Description
Menagesha Suba Forest, located about 25 kilometers west of Addis Ababa, is one of Ethiopia's oldest and most important protected forests. Known for its rich biodiversity, it serves as a sanctuary for various wildlife species, including rare birds and plants. The forest offers scenic hiking trails, tranquil surroundings, and historical significance, as it has been a site for royal hunting grounds. It’s a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape from the city.
Highlights
- Nature Walks – Explore Ethiopia’s oldest forest with towering junipers.
- Wildlife Spotting – See colobus monkeys, bushbucks & rare birds.
- Hiking Adventure – Optional trek to Mount Wechecha (3,385m).
- Peaceful Escape – Enjoy a scenic picnic in nature.
Included
- Private transportation from/to Addis Ababa
✔ Professional English-speaking guide
✔ Entrance fees to Menagesha Suba Forest
✔ Bottled water & snacks
✔ Picnic lunch
✔ Airport pick or drop off/ same as Hotel pick up
Not Included
- Alcoholic beverages
✖ Personal expenses
✖ Tips for guide/driver
Itinerary
Day 1
- 8:00 AM – Pick-up from Addis Ababa Meet your guide at your hotel or designated pick-up point.
- Drive westward through scenic countryside, passing small villages and rolling hills.
- 9:30 AM – Arrival at Menagesha Suba Forest Enter the national forest reserve and receive a briefing about the area’s history, flora, and fauna.
- 10:00 AM – Guided Nature Walk & Wildlife Spotting Explore well-marked trails through the dense forest.
- Look out for colobus monkeys, Menelik’s bushbucks, warthogs, and over 200 species of birds.
- Visit some of the oldest juniper and podocarpus trees, estimated to be over 400 years old.
- 12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch Enjoy a packed picnic lunch in a scenic spot within the forest.
- Take in the fresh air and serene surroundings.
- 1:30 PM – Hiking to Mount Wechecha (Optional) For adventure seekers, hike up Mount Wechecha (3,385m), the highest peak in the area.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the forest and surrounding valleys.
- 3:00 PM – Leisure Walk & Relaxation Take a gentle walk back through the forest.
- Capture photos and soak in the tranquility of nature.
- back to Addis and transfer to your Hotel or to the airport
Faq's
✔ Location: About 50 km west of Addis Ababa, approx. 1.5-hour drive.
✔ Best Time to Visit: Dry season (October – May) for better trails and wildlife sightings.
✔ Weather: Cool and mild; bring a light jacket for higher altitudes.
✔ Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate hikes; sturdy walking shoes recommended.
✔ Wildlife & Nature: Home to colobus monkeys, Menelik’s bushbucks, warthogs, and over 200 bird species.
✔ What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, water, snacks, binoculars, sunscreen, and a hat.
✔ Accessibility: Suitable for most travelers but not wheelchair accessible due to uneven trails.
✔ Local Regulations: No littering, respect wildlife, and follow park .