Unity Park is a major cultural, natural, and historical destination situated on the 40-hectare grounds of the Grand Palace in Addis Ababa. Inaugurated in 2019, it features Emperor Menelik II-era historical buildings, indigenous gardens, cultural pavilions, and a zoo housing endemic black-maned lions.
Initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2018 and officially opened to the public in October 2019, Unity Park is located within the 40-hectare premises of the 19th-century Grand Palace in Addis Ababa. The palace, established in 1887, historically served as the living and working quarters for seven Ethiopian leaders and preserves historical buildings dating back to the era of Emperor Menelik II.
The park brings together natural, historical, and cultural attractions, including regional pavilions showcasing Ethiopia's cultural diversity, historical structures, and an aquarium. Its green areas feature hiking trails, elevated views of Addis Ababa, and an Indigenous Garden highlighting regional architectural styles, house-building techniques, sculptures, and native plants used for medicine, food, and aesthetics.
Unity Park also houses wildlife areas including the Black Mane Lions Zoo, which features an endemic black-maned lion alongside nyalas and marabou storks within a 175-meter artificial cave modeled after Sof Omar Cave. Other wildlife found within the park grounds include ostriches, peacocks, cheetahs, wild dogs, and gelada baboons.
Facilities & services
- Parking garage
- Cafes and restaurants
- Bookstores
- Jewelry shops
- Gift shops
- ATMs
- Banks
- Telecom service providers
- Air ticket offices
- Amphitheater
Highlights
- Black Mane Lions Zoo featuring an artificial cave replica of Sof Omar Cave
- Historic Grand Palace complex and Emperor Menelik II-era heritage buildings
- Indigenous Garden displaying traditional architecture, sculptures, and native flora
- Panoramic elevated views of Addis Ababa from lush hiking trails
- Cultural pavilions representing diverse Ethiopian traditions
Details
- guided tours
- Available with the Special Ticket package, which includes a tour guide fluent in various languages.
- significance
- Located within Ethiopia's 19th-century Grand Palace established in 1887 under Emperor Menelik II, serving as the living and working space of seven Ethiopian leaders. Initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2018 and opened to the public in October 2019.
- admission fees
- Regular Ticket: 300 ETB for Ethiopians, 20 USD for foreigners; Special Ticket: 1100 ETB for Ethiopians, 50 USD for foreigners; Photography Service Package: 1000 ETB per person for Ethiopians, 50 USD per person for foreigners; School Packages: 150 ETB per person for Ethiopians, 10 USD per person for foreigners. Children aged 2 and above require tickets for regular and special services (all ages including under 2 must pay photography service fees).
- attraction type
- Historical, cultural, and natural park / zoo
- photography rules
- Personal cameras and drones are prohibited inside without authorization. Dedicated Photography Tickets are available for wedding, birthday, graduation, and maternity photoshoots (1000 ETB per person for Ethiopians / 50 USD for foreigners). Unauthorized commercial filming, TV programs, and fashion shoots are strictly prohibited.
Visitor tips
- Purchase your Special Ticket before 3:00 PM if you wish to tour Emperor Menelik's Palace Complex with a tour guide.
- Carry a valid ID (such as a Kebele ID, driver's license, or passport) showing your citizenship; Ethiopian-origin ID holders must show a renewed ID to access local rates.
- Do not bring outside food, drinks, liquids, personal cameras, power banks, or pets, as these are prohibited at security check.
- ATMs, cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and gift shops are accessible inside the park for cash, dining, and shopping needs.
Questions
What are the opening hours of Unity Park?
Unity Park is open Tuesday through Sunday, offering tickets from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with park activities wrapping up at 5:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays.
How much do entrance tickets cost at Unity Park?
Regular tickets are 300 ETB for Ethiopians and 20 USD for foreigners. Special tickets, which include a tour guide and access to Emperor Menelik's Palace Complex, cost 1100 ETB for Ethiopians and 50 USD for foreigners. Note that special tickets are not sold after 3:00 PM.
Can I bring a personal camera or drone into Unity Park?
No, personal cameras and drones are among the strictly prohibited items, along with laptops, recording devices, and power banks. Visitors wishing to do wedding, graduation, birthday, or maternity photoshoots must purchase a dedicated Photography Ticket package.
What documents and items are required or restricted upon entry?
All visitors must present a valid identification document showing current citizenship (such as a Kebele ID, passport, or driver's license). Holders of renewed Ethiopian-origin IDs can access citizen pricing. Outside food and beverages (except baby food), liquids, medications, weapons, sharp items, power banks, and pets are prohibited.
