NATIONAL PARKS SAFARIS ETHIOPIA

HIGHLIGHTS, WHERE THEY ARE AND HOW TO VISIT

 
 

ROCK HEWN CHURCHES OF TIGRAY TOUR

ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, TOUR. Our tour takes you back in time to the Queen of Sheba and earliest Christianity

 

 

Rock Hewn churches of Tigray, Tour

While the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are the most dramatic buildings, the cliff churches of Tigray show the most dramatic landscapes and the longest Christian tradition. Unknown to the world outside, these churches were first described by the British explorer Ivy Pearce as ‘the greatest of the historical-cultural heritages of the Ethiopian people’. It was not until some 4 decades ago that there were some 200 rock hewn churches, and even more may still be unknown. Most better-known churches are found in  the following clusters: Gheralta, Taka Tesfay, Atsbi, Tembien and Wukro.

 

A picture is worth a thousand words. Most of our hundreds of pictures are favored in Google! Why? Because no other website has so many beautiful high resolution pictures, all taken by ourselves. Our pictures not only show you the beauty of Ethiopia, but they also show that we have been everywhere when we researched all parks for the Ethiopian Wildlife Autharity, photographing wildlife, plants, people and culture. Read our PDF report to the Government on Parks an Culture! So why consider booking our our Ethiopia Culture & National Parks modules? Because only we combine the culture of Ethiopia with its nature. We don't mislead you like many tour operators do. When the Blue Nile falls are dry.... we tell you. When fog clouds the lava lake of Erte Ale Volcano? We let you know. Just drop us a mail info@nationalparks-worldwide.com  and we will check it out for you.

Our tours take you to ALL famous cultural places of Ethiopia, and on top of that, you get to see up to 20 large parks accompanied by a conservation professional, not a mere guide. There is nothing similar on the market. Check out our tours in modules like: Historical Circuit; Danakil Depression; Eastern Route; Simien Mountains; Bale Mountains; Southern Parks Safari; Gambella; Addis Ababa. BUT WAIT: if you buy your international ticket with Ethiopia Airlines, they will sell the internal flights at a price that you can't even ride the bus for. But you MUST plan it all in one package and making changes may be very costly. So let us help you plan your entire trip and book your local flights for an incredibly low price after you booked your international flight with Ethiopian Airlines! Also: Ethiopia can be combined with other East African countries, we organize.

 

The churches are usually semi-monolithic - a part is cut out of rock, while another part is built with masoned rocks - or hewn out of caves. Many of them relatively easily accessible, but some can only be reached by climbing up difficult terrain or even a cliff. Being hidden in mountainous areas, the many of these churches are in surroundings of breathtaking landscapes.

Usually rather primitive in design, many of the churches have some classics inspired columns and they usually are divided into three spaces:

  1. the most holy part, only accessible to the priest, where a replica of the stone tablet with the 10 commandments - is kept;

  2. The inner ambulatory, which is used by communicants at mass; and

  3. the outer ambulatory, which is accessible to anyone.

Like elsewhere in Ethiopia, in many churches one is expected to take off one's shoes and some churches and monasteries are only accessible to men. While the ages of the churches are usually unknown they seem to predate those at Lalibela, though few churches in Tigray are as immediately impressive as the ones in Lalibela.

 

Debre Maryam Korkor Church

Debre Maryam Korkor is one of the better known rock hewn churches. Only accessible by a steep path, one needs to be in a decent contdion to reach this church, but it is well worth the effort.

 

ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Maryam Korkor rock hewn church Gheralta entrance. ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Maryam Korkor rock hewn church Tigray entrance.

The facade of the Debre Maryam Korkor church has been built out of stone masonry, while most of the church has been cut out of the rock behind it.

 

ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Maryam Korkor rock hewn church Gheralta enterior ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Maryam Korkor rock hewn church Tigray holy interiro

The interior ambulatory. The columns, though rather primitive in design are obviously inspired by the classics.

Behind the second curtain is the holy part, only accessible to the priest.

 

 
ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Ceiling debre Maryam Korkor rock hewn church Tigray ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Arches Maryam Korkor rock hewn church Tigray
ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Frescos Maryam Korkor rock hewn church Tigray. ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Animal frescos in Maryam Korkor rock hewn church.

The walls of the church are covered with hundreds of years old wall paintings.

