly and attentive, making sure we get to all our destinations including the airport promptly, safely and comfortably. Thank you Daniel and Shilesheweke for making my trip to Lalibela a wonderful and memorable one!

Sono stata a Lalibela dal 3 gennaio 2020, tardo pomeriggio al 5 gennaio 2020 tarda mattinata. Ero con un gruppo di 12 persone compresa me. Ho contattato Daniel dall'Italia. Ha risposto prontamente alla mia email fornendomi tutti i dettagli del tour che avrei potuto fare con lui. Nel mese di gennaio vi sono molti pellegrini a Lalibela e senza l'aiuto di Daniel sarebbe stato impossibile visitare in modo più che sufficiente tutte le chiese della Lalibela. Inoltre le sue spiegazioni sono fondamentali, altrimenti la visita si riduce a un mero guardare. Inoltre Daniel, su mia richiesta ha provveduto a prenotarmi i ristoranti per le due cene fatte a Lalibela e non si tirato indietro quando gli abbiamo chiesto di accompagnarci al mercato di natale, un mercato dove vendono soprattutto animali, ma anche spezie e verdure. Un mercato veramente caotico dove la presenza e l'aiuto di Daniel sono stati fondamentali. Consiglio fortemente di rivolgersi a lui se volete visitare la Lalibela.

I chose Daniel based on previous reviews. He answered promptly to my emails giving all details, prices and stating clearly what was included. The whole tour ( 2 nights stay in Lalibela) went smoothly: he picked me up at airport, took care of everything being nice and friendly all the time. Most important he knows a lot about Lalibela churches and has a new specific info for everyone of them.. In 2 days we visited all churches in Lalibela, made a half day tour to Yemrehanna Kristos monastery (we drove both ways) and visited Monastery of Na'akuto La'ab on the way back to airport. I have one advice to people planning a visit to Lalibela: Do hire a knowledgeable guide. Yes You can visit all the churches on your own but You will miss a lot and probably lose your way many times. Personally I'm very happy with Daniel's services and can recommend him warmly.