Day Trips in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is many cities cast into one and a stroke of sheer cultural and artistic genius. This guide offers visitors information on the best day trip options to enjoy the magnificence of the surroundings of this quintessentially African land.

A Slice of Pre-Historic Life

Melka Kunture (50 kilometers from Addis Ababa) has an interesting pre-historical legacy that manifests itself in the form of several stone tools and other rudimentary relics dating back to millions of years, which have been discovered here over a period of time. Witness snapshots of the ingenious and self-sufficient life of the ancient man in the form of fossils and remains of innate settlements. A little further from Melka Kuntare is the rare and must see Adadi Mariam Cave Church, touted to have been in existence since the 13 th century. The destination offers brilliant vistas of the rock-hewn religious edifices and the sheer architectural genius of the era.  Approximately 35 kilometers from Adadi Mariam is Tiya Stelae Fields that boasts of innumerable prehistoric monoliths on the lines of the Axum Stelae. The drive through these destinations is pleasant and offers panoramic views of the rustic charm of Africa.

Blue Nile Gorges

Visitors can take a day trip to Blue Nile Gorge located approximately 200 kilometers to the north of the city. The region is interspersed with quaint, photogenic villages and the celebrated 13 th century Debre Libanos monastery that is dramatically nestled in a high canyon. There is also a Portuguese Bridge and a few rugged walking trails that offer a nice adventurous trek through the wilderness of the region. Watch several species of ingenious birds and mammals while wandering through the paths of Blue Nile. Drive further through the hills of the area to enjoy the striking scenery from the tip of the gorge.

Sodore

Located approximately 126 kilometers to the south of Addis Ababa is a beautiful natural resort of the fascinating towns of Akaki, Zeit, Mojo and Kaliti. There is a large swimming pool with warm and rejuvenating mineral water that helps visitors distress while watching amusing monkeys and an array of bird species perched on the trees adorning the adjacent river side. If you want to explore the region a little, spend a few hours at Debre Zeit (on the way back to Addis Ababa) for its pristine crater lakes.

Ankober

The drive to Ankober offers visitors many breathtaking natural visuals of rough gravel roads and lush green hills to reach the stunning Kundi Mountain preening over the Great Rift Valley. Enjoy the trek through the surrounding Eucalyptus forests.

Addis Ababa’s surrounding regions are a bagful of rustic charm and ancient memories that have been brilliantly captured in its architectural structures, pre historic remains and wild natural appeal.