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Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam: Scenic Drive & Countryside Exploration in Ethiopia
Escape from Addis Ababa on a scenic drive to Melka Kuntre, Tiya, and Adadi Mariam. Immerse yourself in the countryside of Ethiopia and learn about the ancient stele field and the traditional production of Ensset (kocho).
Escape from Addis Ababa on a scenic drive to Melka Kuntre, Tiya, and Adadi Mariam. Immerse yourself in the countryside of Ethiopia and learn about the ancient stele field and the traditional production of Ensset (kocho).
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Melka Kunture - Melka Kunture is a Stone Age site dating back between 1.5 and 1.8 million years, showcasing numerous Stone Age tools from early Homo sapiens. These collections are the result of excavations conducted over the past forty years. The samples are displayed in exhibition rooms, accompanied by excellent scientific explanations about…
- Melka Kunture - Melka Kunture is a Stone Age site dating back between 1.5 and 1.8 million years, showcasing numerous Stone Age tools from early Homo sapiens. These collections are the result of excavations conducted over the past forty years. The samples are displayed in exhibition rooms, accompanied by excellent scientific explanations about Stone Age tools and the site itself.
- Tiya - A drive of approximately 83 km will take visitors to the archaeological sites of Tiya, an ancient stele field and UNESCO World Heritage site, notable for its large stone pillars, many of which feature decorative elements.
- Adadi Maryam - Adadi Maryam is located along this route and is the only rock-hewn church in the region. Although not as meticulously carved as the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, it shares many similarities with them and the rock-hewn churches of Tigray.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water included
- Lunch provided
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- All fuel surcharges included
- Tea and coffee available
- Private transportation
- Bottled water included
- Lunch provided
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- All fuel surcharges included
- Tea and coffee available
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Our clients will have escaping tour from Addis Ababa and see the countryside part of Ethiopia with scenic drive to the sites of Melka Kuntre Stone Age site then drive to Adadi Mariam heading to Tiya (ancient stele field and UNESCO World Heritage site)
-
You will have the chance immerse in the village of Tiya and learn how they make Ensset
(kocho) from the falls banana tree. It is staple food for the southern people.
Our clients will have escaping tour from Addis Ababa and see the countryside part of Ethiopia with scenic drive to the sites of Melka Kuntre Stone Age site then drive to Adadi Mariam heading to Tiya (ancient stele field and UNESCO World Heritage site)
-
You will have the chance immerse in the village of Tiya and learn how they make Ensset
(kocho) from the falls banana tree. It is staple food for the southern people.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(9 Ratings)
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1 star
Fabba8
Feb 16, 2025
Unforgettable trip - The trip together with my tourguide Capital was fantastic! Everything was perfectly organised and it was an unforgettable experience! The sites were very impressive, I liked the most Tiya with its amazing and beautiful monoliths.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chelinmiller
Feb 11, 2025
Great archaeological tour near Addis - A very well organised tour, we saw the beautiful landscape around Addis Ababa when the end of harvest season for teff was in full swing. Very good explanations of the archaeological sites, for security reasons we couldn’t visit the church, a good call on our guide’s part -(Beki), who looked after our wellbeing and security. Amazing archaeological finds, followed by a lovely traditional coffee ceremony with a charming family, delicious lunch, a great experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cristinaam5484vv
Sep 9, 2024
Viva Oromia - I had a long layover at the airport and I took the opportunity to take this tour, which was an unforgettable experience. The guide Capital and the driver Result went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and gave me all kinds of explanations about everything I asked. Also, since I had plenty of time, they offered to show me around Addis Ababa and take me to all the places I wanted to visit. What could have been an endless wait at the airport, turned into a fantastic day that allowed me to get to know Ethiopia and its people a little bit. Thank you very much Capital and Result!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Abbyc447
Aug 4, 2024
Fantastic cultural and food experience - Had a wonderful day with Beki and driver who made me feel very comfortable and safe as a solo female traveller. Beki is very knowledgeable and friendly and provided an excellent tour of the amazing world heritage sites- Tiya Stelae and Melka Kuntre. I also enjoyed the traditional food and coffee we shared at a local restaurant along the way, as well as seeing how kotjo (a bread made from the false banana plant) was made (it’s delicious!). I would highly recommend this tour with Beki!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
550ullak
Nov 15, 2023
unforgettable and enriching tour with many cultural and natural highlights - We went on a 4-day tour to the Highlands and Rift Valley south of Addis. It was a wonderful and unforgettable experience. First we visited three very interesting historical sights: the archaeological site of Melka Kuntre, the wonderful Adadi Mariam rock-hewn church and the Tiya stele field, a Unesco World Heritage Site. We also visited a farming family and learned about the processing and preparation of False Banana. From a viewpoint on the way to Ziway, we had a breathtaking view of the Rift Valley before the road winds down into the valley. On the second day there was an exciting boat trip on the huge Lake Ziway to an island with hundreds of birds and to a very enchanted monastery island, rounded off with a visit to the best fish restaurant in town. At Lake Langano we were then able to relax and swim at the idyllic Sabana Beach Resort. The visit to Abijata Shalla National Park on the third day was another highlight with a hike through the breathtaking landscape, where we saw lots of pelicans, flamingos and other water birds as well as antelopes, ostriches and a jackal. We were particularly fascinated by the hot springs. All in all, it was a very impressive and unforgettable experience. My guests, who were in Ethiopia for the first time, got a great impression of the country. Beki is a wonderful tour guide. He knows how to explain the culture of his country in a very interesting and sensitive way and has in-depth background knowledge. It's a pleasure to travel with him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anne
Nov 29, 2022
Rewarding day trip - Very rewarding day trip south of Addis Ababa. We did a lot. We visited an archaeological excavation where 1.8 million-year-old stone tools were found, we saw grave sites from the 13th century, a church excavated in a mountain. We also got to see how juniper, fake banana tree, is prepared so that it becomes edible.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_s
Oct 18, 2021
Highly enjoyable - Highly enjoyable, very competent and sympathetic guida and driver. We had a great time. The sights were fantastic and interesting
Review provided by Viator
515rph
Jan 2, 2020
Mercato Adventures & an Excursion too! - I was visiting Addis solo on business, and needed to split up my site seeing over two different days. The first afternoon Beki gave me a wonderful afternoon guided tour of the Mercato with a coffee stop along the way. The Mercato would have been overwhelming for me to do solo. We were able to see all the different areas from spices to metal working to recycling and more! Quite a unique functioning market. Some of my best trip pictures are from here!
My second trip with Beki was also very informative. This was the all day "Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam". This was a great chance to get out of the city to see more of the country but also learn about history, religion and culture.
I appreciated the on-time hotel pick ups, the ability to clearly explain points of interest, safe driving, and overall the non-rushed and enjoyable set of tours! If/when I go back to Ethiopia, I'll be looking up East Africa Tour Operators again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Charicesheng
Nov 16, 2019
Super perfect trip to southern Ethiopia - We went there in early October this year via the 'Fly Africa' platform and the owner, Beki, was very welcoming and accompanied us the whole time along with the plane. In addition to taking us on the regular southern route (Tiya, Hamo, Lip Pan, etc.), it also took us through a lot of unique features and gave us lots of small gifts that we loved. In short, the trip was perfect and thanks to the very low prices that Smooth Africa helped us secure. If I ever get the chance to play upstate again, I'll find them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
