Axum : tall, carved obelisks, relics of the ancient Kingdom of Aksum.

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3 to 6 minutes (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

History
• The Church that houses the original Ark of the Covenant (St. Mary Zion Church)
• Stella field, vastly tall, monolithic granite monuments erected between the 1st and 3rd century AD
• The remnant of the palace of the famous Queen of Sheba and her swimming pool
• The memorial inscription of King Ezana ("Ethiopia's Rosetta Stone"), in which the king tells of his Conquest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Ezana built the first church in Sub-Saharan Africa
• The Tombs of King Kaleb and his son, which are an illustration of the masterpiece interlocking architecture of the Axumites in the 6th Century

Culture and Adventure

Axumites are best known for the craftsmanship that dates back to ancient craftsmanship that dates back to ancient times.
• You will see the craftsmen behind the intricate weaving's of traditional wear
• You will see a variety of authentic Ethiopian jewelry made by the best gold and silver smith in Ethiopia

What's Included

Local tour guide
A bottle of water and hot drinks
Hotel/airport pick up and drop-off
Cup of Ethiopian aromatc coffee on the street side
Lunch
Alcoholic beverages
Tip for tour guide
Other cost not offered in this program

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
OR
Meeting point
Aksum
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 to 6 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    The Ruins of Aksum

    Experience the history, nature and culture of Ethiopia’s ancient capital on this guided excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup, learn about Axum’s fascinating history and impressive craftsmanship from a local guide and see important sites like St. Mary Zion Church and the ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace. Admire local jewelry and traditional clothing, enjoy a coffee ceremony, and hike to a beautiful mountain top monastery.

    3 hours • Admission ticket not included
  • 2
    Queen of Sheba Palace

    The structure at Dungur is popularly known as Queen of Sheba’s Palace, though archaeologists are divided over whether it was the great woman's palace or the 6th-century-AD mansion of a nobleman. Most leaned towards the latter, but the find during recent excavations of a relief carving depicting a beautiful woman (in the museum at St Mary of Zion Church) has caused some to wonder whether her palace may lie beneath the current ruins. Details Hours 8am-5.30pm Price archaeological sites combined ticket Birr50 Climb the observation tower at the back of the site for a view out over the 50-room layout. It has small undressed stones and walls recessed at intervals and unusually tapering with height. The well-preserved flagstone floor is thought to have belonged to a throne room. The palace also contains hidden treasure rooms, a private bathing area and a kitchen, where a large brick oven can still be seen. The stairwells suggest the existence of at least one upper story.

    2 hours • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by ShebaLand Tour

Tags

Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
4WD Tours
Additional fees
DSA non-compliant
Zombie
Zombie Slice
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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