Mariam Zion - (Celebration of Saint Mary of Axum):

One of the most fascinating and advanced legendary (may be real history) of Ethiopia is The Ark (lost) of The covenant In Axum, it is widely believed by some scholars and Ethiopians that the Ark is currently being held in the Church of Saint Mary of Zion, guarded by a monk known as the "Keeper of the Ark," who claims to have it in his possession. According to the Axum Christian community, they acquired the Ark during the reign of Solomon, when his son Menelik, whose mother was the Queen of Sheba, stole the Ark after a visit to Jerusalem. While in the not-so-distant past the "Ark" has been brought out for Christian holidays, its keeper has not done so for several years due to the tumultuous political situation in the country.

Axum Zion (Hidar Zion) is associated with the presence of the Ark of the Covenant in Axum .This festival is attended by tens of thousands of people from all over the World during 27-31November every year, making it one of the most joyous annual pilgrimages in Axum, the "sacred city of the Ethiopians."

Program: Hidar Zion
Code: E1039
Duration: 10 Nights (11 days)
Transport: Air