Ethiopia · Archaeology

2-Day Melka Kunture and Lake Awasa Tour from Addis Ababa

2 Days Round trip from Turn west 100m south of Awash river bridge and drive 1 km. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Melka Kunture, known for hominid remains and artifacts dating back over 1.8 million years
02 Visit Adadi Maryam, a rock-hewn church similar to the churches of Lalibela
03 See the UNESCO-listed Tiya stele field, one of Ethiopia's World Heritage Sites
04 Stroll through the local fish market on the shores of Lake Awasa
05 Take a boat trip on Lake Awasa to spot hippos
06 Visit Lake Abiatta and Lake Shala in Abiatta-Shala National Park

Visit the archaeological sites of Melka Kunture and the rock-hewn church of Adadi Maryam on this 2-day tour from Addis Ababa. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Tiya stele field before travelling to Awasa for an overnight stay. The experience also includes a stroll through the local fish market on the shores of Lake Awasa, a boat trip to see hippos, and visits to Lake Shala and Lake Abiatta in Abiatta-Shala National Park.

Depart south from Addis Ababa via Butajira and visit the archaeological sites of Melka Kunture, famous for their hominid remains and artifacts dating back more than 1.8 million years.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Addis Ababa, Awassa, Lalibela, Tiya, Butajira, Abijatta-Shalla National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Melka Kunture, Adadi Maryam, and Tiya Stele Field

Depart south from Addis Ababa via Butajira and visit the archaeological sites of Melka Kunture, famous for their hominid remains and artifacts dating back more than 1.8 million years.
Continue to Adadi Maryam, a rock-hewn church similar to the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
Visit the Tiya stele field, another attraction along this route. The site is one of Ethiopia's nine World Heritage Sites recorded by UNESCO.
Lunch at Tiya.

Dinner and overnight in Awasa.

Day 02

Lake Awasa, Hippos, and Abiatta-Shala National Park

After breakfast, visit the local fish market on the shores of Lake Awasa.
Take a boat trip on the lake to visit the hippos.
Return north to Addis Ababa.
Visit Abiatta-Shala National Park. Lake Shala, with its deep blue waters, is the deepest lake in Ethiopia at 236 m.
Visit Lake Abiatta, a soda lake where thousands of flamingos can be seen at various times of the year.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Turn west 100m south of Awash river bridge and drive 1 km. 6 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport - all transfers and ground transportation by A/C 15-seat latest Toyota minibus or 4WD latest Toyota Land Cruiser with a driver, fuel, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Tour guides - guided by a professional English-speaking guide.
Accommodation based on B/B (bed and breakfast).
Drinks - non-alcoholic soft drinks and two liters of bottled water per person per day.
Fees and payments - all entrance fees as per the program, porters' fees at airports and hotels, and 15% government tax.