Addis Ababa is a fantastic hub from which to take fabulous day trips throughout the country. If you’re interested in history, culture, wildlife, or simply stunning scenery, you will find it here. These 7 fabulous places to day trip from Addis Ababa are sure to offer something for everyone.
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Debre Libanos Monastery
Debre Libanos is an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo monastery lying northwest of Addis Ababa. The monastery is known for it’s rich history and stunning scenery. Visitors of this 13th century monastery can take a guided tour of the monastery and its many historic churches. The main church contains a number of valuable religious artifacts.
The monastery complex sits on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of one of the tributaries of the Abbay River (The Blue Nile). While none of the original buildings survive, this is still an interesting place to explore. The Church of the Cross is said to hold a preserved fragment of the True Cross.
Check out the cave in the nearby cliffs. It contains a spring whose water is considered holy and is the object of pilgrimages. Take time to hike along the rim of the nearby Blue Nile Gorge and take in the beautiful tranquil surroundings while exploring the Debre Libanos Monastery. Check out this Debre Libanos Monastery Cave Church Nature and Wildlife day trip option.
Blue Nile Falls
The Blue Nile Falls are incredibly beautiful and one of the country’s best known tourist attractions. Take a guided hike to the falls to enjoy the lush vegetation and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The local people believe that the water from the falls has healing properties. Take part in – or simply watch – the traditional rituals and ceremonies at the falls. Take time to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Visit the Lake Tana Monasteries while in the area. There are over 20 functioning island monasteries of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in the area. These unique monasteries, which opened in the 16th and 17th centuries, are famous for their colorful religious murals. This day trip itinerary takes you to both places: Bahir Dar to Visit Lake Tana Monasteries and Blue Nile Falls.
Adadi Mariam
Adadi Mariam is a 12th century rock-hewn church located in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Take a guided tour to this magnificent and unique religious site. The intricate carvings and ancient paintings are well-preserved and a testament to the skill and creativity of the ancient Ethiopian artists. Constructed in the 13th century, Adadi Mariam is still an active site of worship. Adadi Mariam provides a strong contrast to the pagan-like aura at the nearby Tiya Stelae Field.
Be sure to visit the Stelae Fields of Tiya while in the area. These monuments are the remains of an ancient Ethiopian culture. They represent a burial ground where the remains of both males and females from the 10th to 15th centuries were interred. The symbols carved into the stelae are unique to themselves. No other symbols of their type have been discovered. While most remain a mystery, you will be able to surmise the meaning behind many. Tiya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is relatively untouched by tourism compared to other parts of Ethiopia. These two day trip options visit these sites:
- Day-Trip Church of Adadi Mariam from Addis Ababa
- Private Full-Day Stone Age and Medieval Tour from Addis Ababa
Mount Entoto
If you want to remain closer to the city, take a day to relax like a local in Mount Entoto Park. Check out awesome views of the city and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Take a guided hike to the top of the mountain to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Rent a bike to check out one of the many trails throughout the park. And don’t forget to bring a picnic basket for a truly relaxing afternoon.
Deeply breath in the soothing scent of eucalyptus as you explore the park. The scent will overwhelm you as you make your way up the mountain. Watch for women hiking down the mountain carrying mounds of the eucalyptus to use in their home fires.
Mount Entoto is also home to a number of historic sites. Tour the former palace of Emperor Menelik II, who ruled Ethiopia from 1889 to 1913. Today, the palace serves as a museum. Check it out to learn about the rich history and culture of Ethiopia.
The Entoto Mountain Guided Day Tour is a good option if you don’t want to venture out on your own.
Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
Take an extra day for a 2-day excursion to see the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela from the 12th and 13th centuries. The construction was an attempt to recreate the holy city of Jerusalem. These churches are an important pilgrimage site for Ethiopian Orthodox worshippers.
You can’t help but marvel at the uniqueness of each church. Of the 11, four are free-standing (monolithic) and seven share a wall with the mountain from which they are carved. You will always find worshippers here for daily prayer and devotion but the site is particularly busy on during religious festivals and celebrations. The Churches of Lalibela are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take this 2 Days Tour of Lalibela to visit the churches.
Awash National Park
If you have a couple of days, check out the incredible wildlife at Awash National Park. Take a guided game drive through the park. If you are lucky, you will see lions, baboons, and hyenas. Check out the variety of habitats in Awash National Park, including savannas, woodlands, and volcanic hot springs. Be sure to take a guided tour to discover the ancient rock art of the Sof Omar Cave.
For adventure, take a one- or two-day rafting trip along the Awash River. You will encounter roaring rapids, diverse wildlife, and rugged cliffs. The trip starts at the Awash Falls and ends at the beach below the town of Awash Station. You can even spend the night at a small hot springs sacred to the Kercyu people.
Here’s a guided tour option: Awash National Park 2days 1night
Visit the Tribes of the Omo Valley
If you can find a third day, then definitely visit the tribes of the Omo Valley. The Lower Omo River in southwest Ethiopia is home to several tribal communities. These communities have lived and survived on this land for centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Omo Valley offers you a truly unique view into daily lives that are extraordinarily different from your own.
In addition to the decorated tribal people, you will find fortified hilltop settlements, terraced fields, grave markers, and rock engravings dating back 5,000 years. You will also find beautiful landscapes and prodigious wildlife.
This tour can take you there: 3 Day Omo Valley Tour from Addis Ababa.
Ready to Day Trip From Addis Ababa?
Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure in Ethiopia! Check out these other posts on adventures in Africa.
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