Day 1: Menagesha Natural Forest
Upon your arrival, meet with your guide. Then drive to the accommodation, check in, and enjoy coffee before continuing to the main destination Menagesha National Forest. This magnificent natural forest, situated close to the capital, incorporates indigenous forest along with exotic plantations at altitudes ranging from 2,300m to 3,000m, on the southern and western slopes of Mount Wechecha. The area is dominated by tall juniper, hagenia, and podocarpus trees.
It is the most substantial remaining patch of indigenous forest in the vicinity of Addis Ababa, easily visible as a dense green area among the golden-brown meadows when flying into the capital from the west. Menagesha Forest holds a special place in East African history, being the earliest known example of an official conservation policy, introduced in the mid-15th century and later reinforced in the late 1890s.
The forest is inhabited by various large mammals and birds. Visitors can enjoy stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and the opportunity to trek through magical natural woodland. At an altitude of 3,380m, Mount Wechecha (Amocha Peak) offers panoramic views. Frequently seen mammals include Colobus monkeys, Ethiopian bushbuck, olive baboons, and common duiker, alongside forest birding and endemic birdlife.
Enjoy a bush lunch in the heart of the forest, then drive back to the capital for overnight in Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Debre Libanos
Today you will visit Debre Libanos Monastery, the famed Portuguese Bridge, the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge, and Saint Teklehaimanot Cave Church. After pick-up from your hotel/airport in Addis Ababa, drive 100 km (68 miles) north, passing through undulating mountain ranges that shelter the famous bleeding-heart gelada baboons as well as endemic birds.
Arrive at the Debre Libanos Monastery complex, founded in 1284 by Saint Abune Teklehaimanot, which sits dramatically on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of the Jamma River (a tributary of the Blue Nile). Enjoy breathtaking views of the Blue Nile Gorge, often compared to Arizona’s Grand Canyon.
Admire the Portuguese Bridge, built in the 1890s by Ras Darge in classic Portuguese style. Experience the scenic landscape, interact with local people, and trek to Saint Teklehaimanot Cave Church. Late afternoon, return to Addis Ababa. Overnight at the same hotel in Addis Ababa.
Day 3: Wenchi Crater Lake & Addis Ababa City Tour
A trip to Wenchi Crater Lake is an excellent way to spend your weekend vacation. Wenchi is located 155 km west of Addis Ababa, between Ambo and Waliso. An extinct volcano with its peak at 3,380m above sea level, Wenchi features a large crater lake, hot mineral springs, waterfalls, valleys, and farmland. On one of the lake’s islands stands an old monastery with a church.
Start your morning with a 155 km drive from Addis Ababa. After paying the entrance and parking fees, and arranging the obligatory local guide, continue uphill to the departure point. From here, you may either hike 4 km to the lakeshore or ride on horseback. The downhill trek passes through varied greenery and villages, leading to the sparkling lakeshore. After exploring, drive back to Addis Ababa.
Depending on time, enjoy a City Tour: Visit Saint George Cathedral, with its octagonal architecture. Inside, admire mosaics depicting biblical scenes such as the Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon, along with paintings showing historical events related to Emperor Haile Selassie and the Ethio-Italian War. These artworks were created by the renowned Ethiopian artist Afework Tekle. Also visit the museum inside the cathedral.
Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia (admission included) to gain a deeper understanding of human evolutionary history. Here you can see the world-famous Lucy fossil, a 3.2 million-year-old Australopithecus afarensis.
Finally, depending on guests’ interests, enjoy dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant for a cultural experience before transfer to Airport.