Day Trip to Axum, the Heartland of Ethiopian Civilization

5.0 (2 reviews) 7 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

2 reviews

5.0

Obelisk field Axum, Ethiopia — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Saint Mary Zion Church — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Journey back in time to the legendary city of Axum, the heart of Ethiopia’s ancient civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site! This exclusive day trip is your chance to walk among towering obelisks, explore hidden tombs, and uncover the secrets of a kingdom that once rivaled Rome & Persia.

What you will Visit:

✔ The Great Stelae Fields; Marvel at the iconic Axum Obelisks, some standing over 20 meters tall, carved with intricate details over 1,700 years ago.

✔ Queen of Sheba’s Palace; Step into the ruins of her legendary palace and imagine the splendor of her reign.

✔ Ark of the Covenant Chapel; Visit the sacred Church of St. Mary of Zion, where tradition says the Ark rests.

✔ King Ezana’s Inscription; See the ancient stone tablet in three languages, Ethiopia’s version of the Rosetta Stone.

✔ Underground Tombs; Venture into the mysterious Tomb of Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, filled with ancient relics and stories of Axumite kings.

Book now & explore Ethiopia’s greatest ancient wonder!

Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Archaeology Tours Tuk Tuk Tours

At a glance

Duration: 7 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: Majesty Ethiopia Tours

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–11 years) · Youth (12–17 years) · Adults (18–64 years) · Seniors (65–90 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Professional guide
Included: Entrance fees: Entrance fee
Included: Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points within Axum town
Included: Bottles of drinking water
Included: Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Not included

Not included: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Not included: Accommodation

Itinerary

Axum

10 min

You will be picked up from any of your location in Axum city.
Northern Stelae Park

2 hours Admission included

Begin the tour with a visit to Northern Stelae field. These famed granite obelisks are relics of this time and have gained UNESCO World Heritage site status. The tallest, the Great stelea, has fallen and broken in to six massive pieces, but when standing was 33 meters (108 feet) tall and weighed about five hundred twenty tones and other remarkable pre - Christian monuments.
Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion

2 hours Admission included

Visit the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion. The first church of St. Mary was built in the 4th century by the first christian kings of Axum King Ezana and Syzana.

The Church of our Lady Mary of Zion is believed to be the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. This makes Axum to be considered the second Jerusalem and the holy city in Christian tradition.
Tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskal

one hour Admission included

Visit the tomb of King Kaleb and his son King Gebremeskel located on 2 km north of the city and built at strategic place. This site was built in the 6th c and excavated in 1906 by the German Archaeologist.
Queen of Sheba Palace

one hour Admission included

The Queen of Sheba Palace is localy called the Dongur palace. This wise Queen was living in the 10th century B.C. She was the mother of Menilik I the one who went to his father King Solomon and brought the Ark of Covenant to Axum then he become King of Axum.
Queen of Sheba's Bath

30 min Admission included

The Queen of Sheba's Bath was built by Queen of Sheba for her own recreational purpose according to the local tradition but people call it Mayshum means the chieftain water. Today local people use the pool for swimming and during epiphany festival.
Axum

20 min

After the tour you will be transferred to your preferred location in Axum city. End