Travel Guide Montagnes Du Lasta

The Lasta mountains are less well known than those of the Simien and Bale, Ethiopia's two highest massifs, yet they boast the country's third highest peak: Rim Gedel at 4,300 m in the Abouna Youssef massif. It's the closest to the city and also the richest in ancient churches to visit, unlike the Simien and Bale, which have never had the religious resonance of these. The landscapes are even more spectacular and varied than the Simien, which suffers from massive deforestation and a truck-frequented road that cuts through the entire mountain all the way to the summit. The Simien is home to gelada baboons and wallia ibex (local chamois), as well as wolves, but these are difficult to spot, unlike the Bale and Lasta massifs, where they are easier to observe. Baboons can also be seen in Lasta (at Hudad Ecolodge).Ancient rock churches. Lalibela's wealth lies not only in its eleven monolithic churches, but also in a multitude of sanctuaries scattered throughout the surrounding mountains; monolithic, semi-monolithic or simply built into caves. Some of these are veritable jewels of architectural continuity, and some predate Lalibela by several centuries. This is particularly true of two churches near Mount Makena, which tradition dates back to the reign of Gabra Masqal in the 6th century.In the Abouna Youssef massif, in the heart of the Lasta mountains, there are some very old churches, often isolated and difficult to access. They can be reached by cab, then on foot. While Genet Mariam and Asheten Maria are accessible by 4 x 4 tracks, you'll have to walk to Mekina Medhane Alem (3 hours on foot from Genet Mariam) or to the Abouna Youssef church-grotto at 3,800 m altitude. Don't forget to finish your trek at the spectacular Yemrehanna Kristos church in Bilbila (outside the massif), a real showpiece!In the Sud-Wollo massif. Other churches can be found hidden away in the South-Wollo mountains between Lalibela and Debre Zeit, towards the villages of Istayisid (churches of Giyorgis, Sendena Abo, Boya Mickael, Dufti Mariam), Ganesha (Yadukulay churches, Timtimat Abo) and Filakit Geragera (Dejen Giyorgis, Werketa Maryam, Kura Ambessa Giyorgis, Meskem Mickael, Shina Mariam, Agor Giyorgis, Werkhaye Mariam, Maserot Mickael and Abuna Aron). These multi-day treks are aimed at passionate seekers and adventurers who really want to get off the beaten track.