Starting from

$500PP

Overview

Lalibela is a small town located in northern Ethiopia known for its unique rock-hewn churches that have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the town itself is not known for wildlife viewing opportunities, there are still several nature reserves and parks in the surrounding area that offer safari tourism experiences.

Some of the popular wildlife reserves and parks near Lalibela include:

  1. Simien Mountains National Park - located about 3-4 hours from Lalibela, this park is home to a variety of wildlife including gelada baboons, Ethiopian wolves, and many bird species. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by vehicle, or on a guided safari tour.
  2. Awash National Park - located about 6-7 hours from Lalibela, this park is home to a variety of wildlife including baboons, antelopes, and many bird species. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by vehicle, or on a guided safari tour.
  3. Bale Mountains National Park - located about 8-9 hours from Lalibela, this park is home to a variety of wildlife including Ethiopian wolves, mountain nyala, and many bird species. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by vehicle, or on a guided safari tour.

In addition to wildlife viewing, visitors to Lalibela can also enjoy exploring the town's historic churches, learning about the local culture and traditions, and sampling traditional Ethiopian cuisine.

High Season
June to September and January to February
Best Time to Go
Year-round destination with seasonal variations

Pros & Cons

  • Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Beautiful and diverse scenery
  • Professional guided safaris
  • Unique ecosystem and biodiversity
  • Can be crowded during peak season
  • Weather dependent activities

Map in Ethiopia

Lalibela map

Wildlife & Animals

Wildlife Highlights

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Birds

Best Time for Birding

Birding is usually best during the Wet season when migratory species are present.

Best Time to Visit – Lalibela

High Season
Varies by park and activity
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

Activities

Explore popular activities available in and around Lalibela.

No FAQs available for this park yet.

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