Visiting Gheralta Rock Churches Korkor Lodge Credit O  Grunewald

Explore the rock churches of Gheralta

Gheralta Mountains & Mekelle Vacations

Little-visited rock churches and northern plains

In northern Tigray, landscapes and lesser-known rock-cut churches in the Mekelle and Adigrat regions are a visual feast

Somewhat off the beaten track in the North-Eastern part of Ethiopia, the Gheralta region is home to a series of beautiful cave churches, many precipitously located on mountainsides, meaning access is tricky and it is often bypassed by visitors in favour of seeing the more accessible churches of Lalibela. However, those who do make the journey up here on a tailor made Gheralta holiday are handsomely rewarded with some incredible churches to explore, breathtaking views and some surprisingly good places to stay given the remote location.

Access is by road from Axum to the West or from Mekelle to the South, with both drives taking in some stunning scenery along the way. Axum is part of the main Historical Circuit so adding Gheralta is an easy extension for those so inclined to visit, with Mekelle usually used as the departure point since it is well-linked to Addis Ababa by air. In itself, the town is unremarkable, but it offers some pleasant hotels for those who require an overnight in Mekelle.

For us the great joy of visiting the churches of the Gheralta region is the reaction of the priests and custodians when visitors arrive. So few people make the journey up here (especially in relation to the numbers who visit Lalibela) that there still remains genuine intrigue from locals when they see unfamiliar faces and you will often be afforded a more intimate and privileged tour of the churches than you would be in other areas. Some of the churches are found very close to the roads and are easy to access, whilst others require long treks and a head for heights, so we can plan where you visit to suit your capabilities.

This is a breathtaking area and for those who have a little more time it’s well worth the journey to enjoy time away from the main tourist trail, and to take in some of the most beautiful views that Ethiopia has to offer.

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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