Is It Safe To Visit Lalibela? Traveler’s Guide

The ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction. However, with the current political and economic situation in Ethiopia, many travelers are wondering if it is safe to visit Lalibela. In this article, we will delve into the current situation and provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision.

Political Situation

The political situation in Ethiopia has been volatile in recent years, with protests and unrest in various parts of the country. However, the government has taken steps to improve security and stability, including deploying security forces to key tourist areas like Lalibela.

Protests and Unrest

In 2018, widespread protests broke out in Ethiopia, led by the Oromo and Amhara ethnic groups, demanding greater political and economic representation. The protests were met with force by the government, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people and the displacement of thousands more.

While the protests have largely subsided, there are still occasional outbreaks of violence and unrest in certain parts of the country. However, the government has taken steps to address the underlying issues, including the appointment of a new prime minister and the introduction of reforms aimed at increasing political and economic representation.

Security Measures

To ensure the safety of tourists, the government has implemented a range of security measures in Lalibela, including:

• Increased security presence in the town and surrounding areas
• Installation of CCTV cameras in key locations
• Improved lighting and signage in the town
• Regular patrols by security forces

Additionally, the government has also implemented measures to improve the overall security of the country, including:

• Deploying security forces to key tourist areas
• Improving communication and coordination between security agencies
• Enhancing intelligence gathering and analysis

Economic Situation

The economic situation in Ethiopia is also a major concern for tourists, with the country facing a range of challenges including inflation, currency fluctuations, and a lack of foreign exchange.

Inflation and Currency Fluctuations

Inflation has been a major problem in Ethiopia, with prices rising rapidly in recent years. This has made it difficult for tourists to budget and plan their trip, and has also led to a decline in the value of the Ethiopian birr.

Currency fluctuations have also been a major issue, with the value of the birr falling against major currencies like the US dollar and the euro. This has made it difficult for tourists to exchange their money and has also led to a decline in the value of their money. (See Also: Is It Safe To Visit The Us? A Complete Guide)

Lack of Foreign Exchange

The lack of foreign exchange is also a major challenge for tourists, with many businesses in Ethiopia struggling to access foreign currency. This has made it difficult for tourists to access cash and has also led to a decline in the availability of foreign currency.

However, the government has taken steps to address these challenges, including:

• Implementing policies to control inflation and stabilize the currency
• Increasing foreign exchange reserves
• Improving access to foreign currency for businesses

Health and Safety

Health and safety are also major concerns for tourists visiting Lalibela, with the country facing a range of health challenges including malaria, cholera, and other waterborne diseases.

Malaria and Other Diseases

Malaria is a major health concern in Ethiopia, with the country having one of the highest rates of malaria in the world. The disease is transmitted through mosquito bites and can be serious if left untreated.

Other diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis are also present in Ethiopia, and can be contracted through contaminated food and water.

Precautions and Prevention

To minimize the risk of contracting these diseases, tourists should take a range of precautions including:

• Wearing insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing to prevent mosquito bites
• Drinking bottled or filtered water
• Avoiding eating undercooked or raw food
• Getting vaccinated against diseases such as malaria and hepatitis

Visiting Lalibela

Despite the challenges, Lalibela is still a must-visit destination for any traveler. The ancient rock-hewn churches are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Ethiopians, and are a major tourist attraction. (See Also: Is It Safe To Visit Tenerife? A Traveler’s Guide)

Getting There

The best way to get to Lalibela is by flying into Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Lalibela, which takes about an hour.

Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi from Addis Ababa, which takes about 10-12 hours. However, this is not recommended due to the long journey and the poor condition of the roads.

Accommodation and Transportation

Lalibela has a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. However, it is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season.

Transportation in Lalibela is limited, but there are a range of options available, including taxis, buses, and horse-drawn carriages. However, it is recommended to use official taxis and buses, and to avoid using horse-drawn carriages due to the poor condition of the roads.

Conclusion

While there are challenges associated with visiting Lalibela, the ancient rock-hewn churches are a major tourist attraction and a must-see destination for any traveler. By taking a range of precautions and being aware of the current situation, tourists can minimize the risk of encountering any problems and have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Recap

In this article, we have discussed the current situation in Lalibela, including the political and economic challenges facing the country. We have also highlighted the importance of taking precautions and being aware of the current situation to minimize the risk of encountering any problems.

Key points to remember include:

• The political situation in Ethiopia is volatile, but the government has taken steps to improve security and stability
• The economic situation is challenging, with inflation, currency fluctuations, and a lack of foreign exchange
• Health and safety are major concerns, with malaria and other diseases present in the country
• Precautions and prevention measures can minimize the risk of contracting diseases
• Lalibela is still a must-visit destination, with a range of accommodation and transportation options available

FAQs

Is it safe to visit Lalibela?

Yes, it is generally safe to visit Lalibela, but it is recommended to take a range of precautions and be aware of the current situation. The government has taken steps to improve security and stability, and the town is considered to be a relatively safe destination. (See Also: Is Chisinau Safe to Visit? A Traveler’s Guide)

What are the main challenges facing tourists in Lalibela?

The main challenges facing tourists in Lalibela include the political and economic situation, health and safety concerns, and the lack of infrastructure and services. However, by taking a range of precautions and being aware of the current situation, tourists can minimize the risk of encountering any problems.

What are the best ways to get to Lalibela?

The best ways to get to Lalibela are by flying into Addis Ababa and then taking a domestic flight to Lalibela, or by taking a bus or taxi from Addis Ababa. However, it is recommended to book in advance and to use official transportation services.

What are the best ways to get around Lalibela?

The best ways to get around Lalibela are by using official taxis and buses, or by walking. However, it is recommended to avoid using horse-drawn carriages due to the poor condition of the roads.

What are the main health concerns in Lalibela?

The main health concerns in Lalibela are malaria and other diseases, which can be contracted through mosquito bites and contaminated food and water. It is recommended to take a range of precautions, including wearing insect repellent, drinking bottled or filtered water, and avoiding eating undercooked or raw food.