Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MEKELE & THE DANAKIL
A lava lake, a yellow desert, camel caravans, vicious heat and the legendary Afar warriors
put the Danakil Depression on the must-see lists of serious travellers. Most visits begin and
end in the pleasant city of Mekele.
Mekele
POP 261,200 / ELEV 2062M
The relaxing and rapidly expanding university city of Mekele, Tigray's capital, owes its im-
portance to Emperor Yohannes IV, who made it his capital in the late 19th century. Though
hardly anyone comes to see the town itself, most travellers enjoy killing time waiting for
their Danakil tour to depart.
Sights
MUSEUM
Yohannes IV Museum
(admission Birr24; 8am-5pm)
The Italian-designed stone palace built for Emperor Yo-
hannes IV (r 1872-89) is now an interesting museum. Although the palace itself is under-
going a thorough restoration, the three-part collection (royal regalia, religious paraphernalia
and Tigrayan artesania) is on display in another building.
