Short Trips from Addis Ababa

1-Day Trips

Debre Libanos Monastery
Drive north from Addis Ababa (about 100km) to the Debre Libanos Monastery. This monastery was founded in the 13th century by St. Tekle Haimanot, who, according to legend, prayed for 7 years straight standing on one leg until the other leg fell off. Nearby the monastery is the Portuguese bridge, which was the first bridge in Ethiopia. Around this area, you will hopefully see some endemic gelada baboons. Short hikes are available in the area, with stunning views of the Jemma Valley. Return to Addis Ababa, late afternoon.

1-Day Trips
Archeological sites of Tiya, Adadi Maryam and Melka Kunture
After breakfast, depart south from Addis Ababa to visit these archeological sites of interest. Tiya is an ancient stellae field, with anthropomorphic statues marking burial grounds. Tiya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adadi Maryam is a rock-hewn church, similar to those in Lalibela. Melka Kunture is a pre-historic tool-making site. Return to Addis Ababa late afternoon.

Lake Wenchi*/Menagesha Forest
Day 1
Early morning departure to Lake Wenchi. Here you can do some horseback riding or hiking around this stunning crater lake and/or a boat trip on the lake to visit the island monastery of Cherkos and the hot springs. Overnight in Woliso (lodge).

Day 2
After breakfast, drive to the Menagesha National Forest for some hiking. Here you will enjoy the wildlife, such as the colobus monkeys and endemic Menelik’s bushbuck, as well as birds, including the endemic Ethiopian oriole and Abyssinian woodpecker. After the visit, return to Addis Ababa in the afternoon.