An absolutely amazing experience. From the moment I arrived at the airport I was met by the driver who showed nothing but hospitality. We dropped my luggage to the hotel and proceeded to the churches. The site was magnificent and the guides were very knowledgeable about the history and architecture . I would recommend this company to anyone wishing to visit

I spent two days & nights in Lalibela exploring the rock-hewn churches and the surrounding mountains under the care and guidance of Highland Eco Tours & Trekking. It included the history and overview of the churches, a 14K day trek up to one of the churches in the mountains, lunch with my guide and his family in his home (the best) . I absolutely loved the whole experience. I felt safe (as a woman traveling alone), cared for and comfortable that I had the best possible experience and that I had not missed anything AND that I still want to come back for more.

Lasting impression of our LALIBELA - DANAKIL - ERTA ALE - BALE MOUNTAINS tour: A wonderful trip which touched me deeply and makes me want to come back and discover more of the country. Always friendly people - except for one experience on the Mercato in Addis (aggressive man, visibly drunk or mentally disturbed). Fortunately we had "Capital" Desale Sisay with us. We were lucky that only the two of us, my daughter and me, and no other tourists (one exception for 2 days) could enjoy the tour. We had excellent guides (for instance Bale: guide Abu - a botanic expert!), cooks and drivers, and mattrasses for the open air overnight stays. And our tour operator Daniel did everything to fulfill our wishes. Still, there are some remarks because nothing is perfect: - We had sleepless nights in the "Bonanza Hotel" in Addis Abeba because of music until after midnight. A quieter place must be found! - We had problems concerning the tips: our reference was on our first stay in Lalibela the tip asked for the man who was taking care of our shoes during the visit of the churches. We took this as a reference for all other tips: guide, driver, cook,... Later, after being used to the exchange rate, we found that it was much too high and we had difficulties to manage our travel budget. A hint by the tour operator would be helpful and avoid unpleasant situations. - The garbage and toilet situation in Erta Ale was shocking - solutions must be found! Two suggestions concerning the trekking: Bale Mountains: we enjoyed discovering nature and animals on horseback the second day. It should be an option in the program. Picknick transport in Tupper Ware would make aluminium foil unnecessary.

I can not praise these guys enough. The amount of information and knowledge that they shared made this trip an amazing experience. Mareg and Ababa showed us around the churches and took us to local places, they knew everybody in town. The hike was well worth the effort and we had coffee with a local family too. I can only give thanks to them for such a wonderful experience. Thanks again and you know I recommend you to all of my friends.

I had a 2 day tour (April 29-30) of the Lalibela churches with Achenef Enegdaw as my tour guide. I saw several churches when I arrived. Stayed over night and saw the remainder the next morning before I flew back to Addis Ababa. He was an outstanding tour guide steeped in the history and religion of the churches. He was excellent and filled me with information as we walked through and around the 11 rock hewn churches. It was one of the great experiences of my adult life. I have been traveling in Africa for almost 30 years, and have never has such a profound emotional and spiritual experience as I did in Lalibela.

Luel was an amazing guide. Easily the best we’ve had in Ethiopia. His English was very good and he was very knowledgable about the area and culture of the host family. He translated where necessary and made sure our experience was special. Definitely request him if you are booking a tour with this company.

I landed in Ethiopia knowing that I will go to the Danakil Depression but no idea how. After my guide from Addis Ababa got in touch with Daniel about helping me to get there, Daniel worked magic with only two days to go to get me on 3 day tour!! He was considerate, reliable and honest. He made an effort and came to meet me at the hotel I was staying and pitched on time too! 🙂 He was forthcoming with information and the price was more than reasonable compared to what most companies charge for same service. Thanks for making a dream happen, & really appreciate all your assistance including the shuttle service to get me to Mek’ele from Lalibela. I highly recommend Highland Eco Trekking for great service with personal touch & absolutely no admin stress experience.

Lalibella is a must-see when you come to Ethiopia, the churches are awe-inspiring and the nature around the town incredibly beautiful - I was there just at the end of rainy season and the flowers and greenery around was amazing! Highland Eco Trekking came up with a tailor made tour for me, since I only had little time but it was great. I had Ababa as a guide to see the churches and he was so knowledgeable about everything - great experience! I also did a full day trek up to Hudad mountain and the monastery, totally breathtaking views, and Pizarro, my trekking guide, was great - pointing out different plants and wildlife on the way. Overall, I had a brilliant 2.5 days! Can only recommend!

I had the most incredible day exploring the churches with a really informed and professional guide. I learned so much and would definitely do it again. excellent choice!!!

Our guide Ababa is quite the historian of the rock hewn churches and lalabela region, which made for a very immersive and interesting tour experience. Over the course of two days we visited every church and learned about its construction, unique particularities of each and other facts that only a local would be able to provide. Ababa is personable, kind, well spoken with a gentle voice that adds to the reverence of the experience.

Don't try to see Lalibela without a guide! At first I thought I would. I grew up in a religious family so know lots about church symbolism, stories etc and I've travelled a lot, especially in Africa, so not worried about doing things without a guide, in fact, mostly I don't like to have a guide. BUT, for Lalibela, there is just so much to see and discover, so much information you never get from books, pathways and places with the best views, secret entrances, wonderful local information and stories. If you don't have a guide you will miss at least half of everything. So don't miss the opportunity to have a guide. My guide was Daniel from Highland Eco Trekking, an absolute fount of knowledge, very kind and considerate. He made my time in Lalibela unfogettable.

My friend and I did a two day trek from Lalibela and had an amazing experience. We took in some amazing scenery, stayed with an incredibly welcoming family in one of the villages, and visited a school. Our guide, Mareg, was incredibly helpful and friendly. The only thing I would change is I would have the cook make more traditional Ethiopian dishes; I think he was perhaps trying to cater to our western tastes, but in fact we would have loved to try more of the local dishes! I’m sure this could be requested in advance. Would recommend it to all my friends!

I hiked with Eco trekking tours for two days one night hike in Lalibela. I slept in the best place you can dream of, Hudad lodge, up in the mountains overlooking Lalibela valleys! Marug, the guide, is a very smart, knowledgeable and sensitive guy. We had a great time together, surrounded by nature at its best. We talked a lot and he explained me Ethiopian culture in its depths, sharing personal life and experiences. If you can, don’t miss this opportunity! It really can make your trip!

I had the most spectacular 3-day trek with my wonderful guides Moges and Mareg. The first day we climbed through beautiful landscapes and tiny farmland hamlets. We stayed with a family and got to see what real life is like in the rural Ethiopian highlands. On day 2 we climbed to the top of Abune Yosef, Ethiopia's 3rd tallest peak - absolutely stunning!! Loved seeing the Gelada baboons just beneath the summit. The 3rd day we hiked all the way down going out a different direction, and ended in a small town around noon, then were driven back to Lalibela. If you want to see real Ethiopian life as well as incredible natural beauty (plus a physical challenge!), this is the trek for you!

I highly recommend booking with Highland Eco!! Daniel was very helpful and tailored my tour based on the limited number of days I had to visit Lalibela. I visited all the three groups of churches. The guide, Ababa, was really great,very passionate Answering all questions! I also went on a one-day trekking tour. The two guides were really nice and patient. Everything was wonderful, well organized. pick up and drop off at the airport on time. Amazing staff, genuinely helpful and patient! The hotel they booked me in (Cliff Edge) was also very nice with a great view. I would definitely book with them for any future stays in Ethiopia!