Mekele is the most modern city in north-east Ethiopia and provides comfortable amenities for travellers. Set in a basin at 2,200m in the rocky Tigraian Highlands the city is clean, organised and vibrant. There are many excellent restaurants and it makes a good base from which to explore the surrounding area.

The Yohannis IV Museum is situated in a palace and is full of interesting exhibits and there is a great view form the roof. Mekele’s market marks the end of the salt caravans that passes through the Danakil Desert and salt traders are still to be seen here. There are also several interesting rock-cut churches in the area which can easily be visited.