Addis Ababa City & Surroundings Tour Options
Option 1: Addis Ababa City Tour
During a day trip, you will see all the most important places to visit in Addis Ababa. If possible, we can include some other attractions of the capital city of Ethiopia.
The visit begins with the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the most important church in Ethiopia. It houses the mausoleum of Emperor Haile Selassie and his wife. Then we’ll explore the National Museum—one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s finest—home to the 3.2 million-year-old fossil “Lucy” and ancient artifacts from Queen Saba’s era.
Next, the Ethnographic Museum located in Addis Ababa University, founded and managed by Polish professor Stanis?aw Chojnacki. It features remarkable collections of crosses, icons, and traditional instruments.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant such as “Ambassador,” offering authentic Ethiopian dishes and local beer. Afterward, we’ll ascend Entoto Hill (3200 m) for panoramic views of the city and visit the historical palace and museum of Menelik II.
We’ll conclude the tour at Merkato—Africa’s largest open-air market—before returning you to your hotel or the airport.
End of Addis Ababa City Tour
Option 2: Debre Libanos Monastery Day Trip (From Addis Ababa)
Drive north across the Ethiopian highlands to Debre Libanos, passing beautiful village landscapes before reaching a breathtaking 1,000 m deep gorge. Stop at the viewpoint to spot birds and enjoy short hikes across the old commercial bridge, leading to a terraced waterfall and monkey-inhabited caves.
In the afternoon, visit the Debre Libanos monastery, founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot, later destroyed in 1937 during the Italian occupation. Explore the octagonal church adorned with stained glass by artist Afework Tekle and the museum displaying the monastery’s treasures.
Option 3: Menagesha Forest Day Trip (From Addis Ababa)
Drive 30 km west of Addis Ababa to explore the protected Menagesha Forest. Enjoy a 2–3 hour hike among giant junipers, lobelias, and heather, with some trees over 400 years old. Spot Guereza monkeys and Menelik’s bushbucks in their natural habitat.
After the forest walk, visit the old sawmill compound and stop at Meta Brewery for a fresh beer in its green garden while admiring a nearby waterfall.
Option 4: Wenchi Crater Lake Day Trip (From Addis Ababa)
Take a 5–6 hour hike or horse ride through the scenic Wenchi Crater Lake area. Descend to the lake, cross by boat to a small island to visit an ancient monastery, and return through a lush valley with clear springs and traditional water-powered mills.
Experience the peaceful countryside and friendly locals before returning to Addis Ababa in the late afternoon.
Option 5: Mount Zuqualla Day Trip (From Addis Ababa)
Early in the morning, drive south from Addis Ababa via Debre Zeit to the foot of Mount Zuqualla—an extinct volcano. Hike about 4 hours, gaining 900 m in elevation to reach the ancient Zuqualla Monastery founded in the 4th century.
At the summit, nearly 3,000 m above sea level, enjoy the sacred crater lake and forest, home to Colobus monkeys, Menelik’s bushbuck, and endemic bird species such as the Ethiopian oriole and Abyssinian woodpecker.
End of Tour
“Discover the vibrant heart of Ethiopia — where history, culture, and modern life meet in harmony.”