Just a short drive north of Addis Ababa, Entoto Hills offers panoramic views of the city and a peaceful escape into nature. The area is home to Entoto Maryam Church and the former palace of Emperor Menelik II. Nearby, Entoto Park has become a top destination with its walking trails, coffee houses, restaurants, biking routes, and even a zipline. It’s the perfect place to breathe fresh mountain air, learn history, and enjoy a relaxing day out.
About 30 km south of Debre Zeit, Mount Zuqualla is an extinct volcano with a sacred crater lake at its summit. The lake is home to a centuries-old monastery that draws pilgrims throughout the year. A hike up the mountain rewards visitors with scenic landscapes, dense forest, and a sense of spiritual calm. It’s ideal for hiking enthusiasts and those interested in Ethiopia’s religious traditions.
Roughly 100 kilometers north of Addis Ababa, Debre Libanos Monastery is a historic religious site founded in the 13th century. Surrounded by cliffs and lush valleys, the monastery is spiritually important and architecturally fascinating. Just nearby is the famed Portuguese Bridge, offering stunning views over the gorge and a waterfall below. It’s a favorite for both cultural tourists and nature lovers.
Located about 70 kilometers southwest of Addis Ababa, Adadi Mariam is the southernmost rock-hewn church in Ethiopia, believed to date back to the 12th or 13th century. Carved out of a single rock, the church resembles the famous ones in Lalibela but on a smaller scale. It is still active and used by local worshippers. Visiting this site offers a peaceful rural setting, historical insight, and a glimpse into Ethiopia’s deep Orthodox Christian heritage.
Close to Adadi Mariam is the Tiya archaeological site, a UNESCO-listed field of ancient stone stelae believed to mark the burial places of warriors or tribal leaders. The stones are engraved with mysterious symbols, swords, and human figures. The site is both historic and mysterious, offering a unique stop on a day trip from Addis Ababa for those interested in Ethiopia’s ancient civilizations.
We don’t just show you Ethiopia we help you belong to it.
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Dinshu, Bale Robe, Ethiopia
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