Trekking up the steep, grassy ridges of Hudad Mountain offers a spectacular, active adventure that showcases the wild beauty of the Ethiopian highlands. The trail climbs steadily from the town, passing through rural farming hamlets and fields of golden wheat before emerging onto a massive, windswept plateau. Standing at the peak, surrounded by the vastness of the Lasta mountains, you can look down over the entire valley of Lalibela far below.
The highlight of the trek is the chance to spot unique, high-altitude wildlife, including massive troops of friendly, endemic gelada baboons grazing peacefully along the rocky cliff edges.
One fun fact people love:
The high-altitude plateau of Hudad is home to a unique, eco-friendly lodge built entirely of local stone and straw, operating completely off-grid using solar energy.
Where in Lalibela is it?
Located on the high plateau rising directly behind and above the town of Lalibela.
How to reach:
Accessible by arranging a guided trek starting directly from your hotel in Lalibela, followed by an active uphill walk.
Best time to visit:
October to January when the mountain air is cool, dry, and the alpine pastures are exceptionally green and covered in wildflowers.
Best time of day:
Early morning around 6:30 AM to climb the steep ridge before the intense equatorial sun warms the valley.
Entry fee:
Free to hike the trails, though hiring a local certified community guide for approximately ETB 500 to ETB 800 is highly recommended.
Commute difficulty:
Challenging; the trail is steep, unpaved, rocky, and requires a good level of physical fitness due to the high altitude of over 3,000 meters.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- The weather on the high plateau can change rapidly, transitioning from hot sunshine to freezing winds and mist, so pack a warm windproof jacket.
- The resident gelada baboons are completely herbivorous and peaceful, allowing you to sit remarkably close to them as they graze on the mountain grass.
- Carry plenty of high-energy snacks and a large bottle of water, as there are no shops or facilities along the rural mountain trail.
