Duration
2-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
This 2-day tour is designed to showcase the most magnificent and historically significant rock-hewn churches in the Gheralta Mountains region of Tigray. The tour focuses heavily on both the accessibility & the dramatic locations of these ancient structures, which were carved directly into the sandstone cliffs between the 5th and 14th centuries. This 2 day tour is designed to showcase the most magnificent and historically significant roch hewn churches in the Gheralta Mountains region of Tigray.
Plan snapshot
Duration
2-Day
Route
Mekele to Mekele
Via Hawzen (Town)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
10 years
Activities
Getting around: minivan & normal 4x4 vehicle
Accommodation
Vision Hotel Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – All Meals Included - Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This budget tour uses hotels.
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request changes to this tour.
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 10 years.
Day 1
Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Start early by driving from your base (e.g., Hawzien or Mekele) to the Gheralta region. The morning is dedicated to climbing Abune Yemata Guh, the most famous church, which requires a steep, exposed ascent up a cliff face (local guides provide hand/foot holds and assistance). After descending, have lunch before trekking up to the large cliff-face churches of Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor in the afternoon, which offer magnificent panoramic views and impressive murals. Return to your hotel near Hawzien for the evening. Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Begin the day with a drive to visit one of Tigray’s largest and most accessible churches, Abreha we Atsbeha. This monolithic church is carved out of a massive rock and is known for its impressive size, cruciform pillars, and beautiful 17th-century frescoes. Afterwards, visit a smaller, lesser-known but historically rich church, such as Dugem Selassie, before concluding the tour. Transfer to Mekele Airport for a late afternoon/evening flight or drop-off at your hotel for onward travel. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Offered by
We always offer you an itinerary that is personally tailored to your needs at competitive prices. We are passionate about creating exciting and unique trips with our customers at the heart. Our specially crafted itineraries include historic routes, cultural tours, short holiday stays, business trips, one-day excursions, trekking and wildlife expeditions – according to your needs and budget.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2018)
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Overall, my trip with this company was excellent. All the activities and sites listed were fully covered during the journey, and most importantly, they were very flexible with the traveler’s wishes—whether you want to change something or cancel an activity. They have excellent tour guides who speak fluent English, and the prices are suitable for all budgets. In the end, I highly recommend this company. Thank you.
Abdelaziz · United Arab Emirates
This is a great tour company! Tsahaynew knows so much and shares it easily with his guests. He is extremely friendly and accommodating. You won't regret using him for your tour!
Don · United States
Essence Ethiopia and Mr Tsechay referred by one of my friend ,But from the first WhatsApp Message to End other tour he did a greate coordination and Tension free travel. He was really concerned about the small things that could be missed from our side. Even reminder of early flights and time lines.i Strongly recommend this team if any of you planning to Visit Ethiopia. All the best Essence Ethiopia
Sanu Sivashankar · Qatar
The tour was well organized. Big pros: When any issues arose, the organizer immediately intervened and rectified the situation. Points: 3-star hotels. All were clean, with showers, breakfast included. Transfers: I was met and seen off everywhere, and they helped with our luggage. There was a slight hitch when we arrived in Ethiopia at the airport. I expected to be met at the arrivals exit (this is usually the case). It turned out I had to exit the airport and walk to the parking lot, which I should have mentioned in advance. Transportation: I had private tours around Addis Ababa. The vehicle was clean and good. Around the salt lake, we traveled in a large Land Cruiser, with a driver and three tourists. No problems at all. Guides: Guides with good English. Both the guides and drivers were friendly, helpful, informative, and answered questions. No tips were required. Everything was fine. Additionally: In the area of the volcano and salt lake, you have to sleep outside. I even liked it – the view of the star is stunning. Cons: no shower or proper toilet.
Evgeny · Russia
Practical answers
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 10 years and older. Children under 11 receive a discount.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request changes to this tour.
Vision Hotel Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – All Meals Included - Budget hotel in Hawzen (Town) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
This tour starts and ends in Mekele
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
This tour is offered by Essence Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Essence Ethiopia Tours.
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