Tigray Mountains & Rock-Churches (2 Days)

If you are starting from Addis Ababa, we recommend you take a morning flight (up to lunch time departure is okay) such as the ET 100, ET 160 or the ET 102. 

Upon arrival in Mekelle, our team will welcome you at the airport and commence the tour with a drive to the Gheralta (Hawzien City specifically). The drive is around 2 hours (100kms) though breathtaking mountain landscapes. 

Situated at a height of 2,580 metres (8,460 ft) in the sandstone cliffs of Tigray, Abuna Yemata Guh is considered one of the best preserved monolithic churches in Ethiopia. It is accessible by trekking for about an hour culminating in a steep ascent up the side of the Gheralta massif. This steep ascent soon turns into a climb using foot holds and hand holds chipped into the sandstone rock by the passage of many hands and feet. The church itself can be reached by walking out on a ledge one meter wide and with a 200m drop to the left hand side. 

Hawzien is famous for its traditionally home-brewed beer called Siwa. You will have the opportunistic to taste at a local 'Siwa' bar. 

You will stay at a tourist standard hotel in Hawzien City, usually the Vision Hotel 

Early morning, you will set on a trekking journey to the remaining two of the three churches. If you rise early enough, you might be in for a spectacular sunrise view over the reddish sandstone mountains. 

Of the three, Maryam Korkor is the most impressive architecturally. Although an unsightly green from the outside, this impressive, cross-shaped church is known for its architectural features (cruciform pillars, arches and cupolas), fine 17th-century frescos and church treasures. A huge, high ceiling is supported by 12 free standing pillars. Looking at it you could not help but wonder how the architect managed to carve so high from the ground. A steep, one-hour ascent is required to reach the church. 

The Daniel Korkor church is located about 100 meters away from Maryam Korkor.

After lunch at Hawzien City, you will start your drive back to Mekelle City to catch your flight back to Addis Ababa. You can book any flights departing in the afternoon, although we recommend the early evening ones so you can spend more time enjoying your tour.

Cultural Immersion - You can do a market tour if your tour dates coincide with the market days of one of the three cities on the itinerary- Wukro City (Monday), Hawzien City (Wednesday), Megab Town (Saturday)

The tour concludes with drop-off at Mekelle Airport