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:
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Visit the UNESCO-listed Tiya Stelae Field – mysterious ancient standing stones
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Explore Adadi Maryam, a rock-hewn church carved into volcanic rock
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Discover the Melka Kunture prehistoric site and museum
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Enjoy an overnight stay in lakeside Awassa, a vibrant southern town
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Visit the Awassa fish market and interact with local life
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Take a boat trip on Lake Awassa and spot hippos in their natural habitat
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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:
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Visit Tiya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its enigmatic stone stelae, believed to mark ancient burial sites.
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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.
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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
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After breakfast, visit the local fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa, a great place to observe daily life and traditional fishing practices.
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Take a boat trip on Lake Awassa, where you may spot hippos and a variety of birdlife.
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Begin the drive back north to Addis Ababa.
Optional Stop (if time allows):
Visit Abiatta-Shala National Park, home to:
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Lake Shala, Ethiopia’s deepest lake at 236 meters, known for its dramatic beauty
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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
