Shire Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Shire is a practical, everyday town rather than a tourist centre, but it offers a genuine taste of life in rural Tigray.

• Town market — Browse grain, spices, coffee, livestock and household goods at the busy regional market.
• Coffee ceremony — Share a traditional coffee ceremony, a central part of hospitality in the region.
• Highland landscapes — Rolling farmland, flat-topped hills and dramatic rock formations surround the town.
• Road to Axum — Shire lies on the main road west of Axum, famous for its ancient obelisks and the Church of St Mary of Zion.
• Village churches — Small Orthodox churches in the countryside reflect the region’s deep Christian heritage; visit respectfully.
• Local cuisine — Try injera with shiro, tsebhi stews and fresh bread in local restaurants.

Shire has a warm highland climate, with hotter weather than the higher plateaus around it. The main rainy season usually runs from about June to September, when rural roads can become difficult.

The dry season from about October to March brings clear skies and comfortable conditions for travel, with the landscape still green early in the season. Orthodox festivals such as Meskel and Timkat are widely celebrated in the region.

Shire Airport is a small domestic airport located close to the town, with flights mainly linking to Addis Ababa.

There is no public transport from the terminal. Taxis and bajajs (three-wheeled auto-rickshaws) may be available, and hotels, hosts or organisations usually arrange pick-ups. The drive into town is short, but confirm your transfer before travelling, as services can be limited.

Accommodation in Shire is limited and simple, mostly small hotels and guesthouses used by business travellers and aid workers.

• Town centre — Close to the market, restaurants and minibus station; the most practical choice.
• Main road — Hotels along the main road suit travellers continuing by road towards Axum.
• Organisation guesthouses — Many visiting aid and development staff stay in accommodation arranged by their organisation.

• Travel advice: The Tigray Region has been affected by conflict in recent years, so check your government’s latest travel advice and current access conditions before travelling.
• Money: Carry enough birr in cash, as banking services and card acceptance can be limited.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially at churches, and ask before photographing people.
• Health: Drink bottled or treated water and seek medical advice before travelling.
• Connectivity: Mobile and internet services may be limited or interrupted, so tell family your plans in advance.