Duration 3 Days

Overview

Tigray is located in the northern part of Ethiopia, is a great place to visit for a unique travel experience that includes ancient history, diverse culture, natural beauty, and friendly hospitality. When you visit Tigray, you can expect

impressive collection of rock-hewn churches, some dating back over a thousand years. These churches, carved into the mountainsides or hidden in caves, showcase the remarkable architectural ingenuity and stunning frescoes. Axum, once the capital of Ethiopian civilization, is a significant historical site containing ancient obelisks, royal tombs, and archaeological artifacts.

Tigray is blessed with breathtaking landscapes. The Gheralta Mountains, with their towering cliffs and hidden monasteries, offer excellent hiking and rock-climbing opportunities.  

Taking a flight from Addis Ababa to Mekele. At the airport, your driver and a local guide will welcome you. Our guides are knowledgeable about the area, can provide historical context, and assist with challenging climbs. Carry enough water, choose the right shoes, and dress modestly as churches are religious places where women are required to cover their heads with scarves.

Day 1

is dedicated to exploring Wokro and Gheralta

1. Begin your day by visiting Abreha and Atsbeha, which are both rock-hewn churches located near each other. Abreha and Atsbeha are recognized for their impressive architecture and intricate carvings, which show the artist's skill. The church was chiseled out of the mountain- side between 335 AD and 340 AD by king Abrehan and his twin brother king Atsbeha.

2. Take a stroll through Abuna Yemata Guh church, known as  the church in the sky. This church made of rock is situated on the edge of a cliff that is sheer and unique. Get started on your hike from the parking area and climb the rock face with the assistance of a local guide to reach this hidden treasure. The church's breathtaking views and stunning rock paintings make it worth the climb, even though it can be challenging.

3. After leaving Abuna Yemata Guh church, enjoy a picnic lunch with a beautiful view. The restaurant will arrange your picnic lunch.

4. After lunch, you will go to Maryam Korkor church, which is known for its impressive architecture and intricate ancient paintings. It provides another fascinating glimpse into Ethiopia's religious heritage. Stunning views of the surrounding landscape are provided by the short hike to reach the church.

5. Go to Debre Tsion church, which is another remarkable rock-hewn church situated in the Gheralta Mountains. Take a tour of its well-preserved frescoes and sculptures, which demonstrate the region's rich artistic heritage.

6. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Gheralta Mountains, soaking in the beautiful landscapes and taking in the amazing views of the rugged cliffs and the sweeping plains below

7.  Drive to your lodging in Hawzen and spend some time relaxing and reflecting on the day's adventures.

Day 2:

is dedicated to exploring Axum

Morning:

1. Begin your day by exploring the Axum Obelisks, which are also referred to as the Stelae Park. The UNESCO World Heritage site features these imposing granite obelisks, which were carved in the 4th century. Take note of the intricate carvings and historical importance of these ancient structures and marvel at them.

2. Go to the Axum Museum. This place offers a chance to explore a collection of artifacts, ancient coins, and historical relics that provide more information about Axum's past.

3. Go to the Church of St. Mary of Zion. This church is believed to house the Ark of the Covenant and is considered one of the holiest sites in Ethiopia.

After visiting St. Mary of Zion church, have a coffee break in the middle of the city under a big fig tree.

4. Take a walk through Axum Market. Take in the lively atmosphere of this bustling market, where you can discover one-of-a-kind handicrafts, spices, and traditional clothing.

Lunch time:

5. Indulge in a traditional Ethiopian lunch at a local restaurant in Axum. Don't miss the opportunity to try injera (a sourdough flatbread) with various vegetarian stews or various beef stews, like doro wat (spicy chicken stew). If you want, you could have a combination of vegetarian and meat-loving dishes.

After lunch

6. Take a tour of King Kaleb's Tomb and his son Gebre Meskel. Axum's rich history and royal lineage can be explored through these tombs located just outside the city.

7. Visit the Yeha Temple, one of the most enduring structures in Ethiopia and a significant site in Tigrayan history

8. Visit Queen Sheba's Palace. This archaeological site displays the remains of what is believed to be the palace of the famous Queen of Sheba. Take a walk around the area and learn more about this legendary figure.

Evening:

9. Enjoy a sunset visit to Dungur Palace. A panoramic view of the city and surrounding landscapes is available in this ancient palace complex. The Palace of the Queen of Sheba is another addition to its allure.

10. Have dinner at a local restaurant and end your day by witnessing the mesmerizing Axum Illumination. The city's iconic monuments, including the obelisks, are beautifully lit up after sunset, creating a magical atmosphere.

Day: 3

 Have breakfast before departing from the hotel. While you're on your way to the airport, if there are any remaining sites that you haven't seen yesterday, please stop by and visit them. Your flight is scheduled to depart from either Mekele or Shire in the late afternoon to Addis Ababa.

