Axum & Adwa (Dungur Tours)
I enjoyed an amazing 2 days and 2-night tours with Dungur Tours this mid-October 2025 (2018 in Ethiopia calendar) and I can’t recommend Ephrem and his team enough. Upon my arrival in Axum, I was immediately greeted by Ephrem & shortly after his assistant Kuruf who was waiting by the tour bus. The two were extremely welcoming, the tour bus immaculately clean with a bottle of water waiting for me.
Day 1: Axum
Our first stop from the airport was the hotel. En route Ephrem answered all questions I had with complete confidence & knowledge. He also showed & explained much about the region.
At the hotel Kuruf showed me to my room, where he ensured everything was set and in order for me. After check-in the official tour again. From there the tour began with our visit to Dungur Place. Here is where we visited the ancient ruins of Queen of Sheba’s ( Makeda) Palace.
The second stop was a hike at Gobo Dura Mountains (presumably where the stelae's were taken from and brought to town’s center in Axum. While hiking we also stopped by the Lion of Gobo Dura petroglyph. The hike was about 1.75 miles round trip.
The next stop was Queen of Sheba’sPool then King Ezana’s Inscription and ancient landmark was discovered by 3 shepherds while shepherding in the early twentieth century. I was impressed by the preservation of the inscription and how intact it still is from the fourth century AD. After the inscription we spend the rest of the evening spending time at three key places in the town’s square. We stopped by Northern Stelae Park where the world famous steales are located as well as King Rahmy’s Tomb and the Axum Archaeological Museum. At the Archaeological Museum I received a private tour from Geeau, a historian and scholar on the local artifacts and history of the area. From the museum I went to St. Mary of Zion Church (believed to house the Ark of the Covenant) and was greeted by Priest Kokob. Each guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming to questions.
Day 2: Adwa Mountains & Yeha
On day 2 we left Axum at 9:00 AM sharp and headed to the Yeha Temple in the Adwa mountains. The temple of Yeha is noted as Ethiopia’s oldest standing structure. At Yeha I was guided by Kidane who was well versed on the history of the ancient ruins and the local area. On the way to and from Yeha, I was mesmerized by the breathtaking views and stunning landscape of the Adwa Mountains. Adwa is notably known as the place where the Ethiopians defeated the Italians in the late nineteenth century. I also enjoyed seeing the teff fields at different stages growing in the region. Upon our return to Axum, we visited King Kaleb’s Tomb and Palace, Saint Yared’s Statue and then St. George’s Gallery in town.
This trip was a part of a trip of a lifetime. Dungur Tours made every aspect of the journey informative, memorable and comfortable. Ephrem with Dungur Tours is an excellent and enthusiastic guide. He is extremely responsive and caring. I was impressed by his passion and love for the region and all he does. He is an honest man of integrity who delivers first class service.
Dungur Tour was all inclusive providing accommodation at Greener Boutique Hotel, all transportation and entrance fees, and knowledgeable guides at all notable locations. All meals and non-alcoholic drinks were also included in the total price.
Overall, I left Axum with a deeper appreciation for its cultural heritage, historical gems and religious impact on all of Ethiopia and the greater red sea area. Axum and the warmth of its people was a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of Addis Ababa.
I highly recommend Ephrem with Dungur Tours for travel within the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Ephrem can be reached at +251911553405 |
[email protected]. His website is www.dungurethiopiatours.com.