Set out on a captivating day trip to explore Ethiopia’s ancient wonders. Visit the rock-hewn Adadi Mariam Church, reminiscent of the famous Lalibela churches, and uncover the fascinating history of Melka Kunture, home to fossils dating back nearly two million years. With personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and included lunch, this tour offers an unforgettable experience that highlights the country’s rich cultural heritage. Prepare to be amazed as you explore the mysteries that shaped Ethiopia’s past.
Key Points
- Explore the rock-hewn Adadi Mariam Church, which resembles the famous churches of Lalibela, on a full-day tour from Addis Ababa.
- Visit the Melka Kunture archaeological site, featuring fossils nearly two million years old, providing insights into humanity’s distant past.
- Enjoy personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide and an air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable and enriching experience.
- Tour includes admission fees, lunch, coffee/tea, and bottled water, offering excellent value for money.
- Suitable for most travelers, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option available.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour from Addis Ababa allows visitors to explore two remarkable sites – the Adadi Mariam Church, which resembles the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the Melka Kunture archaeological site, home to fossils dating back nearly two million years.
The air-conditioned vehicle and included admission fees, lunch, coffee/tea, and bottled water ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience. Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, with infants required to sit on laps.
The private tour format provides personalized attention from the guide, and the experience starts at 7:00 am with pickup from a selected location.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Addis Ababa.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour’s inclusions cover an air-conditioned vehicle, all admission fees, a lunch at no extra cost, coffee and/or tea, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.
The tour experience also includes:
- A private tour for personal attention from the guide
- Accessibility for most travelers (not wheelchair accessible)
- Infants allowed to sit on laps
- No serious medical conditions required
- Confirmation received at booking, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option available.
Tour Experience and Accessibility
A private tour ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the rich cultural and historical experiences.
Most travelers can participate in this tour, though it’s not wheelchair accessible. Infants must sit on laps, and no serious medical conditions are required.
The tour provides an excellent opportunity for those seeking a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s ancient heritage, with the chance to explore the remarkable Adadi Mariam Church and the fascinating Melka Kunture archaeological site, which holds fossils dating back nearly two million years.
Meeting and Pickup Details
For this tour, travelers can select a pickup point before the 7:00 am start time.
The tour offers the following convenient pickup options:
- Addis Ababa city center
- Addis Ababa airport
- Selected hotels in Addis Ababa
- Bole International Airport
- Addis Ababa University main campus
Travelers will be picked up at their chosen location and transported in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to the first destination, the Adadi Mariam Church.
This private tour ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide throughout the day’s exploration of the ancient sites.
Booking Information
Confirmation is received at the time of booking for this tour. There are several convenient booking options available to travelers. Customers can reserve their spot now and pay later, or they can pay upfront. Regardless of the payment method, the tour provider offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers get the best deal.
Booking Options | Description |
---|---|
Reserve Now, Pay Later | Secure your spot with a deposit, then pay the remaining balance closer to the tour date. |
Pay Upfront | Pay the full amount when booking to lock in the tour. |
Lowest Price Guarantee | The tour provider promises the lowest available rate for this experience. |
Free cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours before the tour starts, providing flexibility for travelers.
Customer Reviews
Glowing reviews from satisfied customers attest to the tour’s exceptional quality.
With a perfect 5-star rating based on 4 reviews, the tour has won the hearts of all who’ve experienced it.
Customers praise:
- The knowledgeable and engaging guide who brought the history and culture alive
- The seamless organization and transportation, allowing for a stress-free experience
- The opportunity to explore fascinating archaeological sites and unique churches
- The delicious included lunch and refreshments, enhancing the overall enjoyment
- The excellent value for money, making it a must-do activity in Addis Ababa
No negative reviews have been reported, ensuring travelers can book this tour with complete confidence.
Exploring Adadi Mariam and Melka Kunture
What makes the Adadi Mariam Church and Melka Kunture archaeological site so captivating?
The Adadi Mariam Church, resembling the churches of Lalibela, is a remarkable example of rock-hewn architecture. Visitors can explore its intricate interiors and marvel at its historical significance.
Nestled nearby is the Melka Kunture archaeological site, which boasts fossils dating back nearly two million years. This site offers a glimpse into humanity’s distant past, showcasing the evolution of our ancestors.
Together, these two destinations provide a unique opportunity to explore Ethiopia’s rich history and cultural heritage, making this day trip a truly unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour overview, bottled water is included, but it’s unclear if guests can bring their own food and drinks. To be safe, it’s best to check with the tour operator before the tour.
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size?
The tour is a private experience, so there’s no minimum or maximum group size. Travelers can enjoy the personalized attention from the guide without concerns about group size.
Can I Request a Specific Pickup Time or Location?
Customers can request a specific pickup time and location for this private tour. The tour operator will work with customers to accommodate their preferences, ensuring a convenient and personalized experience.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Attire?
The tour doesn’t require any special equipment or attire. Comfortable walking shoes and casual clothing are recommended. Sunscreen and a hat may also be helpful to protect against the sun during outdoor activities.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Included in the Tour Price?
The tour price includes all admission fees, lunch, coffee/tea, and bottled water. No additional fees or costs are mentioned. However, alcoholic beverages are not specified as included in the tour price.
The Sum Up
This captivating day trip immerses visitors in Ethiopia’s rich heritage. Marvel at the incredible architecture of Adadi Mariam, then explore the fascinating history of Melka Kunture’s ancient fossils. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and included lunch, it’s an unforgettable experience that showcases the country’s remarkable legacy.
More 1-Day Tours in Addis Ababa
More Tour Reviews in Addis Ababa
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Addis Ababa we have reviewed
- Half Day Tour to Rock Hewn Church in Addis Ababa| Airport Transit Tour
- Mount Entoto View Point, Museum Palace Local Market & Food Tours
- Omo Valley Tribes Photography Tour by Locals
- TRIBES OF THE OMO VALLEY – 8 Days PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION
- Full Day Trip to Lake Wonchi
- Addis City Tour
- Day Trip to Adadi Mariyam, Tiya and Melka Kunture
- Historical and Nature Day Trip To Debre Libanos Monastery
- Day Trip to Lake Ziway
- Local Ethiopian Food Tour
- Explore the Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes and the UNESCO Site of Steles of Tiya
- Visiting the Wonders of Lalibela in Three (3) Days and Two ( 2) Nights