3-Day Trip Addis Ababa and Surroundings

Explore the dynamic center of Ethiopia on a guided city tour of Addis Ababa. Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the National Museum, and the Merkato market. Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian lunch and learn about the city's history from a local guide. Start your day with a visit to the Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Enjoy a coffee at Tomoca Coffee, one of the city's oldest coffee shops. Next, visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral via Piassa, and stop at Friendship Park for lunch. After lunch, take a quick stroll through the park, and explore Ethiopian cultural, and historical exhibitions at Addis Ababa University's National Museum, Ethnological Museum, and the former Emperor Haile Selassie Palace. In the afternoon, drive up to Entoto to visit St. Merry Church, the first church in Addis Ababa, and its museum. See the first palace of Emperor Menelik II. On the way back, stop at Entoto Park viewpoint for a panoramic view of Addis Ababa city over sunset. Overnight stay at Da'amat.

Depart Addis Ababa at 07:30 AM. At slightly over 100 km from Addis Ababa, Debre Libanos is one of the best day trips from the Ethiopian capital. The church is monumental and pretty awful on the outside, but the stained-glass windows are attractive. Debre Libanos has one of the most interesting church museums in Ethiopia. Besides the usual ecclesiastical items, there are Italian guns, giant cooking pots, crowns of past emperors and their wives, musical instruments, and old wooden shackles. Fifteen minutes up the hills from the monastery is the cave of Tekla Haimanot, the monastery founder, where the saint is said to have done all his praying. It is also the source of Debre Libanos' famed holy water. Finally, we will take you to the Portuguese Bridge located at the Blue Nile Gorge, where you can admire the stunning landscapes and observe the unique Ethiopian endemic baboons known as Chelada Baboons. You'll also have the opportunity to spot various Ethiopian birds. Overnight stay Da'amat.

Discover the Wenchi Crater Lake on a day trip from Addis Ababa. Enjoy a hike through the lush woodlands, take in the views of the deep blue water, and see the volcanic peaks. Start your day with a pickup from your hotel in Addis Ababa. Travel to the Wenchi Crater Lake, located in a volcanic crater at an altitude of roughly 3,000 meters above sea level. Admire the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area. Explore the vibrant greenery and thick woodlands of the Wenchi Natural Area. See the striking contrast of the deep blue water with the volcanic peaks. The region boasts a wealth of biodiversity, featuring native trees, plants, and numerous bird species. Follow your guide on a hike through the untouched woodlands, offering superb chances for bird watching and engaging with the natural world. The area is also enriched by hot springs and waterfalls, enhancing its natural beauty. Afternoon drive back to Addis Ababa.