Abuna Yemata, Maryam and Daniel Korkor (if time allows)｜Ethiopia

Embark on a guided tour of the Tigray region mainly to visit the most stunning church of the region Abune yemata Guh. If time allows, visit two more churches on the top of one mountain Maryam Korkor, and Daniel Korkor, all of which are very different in style but stunningly beautiful in their own way.

To visit Abuna Yemata Guh, walk for about an hour to commence a steep ascent up the side of the Gheralta massif. This steep ascent soon turns into a climb using footholds and handholds chipped into the sandstone rock by the passage of many hands and feet. The climb and the walk along very narrow ledges with sheer drops to the side is not one for the faint-hearted.

The church itself can be reached by walking out on a ledge one meter wide and with a 200m drop to the left-hand side. At the entrance, there is a small cave and a wooden door built into the rock.

Of the three, Maryam Korkor is the most impressive architecturally. A huge, high ceiling is supported by 12 free-standing pillars. Look at it and wonder how the architect managed to carve so high from the ground. Afterward, drive back to Mekele.