Tiya Stelae, Adadi Maryam, Melka Kunture & Lake Hawassa – 2 Days
Tour Overview:
Discover the cultural richness and natural beauty of southern Ethiopia on this immersive 2-day tour from Addis Ababa. Journey through historic and UNESCO-listed archaeological sites, explore a remarkable rock-hewn church, and experience wildlife encounters on Lake Awassa. From ancient stelae and prehistoric tools to hippo sightings and flamingo-filled lakes, this short tour offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture — ideal for curious travelers looking to explore beyond the capital.
Tour Highlights:
Visit the UNESCO-listed Tiya Stelae Field – mysterious ancient standing stones
Explore Adadi Maryam, a rock-hewn church carved into volcanic rock
Discover the Melka Kunture prehistoric site and museum
Enjoy an overnight stay in lakeside Awassa, a vibrant southern town
Visit the Awassa fish market and interact with local life
Take a boat trip on Lake Awassa and spot hippos in their natural habitat
Optional visit to Abiatta-Shala National Park to view flamingos and Ethiopia’s deepest lake
Day 1: Addis Ababa – Tiya – Adadi Maryam – Melka Kunture – Awassa
Depart south from Addis Ababa via Butajira, a route rich in culture and history. Along the way:
Visit Tiya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its enigmatic stone stelae, believed to mark ancient burial sites.
Explore Adadi Maryam, a rock-hewn church dating back to the 12th century, reminiscent of the churches in Lalibela but more secluded and less visited.
Discover Melka Kunture, an important prehistoric archaeological site featuring ancient stone tools and an educational museum.
Continue driving south through lush landscapes and reach Awassa by late afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel in Awassa.
Day 2: Awassa – Lake Boat Tour – Return to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, visit the local fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa, a great place to observe daily life and traditional fishing practices.
Take a boat trip on Lake Awassa, where you may spot hippos and a variety of birdlife.
Begin the drive back north to Addis Ababa.
Optional Stop (if time allows):
Visit Abiatta-Shala National Park, home to:
Lake Shala, Ethiopia’s deepest lake at 236 meters, known for its dramatic beauty
Lake Abiatta, a soda lake that attracts thousands of flamingos during certain times of the year
Arrive in Addis Ababa in the late afternoon or early evening, concluding the tour.
Includes:
- Airport transfers and road transport by private car
- Full board, including mineral water.
- Full camping equipment including tents, mattresses and sleeping bags for camping and trekking.
- Recommended to bring your own sleeping bag.
- Fees for entrances, local guides, compulsory scouts/ security personnel for activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- All government taxes for the services included in the tour price
Excludes:
- Additional food and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Souvenirs
