Adadi Mariam Rock-Hewn Church & Tiya

• In the morning after breakfast a pleasant drive south of Addis Ababa (70 kms from Addis Ababa) is Adadi Mariam, a 13th century rock-hewn church that is Ethiopia’s southern most church of its type. The rock hewn church of Adadi Mariam, is much like the Lalibela churches and the locals believe it to have been built on King Lalibela orders on his visit to Mount Zuqwala in 1106. The church was damaged during the wars with Ahmed Gragn in the 16th century, but was reopened in the time of Menelik II. Lunch in the bush.

  Not far away is the historical site of Tiya with its enigmatic field of stelae adorned by unusual engravings. Tiya has been named one of Ethiopia’s seven UNESCO “World Heritage Sites.” Late in the afternoon drive back to Addis Ababa for overnight stay.