Rock-hewn churches of Tigray
We weren’t super sure it was possible to do it on our own, as seemingly everybody on the internet went on an organized tour to check these churches. But this was the very beginning of the trip and as we soon realized the average tourist in Ethiopia is above 50, moves in big groups, is not particularly adventurous and doesn’t like to spend long amounts of time crammed into small spaces on public transport. Well, we do. :D
As it turns out, it doesn’t absolutely have to be that way. True, it’s mandatory to hire a guide to visit the churches itself (and it’s also helpful because the priest who has the key needs to open the church and the guides are very good at locating them) but everything else is totally doable on public transport and walking.
Climbing the Abuna Yemata Guh church was a definite highlight of the whole trip: just the right amount of adrenaline (you can use ropes for safety during the climb, but that’s only for pussies, not us... plus it costs money XD) and then you’re rewarded with the amazing view and this super eerie cave-church. Take a look at this for much better pictures than ours: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJCy64adY3Y
