Cheap Flights to Debre Markos

Debre Markos (alternative spelling: Debre Marqos) is a woreda in the Misraq Gojjam zone is also known as Mankokar. It is situated nearly 2,000 meters above sea level and is named after a church built in the town in the 1800's for St. Mark. It is very possible to book cheap flights to Debre Markos, thanks to their airport in town.

The town is very interesting with its mix of traditional Ethiopian architecture – Aksume, Gondarine and Zagwe. However, some buildings are very European in style. For example, Negus Tekle Haymanot, an Ethiopian noble in Gojjam and an army commander built a palace which was remodeled in the 1920's by his son. Other structures were built (and destroyed) due to wars. In the late 1930's, the Italians under the Axis Powers came to this Ethiopian town. A local revolution ensued but it was crushed immediately but the remnants of the Italian fort can still be seen in the area.

Most weredas and even kebeles (wards or tiny villages) in the Amhara region are well known tourist destinations in the country. Aside from those mentioned above, you can visit world heritage sites like the Fasil Gibbi, a historical royal enclosure, Simien National Park and the Lalibela churches which were carved from large rocks.

Services in town are pretty complete. As early as 1935, they already have a telephone service aside from postal and telegraph facilities. There are a few hotels in Debre Markos but all are decent and serviceable enough. There are no 5-star facilities but the warm and hospitable staff makes up for everything. It offers a wide range of cuisines from Chinese stir-fry to western fast food. Ask the locals where to go to if you want to try Injira and Wat, some of the most popular Ethiopian dishes. If you want to go for a night out, taste the local mead – Tej – instead of the usual beer and wine. Local spirits such as Katikala and araqe are served in most bars and restaurants as well.

Travel time from Addis Ababa is 4 to 5 hours since it is nearly 300 kilometers away. But that is not necessary anymore. Although the road is still unpaved, the town boasts of its own airport. Now, you can get domestic cheap flights to Debre Markos from the airport in Addis Ababa.