GEOTOURISM OF AXUM AND YEHA MONUMENTS, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Ethiopia constitutes one of the most significant environmental, religious and cultural reserves on Earth. The study aims to assess the geotourism of the monuments. The study has been conducted using literature review, fieldwork, data collection and production of geotourism maps and interpretations. Geosites are important resources for geotourism development in Ethiopia along the Historic route of Ethiopian tourism. This route is the main tourism corridor of the country in which geotourism knowledge is very important. Among the major geotourism sites in the study area are, Axum Stelea and its Quary Site, archaeological sites, monasteries, Adwa Volcanic Mountain Chains, palaces, rock-hewn churches, and viewpoints. Therefore, the study has concluded that knowing and understanding the geotourism (which includes geosites and historical heritages) is very important for the development of tourism in Tigray, Ethiopia.