Addis Ababa to Lalibela Road
Ethiopia, africa
700 km
2,630 m
hard
October to May
The road from Addis Ababa to Lalibela covers approximately 700 kilometers through the Ethiopian Highlands, one of Africa's most dramatic and culturally rich landscapes. The route climbs through the central plateau at elevations consistently above 2,500 meters, passing through the ancient city of Dessie, over the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge (often called Africa's Grand Canyon), and through the Wollo highlands before reaching the sacred town of Lalibela at 2,630 meters.
Lalibela is home to eleven medieval monolithic rock-hewn churches carved directly from the living rock in the 12th and 13th centuries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often described as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.' The road journey itself is unforgettable, traversing a landscape of volcanic plugs, eucalyptus forests, terraced hillsides cultivated by hand, camel caravans on the lowland sections, and dramatic escarpments. While sections of the road have been improved with Chinese-built tarmac, other stretches remain rough, and the journey takes a full 1-2 days depending on conditions.
Where is it?
Addis Ababa to Lalibela Road is located in Amhara, Ethiopia (africa). Coordinates: 12.0311, 39.0472
Driving Tips
Consider breaking the journey in Dessie or Kombolcha overnight. Domestic flights from Addis to Lalibela are available if time is short. Drive very defensively as livestock, pedestrians, and overloaded trucks share the road. The Blue Nile Gorge section has steep switchbacks. Try injera with local stews at roadside restaurants. Lalibela's churches are best visited with a licensed local guide. Carry cash as ATMs are unreliable.
Road Surface
Mixed tarmac and gravel
Road Details
- Country
- Ethiopia
- Continent
- africa
- Region
- Amhara
- Length
- 700 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,630 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Surface
- Mixed tarmac and gravel
- Best Season
- October to May
- Coordinates
- 12.0311, 39.0472
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