Entoto Mountain Tour: Explore Addis Ababa's Majesty and Cultural History

Embark on a majestic tour of Addis Ababa’s Entoto Mountain and immerse yourself in its rich cultural history. Explore the stunning views, visit Menelik II’s palace and Entoto Maryam Cathedral, and discover the vibrant Shiro Meda market and National Museum of Ethiopia.

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Menelik palace - After exploring the historic church, you will head towards King Menelik’s palace, whose empress founded Addis Ababa. The palace was established when Menelik moved from Ankober to Addis. The palace and museum both testify to the simple taste Emperor Menelik and Empress Taitu had.
What's Included
  • Admission fees Mount Entoto
  • Bottled water
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • Parking fees
  • Admission fees Menelik Palace
  • Admission fees Saint Mary Church
What's Not Included
  • Pick up and drop off
  • Airport/Departure Tax
  • Park fees
  • Lunch
Additional Information

At 3,200 meters in elevation, Entoto Hill is sort of the roof of Addis Ababa. Driving up the steep road, you’ll pass homes and small villages, highland growth, and as you gain elevation you’ll start to get great views of Addis Ababa (on a clear day). Menelik II built his palace on the Entoto Hill and used it as his headquarters during the founding of Addis Ababa. Towards the top of Entoto Hill is Entoto Maryam Cathedral, or St. Mary’s Church. It’s not the most impressive cathedral, but it’s worth a stop cathedral museum as well. on the way back from Entoto Hill, then afterwards stop by the Shiro Meda market , It’s a friendly market where you can buy all sorts of Ethiopian clothes and local crafts

Location
Bole
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(15 Ratings)
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Jonathon
Sep 14, 2024
Brilliant trip with a 5* guide - With my partner being Ethiopian I wanted to learn about some of Ethiopia’s rich history, we opted for the Mount Entoto day trip with Jonas. Trip was arranged and Jonas met us at our hotel on time as planned, the car was relatively new, very clean and well maintained, he also had bottled water in the car ready for us. During the drive through the city on route to Mount Entoto, Jonas pointed out some key landmarks and buildings within Addis and explained their relevance to the city’s history and future. I found this interesting as you can see Addis is a developing city. When we arrived at Mount Entoto, we initially drove through the traditional villages and stopped to enjoy some of the views off the mountain, we then went onto looking around the palace and the museum, Jonas took the time to translate and explain some of the things I didn’t quite understand, which I was extremely grateful for. On the way back down we stopped at a traditional clothing market where all the clothes had been hand made, a truly remarkable sight, again Jonas stepped up and help negotiate the prices we were being charged for the souvenirs. Right the way through the trip Jonas displayed the upmost professionalism, he was very knowledgeable and passionate about Ethiopia and its history. Me and my partner both really enjoyed this day trip and would 100% recommend this tour and Jonas as a guide Further more Jonas then went above and beyond and also helped facilitate my partner meeting up with some of her family that she hadn’t seen for a very long time. Jonas thanks for everything Jon, Sara & Kareem
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gregoryshienkhing_p
Aug 21, 2024
One of the best tours I have been - Yonas is a personable and engaging tour guide. He truly is proud of his own country Ethiopia and deeply engages with travellers to let them know about one of the oldest independent civilisation in the world.
Review provided by Viator
Rosemarks1
Jul 29, 2024
Great time in Addis Ababa - Yonas was a lifesaver! We were in town for a conference and spent all week in a conference center. We concluded at 1pm on Friday and we had only half of a day to see Addis Ababa. I texted Yonas for the first time at 2pm on Friday. He immediately responded and he picked us up by 2:30! He was completely flexible to take us where we wanted to go. He gave recommendations based on time and weather to make the most of our day and gave lots of information along the way. We felt very safe with Yonas and had a great time. He never pressured us to buy anything but he helped negotiate good prices in the market when we wanted to make purchases. I would recommend Yonas to anyone! I left feeling like i was able to see a lot of the city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rosettad977
Jun 18, 2024
Emperor Minlik - We had an amazing time we!! Yonas was very knowledgeable, personal able and funny. We got to learn about the rich history of Emperor Minlik and Queen Tutu. We visited the Palace which was considered big during their time; Ethiopia 🇪🇹 has a rich history that’s worth exploring and that requires more than one visit to learn and understand.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davitp19
Jun 16, 2024
Nice and safe half day tour - It was really nice organized tour took half day and it was nice during that time was abel to see a lt and also have lunch and guide Yonas is just amazing guy very positive energy , definitely you feel comfortable and safe with him and like to have just in contact and can rely in him for any more farther and longer tours definitely.
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Dwaynew866
Jun 4, 2024
Touching the clouds - Every thing went well . Good guy! We had a good time! His knowledge of park was solid. Attenive to client! Recommend visit to park
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ciscoc141
May 5, 2024
Cush king returns to Ethiopia - Yonas is so awesome!! Honey wine is the best!!. The experience is unforgettable. Market place, hangout spots check out college scenery. Historical sites, good place for serious conversations. City vibe was cool , got a chance to too see the beautiful images of Ethiopia from the grass roots. Yonas a good person to know.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joachimo474
Feb 2, 2024
Addis daily guide Yonas - In Yonas you trust! This day trip took us to Entoto mountain, museums, traditianal food, coffee-shop and the big market, and we enjoyed it! Yonas picked us up at the right time and place in a newer nice and clean car. He is from the city and know all aboat it. We recommend him!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
360elizas
Jan 31, 2024
Mount Entoto and Addis Ababa Tour with Yonas - Yonas is amazing! I had such a great tour with him during my layover in Addis. We went on an afternoon trip starting at Mt Entoto before going down into the Merkato, ending with dinner at his favourite restaurant. Not only is Yonas great company and super friendly, I learnt so much about Addis and its history. He was also super flexible with timing and what we did did, tailoring it completely to what i wanted and was comfortable with. Reach out to him on +251 91 338 4298 :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
999kiyoshik
Dec 3, 2023
day in Addis Ababa - I was in Addis for a work meeting and only had one day free to see the city. I am so glad that I did the tour and got to experience Addis Ababa. I personally enjoyed the visit to Mount Entoto and the oldest restaurant in Addis, which was cheaper than other busier tourist restaurants offering Ethiopian food. My tour guide Yonas was great and really went out of his way. When we went to the market he helped translate and negotiate prices, and also helped organise that Adisu , the driver, was able to drop me off and fetch me from a meeting on the evening after the tour, which was slightly safer and cheaper than using a cab
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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