4-Days Addis ababa to Axum via Tigray’s Table Mountains Trekking Tour
Overview
This 4-day trekking tour from Addis Ababa to Axum via Tigray’s Table Mountains is an adventurous and culturally rich journey through some of Ethiopia’s most striking highland landscapes and ancient heritage sites, blending history, spirituality and dramatic scenery.
Tour Highlights
- Trek across the rugged plateaus of Tigray’s iconic table mountains and through remote villages
- Meet local communities and visit rock-hewn churches, many over a thousand years old, hidden in cliff faces and still used for worship
- Enjoy steep ascents, narrow ledges and sweeping views that reward every effort
- Finish in Axum, one of Africa’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with its obelisks, archaeological ruins and royal tombs
Ideal for adventurous travelers seeking physical challenge, historical depth and cultural immersion.
What To Expect
Fly to Mekele, drive to Edaga Arbi and trek into the Table Mountains of Gheralta, spotting Gelada baboons on the way to the mountaintop village of Shimbreyti.
Early Morning: Catch a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Mekele (approx. 1.5 hours). Upon arrival at Mekele Airport, you'll be met by your guide and driver. Drive to Edaga Arbi: Begin a 3-hour scenic drive northwest through the dry plains and rugged cliffs of Tigray, passing small villages and farmlands before reaching the town of Edaga Arbi. Trekking to Table Mountains: From Edaga Arbi, start a 2-hour trek into the Table Mountains. Enjoy sweeping views of the Gheralta region’s rocky plateaus. Along the way, spot Gelada baboons, rock hyraxes, and possibly Lammergeier vultures soaring overhead. Evening: Arrive in Shimbreyti, a peaceful mountaintop village. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Shimbreyti Community Guest House, run by local families.
Descend into the green Degamba Valley and trek for 4–5 hours past terraced fields and farms to the village of Siheta.
- Morning: After a homemade breakfast on the guesthouse’s rooftop terrace, begin your descent into the Degamba Valley, a green belt surrounded by sandstone cliffs.
- Trekking: Continue trekking for 4–5 hours, passing terraced fields, streams, and small farms. The trail winds through ancient footpaths used by local communities for generations.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Siheta, a small village nestled in the hills. Settle into the Siheta Community Guest House. Spend the evening resting or exploring the area on foot.
Climb to Sagren, then drive to Axum with a stop at the Temple of Yeha, Ethiopia's oldest standing structure.
- Morning: Enjoy breakfast, then begin a challenging but rewarding ascent to Sagren. This 3-hour hike takes you up narrow mountain trails with expansive views of surrounding valleys and rock towers.
- Pickup and Drive to Axum: From Sagren, meet your driver 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 (dating back to around 700 BCE). Explore the temple ruins and nearby monastery, both significant to Ethiopia’s pre-Christian history.
- Evening: Arrive in Axum and check into your hotel. Optional: Take a short guided walk to get a glimpse of Axum’s historic town center.
Tour Axum's obelisks, St. Mary of Zion church and royal ruins, then fly back to Addis Ababa.
- Morning City Tour: After breakfast, take a guided tour of Axum’s major archaeological and historical sites, including:
- The Obelisks of Axum, towering granite monuments 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: Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local Axumite restaurant.
- Afternoon Flight: Transfer to Axum Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, end of the tour.
What's included
- Professional English-speaking local guide
- Private 4WD or tourist vehicle with driver, including fuel
- Accommodation as per the itinerary
- Meals as per the itinerary
- All entrance fees to the sites listed in the itinerary
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Bottled drinking water during the tour
- Government taxes and service charges
What's not included
- International flights, and domestic flights unless stated in the itinerary
- Ethiopian visa (an e-visa can be obtained online)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses and laundry
- Camera and video fees at sites, unless stated in the itinerary
- Any services not mentioned under What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Ethiopia?
The best time to visit Ethiopia is during the dry season, which runs from October to April. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and transport/roads are in excellent condition.
Do I need a visa to travel to Ethiopia?
Yes, most nationalities require a visa to enter Ethiopia. You can conveniently apply online for an eVisa prior to your arrival, or obtain a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
What is included in the tour price?
Our tours generally cover all ground transportation, professional guiding services, accommodation, and entrance fees. Please refer to the specific tour's Inclusions/Exclusions section for complete details.
Route Map
Proudly Community-Owned
The communities visitable in this area are warm and friendly. If you would like to support them directly, small donations are highly appreciated:
- Pens and school supplies
- Books
- Used clothes
- Children's items
- Any useful materials you feel may benefit the local community
