From Addis Ababa: Tigray Churches and Axum 2-Day Tour

Discover the Tigray churches and the ancient city of Axum on a 2-day tour from Addis Ababa. Explore the stunning architecture of the churches and visit the historic sites of Axum.
Day 1: Fly from Addis Ababa to Mekelle

Begin your adventure with a flight from Addis Ababa to Mekelle. Upon arrival, be picked up from the airport and drive to Hawzien to visit the churches of Abuna Yemata, Maria Korkore, and Daniel Korkore.

Marvel at the unique styles and stunning beauty of each church. To visit Abuna Yemata Guh, embark on a steep ascent up the side of the Gheralta massif. Use footholds and handholds chipped into the sandstone rock by the passage of many hands and feet.

The climb and the walk along very narrow ledges with sheer drops to the side is not one for the faint-hearted. 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. At the entrance, there is a small cave and a wooden door built into the rock.

Of the three, Maryam Korkor is the most impressive architecturally. 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. Continue driving to Axum and overnight Zema Yared Hotel in Axum.

Day 2: Visit Axum and fly back to Addis Ababa

Explore Axum, the capital of the Axumite Empire, once known for being the biggest Empire and center of trade. Visit the Obelisks of Axum, regarded as the finest engineering from the height of the Axumite Empire.

Continue with the museum and the famous church of Tsion Mariam. Then continue with the visit of Queen of Sheba’s Palace, Queen of Sheba’s Bath. End your day with the visit of Tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel. Then drive back to Mekelle and transferred to Mekelle Airport. Fly from Mekelle to Addis Ababa with late afternoon flight.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.