Day trips from Addis Ababa

Day trips from Addis Ababa

Excursions from Addis Ababa

Looking to get out of the city for a few hours? If you are outdoor enthusiasts, here’s the definitive list of best day trips from Addis Ababa to the surrounding attractions for unforgettable getaways, featuring recreational resorts, beautiful natural scenic attractions near Addis Ababa and adventures in Ethiopian countryside. Addis Ababa is the point of arrival for almost nearly all international visitors to Ethiopia. Access to the rest of the country is easy and this is an interesting city in its own right.
There's a multitude of wonderful day trips around Addis Ababa. They're fun, exciting, educational and suitable for all the family. And they will undoubtedly be one of the major highlights of your holiday. We also organize tailor-made Addis Ababa airport layover tours and Addis Ababa airport stopover tours that can suit our clients' interest.
We put our greatest effort in preserving places within around 10 hours of Addis Ababa together with their natural, historical and cultural treasures and offering our guests a richer and more reliable day trip experience.

Day Trips from Addis Ababa
Day Trips from Addis Ababa

Day out in Addis Ababa? Book your day trips from Addis Ababa by private vehicles and return the same day. You can take a day trip and excursion to discover amazing nature, great history, beautiful recreational, adventurous, historic and cultural places near Addis Ababa. There are several places very close to Addis Ababa where you can drive off to far a day out to relax, admire landscape or hike and come back the same day. Our Addis Ababa day out tours will take you to places of rich Ethiopian history, culture and breathtaking scenery all in a single day and to ensure that you have everything that you need. Our day trips list includes the following best places near Addis Ababa.

Lists of best day trips from Addis Ababa

The following table summarizes the most famous day trips from Addis Ababa. It is a useful table detailing what day trips from Addis Ababa are on offer at Paragon Ethiopia Tours. All you need to do is to choose a day trip that suits your taste.

N.B. * an asterisk indicates a community-based ecotourism initiative

No

Name of place to visit near Addis Ababa for a one-day trip

1

Lake Wonchi (Wenchi)* : This lake is one of the best destinations for Addis Ababa day trips and excursions where the calm and the silence dominate the natural environment. Ranking among the 10 most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Wonchi (Wonchi) combines picturesque lakeside, mountains and equatorial forests. Wonchi/Wenchi promises an ultimate retreat where you can experience the many activities on offer with complete privacy, from breathtaking walk or kayak around the clear water of Lake Wonchi/Wenchi, there is something for everyone.

2

Sodore to see birds, valleys and tributary rivers.

3

Bishoftu, one of the best recreational resorts where one can see beautiful crater lakes.

4

Tiya Stelae: The archaeological site of Tiya Stelae is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

5

Menagesha Suba National Forest Park to see some wild animals and indigenous flora and fauna. Menagesha Suba National Forest is the nearest national park to Addis Ababa and home to Colobus Monkeys, Menelik's Bushbuck, and leopards as well as prolific birdlife and other game. Your expert guide will endeavor to spoil you with sightings of these animals, general game and prolific birdlife at this same national park.

6

Washa Mikael Rock Hewn Church. Some tour companies categorize this place as one of the best Addis Ababa tourist attractions.

7

The Portuguese Bridge and Debre Libanos Monastery: The countryside north of Addis Ababa is amazing. And you will drive through it to get the place where the Portuguese Bridge is located. You will have a chance to hike to the Portuguese Bridge. You can still walk further to take in more amazing views. You can also walk from one amazing view point to the next. The Portuguese Bridge is the oldest bridge in Ethiopia. It is also still in use.

8

The Blue Nile Gorge: This gorge is the largest and most picturesque canyon in Africa. The Blue Nile Gorge, which forms a large canyon in the conglomerate has a general drop of 574 meters from the mountain landscape where you will have immersed yourself in these impressions. You will also admire the breathtaking landscape that surrounds this gorge.

9

Adadi Mariam Cave Church

10

Born Free Foundation Ethiopia, a wildlife conservation and education center near Addis Ababa to visit lions, white Monkeys, and Cheetahs is a great day trip destination. IMPORTANT: Only prearranged visits are allowed as far as trip to this place is concerned.

