Journey through Historical Tigray

Visit Ancient Axum, Trek through Tigray mountains and villages, seeing ancient rock-hewn churches, and see Gheralta's magnificent rock churches

Obelisk in Axum

Take a journey through historical Tigray and immerse yourself in the culture of this, Ethiopia’s northern most province.

You will start by flying into Shire airport near Axum and transfer to this ancient city which traded with Egypts Pharaohs. After checking into your hotel and taking some rest, head out to see the huge obelisks and the tombs beneath some of them. You will see examples of massive stone architecture that baffles the mind. Why and how were such mega ton stones transported, erected or put into position?  You can see stones with ancient Sabean script in the church compound and the ruins of the original church of St Mary of Zion. There is a lot to see in this extraordinary city so you can spend 2 nights here.

On your third day we will transfer you to begin the community trek, Along the way you can stop and see the ancient temple ruins at Yeha . Its also lovely to see the nearby Adwa mountains in the early morning light. After an  simple local lunch you can start your trek in the Agame mountains, a much less visited mountain block just north of

Shimbrety Guesthouse at sunset

Gheralta.  Walk along the sandstone ridges enjoying spectacular views and through intensely farmed valleys. See Gelada Baboons, birds of prey, age-old farming practices. You will be hosted by the local people,  a people with a fierce pride in their own special history and culture. On the walk you will come across several lovely rock hewn churches (there is also an extraordinary built up church  on a ledge in the cliff). Also a must see is the tunnel that farmers carved under the mountain to create a link to market. The walking  is moderate to tough, and we can adapt the routes to suit your preference.

Interior of Abuna Yemata Goh

After spending 3 nights with these wonderful farmers enjoying their hospitality and seeing their world, we will make the short transfer south to Hawzen which will be your base to explore the more famous rockhewn churches in the Gheralta. Depending on your energy and ability to cope with heights this could include Abuna Yemata Goh. This is the famous ‘chapel in the sky’ and I assure you a visit here will be one of the most amazing things you do in your life!!  Other churches include Mariam & Daniel Korkor, Abreha wa Atseba, Medhan Alem Adikesho, in fact you could spend a week here in the mountains in Eastern Tigray exploring churches. But we can suggest the perfect ones to fit with your appetite for adventure and desire to see the extra ordinary heritage . You will spend your last night at a simple but well equipped pension in Hawzen – a small market town just north east of the Gheralta massif, and in the afternoon of the last day head to Mekele to catch your flight back to Addis Ababa. This will give you 2 half days for exploring the churches, but we can add more time should you wish.