Entoto Park

Entoto Park is a scenic highland nature and recreational park on Mount Entoto offering panoramic views over Addis Ababa. Inaugurated in 2020 as part of the Beautifying Sheger Project, it combines walking trails and lush forests with modern cafes, viewpoints, sports centers, and cultural attractions.

Entoto Park (also known as Entoto Natural Park) is situated on the Mount Entoto mountain massif on the northern border of Addis Ababa. Developed as part of the Beautifying Sheger Project initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the park spans roughly 5 square kilometers and was inaugurated in October 2020. The area is known as 'the lung of Addis Ababa' for its lush eucalyptus forest and serves as a favorite training ground for Ethiopian athletes.

The park blends highland nature with modern recreational and cultural facilities. Points of interest within the park include the Maya View Point landmark, a COVID-19 Memorial Monument honoring health workers, Kuriftu Resort, and Green Gold coffee experiences featuring traditional coffee ceremonies and a coffee gallery. Visitors can also take in panoramic views of Addis Ababa and the surrounding mountain massif at altitudes ranging between 2,600 and 3,100 meters.

Entoto Park features multiple entrances, including Maya (Maryam) Gate, Sululta Gate, Dil Ber (Addisu Gebeya) Gate, and Shiro Meda Gate, along with a VIP entrance. The park maintains strict conservation rules prohibiting entry into the deep forest, littering, and bringing alcohol, cigarettes, or recreational drugs onto the grounds.

Facilities & services

• Free Wi-Fi
• Resting areas / WC
• Restaurants
• Cafes
• Shops
• Art center / Art galleries
• Amphitheater
• Playing grounds
• Cinema
• Artificial lake
• Spas
• Sports centers
• Parking

Highlights

• Panoramic views of Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto (2,600 to 3,100 meters altitude)
• Maya View Point circular landmark
• COVID-19 Memorial Monument honoring Ethiopian healthcare workers
• Lush eucalyptus forest dubbed 'the lung of Addis Ababa'
• Green Gold coffee experience and coffee ceremonies

Details

terrain

High mountain plateau, steep ridges, and deep gorges covered in woodland, with internal paved roads and walking trails

elevation

2,600 m to above 3,000 m (up to 3,100 m)

activities

Walking forest trails, running, horse riding, archery, zipline, rope courses, biking, and go-kart

facilities

14-kilometer internal paved road, viewpoints, restaurants, cafes, artificial lake, amphitheater, seven parking areas, resting areas and restrooms every 1.5 km, library, sports centers, spas, art gallery, on-site clinic, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour security

trail details

14-kilometer paved internal road and unpaved forest paths winding through eucalyptus woodland; long distances that do not always form a loop

natural features

Lush eucalyptus forest, mountain massif, juniper hills, and panoramic views over Addis Ababa and surrounding solitary mountains

conservation rules

Don't go into the forest; keep the park clean by putting trash in recycle bins; bringing alcohol, cigarettes, and other recreational drugs to the park is prohibited; report any illegal activity encountered

seasonal conditions

Noticeably cooler air due to high altitude; mornings can be misty

Best time

Mornings for fresh air, low crowds, clear city views, and running; weekends for a family-friendly atmosphere; afternoons for cafes with views

Time needed

Two to four hours (or half a day)

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible with accessible parking

Visitor tips

• Bring an ID card or passport, as identification is required for entry.
• Dress warmly with layers, as the high elevation makes the ridge noticeably cooler and mistier than central Addis Ababa.
• Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes suitable for both paved paths and uneven forest ground.
• Arrange return transport in advance, as distances are long and ride-sharing pickup or late transport can be challenging on the mountain.

Questions