quicklinks > request itinerary : other regions in Ethiopia
Ethiopia:
Axum
Axum is a city in northern Ethiopia named after the long lived Kingdom of Aksum, a naval and trading power that ruled from 400 BC into the 10th century - nearly 1,500 years. The town is littered with the ruins of palaces, underground tombs and mysterious monolithic stelaes, among other historical relics. The founding of the Empire of Axum in the 4th century BC is often taken as the starting point of the Ethiopian civilisation.
Axum was the crowning place for the emperors of Ethiopia until Ras Tafari, Emperor Haile Selassie. The church St Mary of Zion is the place where, according to tradition - and later researched by the journalist Graham Hancock in his book, ‘The Sign and the Seal’ - the Ark of the Covenant resides. The decline of the Axum Empire started with the rising of Islam in Arabia and its growth in Africa and Asia. Axum got shut off from her trading partners and populations in the region revolted against a weakening centre.
The town is also home to several stunning monasteries, including “Debre Damo”.
In and around Axum
The monolithic stelaes and the church of St Mary of Zion are the major sights to visit in Axum. We will also recommend that you visit the monastery of Debre Damo, located just outside of Axum.
quicklinks > request itinerary : other regions in Ethiopia
Other regions in Ethiopia
Axum is a city in northern Ethiopia named after the long lived Kingdom of Aksum, a naval and trading power that ruled from 400 BC into the 10th century - nearly 1,500 years.
Bahir Dar is situated on the southern shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile.
The Bale Mountains National Park, which protects over 2,400 square kilometres of pristine plains, woodlands and bush land, is home to a multitude of unique flora and fauna species, as well as several endemic species of mammal.
The Ethiopian Rift Valley lakes are the northernmost of the African Rift Valley lakes.
Gondar, which used to be the royal capital city of Ethiopia from 1666 to 1864, was founded by Emperor Fasiladas in 1635.
Harar is considered a Muslim holy city, and within its walls are no less then 90 mosques.
Lalibela, formerly known as Roha, is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities
The Omo River Valley in south western Ethiopia is home to a number of tribes, living life much like they have for centuries.
The Simiens, which includes Ras Deshen is Ethiopia's highest mountain, are in the north-western corner of the country.