Addis Ababa Day Trips

Addis Ababa travel experience isn't complete without a few day trips to some of the great sights and spots out of the city, and one of these sights is Lake Wonchi (Lake Wenchi). It is full of rich nature; a great way to escape from the bustling city. The tranquil atmosphere offers a wonderful, peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of life. The diversity of landscapes provides the foundation for the unrivaled choice of outdoor activities on offer.
Things that are notable to do into Lake Wonchi (Lake Wenchi) are hike the many trails of the mountain in your way down to and up from the lake and explore an unspoiled nature. Going to Lake Wonchi during the weekday is in our opinion a better idea; it is less busy. Important: Regretfully day trip from Addis Ababa to Lake Wonchi (Lake Wenchi) is not suitable for guests with physical disabilities. Important: All our day trips include from and to Addis Ababa airport transfers.

Day Trip from Addis Ababa to Lake Wonchi (Lake Wenchi) - The best adventure day trip to do from Addis Ababa

The country's unique and diverse natural environment makes Ethiopia a best kept secret adventure destination on the African continent. The landscape of Lake Wonchi (Lake Wenchi) undergoes considerable change during the rainy season as the area changes dramatically with thousands of flowers in bloom and the vegetation turning green which makes Lake Wonchi (Lake Wenchi) tour one of the best day trips from Addis Ababa.
Lake Wonchi (Wenchi), the ideal destination for ecotourism tourists and for those who enjoy paradisiacal scenery, is famed for two quite different things; a false banana which it grows in an abundance and its stunning natural beauty including mountains, landscapes and gorgeous lakeside views. It's also the ideal place to those who are looking for intense contact with nature. Its wild and unspoiled beauty is further complimented by a slow and peaceful pace of life in the surrounding. The lake's size, its warm freshwater and its beautiful surrounding beaches make it a magnet for those seeking an all-your round location to kayak or admire nature.
Lake Wonchi/Wenchi is backed by a forest reserve. This day trip will take you to the most popular visitor attraction outside of Addis Ababa. One will have an opportunity to experience a unique combination of landscape, lake and, of course the lifestyle of people which makes Ethiopia one of Africa's most amazing countries while he is on his day trip to Lake Wonchi/Wenchi. Day trip to this lake is one of the most important adventure attractions and activities in Ethiopia which will grab your attention.

Tour Category
Tour Code
Tour Overview
Time Needed
Itinerary
Tour Category

Day Trips from Addis Ababa 

Tour Code

PETDT 01

Tour Overview

Lake Wonchi (Lake Wenchi), one of Africa's remarkable natural treasures is the most iconic natural attraction which most travelers choose among all other day trips from Addis Ababa. This lake is located between Woliso and Ambo 135 kilometers west of Addis Ababa. The lake's natural surroundings and breathtaking air give the place a magical feeling.

Lake Wonchi (Wenchi) tour overview

Lake Wonchi (Lake Wenchi) tour is an amazing opportunity to see beautiful crater lake. One can see marvelous valleys, breathtaking view of the stunning lake, hot mineral springs, waterfalls and many more attractions while he is at this place. A short boat ride on this same lake also will will take you to Wonchi (Wenchi) Chirkos Monastery where you can visit an important monastery dated back to the 15th century. Official measurements of water quality prove that Lake Wonchi (Wenchi) is largely evaluated as excellent. This tour is an unforgettable experience of conflicting landscapes where the nature envelops the traveler in its warm embrace.

Trekking to Lake Wonchi (Wenchi)

With your experienced guide, you walk from your 4WD vehicle to the lake where you enjoy the fantastic view and complete silence and peacefulness of Lake Wonchi (Wenchi). After an hour and thirty minutes of trekking on average through spectacular landscape, you will find yourselves at Lake Wonchi (Lake Wonchi). The final 5 kilometers of scenery in your hiking all the way to and from the lake is frankly, breathtakingly beautiful.

Guests do trip to Lake Wonchi (Lake Wenchi) to obtain peace of mind, time and utter silence in order embrace nature. Don't worry that this is a major marathon, but rather a leisurely walk for you to experience a beautiful nature.     

Time Needed

Eleven hours

Itinerary

Lake Wonchi (Lake Wenchi) Day Trip Itinerary: 

Pick up from your hotel is at 7:00 AM. You will drive 157 km west of Addis Ababa through Weliso town on the Addis Ababa-Jimma road to Lake Wonchi (Lake Wenchi) for unforgettable excursion. To reach Lake Wonchi (Lake Wenchi) it is necessary to hike for about an hour and thirty minutes over a rough trail along the ancient water-courses threading through Mt. Wonchi (Wenchi). At Lake Wonchi, you can see spectacular crater lake, diverse scenery, indigenous forest reserves, an extensive plateau covered in moorland and Afro-alpine heather surrounds the crater lake, and the 15th century monastery of Wonchi Chirkos by hiking through the main trails. After lunch, retrace to Ababa. You can take our Harar and Lake Wonchi tour packages for the perfect combination of nature and history by adding some more days.

