Chelba Tutiti
Located in Yirgacheffe Woreda, Chelba Tutiti is the largest megalithic site in the Gedeo Zone, leading the UNESCO heritage listing in both the sheer quantity and height of its stelae.
Unique Features
- Massive Scale: This site contains over 1,500 ancient stelae concentrated in a single location, including the tallest megalithic pillars in the region.
- Phallic Form: Most stelae here are carved in phallic forms, which carry deep meaning tied to the historical traditions and lineages of the Gedeo people.
- Agroforestry Backdrop: Preserved for centuries under the traditional Gada-Baalle system, the site is surrounded by beautiful coffee farms, making it a perfect eco-tourism destination.
3-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Travel from Addis Ababa to Dilla (drives, or fly to Hawassa and drive to Dilla). Arrange an official guide at the heritage office.
- Day 2 (Megaliths & Coffee): Drive from Dilla through the green coffee landscape to Chelba Tutiti. Spend the morning walking among the thousands of stelae. In the afternoon, visit a nearby coffee washing station to see the processing of Yirgacheffe coffee and enjoy a fresh brew. Overnight in Dilla.
- Day 3: Return to Addis Ababa.