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Big Bible, Axum, Tigrae, Ethiopia
Home Destinations Africa Ethiopia Axum

Axum

Situated in the far north of the historic circuit, this fascinating town is Ethiopia’s most ancient capital and the holiest city of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

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Once part of a huge empire which reached across the Red Sea, Axum holds many treasures.

The Ark of the Covenant, one of the most precious relics of the Judeo-Christian tradition is said to be housed in a small church compound in town, watched over and attended by a priest who has dedicated his life to tending it. A few yards from the church is a field of stone stelae, said to be the largest single pieces of standing stone in the world.

Time spent in Axum typically includes a visit to the Axum Museum, the Stelae Field, the castle of King Kaleb, King Basen’s tomb, Mai Shum (the baths of the Queen of Sheba) and the Mariamtsion Church.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Big Bible, Axum, Tigrae, Ethiopia
 

Explore Axum’s History

Visit palace ruins and burial grounds in Axum. Visit the legendary baths of the Queen of Sheba.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Aksumite Empire Ruins, Axum, Ethiopia
 

Ancient Stelae

See the colossal rock stelae, for which Axum is famous.

Suggested Holiday Idea

View over Axum, Ethiopia
 

Discover Axum

Learn about Ethiopia’s ancient capital and the holiest city of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Suggested Holiday Idea

The Chapel of the Tablet, Axum, Ethiopia
 

The Ark of the Covenant

Visit a small church that is said to house the Ark of the Covenant, one of Christianity’s most precious relics. It is watched over by a priest who has dedicated his life to this task.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Landscape, Gheralta Lodge, Tigray
Gheralta Lodge, Ethiopia
Where to stay

Gheralta Lodge

Located in the heart of the Historic Route, between Axum and Mekele, Gheralta Lodge is a comfortable and friendly base from which to explore this scenically beautiful area.

The lodge has great views over the Gheralta Mountains and its bungalow rooms are tastefully decorated in Tigray style. Owned and run by an Italian couple, the restaurant serves up hearty Italian food with ingredients grown on site.

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Idea
Ethiopia
Ethiopian Highlands including Lalibela
With an intoxicating mixture of spectacular scenery and fascinating culture and heritage, Ethiopia offers unrivalled diversity. Rock-hewn churches, monasteries and castles decorate the landscape, which has been shaped by a long and rich history that this journey aims to uncover.
9 days from $5,085pp
Rock Church of St. George in Lalibela, Ethiopia
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Idea
Ethiopia
Ultimate Helicopter Journey across Ethiopia
Journey back in time, where the history of the people and the land merge and, at times, it is difficult to determine myth from reality. Explore with the flexibility that a helicopter brings, flying low over Ethiopia’s beautiful highlands, landing in the…
from $42,460pp
Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
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Idea
Ethiopia
Ethiopia – Tribes of the Omo Valley
To travel through Ethiopia’s Omo Valley is to remind oneself that there are ways of life that still exist that are vastly different to our own. The Omo is renowned for the vibrancy and distinctiveness of its people. This trip opens up…
5 days from $5,460pp
Cattle Drive, Awash, Ehtiopia
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Need Inspiration?
Browse our Ethiopia holiday ideas.

Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea
Ethiopia
Ethiopian Highlands including Lalibela
With an intoxicating mixture of spectacular scenery and fascinating culture and heritage, Ethiopia offers unrivalled diversity. Rock-hewn churches, monasteries and castles decorate the landscape, which has been shaped by a long and rich history that this journey aims to uncover.
9 days from $5,085pp
Rock Church of St. George in Lalibela, Ethiopia
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Ethiopia
Ultimate Helicopter Journey across Ethiopia
Journey back in time, where the history of the people and the land merge and, at times, it is difficult to determine myth from reality. Explore with the flexibility that a helicopter brings, flying low over Ethiopia’s beautiful highlands, landing…
from $42,460pp
Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Ethiopia
Ethiopia – Tribes of the Omo Valley
To travel through Ethiopia’s Omo Valley is to remind oneself that there are ways of life that still exist that are vastly different to our own. The Omo is renowned for the vibrancy and distinctiveness of its people. This trip…
5 days from $5,460pp
Cattle Drive, Awash, Ehtiopia
View Holiday Idea
View all holiday ideas

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

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Explore other regions

Bale Mountains

This high altitude area is scattered with volcanic peaks, alpine lakes and rushing mountain streams that descend into deep rocky gorges on…

Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Gondar

Gondar was once the imperial capital of Ethiopia situated north of Lake Tana.

Fasilides Castle, Gondar, Ethiopia

Lake Tana

Lake Tana plays host to some of the most spectacular monasteries in Ethiopia.

Pelican flying over Tana lake, Ethiopia

Lalibela

The small Ethiopian town of Lalibela is the eighth wonder of the world and is home to one of the world's most…

Laibeila Church, Ethiopia

Omo Valley

The Omo Valley is a remote south-western enclave of Ethiopia, home to some of Africa’s oldest and most fascinating tribes.

Close up of women's dresses from Hamer tribe, Omo Valley, Ethiopia

Simien Mountains

Situated within the world heritage site of the Simien Mountains National Park, the Simien Mountains are located in northern region of Ethiopia

Simien Mountains, Ethiopia

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