Axum Guided Tour: Ancient Obelisks & Ark of the Covenant

Walk among 6th-century obelisks and enter the church that guards Christianity's most sacred relic

A full-day guided tour of Axum covers the monolithic obelisks, royal tombs and palace ruins of the ancient Axumite Civilization, then visits the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, claimed to contain the Ark of the Covenant. The guide leads you through the massive stelae and stone monuments that mark where the Kingdom of Aksum once rivaled Rome and Persia, then into the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church at the heart of the town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Axum's ancient sites

• Visit Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion
• Explore ruins of ancient city of Aksum

The experience

Seven to nine hours takes you through the ruins of ancient Aksum, the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia from the 1st century onward. The monolithic obelisks and giant stelae still stand where they were raised over 1,500 years ago, alongside royal tombs and the remains of ancient castles. Your guide walks you through the site and explains what each monument marks: the political heart of an empire that shaped the region long after its decline in the 10th century, when Ethiopian emperors still returned here to be crowned.

The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion sits in the town of Axum itself. It is an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and it is claimed to contain the Ark of the Covenant. The guide takes you inside to see the church and its significance to Ethiopian Christianity and to the broader history of the faith in the Horn of Africa.

An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up and carries you between the sites. Bottled water, coffee or tea, and lunch are provided during the day, so you do not need to arrange meals or worry about dehydration in the heat. The guide speaks English and knows the history of each ruin and the church, answering questions as you move through the site.

What’s included

• An air-conditioned vehicle with pickup.
• an English-speaking guide.
• bottled water.
• coffee and tea.
• lunch.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (under 12)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gelila Ethiopia Tours

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want both archaeological sites and the sacred church in one full day, starting from your hotel rather than a central meeting point.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (under 12).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the monolithic obelisks of Axum, and how old are they?

The monolithic obelisks are massive stone monuments carved from single blocks and raised in the ancient city of Aksum between the 1st and 13th centuries AD. The most impressive ones date to the 6th and 7th centuries and mark royal tombs and the ceremonial center of the Axumite Kingdom, one of the ancient world's great powers.

Is the Ark of the Covenant actually in the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion?

The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Axum is claimed to contain the Ark of the Covenant, and the church holds immense significance in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. Your guide will explain the church's history and its role in Ethiopian faith and culture when you visit.

How long does the tour last, and what does it include?

The tour runs seven to nine hours and includes an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup, an English-speaking guide, bottled water, coffee or tea, and lunch. All fees and taxes are covered in the price.

Do I need my own transportation to get to Axum, or is pickup provided?

Pickup is included, so you do not need to arrange a car. The guide and driver collect you and return you after the tour ends. Public transportation options are also available nearby if you prefer to make your own way to the meeting point.