This concluded your Tigray tour.

What is Included

Round-trip flight tickets.

private Surface transport for all tours destination, Parking fees, English speaker Tour Guide, all sites Entry/ Admission fees, photo fees, Accommodation with  breakfast.

What is not included

Lunch and Dinner.

 Tips for tour guides, hotel, staff and drivers.

 Personal expenses & Medical Insurance. 

Price:

1 Person:- USD

2 Person:-  USD  or  USD per person

price varies by group size

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thank you!

Solomon Ayele

Email. mesobethiopiatours@gmail.com

URL: https://www.mesobethiopia.com

Mobile #: +251917607777

Omo Valley in 7 Days Tour  Jinka - Arba Minch.

The following is the itinerary for travelling in Omo Valley for 6 nights and 7 days.

Day 1:

Addis Ababa To Jinka to Ari tribe In the morning, around 6 am or 10 am, the driver will come to your home or hotel, pick you up and drop you off at the airport. The driver  and the guide will pick you up from the airport and drive you to Jinka Eco lodge. Around 3pm the driver and the guide will come and pick you up and drive you to The Ari tribe village. The women of the Ari tribe are particularly renowned for their exceptional pottery and weaving skills. After visiting the tribe and their lifestyle, you will be driven back to the jinka eco lodge.

Day 2:

The driver and the guide will come and take you into  the Mago national park to visit the Mursi tribe. After you visit the Mursi tribe, you will head to Turmi. On your way to Turmi, depending on the day, you will visit one of the markets in the Omo valley where Benna and Hamar tribes trade livestock, pottery, and other goods. Have lunch at one of the local restaurants and Continue driving to Turmi.

Day 3:

Drive to Dasench Village in the morning after having breakfast. The location is near the Omo River.

Visit the village to see how the residents of Daseench live and experience their unique culture.

Familiarise yourself with their agricultural practices, which include fishing and farming.

Enjoy the scenic beauty that surrounds the village.

Return to Turmi for the night and stay at Buska lodge or other hotel.

Day 4:

In the morning, after breakfast, drive to the Kara Tribe village situated along the Omo River. After a visit, return to Turmi for lunch. After lunch, I drove to konso, karat. Overnight at konso lodge.  

Day 5:

Morning, after breakfast, visit konso. Konso is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites as a cultural landscape, a rock-wooded village, and their cultural museum. It provides an insight into the people of Konso's tradition, culture, history, religion, music, and art, and explains what you can expect from your visit to the village. The Konso tribe is well known for their wooden stelae, and you will learn the meaning of them and it is worth visiting.

Afternoon, head to the Dorze village to explore the unique traditional huts and learn about the way of life of the Dorze people. In addition, you have the option to shop at the local market for Crafts and textiles that are made by hand. Have dinner in the village. Overnight at Dorze lodge.

Day 6: In the Morning, after breakfast, drive to Chamo lake. Riding on the boat and visiting the stunning scenery and wildlife in the area, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. After that drive to Arba Minch check in your hotel, relax and have lunch.

After lunch, take a walking tour. The 40 springs in Arba Minch, also known as "40 Springs Valley," is a picturesque natural attraction located near the town of Arba Minch.This area is famous for its numerous 40 small springs,  beauty of the natural environment but also an opportunity to witness local wildlife such as birds and monkeys. It's an excellent spot for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful getaway. Before heading to your hotel, Check out the Shimena workshop. The ancient craft of weaving in Ethiopia is Shimena. You can learn and practise the traditional method of spinning, weaving, dyeing, and winding at a location. After finishing your tour, the driver will drop you at your hotel.

Day 7:

Early in the morning, or at noon, the hotel shuttle will drop you off at Arba Minch airport to fly out to Addis Ababa. Upon your arrival in Addis, the driver who dropped you off at the Addis Ababa airport will pick you up again and drive you home.

This marks the end of your six -night and seven - day excursion to the Omo Valley.

What is Included

Round-trip flight tickets.

private Surface transport for all tours destination, Parking fees, English speaker Tour Guide, all sites Entry/ Admission fees, photo fees, Accommodation with  breakfast.

What is not included

Lunch and Dinner.

 Tips for tour guides and drivers.

 Personal expenses & Medical Insurance. 

Price:

For 1 person:- 3,127 USD

For 2 person:- 4,121 USD or

 2,061 USD/person 

For 3 person:- 4,423 USD OR 1, 474 USD/person 

price varies by group size

HOW TO PAY. You can make payments to the Company using one of the following methods:

   - Credit/Debit Card: The Company accepts major credit/debit cards (Visa, PayPal, USD cash or birr according to the legal commercial bank of Ethiopia exchange rate.

 If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thank you!

Solomon Ayele

Email. mesobethiopiatours@gmail.com

URL: https://www.mesobethiopia.com

Mobile #: +251917607777