 
ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Climbing to Debre Damo rock hewn church by rope. ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Climbing the cliff to Debre Damo rock hewn church, Tigray.

The extremely old Debre Damo is 25 meters up a cliff, and can only be reached with a rope 25. A safety rope is supposed to prevent one from falling when slipping. This church is only accessible to men.

 

The Daniel Korkor rock hewn church is located at about 100 meters over a passable ledge, from the Maryam Korkor church. This charming little church gives a fabulously beautiful view of the Gheralte landscape. Behind the little door in the rock facade lies a relatively small space with primitive murals.

 

ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Priest at Daniel Korkor Church, Gheralta ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Door to ledge on rock face of Daniel Korkor rock hewn church
ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Ceiling Daniel Korkor rock hewn church, Gheralta, Tigray ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Interior of the Daniel Korkor rock hewn Church at Gheralta
 

Abuna Yemata Guh Church

The Abuna Yemata Guh Church is one of the most beautiful rock hewn churches in Tigray. Be prepared though for a rather strenuous ascent though. It is good to know that there are always young men eagerly waiting to help you for a few Birr, and they are very good.

 

ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Abuna Yemata Guh Church is one of the most beautiful rock hewn churches in Tigray. Be prepared though for a rather strenuous ascent though. ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: On the way to the Maryma Korkor rock hewn church in Tigray.
ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: I always wondered, why somebody has not yet replaced this "bridge" by something a bit more solid on the way to Abuna Yemata Guh Church. ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: The door to the Abuna Yemata Guh Church.

I always wondered, why somebody has not yet replaced this "bridge" by something a bit more solid.

The door to the Abuna Yemata Guh Church.

 
ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: The interior of the Abuna Yemata Guh Church is one of the most beautiful rock hewn churches of Tigray, but be prepared for a steep ascent along some straight down cliffs. ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: The murals of the Abuna Yemata Guh Church may be considered the most artistic rock hewn churches of Tigray, but getting there is not for those with fear of hight.

Inside the Abuna Yemata Guh Church.

 

Mikael Imba rock hewn church

The Mikael Imba church is one of the larger and easier accessible rock hewn semi-monolithic churches with many pillars inside. Predating Lalibela, it may have served as an example for those churches in the south. 

 

ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Exterior Mikael Imba Church. ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Priest at Mikael Imba Church.

Exterior Mikael Imba Church.

Priest at Mikael Imba Church.

 

Abreha We Atsbeha church

Regarded by many experts as the finest church in Tigray, the Abreha We Atsbeha church is an important pilgrim destination on the 14th October. The carved ceiling is supported by several decorated arches. The church's guards many treasures, among them a prayer cross supposedly having belonged to Abba Salama, the first Bishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

 

ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Exterior Abreha and Atsbeba Church. ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Abreha and Atsbeha rock hewn church.
 

Medhane Alem Kesho Church

The Medhane Alem Kesho Church is one of Tigray's older and more beautiful churches. A four-wheel-drive track takes you within a very doable 10 minutes walk from the church. Inside, the church has a beautiful carved ceiling.

 

ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: The Medhane Alem Kesho Church is one of Tigray's older and more beautiful churches. ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: The Medhane Alem Kesho Church has a beeautiful carved ceiling.
 

Wukro Chirkos Church

This semi-monolith church is te most accessible rock hewn church in Tigray.

 

ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Wukro Chirkos Church, the most accesible rock hewn church. ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Interior Wukro Chirkos Church.
 

Mikael Melehayzenghi Rock Hewn Church, Tigray

Learn all about the many Tigray's Rock hewn churches like this and many others. Concealed behind a regular door, it is one of the oldest rock hewn churches, the Mikael Melehayzenghi church with its fabulous relief carvings on the walls and ceilings.

 

ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Mikael Melehayzenghi rock hewn church, Tigray ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA TOUR: Ceiling Mikael Melehayzenghi rock hewn church, Tigray.

Exterior Mikael Melehayzenghi rock hewn church.

Ceiling Mikael Melehayzenghi rock hewn church, Tigray.

