Traveling to Lalibela, Ethiopia... Anyone been there? Any recommendations, running or otherwise?

Hope you're good at running hills as there is no flat ground there. I think the longest stretch I found was about 200m. I found the best option was just running on the main road when it wasn't crowded, but that means you should probably bring a headlamp. Being so close to the equator, sunrise and sunset are exactly at 6, get used to this concept because that's how they tell time (7am = 1 o'clock).

Lalibela is still pretty warm being at *only* 8500 feet. If 70's are too warm for you run in the morning as it can get quite chilly. If you are looking to run with local talent, they will be out very early in the morning. There isn't much traffic until 8 or 9am but there also aren't many runners there.

It's a super small town, only 15,000 people or so, almost entirely run by tourism. Expect to get bugged by beggars at all times, don't buy into the "we need a soccer ball" or "school supplies" scam. These kids usually go to school, but if they start making money from hand outs they drop out and the cycle continues.

Saturdays are market day in Lalibela which is pretty interesting. A lot of livestock trading. Of course check out the rock-hewn churches and such, besides the 3 main groups you should check out some of the mountain side stuff like Asheton Maryam and Yemrehanna Kristos. Asheton Maryam is straight up the mountain like 8k from town, it's a legitimate hike but is worth it if you're into that kind of thing because not many people get up there.

Outside of the usual stuff I really suggest you get into the mountains. The Simiens are of course beautiful but there are a fair amount of tourists there. If you are looking to really be out in the wilderness go somewhere like Abune Yosepf. Unfortunately you won't be able to get out there solo, so don't expect to go do a big mountain run. Even if you did find a way, it's not safe, so don't try it because you'll end up as wolf food.

If you are going to be doing sight seeing you have some options. At each place you are required to hire a local guide, but they typically aren't that great. If you already have a guide, then you will have two... and your first guide is mostly going to be quiet and let the local guy talk. Since you're going as a volunteer I imagine you already have some coordination for this trip, but it's just something to keep in mind if you are really trying to pinch pennies.

Try the food, it's really good. Everyone always talks about dorowat but I'm a big fan of tibs. Ye shekla tibs are the shitttt. 7 Olives restaurant is super famous there and is used as a landmark, it's fine. I found XO to be a good restaurant but I don't think you'll have a problem finding restaurants.

The last thing I can say is to enter the country on Ethiopian Air if you can. They will give you a domestic flight discount, so if you have some time you can fly anywhere in the country for about $50. I think it's worth it to see some other cities, but I don't know your itinerary.

Visited in 2005

Not flat. Beautiful. High altitude and new bugs leads to sickness.

My guide - Tomas Teklemariam - was great. Find him.

http://www.pbase.com/walsh888/image/40208573

Thank you, Kadoo!

Great information!

Thank you Off The Grid!

Much appreciated.