Unique Places in Tigray Kilil

The monastery of Gunda Gundo is well worth a visit, but as there are no roads, you will need to ask locals along the way how to get there. Take a bus north from Mekelle and get off at the town of Adega Hamees (Thursday Market). If you get there late in the day, stay at one of the hotels in town. Leave early in the morning, walk to the northern edge of town and turn right. Take lots of water and food because apart from one small stall a few kilometers away, there is nothing until you reach Gunda Gundo.

You will find all sorts of people heading in all different directions and they will tell you that it will take anywhere from six hours to 2 days to get there. Realistically, it will take about a day if you are in good shape. Just keep asking people along the way.

The scenery is fantastic and the people in Gunda Gundo are the friendliest, most generous people I've ever come across. Believe it or not, at the bottom, there are orange groves and other fruits, as well as some fine local beer (suwa) made by the monks' assistants. When we arrived, there was a wedding going on and we were invited to join in the festivities. Great time!