
Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam worth booking?
Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam is a 8-hour experience in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from $200 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (9)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $200 per person
Our clients will have escaping tour from Addis Ababa and see the countryside part of Ethiopia with scenic drive to the sites of Melka Kuntre Stone Age site then drive to Adadi Mariam heading to Tiya (ancient stele field and UNESCO World Heritage site) - You will have the chance immerse in the village of Tiya and learn how they make Ensset (kocho) from the falls banana tree. It is staple food for the southern people.
What you get
About this experience
Our clients will have escaping tour from Addis Ababa and see the countryside part of Ethiopia with scenic drive to the sites of Melka Kuntre Stone Age site then drive to Adadi Mariam heading to Tiya (ancient stele field and UNESCO World Heritage site) - You will have the chance immerse in the village of Tiya and learn how they make Ensset (kocho) from the falls banana tree. It is staple food for the southern people.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Surcharges on fuel
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Melka Kunture
Melka Kuntre, Stone Age site (between 1.5 and 1.8 Million years old), contains many samples of Stone Age tools of the early Homo sapiens. The collections are results of the excavations of the last four decades. The samples are well exhibited in show rooms and there is very good scientific explanation about Stone Age tools in general and the site in particular.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Tiya
You will drive about 83 km to you will visit the archaeological sites of Tiya (ancient stele field and UNESCO World Heritage site) remarkable for its large stone pillars, many of which bear some form of decoration.
60 minutes here
Adadi Maryam
Adadi Mariam, also lies along this road and it is the only rock hewn church to exist as this region. The church is not carefully carved as the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela but it has a lot of similarities with most of them and the rock-hewn churches of Tigray.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, cmn, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- East Africa Tour Operator
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Unforgettable trip
The trip together with my tourguide Capital was fantastic! Everything was perfectly organised and it was an unforgettable experience! The sites were very impressive, I liked the most Tiya with its amazing and beautiful monoliths.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your your nice review and recommendations we really appreciate it and very glad to hear you have enjoyed your time and celebration with our guide Capital plus the drive. we are looking forward to serve you again in another adventure kind regards, East Africa tour operator
via Tripadvisor
Great archaeological tour near Addis
A very well organised tour, we saw the beautiful landscape around Addis Ababa when the end of harvest season for teff was in full swing. Very good explanations of the archaeological sites, for security reasons we couldn’t visit the church, a good call on our guide’s part -(Beki), who looked after our wellbeing and security. Amazing archaeological finds, followed by a lovely traditional coffee ceremony with a charming family, delicious lunch, a great experience!
Response from the operator: Dear Chelin Miller, Thank you sincerely for your wonderful review and thoughtful recommendations. We truly appreciate your feedback and are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the excursion and your time with the group and our guide. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you again on another adventure in the future. Kind regards, Beki East Africa Tour Operator
via Tripadvisor
Viva Oromia
I had a long layover at the airport and I took the opportunity to take this tour, which was an unforgettable experience. The guide Capital and the driver Result went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and gave me all kinds of explanations about everything I asked. Also, since I had plenty of time, they offered to show me around Addis Ababa and take me to all the places I wanted to visit. What could have been an endless wait at the airport, turned into a fantastic day that allowed me to get to know Ethiopia and its people a little bit. Thank you very much Capital and Result!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your your nice review and recommendations we really appreciate it and very glad to hear you have enjoyed your time and excursion with our guide Capital plus the drive. we are looking forward to serve you again in another adventure kind regards, East Africa tour operator
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic cultural and food experience
Had a wonderful day with Beki and driver who made me feel very comfortable and safe as a solo female traveller. Beki is very knowledgeable and friendly and provided an excellent tour of the amazing world heritage sites- Tiya Stelae and Melka Kuntre. I also enjoyed the traditional food and coffee we shared at a local restaurant along the way, as well as seeing how kotjo (a bread made from the false banana plant) was made (it’s delicious!). I would highly recommend this tour with Beki!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your your nice review and recommendations we really appreciate it and very glad to hear you have enjoyed your time and excursion with our guide Beki plus the drive. we are looking forward to serve you again in another adventure kind regards, East Africa tour operator
via Tripadvisor
unforgettable and enriching tour with many cultural and natural highlights
We went on a 4-day tour to the Highlands and Rift Valley south of Addis. It was a wonderful and unforgettable experience. First we visited three very interesting historical sights: the archaeological site of Melka Kuntre, the wonderful Adadi Mariam rock-hewn church and the Tiya stele field, a Unesco World Heritage Site. We also visited a farming family and learned about the processing and preparation of False Banana. From a viewpoint on the way to Ziway, we had a breathtaking view of the Rift Valley before the road winds down into the valley. On the second day there was an exciting boat trip on the huge Lake Ziway to an island with hundreds of birds and to a very enchanted monastery island, rounded off with a visit to the best fish restaurant in town. At Lake Langano we were then able to relax and swim at the idyllic Sabana Beach Resort. The visit to Abijata Shalla National Park on the third day was another highlight with a hike through the breathtaking landscape, where we saw lots of pelicans, flamingos and other water birds as well as antelopes, ostriches and a jackal. We were particularly fascinated by the hot springs. All in all, it was a very impressive and unforgettable experience. My guests, who were in Ethiopia for the first time, got a great impression of the country. Beki is a wonderful tour guide. He knows how to explain the culture of his country in a very interesting and sensitive way and has in-depth background knowledge. It's a pleasure to travel with him.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much Ulla for your nice review and recommendations, we really appreciate for taking your time to write such a positive review on your experience with our guide Beki. we're very glad to hear you and your families have enjoyed the trip. We hope to serve you again in another tour. Best regard, East Africa Tour Operator
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $200 to $210
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by East Africa Tour Operator, who run 11 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.2.
See everything East Africa Tour Operator runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Addis Ababa.
How much does Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam cost?
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Prices start at $200 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Addis Ababa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Addis Ababa is not rushed.
Is Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Addis Ababa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Addis Ababa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Addis Ababa and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Addis Ababa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Addis Ababa?
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On Outty we rank every Addis Ababa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour, Addis Ababa Guided City Tour With Airport & Hotel Pick Up, Full Day Tour of Addis Ababa with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Addis Ababa?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam?
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Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; Lunch; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Surcharges on fuel. Not included: Alcoholic beverages; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 14 listed pickup locations in and around Addis Ababa. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam offered in?
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It is offered in German, Chinese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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