Lalibela, Ethiopia is named for an Ethiopian king who reigned from 1189 to 1229. Originally called Roha, the town was renamed in honor of King/Saint Gebre Mesqel Lalibela.

Christianity became established in Ethiopia during the 4th century AD, long before Europeans ever set foot in the country. King Lalibela is famous for building a “new Jerusalem” in the town that was later named after him, after Jerusalem itself was taken by a Muslim army led by Saladin in 1187. Depending on the source, King Lalibela is said to either have spent time in Jerusalem as a young man, before he ascended to the throne, or to have seen it in a vision.

As a result, many of the landmarks in the town of Lalibela are named after areas in Jerusalem.  King Lalibela also commissioned many stunning cross-shaped churches, carved directly from the ground out of solid rock. Today, these fantastic churches are the town’s main attraction, inspiring both pilgrims and tourists.

The largest of Lalibela’s stone churches is 40 feet high. To enter the churches, visitors walk down flights of carved stairs. The churches are decorated both outside and inside with relief carvings of crosses, biblical scenes and other symbols, including the swastika, which was originally an ancient symbol that could be another version of the Christian cross, a symbol of the sun, or a symbol of good luck, depending on the circumstances.

According to Environmental Graffiti, the grandeur of these churches inspired the old European myth of Prester John,  who supposedly ruled a mighty Christian kingdom somewhere in India or Africa.

Prester John was a myth, but these churches are real. To see the stone churches at Lalibela, you will need both a US passport and an Ethiopian visa.

Do yourself a favor and get an Ethiopian visa before you leave the US.  Supposedly, if you are arriving by air, you can get a visa at the airport, but the US Department of State advises against this because travelers who try to take advantage of this option are not infrequently turned away.

To apply for an Ethiopian visa, you will need the following documents:

• 1 visa application  form
• 1 passport photo
• A copy of your itinerary
• Your US passport

RushMyTravelVisa can walk you through the visa application process to help you avoid delays and problems caused by common mistakes.  Then, we will submit your visa application to the appropriate Ethiopian embassy or consulate for the fastest processing possible.

Apply for your Ethiopian visa today!

Ethiopia is often overlooked as a tourist destination, but it is actually  a treasure trove of history, archaeology and natural attractions. One of the major national attractions is the Semien Mountains, in the north of Ethiopia.

Rugged and isolated, the Semien Mountains offer incredible opportunities for hiking and backpacking. The tallest mountain in the range is Ras Dashen, which towers 15,159 feet above sea level.

Campsites in the Semien Mountains are basic, but what the mountains lack in luxury, they make up for in scenery and solitude.  Due to the unique geological processes that formed them, the mountains are filled with interesting rock formations.

They are also home to a variety of interesting wildlife, such as the Gelada baboon, the lynx-like caracal and the endangered Ethiopian wolf.

According to Gadling, here’s what sets the Semien mountains apart:

“The incredible views, unique mountain villages, and interesting wildlife set it apart from just about any other hike, and will leave a lasting impression on anyone who makes the journey.”

Guided treks and treks with pack animals are available. You can hire your own guides and pack animals once you get to the nearest town or book an organized trek in advance. If you decide to make  trekking arrangements in Ethiopia, this article has a lot of helpful information.

To get there, you’ll need both a passport and an Ethiopian visa. According to the US Department of State, you may or may not be able to get an Ethiopian visa on arrival at the airport, and you can’t get one  on arrival at all if you arrive by land.

Even if you fly in, you really should get an Ethiopian visa in advance, before you leave the US.  The Department of State reports that the visa on arrival system is unreliable and that some travelers have been delayed or turned away.

Here’s what you’ll need to apply for an Ethiopian visa:

• 1 visa application  form
• 1 passport photo
• A copy of your itinerary
• Your US passport

RushMyTravelVisa can help you apply for your visa, providing assistance with your paperwork and delivering your application to the appropriate embassy or consulate for the fastest service available.

Apply for your Ethiopian visa today!