Ethiopia & East Africa · office in Gondar · Open daily · 8:00 - 18:00 (East Africa Time)
Northern Highlands
The ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire, famed for towering stelae, royal tombs and a history spanning nearly two millennia.
Axum was the heart of the Aksumite Empire, one of the great civilisations of the ancient world, which flourished from around the 1st century AD.
Its legacy survives in the giant carved stelae, underground tombs, and a landscape dotted with centuries of history. For many travellers it's the deepest, most atmospheric of Ethiopia's historical sites.
Don't miss the famous stelae field, the archaeological museum, and the fascinating local culture around the ancient obelisks.
Giant carved obelisks, relics of the ancient kingdom of Aksum.
Underground royal tombs and the site's archaeological museum.
An important and much-revered church in Ethiopian tradition.
Most travellers arrive through Addis Ababa's Bole International Airport, then fly or drive north. We arrange every flight, transfer and road leg as part of your itinerary.
Read the transport guideDomestic flights link the capital with Gondar, Lalibela, Axum and Bahir Dar across the northern circuit.
We arrange airport and hotel transfers as part of every itinerary.
The northern circuit can be driven between sites by private 4x4, which we arrange for you.
Stand among the towering granite stelae of an empire that traded across the ancient world.
Descend into underground royal tombs carved from the rock.
Visit the Church of St. Mary of Zion, central to Ethiopian Orthodox tradition.
Experience one of Africa's most profound and atmospheric historical sites.
Castles, churches and Lake Tana
Journey the legendary northern circuit — Gondar's castles, the churches of Lalibela, the stelae of Axum and the monasteries of Lake Tana.
Stelae, sacred arklands and churches in the sky
From the ancient stelae of Axum to the cliff-clinging rock churches of Gheralta — a deep dive into the cradle of Ethiopian Orthodoxy.
Every wonder of the north in one journey
The complete northern odyssey — Simien trekking, Gondar, Tana, Axum, the Tigray cliff churches, Lalibela and the Danakil in one grand loop.
The astonishing history of Ethiopia — the rock churches of Lalibela, castles of Gondar, stelae of Axum, monasteries of Lake Tana and the walled city of Harar.
Learn moreYes, and it's a well-trodden route. Our Northern Historical Route connects Gondar, Axum, Lake Tana and Lalibela in one journey.
Most travellers enjoy a full day — the stelae field, tombs and museum deserve unhurried attention.
Most travellers combine this destination with another — the northern circuit, the Danakil, the Omo Valley or beyond. See which places fit your route.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crown of the Ethiopian highlands — the 'Roof of Africa' — where sheer escarpments fall thousands of metres.
The 'Camelot of Africa' — an imperial city of castles, churches and a rich royal history in Ethiopia's northwest highlands.
Home to the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's great pilgrimage destinations.
Send us an inquiry and we'll help you build the perfect itinerary — tours, timing and logistics included.
