Optionally you may choose the following tours:
* Melka Kunture, Adadi Mariam & Tiya: Duration: Full-Day
AM - depart south-west of Addis Ababa for visiting:
- Melka-Kunture (50km) where fossils of pre history age and more than 1.5 million years stone tools have been discovered.
- Adadi Mariam Cave Church (17km further) believed to date back to the 13th century and gives a good indication of the Lalibela 12th century rock-hewn churches.
- 35 km drive from turn-off to Adadi Maryam you reach Tiya Stelae Fields where prehistoric monoliths somewhat similar to the Axum stelae are seen.
- Picnic lunch en-route and afternoon easy drive back to Addis Ababa.
* Debre Libanos & Blue Nile Gorge: Duration: Full-Day
AM - depart overland for a full day excursion to the Blue Nile Gorge situated 210km north of Addis Ababa:
- To reach the Blue Nile Gorge the road passes through high moorland, dotted with picturesque villages. After about 100km drive is the renowned monastery of Debre Libanos, founded in the 13th century in a magnificent 700m-high canyon.
This church is not the only historical interest but the Portuguese Bridge of the 17th century is also in the vicinity. Here you may trek over the rugged terrain enjoying all the habitats of the area including the endemic mammal Gelada Baboon and many other endemic birds.
- And then continue to drive through rolling hillsides and impressively rugged scenery till you reach the gorge at the distance of 210km, which is about one mile wide and one mile deep, taking about a 45 minutes drive to reach the riverbed. The view from the lip of the gorge is awe-inspiring.
- Have picnic lunch crossing the gorge and after enjoying the scenic beauties of the surrounding areas easy drive back to Addis Ababa.
* Debre Libanos & Muger Gorge: Duration: Full-Day
AM - drive north of Addis through high moorland, dotted with picturesque villages you reach Chancho town at the distance of 40km and turn on the gravel road and drive further 20km to Durba village which is the springboard for visiting the immense Muger River Gorge.
You may hike around to enjoy the wonderful views of the surrounding countryside as well the habitats of the area including the endemic mammal Gelada Baboon and many other endemic birds.
Have picnic lunch en-route and then continue to drive 60km further north till you reach the renowned monastery of Debre Libanos, founded in the 13th century in a magnificent 700m-high canyon. This church is not the only historical interest but the Portuguese Bridge of the 17th century is also in the vicinity.
* Sodore: Duration: Full-Day
To reach the popular resort area Sodore situated at a distance of 126 km south of Addis Ababa the road takes you through some interesting towns of Kaliti, Akaki, Debre Zeit, Mojo and Nazareth.
On arrival relax swimming in the Olympic size pool filled with warm mineral water as well viewing entertaining monkeys and birds of varied species sheltering on the huge riverside trees. Have lunch at the Wabishebelle Hotel and afternoon drive back to Addis Ababa en-route spending some time in Debre Zeit town to visit the crater lakes.
* Ambo & Wenchi Crater Lake: Duration: Full-Day
The road to Ambo (125km west of Addis) takes you through the capital’s water supply reservoir Gefersa where a range of bush and wetland bird species including as many as a quarter of Ethiopia's 29 endemic birds are found. To reach the Crater Lake Wenchi drive further 27km from Ambo.
Walk or mule ride roughly 2km to the crater rim and after enjoying the wonderful views of the surrounding countryside return to Ambo town, have lunch and relax swimming in the hot mineral water pool before driving back to Addis Ababa.
* Ankober: Duration: Full-Day
The road to Ankober passes through impressively rugged scenery and after about 130km drive you reach Debre Berhan town where you'll have a coffee break and then drive further a few km, turn on the gravel road and drive zigzagging along several hills scattered all over the cultivated plateau.
The gravel road leads to the lofty massive mountain known as Kundi (over 3500 masl) overlooking the Great Rift Valley. From this chilly height covered with eucalyptus forest you may trek down to Ankober Palace Lodge (2870 masl) where you’ll have your lunch enjoying the wonderful scenery.
After lunch before driving back to Addis visiting one of the surrounding churches with its artifacts as well as poetry and music school may give you an insight into the life of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in the countryside.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices are matter to change!
Price includes:
- Private vehicle
- Entry fees to sights of interest as per itinerary
- Picnic-lunch with mineral water
- Professional English speaking guide all through.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Ethiopia
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
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