Experience the beauty of the Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes on a 2-day tour from Addis Ababa. Explore stunning viewpoints, encounter local culture, and spot diverse birdlife and wildlife.
Addis Ababa – Adadi Maryam - Tiya World Heritage Site – Lake Ziway – Awassa
Tiya World Heritage Site - Take a guided tour visit the incredible stone grave markers at Tiya. The Steles of Tiya is one of Ethiopia’s sites listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here you will visit beautiful carved stone grave markers erected between the 12th and 14th Century AD in honor of important local heroes (warriors).
Butajira - Stop at a couple of outlooks for the picturesque scenery of the Ethiopian part of the Great East African Rift Valley. You will also visit one of the villages of the local people of Silte for cultural experience.
Lake Ziway - Spot Ethiopian Lowland water birds by walking by the shores of the Rift Valley Lake of Ziway to see families of hippos (if lucky) and a number of birds such as Great white pelicans, Marabou Storks, African Fish Eagle, Sacred Ibis, Hammer Kops, etc
Finally, drive 115 km south to the Rift Valley Lake of Awassa. If the weather is good, enjoy the beautiful sun set over the lake.
Melka Kunture - Visit Melka Kunture archaeological site to learn about humanity’s evolutionary story. Set by the Awash River, visit Melka Kunture’s Museum to step back 1.8 million years. Discover stone tools from Homo erectus, witness fossilized footprints, & visit an open-air 800,000 years old butchery site.
Awassa Lake – Abidjatta Shalla Lakes National Park – Lake Ziway – Addis Ababa
Bishoftu - Stop at one of the crater lakes of Bishoftu (Debre Ziet) which is notable for its scenic beauty. You will also visit a village of the Oromo people to attend a traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony with locals.
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Complimentary bottled water
- Authentic local family visits
- Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony experience
- Expert onsite tour guides and park scouts
- No additional fuel surcharges
- Insured private vehicle with AC and seat belts
- Entrance (admission) fees to places of visits
- Accommodations
- Meals
- And, any expense which are not mentioned in the “Included” list above
Experience the breathtaking views of the Great East African Rift Valley in Ethiopia with a convenient drive in an air-conditioned Toyota Minivan, stopping at various viewpoints along the way. Receive guidance from a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide about Ethiopia’s diverse bird species at Ziway, a Rift Valley Lake.
Participate in the quintessential Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony whilst meeting locals, observe the wildlife at the Abiyatta Shalla Lakes National Park, and witness the avian species at the lakes.
The journey includes a visit to the unique and operational rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam and Tiya Steles - a historical graveyard dating from the 12th to the 14th Century AD and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a walk alongside Lake Ziway, home to various lowland water birds. Over two days, you will cover a total distance of 580 km.
On Thursdays or Sundays, immerse in the local lifestyle by visiting the vibrant cultural market in Adadi town.
- June to Mid September is the rainy season where the tour runs. Please be prepared accordingly.
- When visiting the rock church of Adadi Mariam, women are expected to be fully dressed and cover hairs.
- We can help visitors book accommodations, if needed. Please contact us!
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