 

ROCK HEWN CHURCHES TIGRAY, TOUR. Our tour takes you back in time to the Queen of Sheba and earliest Christianity

ETHIOPIA HISTORICAL MONUMENTS MODULE

 

FLY 5 DAYS ETHIOPIA HISTORICAL MONUMENTS FROM $890! DISCOVER ETHIOPIAN MONUMENTS & NATIONAL PARKS with professional advisor to Ethiopian Park Service

Ethiopia Historical Monuments by car

9 days. Price: $890 per person, minimum 4. Hotels, meals, transportation, fees, non-alcoholic beverages, tee/coffee at meals included. Minimum 2 passengers.

Ask for group discount.

Ethiopia Historical Monuments by plane

5 days. Price: $890 per person approximately, pending flight costs. Transportation, entry fees, meals, etc. Prices may vary depending on fluctuating air fairs. The itinerary will be adjusted according to flights Minimum 2 passengers.  Longer itineraries at additional hotel costs allow for a more relaxed program.

Day 1: ADDIS ABABA - BAHIR DAR, road distance ± 580km;

  1. Stop at the bridge across the Blue Nile Gorge, comparable in size to the Grand Canyon in the USA and supposedly the largest canyon of Africa;

  2. In the evening visit the Blue Nile falls if arrival before dark;

  3. Hotel in Bahir Dar.

Day 1: ADDIS ABABA - BAHIR DAR

  1. Morning Flight to Bahir Dar

  2. Visit Blue Nile Falls and Portuguese Bridge;

  3. Hotel in Bahir Dar.

Day 2: LAKE TANA - BLUE NILE FALLS, road distance ± 35km

  1. Day excursion by boat on Lake Tana to visit several of the famous Lake Tana churches and monasteries;

  2. Visit of the Blue Nile Falls;

  3. Sleep at Hotel.

Day 2: BAHIR DAR - GONDAR - by car

  1. Early morning half day excursion by boat on Lake Tana to visit several of the famous Lake Tana churches and the origin of the Blue Nile to watch Hippos;

  2. Afternoon drive to Gondar;

  3. Visit Royal Enclosure with the palaces of 6 kings, including Fasilides Castle;

  4. Visit Fasimile's Bath;

  5. Hotel in Gondar.

Day 3: BAHIR DAR - GONDAR, road distance ± 175km

  1. The Devil's Nose Rock, is a basaltic monolith or hoodoo, located near the village of Addis Zemen, 75km north Bahir Dar on the road to Gondar. On its top is an important roost and possibly nesting place for Ruepell's and other vultures.

  2. Check in in the hotel at Gondar after which a visit to Mentewab's Dining Room (Kusquam) and/or Fasimile's Bathroom depending on available time;

  3. Hotel in Gondar.

Day 3: GONDAR - LALIBELA

  1. Time permitting Visit Mentewab's Castle very early in the morning;

  2. Morning flight to Lalibela;

  3. Church treasures museum Lalibela;

  4. Visit the Northern and Southern rock hewn church complexes;

  5. Hotel in Lalibela.

 

Day 4: GONDAR - AXUM, road distance ± 350km

  1. Early in the morning visit the City fortress with the palaces of 6 kings;

  2. Road trip to Axum;

  3. Coffee ceremony;

  4. Hotel in Axum.

Day 4 LALIBELA - AXUM

  1. Early morning excursion to the Southern Complex;

  2. Flight to Axum;

  3. Visit the Stelae compound;

  4. Visit the Tsion Mariam  Church where the Arc of the Covenant is held and the 16th century church on the same complex, which is much more interesting;

  5. Visit Emperor Kaleb's Palace;

  6. Coffee ceremony at a ceremony in a friend's home

  7. Hotel.

 

Day 5: AXUM - MEKELLE, road distance  ± 250km

  1. Visit the famous beautiful Stellae at Axum;

  2. Visit Queen Sheba's Palace (officially Dongar Palace);

  3. Gudit Stelae Field opposite the palace;

  4. Debre Liqanos Monastery;

  5. Queen Sheba's Pool (May Shum);

  6. Enzana Enscription, a 3-lingual stone describing a battle of King Enzana

  7. King Basen's Tomb;

  8. Ride to Mekelle;

  9. On the way, visit Yeha Temple;

  10. Hotel in Mekelle.

Day 5: AXUM - ADDIS ABABA

  1. Visit Queen Sheba's Palace (officially Dongar Palace);

  2. Gudit Stelae Field opposite the palace;

  3. Debre Liqanos Monastery;

  4. Queen Sheba's Pool (May Shum);

  5. Enzana Enscription, a 3-lingual stone describing a battle of King Enzana

  6. King Basen's Tomb;

  7. Flight to Addis Ababa.

 

