While Addis Ababa is a destination in its own right, some of Ethiopia’s most mystical and ancient sites lie just beyond the city limits. Whether you want to see endemic wildlife, stand before 1,000-year-old stelae, or fly to the “New Jerusalem” for a day, the capital is your perfect launchpad for 2026.
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Here is how to plan your day trips and nearby excursions from Addis Ababa.
1. Debre Libanos & The Portuguese Bridge (North)
Distance: ~110 km (2–3 hours drive) Best for: Wildlife, breathtaking views, and religious history.
This is the most popular day trip for a reason. As you drive north, the landscape suddenly drops into the massive Jemma River Gorge, a tributary of the Blue Nile.
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The Monastery: Founded in the 13th century, this is one of Ethiopia’s most holy sites. Visit the modern church built by Haile Selassie and the nearby cave where St. Tekle Haymanot is said to have prayed for 29 years.
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The Portuguese Bridge: A short, scenic hike takes you to this 16th-century style bridge. From here, you can see a dramatic waterfall plummeting into the gorge.
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Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for the Gelada Baboons (the “Bleeding Heart” monkeys) and the majestic Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) soaring overhead.
2. Tiya Stelae & Adadi Mariam (South)
Distance: ~90 km (2.5 hours drive) Best for: UNESCO heritage and ancient archaeology.
Head south into the Gurage region to step back into Ethiopia’s prehistoric and medieval past.
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Tiya UNESCO Site: Stand among 36 ancient megaliths decorated with mysterious symbols (swords, plants, and tools). These stelae mark a mass burial site dating back to the 12th century.
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Adadi Mariam: On the way to Tiya, stop at this subterranean rock-hewn church. It is believed to have been commissioned by King Lalibela himself in the 12th century and remains an active place of worship today.
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Melka Kunture: A prehistoric site where tools and fossils dating back over 1.5 million years have been discovered—a must for science buffs.
3. Wenchi Crater Lake (West)
Distance: ~155 km (3–4 hours drive) Best for: Nature lovers and hikers.
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For those who want a “highland escape,” Wenchi is a breathtaking volcanic crater.
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The Experience: You can hike down the crater rim or ride a horse to the lake shore. Once at the bottom, take a small boat to the Cherkos Monastery located on a peaceful island in the center of the lake.
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The Vibe: It is incredibly lush with hot springs and waterfalls, offering a cool, quiet contrast to the heat of the city.
4. The “Quick Flight” Day Trips: Lalibela or Axum
Best for: High-speed history hunters.
While both Lalibela and Axum are far from Addis, Ethiopian Airlines runs high-frequency “commuter” flights that make a one-day trip technically possible (though 2 days is recommended).
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Lalibela: Fly out at 7:00 AM, spend the day exploring the 11 rock-hewn churches (the “New Jerusalem”), and catch the final flight back at 6:00 PM.
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Axum: Known for its towering stelae and the church that allegedly houses the Ark of the Covenant.
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Pro Tip: Booking these flights is much cheaper if you fly into Ethiopia using Ethiopian Airlines, as they offer significant domestic discounts for international passengers.
Practical Tips for Day Trips
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Hire a Driver: Roads can be challenging, and navigation difficult. Use a reputable tour company or a driver from the RIDE or Feres apps for a fixed daily rate.
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Departure Time: Always leave by 7:30 AM. Traffic exiting Addis Ababa can be heavy, and you’ll want to maximize your daylight hours at the sites.
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Entrance Fees: Carry enough Ethiopian Birr in cash. While UNESCO sites accept digital payments in some cases, smaller monasteries and local guides usually require cash.
Whether you choose the spiritual heights of Debre Libanos or the ancient mysteries of Tiya, these excursions will show you that the magic of Ethiopia extends far beyond the city’s busy streets.