The Community Tourism Guiding Enterprise (CTGE) is an organisation linked to the Community Sites. TESFA is supporting the CTGE to become operational.

Its main function is to supply professional guides to guests to accompany them on their trek through the local communities in Meket and soon beyond.

Lalibela is the natural hub for such an operation as it is both the major tourist attraction in the areas, and has good communications (mobile and landline telephone services and regular air services).

Your guide will travel from Lalibela to Meket with you. We recommend that you meet up the evening before if possible so that you can check any last minute details.

If travelling by bus you will be responsible for your guide's ticket, but he can help you to find the bus station and get the right bus. If travelling by hired vehicle he will check with the vehicle operator and make sure arrangements are in place to have you picked at your hotel or a convenient place.

If you arrange to meet your guide outside Lalibela, or are not travelling back to Lalibela with your guide you will be responsible for his travel from and to Lalibela. (Lalibela-Gashena or back is 30birr and Lalibela-Filakit or return is 50birr).

Currently the CTGE has two guides: Kidanemariam Kassa - head guide and Mulugetta Sisay. Both have a local connection but have spent time in Addis too. Kidane has a degree in English Literature and History from Addis Ababa University.

The office for the CTGE will be established soon and details posted on the site. Once the office is established a Bookings Coordinator will be recruited to manage bookings and to liaise with clients.

CTGE office is manned during normal office hours, but sometimes there can be problems getting through to Lalibela phone number. Do try both numbers 033 336 1094/5, and if busy or not answering it maybe due to connection problems.