Melka Konture lies near the Awash River Gorge and is one of the most important Neolithic sites in Ethiopia. Hand axes and various other implements have been found here. About 5Km further on the Butajira road, is the rock hewn church of Adadi Mariam, contemporaneous with those of Lalibela. 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.

Pick up from the hotel is at 8am and we then head north on the Gojjam road to Debre Libanos, about 110Km from Addis Ababa or approximately two hours’ drive. Debre Libanos is an important monastic centre for Ethiopia Orthodox Christianity.

We set off at 7am, heading west on the Jimma road. We pass potters’ markets and take a turn left after the town of Sebeta to Mount Wuchacha and the Menagesha forest – the 50Km journey takes about 1 ½ hours.

This trip can only be done on a Sunday, the day the market takes place. Pick up from the hotel is earlier than usual at 6:30 am, since it is about 275Km to Senbete or about 4 hours’ drive up the main road north, or Hailesilasie (famous athlete) road. There is spectacular mountain scenery en route. We should aim to get to the market before it gets hot, and before the other shoppers imbibe too much local beer, honey wine and home distilled spirits!

Southeast of Addis Ababa about 130Km or about 1 ½ hour drive. The hot springs resort of Sodere, lies along the Awash River Monkeys and baboons are common in the resort, and visitors can see crocodiles basking along the banks of the Awash River. The forests, which fringe the river, are also good for birds. Lunch at the resort, and we will set off back to Addis Ababa around 4pm, arriving early evening.