Axum Ancient Kingdom Tour
Intensive exploration of the ancient Axumite civilization with comfortable flights and focused historical immersion.
This intensive 2-day tour provides comprehensive exploration of Axum, the ancient capital of one of the world’s great civilizations. The Axumite Kingdom controlled crucial trade routes between Africa and Arabia for nearly 1,000 years, rivaling Rome, Persia, and China in power and influence.
The Northern Stelae Field showcases the engineering marvels of ancient Axum, with towering granite obelisks that have stood for over 1,700 years. The largest standing obelisk reaches 24 meters high and weighs over 150 tons, representing one of the finest examples of ancient African monumental architecture. These stelae marked the burial sites of Axumite royalty and nobles.
The royal tombs of King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel offer fascinating insights into Axumite burial practices and royal customs. These underground chambers, carved from solid granite, demonstrate the sophisticated engineering skills of ancient Ethiopian craftsmen and provide tangible connections to the kingdom’s golden age.
The ruins attributed to the Queen of Sheba connect Axum to biblical and Islamic traditions, representing the legendary meeting place of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. According to Ethiopian tradition, their son Menelik I founded the Ethiopian imperial dynasty and brought the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia.
The Church of St. Mary of Zion stands as Ethiopia’s holiest site, believed to house the original Ark of the Covenant. This sacred location has served as the coronation site for Ethiopian emperors for centuries and remains the spiritual heart of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity.
The Axum Archaeological Museum houses an impressive collection of Axumite artifacts, including ancient coins, inscriptions, and religious objects that illuminate daily life in this powerful ancient kingdom.
This focused tour allows deep appreciation of Axumite civilization’s achievements while providing efficient travel through domestic flights, making it perfect for history enthusiasts and those seeking to understand Ethiopia’s ancient heritage.
Tour Highlights
- Giant obelisks and stelae field of the ancient Axumite Kingdom
- King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel royal burial tombs
- Queen of Sheba's Palace ruins and archaeological sites
- Church of St. Mary of Zion (Ark of the Covenant location)
- Axum Archaeological Museum with ancient artifacts
- Local markets for cultural souvenirs and crafts
- Comfortable domestic flights for efficient travel
- Focused historical and cultural exploration
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Addis Ababa – Flight to Axum – Northern Axum Highlights
Morning flight Addis Ababa ✈ Axum. Arrival and transfer to hotel. Visit Northern Axum Sites: Stelae Field – giant obelisks of the ancient Axumite Kingdom. King Kaleb and King Gebre Meskel Tombs – explore royal burial sites. Afternoon visit to Queen of Sheba's Palace ruins and Archaeological Museum. Overnight in Axum.
Day 2: Axum – Church of St. Mary of Zion & Return Flight
Morning visit to the Church of St. Mary of Zion, where the Ark of the Covenant is traditionally kept. Explore nearby historical sites and local markets for cultural souvenirs. Afternoon flight Axum ✈ Addis Ababa. End of tour in Addis Ababa.
What's Not Included
- Domestic flights
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic drinks
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