Addis Ababa Day Trips: Wenchi Lake, Tiya Stelae & Adadi Maryam – 2 days
Tiya, Adadi Maryam, Melka Kunture & Awassa
Day 1
Depart south from Addis Ababa via Butajira. On the way you will visit the archeological sites of Tiya (ancient stelae field and UNESCO World Heritage Site), Adadi Maryam (a rock-hewn church similar to those in Lalibela) and Melka Kunture (pre-historic tool-making site). Final destination for the day is Awassa. Overnight in Awassa (hotel).
Day 2
After breakfast, visit the local fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa. Afterwards, take a boat trip on the lake to visit the hippos. Finally, return north to Addis Ababa. Time permitting, you may visit the Abiatta-Shala National Park. Lake Shala, with its deep blue waters is the deepest lake in Ethiopia at 236m. Lake Abiatta is a soda lake at which thousands of flamingos can be seen at various times of the year.
Debre Zeit & Mt. Ziquala
Day 1
Depart from Addis for a short drive to Debre Zeit, home to several crater lakes and a popular weekend getaway spot for Addis Ababa residents. You can spend the day visiting the lakes or doing some light hiking (circling Lake Hora takes 1 ½ hours). The area is very popular for birdwatching. There are several lake-side establishments for lunch and even a spa. Overnight in Debre Zeit (hotel or lodge).
Day 2
After breakfast, depart for a visit to Mt. Zuqualla, an extinct volcano that offers beautiful views of the surrounding areas. Here you can visit the monastery of Mt. Zuqualla Maryam, which may date back as far as the 4th century. The nearby crater-lake is considered holy by the monks of the monastery. Return to Addis Ababa in the afternoon.
Lake Wenchi & Menagesha Forest
Day 1
Early morning departure to Lake Wenchi. Here you can do some horseback riding or hiking around this stunning crater lake and/or a boat trip on the lake to visit the island monastery of Cherkos and the hot springs. Overnight in Woliso (lodge).
Day 2
After breakfast, drive to the Menagesha National Forest for some hiking. Here you will enjoy the wildlife, such as the colobus monkeys and endemic Menelik’s bushbuck, as well as birds, including the endemic Ethiopian oriole and Abyssinian woodpecker. After the visit, return to Addis Ababa in the afternoon.
Awash National Park
Day 1
Depart east from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park. In the evening you will have a chance to do a short game drive to see the local wildlife, such as oryx, baboons, greater and lesser kudu, warthogs, gazelles, colubus monkeys. Additionally, you’d be very lucky to see leopards, lions, and other cats. The landscapes in the park are beautiful, looking over the Awash Gorge. Overnight in Awash National Park (lodge or camping).
Day 2
Early morning, take a drive in the park to witness the park as it wakes up. Afterwards, depart from Awash, returning to Addis Ababa. On the way you can stop in Sodere to take a shower in the therapeutic hot springs waters.
