Explore the Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes and the UNESCO Site of Steles of Tiya
Active
10h - 12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enjoy discovering few of Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes and visiting the Steles of Tiya (14th Century AD and a UNESCO World Heritage). This is about 11 hours day trip from Addis to visit bird watching and spotting hippos, local family of the Oromo people, have great scenery of the Ethiopian part of the Great East African Rift Valley, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Steles of Tiya which date back to the 14th Century, located south of Addis Ababa.
It is a great outing from Addis Ababa: -
- Enjoy spotting various lowland water birds by walking around Lake Ziway (if lucky few hippos).
- Appreciate the superb scenery of the Rift Valley
- Experience the way of life of the countryside people of Oromo.
- Attend a typical Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tiya Cemetery.
Tour price includes private comfortable Toyota Minivan, fuel (gasoline), family visiting fee, bottled water, coffee, and professional experienced English speaking tour guide.
Available options
Explore the Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes and the UNESCO Site of Steles of Tiya
Pickup included
What's included
Private comfortable Toyota Minivan or Corolla equipped with air conditioning and seat belts
Local family visiting and attending a coffee ceremony fee
Air port pickup and drop-off
Bottled water and local snacks in the van
Professional experienced English speaking tour guide
Detailed itinerary
1
At Tiya Steles, visit about 42 huge stone Steles erected between the 12th and 14th Century AD in honor of local warriors.
2
Walk by Lake Ziway for 30 minutes to an hour on Lake Ziway to spot a number of water birds species like Marabou Storks, Malachite Kingfisher, Sacred Ibis, African Fish Eagle, Hammerkobs, etc
3
Have lunch at Butajira and stop at a couple of viewpoints to enjoy the great scenery of the Ethiopian part of the Great East African Rift Valley
4
Enjoy the picturesque view of one of the five crater lakes of Bishoftu (Debre Ziet). You will also have a short visit of a village of the Oromo people around Bishoftu.
What's not included
Meals
Admission (entrance) fees
Food and drinks, unless specified
And, any expense which is not mentioned in the "Included" list above
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
As June, July and August are the rainy season, dress accordingly and get umbrellas.
Important notes
• Dress code is formal
About Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is a vibrant and historically rich city nestled in the highlands of the Horn of Africa. Known as the political, cultural, and economic heart of the country, it offers a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional Ethiopian culture.
Top Attractions
Entoto Mountain
A scenic mountain offering panoramic views of Addis Ababa and the surrounding highlands. It's a great spot for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free (some attractions may have entry fees)
Addis Ababa Museum
A museum showcasing the history and cultural heritage of Ethiopia, including artifacts from the ancient kingdom of Aksum and the medieval Solomonic dynasty.
Historical
1-2 hours
Moderate (around 100 ETB or 3 USD)
Mercato
One of the largest open-air markets in Africa, offering a vast array of goods, from spices and textiles to handmade crafts and livestock.
Market
Half day
Free to enter, prices vary for purchases
St. George's Cathedral
A historic cathedral built in the 19th century, known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate architecture.
Religious
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free (donations welcome)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Doro Wat
A spicy chicken stew made with berbere spice, onions, and hard-boiled eggs.
Main Dish
Contains meat and spices
Injera
A sourdough flatbread made from teff flour, used as both a utensil and a base for other dishes.
Staple
Vegan
Tibs
Sautéed cubes of meat, often served with vegetables and spices.
Main Dish
Contains meat and spices
Shiro
A chickpea or lentil-based stew, often spiced with berbere or mitmita.
Stew
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Popular Activities
Hiking in Entoto Mountain
Boating in Lake Bishoftu
Coffee ceremony
Spa and wellness treatments
Visiting museums and historical sites
Attending traditional music and dance performances
N/A
Participating in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony
Best Time to Visit
October to June
This period offers the best weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.
12°C to 26°C (54°F to 79°F)
54°F to 79°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Amharic
- Widely spoken: English, Oromo
- English: Moderately spoken in urban areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Ethiopian Birr (ETB)
Time Zone
GMT+3
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Addis Ababa is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night
- • Use reputable tour operators and guides
- • Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas
Getting there
By air
- Addis Ababa Bole International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center
By bus
Addis Ababa Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable but can be crowded. Tickets are purchased on board.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Ride
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Piazza District
Bole District
Mercato District
Day trips
Debre Berhan
130 km (80 miles) from Addis Ababa • Full day
A historic town known for its beautiful church and traditional Ethiopian architecture.
Lake Bishoftu
40 km (25 miles) from Addis Ababa • Half day to full day
A series of volcanic lakes known for their scenic beauty and birdlife.
Festivals
Timket (Epiphany) • January 19
Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) • September 27
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic phrases in Amharic to enhance your experience and connect with locals
- Hire a local guide for a more authentic and insightful experience, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites
- Try traditional Ethiopian coffee and participate in a coffee ceremony for a unique cultural experience
- Bargain politely when shopping in markets, as it is a common practice
- Be patient and flexible, as punctuality and schedules can be more relaxed in Ethiopia
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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