Axum Empire and Impressive Nature of Gheralta Mountains (5days)

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival– Addis Ababa
1 stop
1
Addis Ababa
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Addis Ababa is the third highest capital city in the world. Located at 2,400 meters above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto mountain chain, the altitude may fatigue you, so take it easy today. After a rest you will explore Addis Ababa, by visiting the National Museum (home of the remains of the famous hominid fossil, “Lucy”), Entoto Mountain and the largest open-air market called Merkato. A colourful mix of modern and traditional city life.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Addis Ababa- Axum
1 stop
2
Axum
In the morning you will take a flight to the ancient town of Axum, which is in the far north of Ethiopia. It was the original capital city, and the epicenter of the Axumite Empire, a once formidable global power. The relics that remain from that era rest in Axum, and visiting the city is to journey through time, and gain an insight into a long-lost civilization. Axum is a home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant, and visit the Archeological Museum, the tombs, the stelae field and the Maryam Zion church.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Axum – Hawizen
1 stop
3
Hawzen
Drive to Hawzien via Adwa, the historic battlefield where the victory over the Italians took place in 1895. Visit the ruins of the Yeha temple and the ancient cliff top monastery of Debre Damo and on the way. Continue to Adigrat, an important junction link between Ethiopia and Eritrea and finally reach Hawzen for overnight.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Gheralta Mountains-Hawzen
1 stop
4
Debre Mariam Korkor
Today you will hike to the highest point of the Gheralta which is 2700 above sea level to enjoy the view of the 4 corners of the remarkable Gheralta Mountains. Beneath the striking sandstone peaks that rise steeply into the sky, an irregular patchwork of semi-desert stretches to the horizon – the Hawzen Plain. This is an area of dramatic scenery, ancient history, vast skies and unforgettable sunsets. A place that makes you breathe deeply. There are about 35 rock-cut churches in the Geralta Mountains. This is the largest density of such rock-cut churches in all of Ethiopia At the top of the mountain, you continue trekking to visit the church of Mariam Korkor & Danile Korkor, after visiting those churches we and enjoying the fantastic views, we descent and will drive back to Hawzan.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Abune Yemata- Mekele – Addis Abeba
1 stop
5
Abune Yemata Guh Church
After early breakfast start trekking to the main churches of Gheralta Region, including the rock-hewn churches of Abune Yemata Guh, which is probably the most spectacular church in the area. The entrance is reached via a steep climb with hand and footsteps in the rock. Visitors have to cross a natural stone bridge with a steep gradient of around 250 m on both sides and then a final walk along a narrow stone ledge to the entrance of the church. You should not be afraid of heights! Abuna Yemata Guh is not only known for its location, but also very remarkable for its domes, architecture and wall paintings from the 5th century After an unforgettable visit you then drive to Mekele , and flay back to Addis Abeba In the evening before departure, you will be invited to a farewell dinner at one of the best traditional restaurants in Addis where you taste variety of Ethiopian meals and watch the folkloric dancers of the Ethiopian people.
10 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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