Day 1: Addis Ababa City Tour
Our guide will pick you up from the airport or your hotel to start exploring Addis Ababa. First, we will visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral. After that, we will go to Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa.
Next, we will head to Entoto Mountain, where you can enjoy great views of Addis Ababa. Nearby is the National Museum, where you will see the remains of the oldest Homo sapiens who lived over 3 million years ago.
At Merkato, you will see how business is done in the capital city. This market has almost everything locals need. You can also buy souvenirs and visit the arts and culture section.
The drive around the city will let you see many historical monuments that are important to the history of Addis Ababa and Ethiopia.
Day 2: Day Trip to Debre Libanos
Today we will visit the highlands north of Addis Ababa. You will pass through quiet villages and see a landscape of highlands and deep gorges that are up to 1000 meters deep. We will explore some of these gorges and watch the many birds living here.
The hike will take about two hours. Then we will cross the old commercial bridge built during early explorer days as we head to waterfalls and caves where Gelada baboons live.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Monastery of Debre Libanos, which is believed to have been founded in the 13th century. The monastery was damaged during the Italian invasion in 1937.
One highlight is the octagonal church, famous for its stained glass work by the artist Afework Tekle. There is also a new museum that holds special items from the damaged monastery. After the visit, we will return to the hotel.
Day 3: Day Trip to Menagesha Suba Forest Park
Our tour takes us west of Addis Ababa. We will stop about 30 kilometers from the city to hike for about two to three hours in Menagesha Forest. Here, you will see special plants such as giant juniper, giant lobelia, heather, and giant ragweed.
After the hike, we will return to Addis Ababa for the night.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional Ethiopian food, music, and performances by local artists. Later, you will be taken to the airport for your departure flight.
