8-Hour Heritage Tour of Tiya, Melka Kunture and Adadi Mariam

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Melka Kunture, one of Ethiopia's most important archaeological landscapes, with evidence of early human activity stretching back more than a million years
• 02 Walk among the carved stelae of Tiya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site decorated with swords, geometric patterns, and debated symbols
• 03 Visit Adadi Mariam, a rock-hewn church attributed by local tradition to King Lalibela and still active as a place of worship
• 04 Travel through the rolling farmland and villages of the southern Ethiopian Highlands
• 05 Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian lunch at a local countryside restaurant

Discover Ethiopia's ancient heritage on a full-day journey south from Addis Ababa through the scenic highlands, where rolling farmland, small villages, and everyday rural life set the backdrop for visits to three remarkable historic sites. Explore Melka Kunture, one of Ethiopia's most important archaeological landscapes, walk among the UNESCO-listed carved stelae of Tiya, and visit Adadi Mariam, a rock-hewn church still active as a place of worship. Along the way, enjoy a traditional Ethiopian lunch in the countryside and gain insight into the region's history, from prehistoric life to medieval monuments and living religious tradition.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Addis Ababa, Tiya

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Melka Kunture, Tiya, and Adadi Mariam in the Southern Highlands

Discover Ethiopia's ancient heritage on a full-day journey to Tiya, Melka Kunture, and Adadi Mariam, exploring UNESCO-listed stelae, prehistoric archaeological sites, and a remarkable rock-hewn church surrounded by scenic highland landscapes.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within Addis Ababa.
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver.
• Professional English-speaking local guide.
• Entrance fees to Melka Kunture, Tiya, and Adadi Mariam.
• Traditional Ethiopian lunch.
• Bottled drinking water.
• All government taxes and service charges.

What's Not Included

• Personal expenses and souvenirs.
• Tips and gratuities.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

If at the airport, just outside the international or domestic terminal.

Tour start

Pickup is available from Bole International Airport or any hotel, guesthouse, or accommodation within Addis Ababa

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.