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Lalibela Expeditions
Portrait of Alene Zewdu, co-founder and owner of Lalibela Expeditions

Founder & Local Travel Expert

Alene Zewdu

Co-Founder and Owner

Co-founder and owner of Lalibela Expeditions — a Lalibela-raised travel leader whose career began among the rock-hewn churches and continues through carefully curated journeys across Ethiopia.

Role
Co-Founder and Owner
Local Roots
Lalibela, Ethiopia
Background
Tourism management degree; eight years in the industry before founding
Languages
English, Spanish, and the local language

His Story

Rooted in Lalibela

Alene Zewdu, co-founder and owner of Lalibela Expeditions, is a dedicated leader in Ethiopia’s travel industry. Growing up in Lalibela — one of the country’s most remarkable places — he developed a profound appreciation for his surroundings at an early age.

His passion for tourism ignited while delivering lunch and dinner to his father, who worked as a guard at the UNESCO World Heritage rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Observing visitors and their awe inspired him to pursue a career in travel.

After graduating with a degree in tourism management, Alene joined various travel companies, gaining experience in both office operations and expedition leadership. Over eight years he built a strong foundation in the industry, which ultimately led him to establish Lalibela Expeditions.

Alene is known for his deep knowledge of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage, landscapes, and historical treasures. Fluent in English, Spanish, and the local language, he brings that insight into every tour he curates — with calm problem-solving when plans shift and a focus on connections, culture, and lasting memories.

Beyond Ethiopia, Alene has traveled in Europe and drawn insights from different guiding techniques and cultural perspectives. That exposure enriches his storytelling and helps him craft engaging, informative journeys for travelers exploring the country with him.

Areas of Expertise

  • Lalibela & rock-hewn churches
  • Cultural heritage interpretation
  • Historical routes & landscapes
  • Expedition leadership
  • Tailor-made private journeys
  • Multilingual guiding (English, Spanish, local language)

How They Support Your Journey

  1. 01

    Curated journeys

    Shapes exceptional Ethiopia itineraries with careful attention to cultural depth, landscapes, and the details that make each trip memorable.

  2. 02

    On-the-ground leadership

    Draws on years of office operations and expedition experience to keep journeys well organized from planning through travel days.

  3. 03

    Calm problem solving

    Navigates last-minute changes and unforeseen circumstances so adventures stay seamless for travelers.

  4. 04

    Storytelling & connection

    Shares Ethiopia’s heritage with warmth and clarity — building cultural connection, not just sightseeing.

Travel is not just a journey; it is a way to discover the world and ourselves.

Alene Zewdu

More of the Team

Portrait of Belay Giday, historical route specialist and guideHistory & Cultural Heritage

Belay Giday

Historical Route Agent and Expert Tour Guide

For over four years, Belay has guided Ethiopia’s Historical Route with deep heritage knowledge, warm storytelling, and carefully planned days on the road.

Meet Belay
Portrait of Demeke Zewdu, ground handling specialistLogistics & Ground Operations

Demeke Zewdu

Ground Handling Expert

For the past four years, Demeke has led ground logistics behind the scenes — transport, hotels, and day-to-day coordination that keep every tour running smoothly.

Meet Demeke

Begin Your Ethiopia Journey

Tell us what interests you, how long you plan to travel, and the places you hope to experience. Our local team will help turn those ideas into a carefully planned journey.