Things To Do
in Mekele
Mekele sits on a high Ethiopian plateau in the heart of the Tigray region, surrounded by rugged hills and expansive plains. The city blends ancient Christian heritage with a modern market culture, offering coffee rituals, bustling souks, and friendly faces at every turn. It serves as a gateway to nearby highlands, rock formations, and historic sites that define northern Ethiopia.
Visitors will find a welcoming, resilient atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to explore, eat, and learn about local life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Church of St. Mary of Zion, where the early morning light casts a warm glow on its ancient stones. Delve into the rich history of the area by exploring the nearby Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) Museum, which offers fascinating insights into Ethiopia's revolutionary past. Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian breakfast at a local café, savoring dishes like injera and scrambled eggs with spices.
Post-lunch, wander through the bustling streets of Mekele, where you can shop for handmade crafts and textiles in local markets. Make a stop at the beautiful Al-Nejashi Mosque, an architectural gem that reflects the Islamic heritage of the region. Engage with local artisans and learn about their crafts, from pottery to weaving, as you discover Mekele's vibrant culture.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant, where you can experience the communal dining style over a platter of injera and various stews. After your meal, take a leisurely walk through the city center, enjoying the lively atmosphere and perhaps catching some local music or dance performances. End your evening by sipping a warm cup of Ethiopian coffee at a café, where you can unwind and reflect on the day's adventures.
Begin your adventurous day early with a guided trek to the stunning Danakil Depression, one of the hottest places on earth. Marvel at the unique geological formations, including colorful sulfur springs and salt flats, as you hike alongside knowledgeable local guides. Enjoy a packed breakfast amidst the breathtaking landscape, surrounded by the otherworldly beauty of this natural wonder.
Continue your exploration of the Danakil Depression, visiting the famous Erta Ale volcano, where you may witness the mesmerizing lava lake. Capture stunning photographs of the vibrant salt formations and the striking contrasts of the arid landscape. Enjoy a picnic lunch in this surreal environment, surrounded by the natural wonders that make this region so unique.
As dusk approaches, set up camp near the volcano and prepare for an unforgettable evening under the stars. Enjoy a simple yet hearty dinner around the campfire, sharing stories and laughter with fellow travelers. As night falls, venture out for a guided night hike to see the lava glow, creating a surreal and unforgettable experience.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-5 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🛍️Souvenir or small shopping item | $5-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich coffee culture and welcoming locals
- Gateway to the Tigray highlands and cultural heritage
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Variable infrastructure outside central areas
- "Selam" - Hello / Peace
- "Dehna neh?" - How are you? (male speaker)
- "Amesegnallo" - Thank you
- "Yekenyeleh" - Please (I would like to ask)
Places to Visit in Mekele
Visit one of these nice places.
A sweeping view of the city from elevated sidewalks and nearby hills, especially cinematic at sunrise or sunset.
Colorful textiles, spices, and food stalls offer vibrant portrait and street-scene photography opportunities.
Ridge viewpoints on the outskirts provide dramatic landscapes of canyons, plateaus, and distant villages.
Food in Mekele
Mekele Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Injera layered with a spicy lentil stew; widely available in neighborhood eateries and markets.
Must-Try!
A hearty chicken stew simmered in berbere spice, typically served atop injera at larger restaurants.
A creamy chickpea or broad-bean paste stew, beloved for a comforting and filling vegan option.
A peppery beef or minced meat dish, sometimes served with barely-salted greens; available in many traditional restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub for fresh produce, grains, spices, and ready-to-eat snacks; perfect for sampling street food and buying regional ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm handshake or light hug is common among friends; maintain respectful tone when addressing elders. Look people in the eye during conversations and allow space for modest personal boundaries.
Dress modestly in public spaces, particularly in religious or traditional neighborhoods. In casual settings, comfortable clothing is fine, but avoid overly revealing outfits when visiting markets or religious sites.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas or during ceremonies. If consent is given, offer a small tip or buy a product as thanks.
Remove hats and shoes where required, and follow local guidelines for entering mosques or churches. Show reverence and keep noise levels respectful.
Safety
Tipping in Mekele
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but modest in most urban settings. Consider rounding up taxi fares, and leaving a small tip (5-10%) in restaurants if service is attentive. Guides and drivers who provide extra effort can be tipped directly at the end of the service.
Cash in Ethiopian Birr (ETB) remains the most widely accepted method in markets and smaller eateries. Larger hotels and some restaurants may accept cards; ATMs are available in the city, though card acceptance can vary. Carry small denominations for convenience and avoid displaying large sums of cash in public.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
June to September brings the rainy season with lush, green scenery and cooler days; expect the possibility of short downpours and muddy streets. Pack a compact rain jacket, sturdy shoes, and a light layer for cooler mornings.
October and November are typically dry and sunny, with clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures; a good time for outdoor activities and photography.
December to February features cooler nights and mild daytime temperatures; evenings can be chilly, so bring a warm layer for evenings and early morning outings.
March to May can warm up quickly; dust can rise on windy days, so carry a bandana or scarf and sun protection for mid-day exploration.
Mekele at Night
Hiking in Mekele
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A moderate loop hiking route around the city’s surrounding hills offering city views and photo opportunities.
A longer day hike to elevated viewpoints with expansive panoramas of the highland landscape and villages beyond.
Airports
How to reach Mekele by plane.
Primary airport serving Mekele with domestic flights to Addis Ababa and other regional destinations; expect irregular schedules in some seasons.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Major ethnic group in the area, with a rich linguistic and cultural heritage represented in local traditions, music, and cuisine.
Smaller numbers of Amharic-speaking and other Ethiopian communities contribute to a diverse urban fabric.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local matches and community leagues drawing interest from across the city.
Growing presence in schools and clubs; occasional regional tournaments and friendly games.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mekele.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Ethiopian vegetarian options are abundant through lentil and chickpea stews (wot) and shiro; look for shiro, misir wot, gomen (collard greens), and atkilt wot. When ordering, request no meat stock and ask for full vegetarian preparation to avoid hidden animal fats.