Day 6: MEKELE - WUKRO - MEKELLE, road distance  ± 45km

  1. Visit Rock Hewn Churches in Wukro;

  2. Visit Palace Emperor Yohannes IV;

  3. Hotel in Mekelle.

 

Day 7: MEKELE - LALIBELA, road distance ± 430km

  1. Leave early in the morning for Lalibela;

  2. Church treasures museum Lalibela

  3. Hotel in Lalibela.

 

Day 8: LALIBELA - DESSIE, road distance ± 300km

  1. Visit the churches of Lalibela;

  2. Drive to Dessie;

  3. Hotel in Dessie.

 

Day 9: DESSIE - ADDIS ABABA road distance ± 340km

  1. last day of the Ethiopia Historical Monuments and return trip to Addis Ababa;

  2. Transfer to hotel.

 

ALL ETHIOPIA MODULES

Rock Hewn Churches in Tigray, Ethiopia are among the oldest churches in the world.

       

Ethiopia modernizes and changes more rapidly than any other country in Africa. Many features may not be there anymore in the near future. If you want to see it the way it was for thousands of years, see it now before it has changed forever! Compose your own once-in-a-lifetime Ethiopia-Africa-Adventure from our affordable modules:

Famous Ethiopia Historical Circuit

Simien Mountains trek or car visit

Danakil Depression and Erte Ale Volcano Expedition

Awash Babile Harar Safari Tour

Ethiopia Central and Southern Parks & Tribes Safari Tour

Bale Mountains National Park and Sof Omar Caves Tour

Gambella National Park Safari

Addis Ababa City Tour & Airport Transfer

All Ethiopia modules and prices together

We designed our itineraries in such a way that you can compose a 1 to 4 weeks journey from different modules that can show you the entire country or just the parts that interest you, all depending on your personal preferences, available time and budget. Email us on your interests and we can discuss a custom program with you by phone (we have phone lines from the USA and Europe) or skype. So, weather you have a great ethnic affinity, are a birdwatcher or want to go on safari, contact us and we work out a customized program that focuses on YOUR interests.

Blue Nile Falls, EthiopiaSt. George Church, LalibelaStellas, Axum, EthiopiaTukuls, Lalibela, EthiopiaElephant bull, Babile, EthiopiaEthiopian Wolf, Bale National Park

Gelada, Simien Mountains National ParkFacilides Bathroom, Gondar, EtiopiaWabia Ibex, Simien MountainsChurch, Lake Tana, EthiopiaErica trees, Bale Mountains National Park.Facilides Castle, Gondar, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is home of Ethiopian Airlines, featuring Africa's youngest fleet of the latest intercontinental jet airplanes - including 2 Dreamliners - as well as short-distance Bombardier turboprops for affordable and reliable in-country flights servicing all major cities of Ethiopia. The best airline of Africa, will fly you non-stop from the USA and Europe to Addis Ababa. Take our 1-week Ethiopia Cultural Monuments Tour and then continue for your Kenya or Tanzania safari - or any other East African capital - thus completing your journey. IF YOU BUY YOUR INTERNATIONAL TICKET FROM ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES, YOU WILL GET MOST INTERNAL FLIGHTS FOR $40 - $70 PER LEG! BUT CHANGING AFTERWARDS IS EXPENSIVE, SO WORK OUT A SCHEDULE WITH US TO GET A FABULOUS DEAL FOR FLYING THROUGH THE COUNTRY IN STEAD OF SPENDING ENDLESS TIME ON THE ROAD!!!

 

What makes us different from so many other tour operators?

Just look at the quality of our high resolution pictures. We took them all ourselves. We have thousands of high resolution pictures on this website, that you can see enlarged by clicking on them. These pictures show that we have been everywhere in the country of your interest and really know the details. We are professional explorers and biologists with MSc and PhD.

 

National Parks Tours Worldwide, a social responsibility and conservation company, is a brand name of the World Institute for Conservation & Environment, registered in the Netherlands with headquarters in the USA.

 

Phone USA:

(++)(1) 304 - 901 - 0718

 

Phone Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:

(++251) (0) 911 440 915

 

Email:

info@nationalparks-worldwide.com

 

Skype: ecotravelworldwide