Day 1: Addis Ababa – Mekele – Edaga Arbi – Shimbreyti
- Early Morning: Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Mekele (approx. 1.5 hours). Upon arrival at Mekele Airport, meet your guide and driver.
- Drive to Edaga Arbi: Begin a scenic 3-hour drive northwest through Tigray’s dry plains and rugged cliffs, passing small villages and farmlands before reaching the town of Edaga Arbi.
- Trek to the Table Mountains: From Edaga Arbi, set out on a 2-hour trek into the Table Mountains. Enjoy sweeping views of the Gheralta region’s rocky plateaus. Keep an eye out for Gelada baboons, rock hyraxes, and possibly Lammergeier vultures soaring above.
- Evening: Arrive in Shimbreyti, a tranquil mountaintop village. Enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation at the Shimbreyti Community Guest House, hosted by local families.
Day 2: Shimbreyti – Degamba Valley – Siheta
- Morning: Begin your day with a homemade breakfast on the rooftop terrace of the guesthouse.
- Trek to Degamba Valley: Descend into the Degamba Valley, a lush area surrounded by sandstone cliffs.
- Trekking: Continue for 4–5 hours through terraced fields, streams, and small farms, following ancient footpaths long used by local communities.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Siheta, a hillside village, and check into the Siheta Community Guest House. Spend the evening resting or exploring the area on foot.
Day 3: Siheta – Sagren – Yeha – Axum
- Morning: After breakfast, embark on a challenging 3-hour ascent to Sagren. Hike along narrow mountain trails with panoramic views of valleys and towering rock formations.
- Drive to Axum: Meet your driver in Sagren and continue with a 3-hour drive to Axum, the ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire.
- En Route Visit: Stop at the Temple of Yeha, Ethiopia’s oldest known standing structure (circa 700 BCE). Explore the temple ruins and nearby monastery—key sites for understanding Ethiopia’s pre-Christian heritage.
- Evening: Arrive in Axum and check into your hotel. Optional: Take a short guided walk to explore the town’s historic center.
Day 4: Explore Axum – Fly to Addis Ababa
- Morning City Tour: After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Axum’s main archaeological and historical attractions, including:
- The Obelisks of Axum, monumental granite pillars from the 4th century
- The Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed by many to house the Ark of the Covenant
- The ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s Palace and ancient royal tombs
- Lunch: Savor a traditional meal at a local Axumite restaurant.
- Afternoon: Transfer to Axum Airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. End of the tour.
