As one of the oldest spots on the historical circuit, Axum has a good deal to offer for those with an interest in ancient culture, and its cobbled streets can make for fairly pleasant ambling as for as Ethiopia goes. While the Stelae Park might be the town’s ultimate draw, smaller sites such as the Gudit Stelae Field and the Ezana Inscription are also worth your time – and many are included on the same (and very reasonably priced) ticket. While these antiquities may not quite compare with the likes of those in nearby Egypt or Jordan, most are pleasantly situated on the rural and picturesque outskirts of the town and can easily be visited on foot (the Axum Walk 1 should knock off a few). Where the town lacks, however, is on almost every other front. Axum is pretty disconnected from most other places of interest in the country and is let down by its fairly innocuous list of accommodations and restaurants. But there is an airport within a few kilometres of downtown, and so if you do decide to visit the sites and leave in a snap then that’s perfectly doable – although you might find in hindsight that Axum’s one of those places you could have explored for just a little longer. – Daniel
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Top Tips
Try to get out and about in the mornings as it often rains in the afternoon.
Make sure to explore the backstreets and the greater rural environment as Axum can be very pleasant away from the main road.
Don’t count of finding chicken to eat, even though it’s on most menus. You can expect to find a good cluster of traditional restaurants here, though.
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