3 Days Addis Ababa Surrounding
Overview
Since its establishment in the 19th century, Addis Ababa has always seemed like a magical portal, a gateway to another world. For the rural masses of Ethiopia, it was, and is, a city whose streets are paved in gold; for a foreign visitor, the gateway of Addis Ababa is at the verge of an ancient and mystical world. And yet, Addis – Africa’s fourth-largest city and its diplomatic capital – is also a sprawling city that many foreign visitors try to transit as quickly as possible. But take note: by skipping out on the contradictions of this complex city you run the risk of failing to understand Ethiopia altogether. And apart from anything else, Addis is the best place in the country to sample Ethiopian food, and has some wonderful museums and places to stay.
Tour Plan
Depart Addis Ababa at 07:30 AM. At slightly over 100 km from Addis Ababa, Debre Libanos is one of the best day trips from the Ethiopian capital. The church is monumental and pretty awful on the outside, but the stained-glass windows are attractive. Debre Libanos has one of the most interesting church museums in Ethiopia. Besides the usual ecclesiastical items, there are Italian guns, giant cooking pots, crowns of past emperors and their wives, musical instruments, and old wooden shackles. Fifteen minutes up the hills from the monastery is the cave of Tekla Haimanot, the monastery founder, where the saint is said to have done all his praying. It is also the source of Debre Libanos' famed holy water. Finally, we will take you to the Portuguese Bridge located at the Blue Nile Gorge, where you can admire the stunning landscapes and observe the unique Ethiopian endemic baboons known as Chelada Baboons. You'll also have the opportunity to spot various Ethiopian birds. Overnight stay Bonzana Hotel in Addis Ababa.
Discover the Wenchi Crater Lake on a day trip from Addis Ababa. Enjoy a hike through the lush woodlands, take in the views of the deep blue water, and see the volcanic peaks. Start your day with a pickup from your hotel in Addis Ababa. Travel to the Wenchi Crater Lake, located in a volcanic crater at an altitude of roughly 3,000 meters above sea level. Admire the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area. Explore the vibrant greenery and thick woodlands of the Wenchi Natural Area. See the striking contrast of the deep blue water with the volcanic peaks. The region boasts a wealth of biodiversity, featuring native trees, plants, and numerous bird species. Follow your guide on a hike through the untouched woodlands, offering superb chances for bird watching and engaging with the natural world. The area is also enriched by hot springs and waterfalls, enhancing its natural beauty. Overnight stay Bonzana Hotel in Addis Ababa
Adadi Maryam
Drive 62 south of Addis Ababa to Adadi Mariam. On the way stop at viewpoints to see the Geat East African Rift Valley. At Adadi Mariam, visit the unique still functional church which was carved out of a single piece of rock in the 13th Century AD by the famous King Lalibela.
Tiya World Heritage Site
At Tiya World Heritage Site, visit about 40 huge stone grave markers erected in memory of local heros between the 12th to the 14th Century AD.
Melka Kunture
Take a guided tour to visit exhibits of ancient stone tools and fossils displayed in four sections. Focus of the exhibits and archaeological findings are on Prehistoric Africa, Geology, Paleoanthropology, and Prehistory of Melka Kunture. Visit also the “Open Air Museum’, actual excavation site, which is older than 800,000 years. Overnight stay Bonzana Hotel in Addis Ababa
Included/Exclude
- Accommodation with breakfast Professional tour guide
- Comfortable transportation All entrances fees
- Boat excursion fees
- Breakfast
- Photo and video fees
- Unlimited bottles of water Ethiopia Traditional Coffees
- Tips
- Dinner
- Personal expenses
