Adadi Mariam Day Trip: Rock Church, Tiya Steles & Local Market

Summary

Guided Day Tour from Addis Ababa: Adadi Mariam & Tiya Monuments

If you want to get out of Addis for a day and see how people really live outside the city—plus visit ancient sites like Adadi Mariam rock church and Tiya’s mysterious steles—this tour is perfect. You’ll meet locals at the market (especially on Thursdays or Sundays), share coffee with a family, and learn more than any guidebook could tell you.

What’s the experience like?

Leaving the city behind, we set out early—Addis Ababa’s morning chill still hanging in the air. The drive south is about 190 km round trip, but honestly, it doesn’t feel that long with all the little villages and green fields rolling past. Our guide, Dawit, kept pointing out things I’d have missed: women carrying bundles of firewood, kids waving as we passed by. If you’re lucky enough to go on a Thursday or Sunday, you’ll hit the weekly Oromo market in Adadi. It’s loud and lively—think piles of fresh produce, bright fabrics everywhere, and the smell of roasted maize drifting between stalls. We stopped for a bit; I picked up some spicy berbere powder from an old woman who insisted I try her homemade injera.

The real highlight for me was Adadi Mariam Church. You don’t see many churches carved straight out of rock—this one dates back to King Lalibela in the 13th century. It’s still active; we caught a few locals lighting candles inside. The air was cool and earthy down there, almost silent except for soft chanting echoing off the stone walls. Afterward, we were invited into a local family’s home for an Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Watching them roast beans over charcoal right in front of us was something else—the smell fills the whole room. We chatted over tiny cups while our guide translated stories about village life.

On the way back to Addis Ababa, if time allows (and you’re not too full from lunch), there’s Melka Kunture archaeological site near Awash Melka—a quick stop but worth it if you’re into prehistory. But don’t miss Tiya! The steles there are huge stone slabs carved with mysterious symbols—about 40 of them standing in a field that feels both peaceful and a bit eerie. UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site back in 1978. Dawit explained some of the carvings honor warriors from centuries ago; he even pointed out one with swords etched into its surface.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Adadi Mariam and Tiya Steles

• Drive to Adadi Mariam rock church
• Visit the Steles of Tiya cemetery

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

Yes, transportation is wheelchair accessible and specialized infant seats are available. Most stops can accommodate different fitness levels.

What days should I book to see the local market?

The Oromo cultural market in Adadi takes place on Thursdays and Sundays—those are definitely the best days for this experience.

Is lunch included? What kind of food is served?

Lunch is included—expect typical Ethiopian dishes like injera with lentils or meat stew, plus bottled water and fresh coffee or tea during your visit.

How long does the tour last?

The full day covers about 190 km round trip from Addis Ababa; expect to be out most of the day with several stops along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water to keep you refreshed, all government taxes covered, lunch at a local spot, comfy air-conditioned transport, plus traditional Ethiopian coffee or tea shared with locals.