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Adadi Mariam Church Experience: Discover Ancient History on a Day-Trip from Addis Ababa
Embark on an 8-hour day trip from Addis Ababa to explore the ancient history of Adadi Mariam Church and the Steles of Tiya. Discover stunning viewpoints, visit a unique rock church, learn Ethiopian history, experience local culture, and indulge in a traditional coffee ceremony.
Embark on an 8-hour day trip from Addis Ababa to explore the ancient history of Adadi Mariam Church and the Steles of Tiya. Discover stunning viewpoints, visit a unique rock church, learn Ethiopian history, experience local culture, and indulge in a traditional coffee ceremony.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- 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.
- 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.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Typical Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony attendance and Coffee
- Local family visits
- Professional experienced English speaking tour guide
- Lunch included
- Bottled water provided
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Typical Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony attendance and Coffee
- Local family visits
- Professional experienced English speaking tour guide
- Lunch included
- Bottled water provided
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
Additional Information
This is an 8-hour guided day tour from Addis Ababa, traveling by private vehicle. The tour features:
- Scenic stops at prime viewpoints to admire the Great East African Rift Valley
- A visit to the distinctive rock church of Adadi Mariam, dating back to the 13th Century AD
- Exploration of the ancient burial site of Tiya, a UNESCO World Heritage site…
This is an 8-hour guided day tour from Addis Ababa, traveling by private vehicle. The tour features:
-
Scenic stops at prime viewpoints to admire the Great East African Rift Valley
-
A visit to the distinctive rock church of Adadi Mariam, dating back to the 13th Century AD
-
Exploration of the ancient burial site of Tiya, a UNESCO World Heritage site from the 14th Century AD
-
Insights into Ethiopian history through the impressive carved grave stones of Tiya
-
Visits to local villages for a cultural experience, including learning how to make Enjera (Ethiopian bread)
-
Participation in a traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, discovering how coffee is enjoyed ceremonially
This private day tour from Addis Ababa accommodates up to 6 people.
The Day Tour to Adadi Mariam Rock Church and Steles of Tiya lasts 8 to 9 hours and is guided by a professional, experienced local tour guide who speaks French or English.
A private, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle is used for the day tour from Addis Ababa, covering a total driving distance of approximately 200 km.
- Dress code is formal and women are advised to cover hairs when visiting churches
- If the tour is taken in June, July or August, please be prepared for the rainy weather and bring raincoat/umbrellas
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Vegetarian and Gluten-free options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(15 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
H8448lwantoniom
Apr 16, 2026
More than just a tour! - This was a fantastic experience that, thanks to Henok (our guide), became a memorable trip as he spend time talking about aspects you would miss as a tourist. Henok would translate the local context to help us understand Ethiopian traditions from their own perspective.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Coastal67000578689
Mar 21, 2026
Great expirience - We had an excellent experience during our tour in Addis Ababa, specifically the “Day Trip to Adadi Mariam Rock Church, Rift Valley and Tiya Cemetery.” Our guide, Biruk, was very professional at all times—punctual, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable about the history and culture of each place we visited. He answered all our questions and made every stop interesting and engaging.
We would also like to highlight our driver, Bekele, who did a fantastic job. He drove safely and made the whole journey comfortable and smooth.
The organization of the tour was impeccable, allowing us to make the most of the day without any worries. Thanks to their dedication and positive attitude, we had a very enjoyable and fulfilling day.
We would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to explore the surroundings of Addis Ababa in a comfortable, informative, and well-organized way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Exploration440662
Mar 16, 2026
Authentic Cultural Experiences with a Knowledgeable Guide - Mullen Girma is an excellent tour guide. He is hospitable, courteous, and knowledgeable. His knowledge extends to local tribal cultures and also to the ancient beliefs and practices of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. He also provided us with a authentic experiences such as watching a local villager make bread from a banana tree, which we were then able to taste together. I highly recommend his tour for an authentic cultural experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Randallm844
Mar 13, 2026
Great tour - A great tour. Brook is a great guide. He knows his material. He was flexible with our schedule to spend time where we were most interested. I highly recommend this company!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vals529
Oct 3, 2024
Memorable Day - We took the day trip to the Church of Adadi Mariam. Our driver and guide Henok arrived promptly at 7 am to pick us up. The vehicle was spacious and very clean, our driver excellent and very attentive. Our guide was very interesting and you could tell that he really enjoyed his job. We made several stops on the way to the church, the countryside is very beautiful, and the people friendly. after visiting the church we visited Tiya, here we visited a local home where cooking skills were demonstrated, a great experience and lovely food. We also took part in a coffee ceremony, great coffee and a big thank-you to the local people who made us feel so welcome in their homes. We had a memorable day thanks to our amazing driver and guide
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joni101
Sep 28, 2024
Informative and interesting day. - Picked on time at our hotel by our guide Henok and our driver Sirak. Provided with water and some local snacks. Henok very friendly and knowledgeable. Obviously knows his trade and loves his country. Amazing driver Sirak. Such a lovely and caring man. Enjoyed the Church and our visit to the community to try local food and coffee
Review provided by Tripadvisor
4worldexplorer
Dec 3, 2023
Great tour when you have more then one day in Addis Ababa, Great guiding by Biruk - This Trip is a absolute must. Our guide Birku was awesome. We were very lucky because we were able to attend a mass in the church. That was even for Biruk something special. The following walk across the local market was also an absolute highlight. The following lunch in a local restaurant was also a very good. Biruk was extremely attentative and realised when something was not our main interest and changed immediately to what was of more interest. Birku has a broad knowledge in many subjects and we got plenty of information about Ethiopia, the church and the market. He is a very fine person and it was great having him as a guide. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alisonwk5397lu
Sep 23, 2023
Fantastic experience & excellent guide! - My friend and I took this tour prior to a work conference and it was marvelous. Our guide, Biruk, was friendly, interesting, informative and engaging. The communications and service before, during and after the tour were excellent. We learned quite a bit about each of the historic and archeological sites we went to visit but also so much more about the country, its capital and culture from Biruk during the drives. I look forward to coming back to Ethiopia and doing another tour with Biruk and this tour service!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julians917
Jun 11, 2023
Beautiful days out - We had two days stopover in AA and arranged two trips with Merit. One to the cave church and stelae and the other to Debre monastery and the Portuguese bridge. We decided not to book a day tour of AA but managed to see some of the AA sites at the beginning and end of the day trips. Both guides zele and Biruk were excellent. biruk took us to show his typical Ethiopian home and also arrange us to meet a family making false banana bread in their garden for sale at the market. The actual destination sites were maybe not worth the long drive on bumpy roads in a minibus but we enjoyed the chance to see the countryside and learn about daily life in Ethiopia plus Zele’s side trips for birdwatching (he is a great ornithologist). I would recommend the company but would have preferred a SUV!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mplanjngp
Nov 13, 2022
Good day trip from Addis Ababa - Nicely tailored day trip. Muluken my tour organizer and guide was amazing. I just told him my preference and he created the itinerary. Enjoyed the tour. Highly recommend Muluken as your guide. He speaks very nice english and he is super helpful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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