Sede Merkato Megalithic Site
Located in Sede Kebele, Yirgacheffe Woreda, this site offers one of the most diverse displays of megalithic art in the region.
Unique Features
- Sede Mercato stands out because it packs 470 standing stelae into a relatively small area. It features three distinct styles of stelae in one place: phallic carvings, anthropomorphic (human-faced) carvings, and rectangular pillars.
2-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 (Arrival): Travel from Addis Ababa to Dilla and check in.
- Day 2 (Sede & Return): Head to Sede Kebele in the morning to explore the stelae. Have lunch in Yirgacheffe or Dilla. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Yirgacheffe coffee ceremony, visit the local market, and return to Addis Ababa.
Key Travel Tips
- Transport: The site is reached via rural gravel roads; a 4WD vehicle is highly recommended.
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (September to May) is best. Traveling during the coffee harvest season (October to December) allows you to see the red coffee cherries ripening alongside the trails.