Melka Konture, Adadi Mariam, and Tiya Stele Day Tour

Melka Konture is a pre-historic site situated on the southern face of the Awash River Gorge opposite Melka Awash. It is regarded as one of the most important Stone Age sites in Ethiopia. Melka Konture is best known for the numerous Stone Age artifacts that have been unearthed along the river including a variety of clevers, hand axes, and other tools made from basalt and other hard rocks. The site has also proved to be an important source of fossils of extinct mammals.

The rock hewn-church of Adadi Mariam at Lalibela was built in the 12th century. In fact, local tradition ascribes it to King Lalibela who is said to have had it built on his visit to Mount Zuqwala in 1106.

Driving further south, we will find Tiya, where you will see the northernmost example of a peculiar type of engraved, standing stele that stretches across parts of southern Ethiopia. The stele at Tiya are believed to have been erected between the 12th and 14th centuries and are almost certainly grave markers. Recent excavations at Tiya have revealed the remains of young people of both sexes, aged 18–30 and buried in fetal positions. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the stele field at Tiya today comprises more than 45 stones of up to 2 meters.

Additional Info

• Trip Type: Short Tour
• Tour Code: GHET – ST 004
• Journey Type: Private Journey
• Tour Duration: 1 Day
• Activities/Description: A beautiful rock-hewn church, an important archeological site, and the mysterious stele of Tiya are the highlights of this trip.