A Genuine Review of the 2025 Two-Day Tigray Church and Ballooning Trip

So, What’s This Trip Actually Like?

Well, honestly, I’d been hearing about a very special trip that combines floating over Ethiopia’s Tigray region in a hot air balloon with seeing some really, really old churches carved out of stone. It’s actually called the ‘2 Days Tigray Church + Ballooning’ package, and you know, it just sounded completely different from your standard tour. The basic idea is that you get two pretty packed days, kind of blending this big, sky-high adventure with a much quieter, more thoughtful look at history on the ground. To be honest, the mix of the two is what really grabbed my attention, sort of like getting two holidays in one. I was pretty curious to see if it would feel as amazing as it sounded, you know? Anyway, it’s a pretty unique combination for a short trip, which, at the end of the day, makes it super appealing if you don’t have a ton of time to spend.

As a matter of fact, the whole setup is pretty much about contrast. You literally start one day touching the clouds, feeling the quiet morning air from a basket, which is just an incredible feeling. And then, like, a few hours later, you’re climbing down into the earth, into these amazing churches that people chiseled out of solid rock, you know, hundreds and hundreds of years ago. It’s really a wild shift in perspective, to be honest. You go from this wide-open, endless sky view to these quiet, sacred spaces that feel so ancient and personal. It’s kind of a way to connect with the area on two very different levels, right? I mean, this is basically what the whole trip is built around, and it’s a pretty strong concept if you ask me.

Day 1 Morning: Up in the Air Above the Gheralta Mountains

So, the first day started super early, honestly way before the sun even thought about coming up. It’s actually pretty cold and dark, but the excitement is just, like, totally there. You meet the balloon crew, and they are really professional, you know, getting this huge balloon ready with these massive blasts of fire that light up everything. As a matter of fact, that sound is something you will definitely remember. Watching the balloon fill up and stand tall against the pre-dawn sky is sort of an event in itself. Then, okay, you get into the basket, which feels surprisingly sturdy, and with one final big roar from the burner, you just sort of… lift off. There’s really no big lurch or anything; it’s more or less a gentle float up from the ground.

And then, just like that, you are climbing. You know, as the ground gets smaller, the sun starts to peek over the mountains, and frankly, it is absolutely stunning. The light just spills over the flat-topped mountains, called ambas, and everything down below is bathed in this really soft, golden color. Honestly, it’s very quiet up there, except for the occasional whoosh of the burner, which the pilot uses to go higher. You can see little villages, winding paths, and just the sheer scale of the landscape in a way that’s almost impossible from the ground.

From up there, you sort of get the big picture, you know? It’s like seeing the world laid out like a map, and it just gives you this completely new appreciation for the place. Seriously.

The flight lasts for about an hour, more or less, and it is a totally peaceful and, in a way, kind of a reflective time. Landing is just a little bit bumpy, but it’s all part of the fun, right?

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Day 1 Afternoon: Walking into Living History

Okay, so after the morning’s big high, the afternoon is basically a complete change of pace. After some lunch and a bit of a rest, you head out to see the main reason many people come to Tigray: the rock-hewn churches. Now, these aren’t just old buildings; these are structures that are literally carved down into the cliffs and mountainsides. Some are, like, really easy to get to, but others involve a bit of a hike, sometimes even a climb up a pretty steep cliff face. Our guide actually took us to one called Abuna Yemata Guh, which is pretty famous for its difficult access. I mean, to be honest, you have to be pretty sure-footed and not too scared of heights for this one.

Frankly, the climb itself is part of the story. You are walking in the same footsteps that pilgrims have been walking for like, over a thousand years. The guides are extremely helpful, showing you where to put your hands and feet, so it feels more like an adventure than something scary, you know? And once you get inside, it’s just completely silent and cool. The air is so still, and your eyes have to adjust a little to the dim light. Then you see them: the paintings on the walls and ceilings. They are incredibly well-preserved, with these bright colors and amazing scenes from the Bible. The fact that artists created all this so long ago, in such a hard-to-reach spot, is honestly just something you have to see for yourself to believe.

Read our full review: [Tigray Rock-Hewn Churches Full Review and Details]

Day 2: Deeper Discoveries and Local Flavors

So, the second day is a bit more relaxed but just as interesting, you know? It’s kind of focused on exploring a few more of the rock-hewn churches, but typically the ones that are a little easier to get to. For example, we went to see some around the Wukro area, which are pretty much at ground level and offer a different kind of feeling. You can really pay more attention to the architecture and the finer details without worrying about a big climb, right? One of them, Wukro Chirkos, is a great example of this; it’s a huge, semi-monolithic church that is just really impressive from the moment you see it. It sort of shows you the variety that exists among these incredible places.

By the way, another part of the day was stopping for a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony in a small local village. This was honestly a highlight. It’s not just about drinking coffee; it’s a whole process. They roast the beans right there in front of you over a small charcoal stove, and the smell is just fantastic. Then they grind it by hand and brew it in a special clay pot called a ‘jebena’. They serve it in tiny little cups, and it’s very strong and delicious. I mean, it’s just a really lovely way to sit down, take a break, and actually connect with local people in a genuine way. You sort of get a feel for the hospitality of the region, which is pretty special at the end of the day.

Some Practical Advice for Your Trip

Okay, so if you are thinking about doing this trip, there are just a few things to keep in mind, you know? First, for the hiking parts to some of the churches, you really need some good, sturdy shoes with grip. Honestly, don’t try to do it in flimsy sandals or anything like that. Second, the sun can be really strong, even if it doesn’t feel super hot, so basically bring a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. Staying hydrated is also super important, so just carry a water bottle with you pretty much all the time. Your guide will probably have extra water, but it’s good to have your own.

As a matter of fact, the level of fitness required really depends on which churches you visit. It’s a good idea to just be honest with your tour operator about your comfort level with heights and strenuous climbs. There are plenty of incredible churches to see that don’t require you to be a super athlete, you know? Finally, it’s just a good idea to have some small local currency on hand. It’s useful for little things like tipping or buying a small souvenir from a local artisan. Basically, a little bit of planning makes everything go a lot smoother.

Key Takeaways for This Trip

• You know, the hot air balloon ride at sunrise is a truly unique and peaceful way to see the sheer scale of the Tigray landscape.
• Be prepared for some physical activity; frankly, accessing some rock-hewn churches involves serious hiking and climbing.
• Basically, the historical and artistic richness inside these ancient churches is just mind-blowing, and it’s a very different experience from the balloon ride.
• The cultural parts, like the coffee ceremony, are really special and give you a great sense of local life, you know?
• So, you should definitely talk to your tour guide about your fitness level to make sure the itinerary is a good fit for you personally.