Hidar Tsion: Feast of the Ark of the Covenant in Ancient Axum 4 Days

Journey to the spiritual cradle of Ethiopian civilization for Hidar Tsion: the ancient annual feast commemorating the arrival and sanctuary of the Ark of the Covenant in the sacred northern holy city of Axum (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Witness hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, clergy, and deacons gathered in reverent white robes around the ancient granite stelae and the sacred grounds of the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion.

Tour Highlights

• Participate in the legendary Hidar Tsion all-night prayer vigil on the sacred grounds of the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, the sanctuary where the biblical Ark of the Covenant is guarded.
• Walk among the monumental towering granite obelisks in the Northern Stelae Field, engineering marvels standing up to 24 meters tall.
• Explore the subterranean royal tombs of King Kaleb and Gebre Meskel, and the ancient stone inscriptions of King Ezana.
• Visit the archaeological ruins of Dungur (Palace of the Queen of Sheba) and the ancient rock reservoir known as Mai Shum.

Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Arrival in Ancient Axum & Stelae Exploration — Fly from Addis Ababa to Axum. Tour the Northern Stelae Park, Axum Archaeological Museum, and King Ezana’s trilingual stone inscription.
• Day 2: Queen of Sheba Palace & Hidar Tsion Eve Vigil — Morning visit to Dungur Palace ruins and the Tombs of Kings Kaleb and Gebre Meskel. In the evening, join the thousands of faithful assembling at St. Mary of Zion for the opening festive chants.
• Day 3: The Grand Feast of Hidar Tsion — Early morning attendance at the main feast liturgy. Witness the solemn procession of sacred parish Tabots, the rhythmic beating of traditional kebero drums, and the mesmerizing liturgical dances of the clergy.
• Day 4: Ancient Monastery of Yeha & Return to Addis Ababa — Morning excursion to Yeha (5th century BC Temple of the Moon), Ethiopia’s oldest standing building. Afternoon transfer to Axum airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa.