Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On the first seven days of each month (on the Ethiopian calendar), St Mary of Zion's rep-
lica Ark (the original replica) is paraded through the streets surrounding the church com-
pound to request forgiveness from God. The procession starts at 5am and includes a short
'special mass' in front of Da'Ero Ela fig tree.
Tours
The following specialise in trips to the rock-hewn churches of Tigray (
Click here
)
, but
can take you anywhere.
Abune Yemata Tours & Travel
Offline map
( 0911-532526;
www.abuneyematatours.com
)
At Africa Hotel; it's best for travellers
looking to join other travellers to share costs.
TOURS
Covenant Tours
(
TOURS
0347-752642;
www.covenantethiopia.com
)
Reliable, with many years of experience.
Sleeping
Rooms become scarce and prices rise during major festivals. Reservations are essential.
Budget hotels are better value here than in any other tourist town in the north, but at top-
tier hotels, you should always ask for a discount.
HOTEL
Africa Hotel $
( 0347-753700;
www.africahotelaxum.com
;
s/d/tw/tr Birr175/200/250/300;
)
With an eager (too much sometimes) and engaged owner, this place offers a
smooth stay and is easily the most popular budget guesthouse in town, so it's a good place
to meet other travellers. The rooms are simple and bright and the bathrooms very clean.
There's also a restaurant with mediocre food. Call for a free airport transfer.
Abyssinia Hotel $
Offline map
( 0347-751043; tw without bathroom Birr120, d Birr100)
A clean and comfortable
hotel that has yet to discover
faranji
pricing. One of the ensuite rooms lacks hot water, as
HOTEL
