Cinema, international release, 1 seat | USD 3.00 |
Local cheese (1kg) | USD 8.81 |
Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of centre | USD 150.00 |
Mid-range restaurant | USD 20.00 |
Combo meal at McDonalds | USD 5.00 |
Loaf of white bread | USD 0.70 |
Apples (1kg) | USD 4.79 |
One-way ticket (local transport) | USD 0.30 |
Eggs (12) | USD 1.78 |
Water bottle (1.5 liter) | USD 0.75 |
Mekele is found in the middle of two chartered cities, Addis Ababa and Dire Diwa. It is located at the northern section of the Tigray Region. The city is revered for housing important economic and educational institutions of the country. Mekele was said to have been established sometime in the 13th century. The historical sites of the city have boosted local tourism. This also paved the way for cheap flights to Mekele to be available all year round.
Hotels in Mekele are within close proximity to most tourist attractions dotted in the city. Touring families can easily spot caravans of camels treading the Danakil Depression. These desert animals carry with them slabs of salt. The extraordinary beauty of the scenic Mount Gheralta is a photographer’s haven. Some experts see this place as the Arizona of Africa.
The locals pay high respects to Mekele’s important shrines. The TPLF or Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front monument is a reminder of the struggles before Derg’s overthrow. The Yohannes IV Palace used to be the dwelling place of the city’s founder. Today, it is being visited by thousands of tourists from around the world. The Enda Gabir Gure is one of the hundreds of rock-hewn churches in Mekele.
A few kilometers away from Mekele is the Debre Damo Monastery. Like any monasteries found in Ethiopia, you have to trek a 2-hour trail in order for you to get to this worship center. It is an ancient hermitage that was built in the 4th century during the Axumite era. The monastery is also regarded as the most intact and oldest existing church in the country. It is decorated with paintings and carving of different animals such as elephant, lion, snakes, gazelles and more.
From Mekele, you can easily arrange tours going to one most popular tourist attractions in Africa – the Blue Nile Falls. The never-ending dropping of water creates smoke-like recoil. It is nearly half a mile stretch. Thousands of visitors go here to be astounded by the scenic views and amazing wildlife.
Cheap flights to Mekele can be easily booked online or through travel agents. The local tourism authority of the city has set up information centers for tourists.