Delve into Ethiopia's early history from the stone age through to rock-hewn churches and the mysterious medieval stelae field of Tiya.
- See artefacts excavated from across Ethiopia at the Melka Kunture museum
- Visit an open-air excavation and a prehistoric animal butchering site
- Step back in time at the Adadi Mariam rock-hewn church
- Explore the mysterious stelae field at Tiya
One of the most important pre-historic sites in Ethiopia, Melka Kunture was occupied intermittently for 1.8 million years from the Early Stone Age into the New Stone Age.
Built during the 12th or 13th Century, Adadi Mariam is the southernmost of Ethiopia's rock-hewn churches still in existence. Local tradition associates it with King Lalibela's visit to the area in 1106, and there are certainly similarities between it and the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
The mysterious stelae field at Tiya is a place that invites much speculation. Recently restored and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nobody really knows who carved the stelae, or why, although recent excavations suggest that they act as grave markers dating from about 700 years ago. It has been suggested that the site at Tiya marks the boundary between Christian and pagan religions in medieval Ethiopia.
This is a day trip from Addis Ababa. Early in the morning, you will meet with your driver and guide either at our office in the Itegue Taitu Hotel (near the Piaza) or at your hotel, by prior arrangement. The journey to Melka Kunture prehistoric site takes just over an hour. Here, you will be shown round the museum and excavations by a local guide. The drive to see the rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam takes you deep into the countryside, where people still live and work the land in very traditional ways. After a guided tour of the church of Adadi Mariam, you will have lunch in a local cafe, where there will be the chance to try some traditional dishes. After lunch, you'll continue your journey on to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Tiya. A small museum explains the history and significance of the site, along with other stellae fields across the country. You will then return to Addis Ababa in the late afternoon.
Services Included
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An experienced professional English-speaking local guide
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Private vehicle transport from Addis Ababa and back
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Lunch
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Entrance fees
Services Not Included
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Tips for staff
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Miscellaneous expenses – alcoholic drinks, souvenirs etc.
Upcoming group tour dates:
Saturday 18th March 2023 (confirmed departure)
If you are interested in this tour, we can also arrange dates to suit you so please contact us.
Alternatively, you can book direct via Viator or Trip Advisor.
Prices
The cost of this itinerary depends on your group size.
A tour for 1 person costs 15,011 ETB (279 USD / 256 EUR / 226 GBP).
A tour for 2 people costs 7,901 ETB (147 USD / 135 EUR / 119 GBP) per person.
A tour for 3 or more people costs 5,530 ETB (103 USD / 94 EUR / 83 GBP) per person.
Please see the further details tab for information about services included.
A deposit is required upon booking. For more details, please see our FAQ page, or read our full terms and conditions.
Activities
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