27/07/2026
I am thinking of visiting Lalibela next week. I haven’t been for maybe 20 years and I’m curious to see how it has changed. I want to take some up to date images to compliment our promtions to the Simiens.
Guides to the Simiens are generally good. I have always believed that the price of the park entrance is too cheap and undervalues the experience.
However, what I read in social media regarding Lalibela is the exact opposite : poor service and extortionate pricing.
Take this example that someone has written;
“”
In my opinion, Lalibela has much bigger organizational problems. If the tourism authorities genuinely want to take action and improve the experience for future visitors, here are my suggestions - for anyone who cares to listen:
1. The $100 entrance fee needs to be justified.
Charging every foreign visitor $100 to enter a religious and historical site feels excessive, especially when the visitor experience lacks basic services, infrastructure, and safety measures.
A $100 entrance fee would be more understandable if it included:
— A professional half-day or full-day guide
— Clear and informative signs throughout the complex
— Proper safety barriers around dangerous drops near the churches
— An audio guide
— A brochure containing a map and information about each church
— Clearly marked walking routes between the churches
— Clean and well-maintained toilets
— Multilingual information in English and other major languages
— Transparent information showing how entrance-fee revenue is used
Before anyone says that barriers cannot be installed without damaging the historic site, there are many modern and non-invasive ways to improve safety. It is the 21st century.
For comparison, these are the approximate entrance prices for some of the world’s most famous religious and historical sites:
Sagrada Família, Spain — $30
Hagia Sophia, Türkiye — $30
Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia — $70 for seven days
St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City — Free
Petra, Jordan — approximately $85 for three days
Lalibela is extraordinary, but visitors should receive a level of service, information, organization, and safety that reflects the entrance fee being charged.
2. Local tourism workers need better training, and visitors need greater protection from harassment.
Tourist police should protect foreigners who come to Lalibela to appreciate its history and religious importance -not leave them feeling constantly pressured for money.
I love Ethiopian people, but many interactions I experienced in Lalibela felt disingenuous. Conversations would often begin in a friendly way but eventually lead to someone asking for money, attempting to sell something, or expecting financial support.
A common opening was:
“I want to walk with you because I want to practice my English.”
Unfortunately, it often became clear that practicing English was not the real intention.
This does not mean that every person in Lalibela behaves this way. However, the pattern is common enough to negatively affect how visitors experience the destination.
One thing is clear: if these incredible rock-hewn Christian churches were located in Europe, they would probably attract millions of visitors and receive worldwide promotion.
If Ethiopia wants to benefit from this ancestral treasure, greater organization, professional tourism training, visitor protection, transparency, and investment are needed.
Ethiopians should be incredibly proud of every corner of their country. Ethiopia is truly one of the most historically, culturally, and geographically diverse countries on the African continent. “”
I welcome any advice before I visit. Tourists don’t just come to Ethiopia to visit the Simiens. They come to the country to see various places and if somewhere like Lalibela is getting this sort of press, then they won’t come at all.
Nick Crane. July 26
