Tour Overview
Embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Ethiopia's ancient history and faith. This tour takes you to Axum, the cradle of Ethiopian civilization and the alleged resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. You'll stand in awe before the giant, single-stone obelisks (stelae) that have pierced the sky for millennia.
From there, the adventure continues to the dramatic Gheralta mountains in the Tigray region. Here, you'll discover some of the world's most inaccessible places of worship—churches carved into vertical cliff faces. The climb to Abuna Yemata Guh is a thrilling, unforgettable experience that rewards you with breathtaking views and ancient, perfectly preserved frescoes. This tour is a perfect blend of profound history and high adventure.
Please note: This itinerary is a popular suggestion, but we pride ourselves on flexibility. We can fully customize this tour to match your interests, fitness level, and schedule. Whether you want more time for trekking or wish to explore different churches, just let us know, and we will craft your perfect Ethiopian journey.
5-Day Axum & Gheralta Churches Adventure
This immersive journey combines the historical wonders of the Aksumite Kingdom with the adventurous spirit required to explore the cliff-hewn churches of Tigray. It's a trip that will challenge your body and enrich your soul.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Upon arrival at Axum's Alula Aba Nega Airport, you'll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, your exploration of this ancient city begins.
Activities: Visit the famous Stelae Field, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring giant, carved granite obelisks from the pre-Christian era. You will also explore the museum, the ruins of the Queen of Sheba's Palace, and the tombs of King Kaleb and his son Gebre Meskel.
Overnight: Hotel in Axum | Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Today is dedicated to the spiritual heart of Axum. You'll visit the compound of the Church of St. Mary of Zion, the most sacred site in Ethiopia.
Activities: Explore the new and old cathedrals of St. Mary. The highlight is the small chapel that is claimed to house the Ark of the Covenant. While no one is allowed to see the Ark itself, the history and reverence surrounding the site are palpable. The complex also contains a museum with a collection of royal crowns, manuscripts, and other treasures.
Overnight: Hotel in Axum | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive towards the Gheralta mountains, the hub of Tigray's rock-hewn churches. The landscape becomes progressively more dramatic as we travel.
Activities: En route, we will visit the 5th-century BC Temple of Yeha, a remarkable pre-Aksumite structure. Upon arrival in the Gheralta region, you'll check into your lodge, nestled amidst the stunning red-rock cliffs, and prepare for tomorrow's adventure.
Overnight: Lodge near Hawzen/Gheralta | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A day of adventure awaits. We will visit two of Tigray's most spectacular churches. A good level of fitness and a head for heights are recommended, though local guides and scouts provide excellent support.
Morning Climb: The main event is the ascent to Abuna Yemata Guh. This involves a steep hike and a final climb up a sheer rock face, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience. The reward is a beautifully painted church with astounding views.
Afternoon Exploration: After lunch, we will visit another, more accessible but equally impressive church, such as Maryam Korkor or Daniel Korkor, which also requires a hike but is less technically demanding.
Overnight: Lodge near Hawzen/Gheralta | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On our final morning, we visit one more of Tigray's famous churches before heading to the airport.
Activities: Visit the easily accessible and historically significant Abreha we Atsbeha church, known for its beautiful murals and architecture. Afterward, we will drive to Mekele's Alula Aba Nega Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa, where the tour concludes.
Evening: Optional farewell dinner can be arranged in Addis Ababa upon request.
Overnight: Departure or hotel on request | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Price Information
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