Day Tour to Adadi Mariam, Tiya & Melka Kunture

Discover Ethiopia’s rich heritage on this immersive Day Tour to Adadi Mariam, Tiya & Melka Kunture, combining history, archaeology, and culture. Adadi Mariam is a remarkable rock-hewn church, carved entirely out of a single piece of rock, reflecting Ethiopia’s long-standing tradition of rock-cut architecture seen in regions like Lalibela and Tigray. Built by King Lalibela in the 12th century during his visit to a holy man on Mount Ziquala, this sacred site remained hidden for centuries after regional conflicts. Today, it stands as an active Ethiopian Orthodox church, offering visitors a unique spiritual and historical experience.

Along the way, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tiya, famous for its mysterious stelae erected by ancient southern Ethiopian communities, believed to mark burial grounds of unknown warriors. Continue to Melka Kunture, a fascinating prehistoric archaeological site where early hominids once lived and crafted stone tools. Visit the open-air museum and learn about early human life, tool-making, and survival. This day trip from Addis Ababa offers a perfect blend of cultural tourism, history, and archaeological exploration.

Itinerary

  1. Our driver and guide will meet you at your hotel, home, or Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
  2. Collect a picnic lunch; we will stop at a supermarket or café to buy food, as there are limited places to eat along the route
  3. Drive out of the city toward the southwest of Addis Ababa; there may be some traffic while exiting the city
  4. After about 55 km, arrive at Melka Kunture Archaeological Site. First, visit the museum with extensive exhibits on paleontology and stone tools, then walk through the open-air site to see where early hominids made tools, lived, and processed animals
  5. Continue driving for a few minutes, then turn left onto a gravel road to reach Adadi Mariam Rock-Hewn Church. This is an active church; women are advised to cover their heads with a scarf as a sign of respect when entering
  6. Enjoy your picnic lunch before continuing to Tiya
  7. Drive about 35 km to reach Tiya, a mysterious archaeological site with ancient stelae and burial significance
  8. Drive back to Addis Ababa while enjoying the countryside and observing local farmers’ daily life
  9. Drop-off at your hotel or preferred location

End of tour