Important: Lake Wonchi (Wenchi) can not be reached by public transport. 

Key Information        

  • Price from: $182
  • Transportation: Surface
  • Vehicle: Jeep. By traveling in a jeep you get the qualities of a smaller group as you avoid the crowds for maximum comfort and the best spots available. 
  • Price Includes: Return private vehicle from departure points, lunch, entrance fee, guide, gratuities, and government tax.
Wonchi Crater Lake

Lake Wonchi (Lake Wenchi)

Price of Lake Wonchi tour
Price of Lake Wonchi tour

 

No

Duration

Price/person

($)

Vehicle

Price includes

Availability

1

1 day

Starting from 111

Jeep

Return private vehicle from departure points, lunch, entrance fee, guide, and gratuities.

Available throughout the year.

Day Trip from Addis Ababa to Adadi Mariam Church

Tour Category
Tour Code
Tour Overview
Itinerary
Tour Category

Day Trips from Addis Ababa 

Tour Code

PETDT 02

Tour Overview

The 13th century rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam is located southwest of Addis Ababa at an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level. It's only 67 km distant from Addis Ababa. Researches show that it is a replica of Lalibela. What makes this church unique is that it is excavated inwards. And the church has twenty four windows and ten doors. If you don't have a chance to visit Lalibela or any other rock-hewn church in Ethiopia, we advise you not to miss it---do a day trip which includes this church.   

Itinerary

Addis Ababa Day Trips to Adadi Mariam Church Itinerary: 

Our affordable day trips from Addis Ababa to Adadi Mariam Church are memorable.
Itinerary: After breakfast, drive to Adadi Mariam Church which lies to the west of the Butajira road on a small hill to see one of the most ancient churches of Ethiopia. This important point of interest for day trip from Addis Ababa is carved out of a single rock, surrounded by beautiful landscape and its interior decorated with impressive icons. After lunch, retrace to Addis Ababa. 

Key Information       

  • Price from: $151
  • Transportation: Surface
  • Vehicle: Jeep or minivan
  • Price Includes: Return private vehicle from departure points, lunch, entrance fee, guide, gratuities, and government tax. 
    Adadi Mariam Church

    Adadi Mariam Cave Church


Addis Ababa Day Trips to Tiya Stelae: 
Tour Category
Tour Code
Tour Overview
Time Needed
Itinerary
Tour Category

Day Trip to Tiya Selae 

Tour Code

PETDT 03

Tour Overview

The place Tiya is located south of Addis Ababa. The Tiya Stelae Field is an archaeological site which contains 36 monuments and 32 of which are carved stelae. These carved stelae are covered with symbols notably swords. They consist of tall and sculpted stone shafts. The Teya Stelae are large stone pillars which bear decoration.

The production of stelae at Tiya is believed to have its origin between the 11th and 13th centuries. 

Time Needed

10 hours 

Itinerary

Tiya Stelae Day Trip Itinerary: Pick up from your hotel is at 7:00 AM. After your pick up from your hotel, drive to Tiya Stelae, Ethiopia UNESCO World Heritage Site dated back to the 12th century. The Tiya Stelae mark a prehistoric burial place of ancient Ethiopian culture. After lunch, drive back to Addis Ababa. 

Tiya Stelae

The Stelae at Tiya

Key Information        

  • Duration: 1 day
  • Price from: $164
  • Category: Day trips
  • Transportation: Surface

Menagesha Forest day trip

Day trip from Addis Ababa to Menagesha Forest

Addis Ababa Day Trips to Menagesha Suba Forest: After breakfast, drive to Menagesha Suba Forest, the oldest state park in Africa located 50 km west of Addis Ababa. As you continue towards Suba Menagesha Forest, the scenery becomes more and more rural, and as you get closer to the Park, the beauty of the landscape increases drastically. The Suba Menagesha National Forest has a campsite for a longer stay. This forest reserve is one of the best remaining examples of dry Afromontane forest situated on the slopes mountain of Wochecha. It has a vibrant wildlife with Colobus Monkeys, the indigenous Menelik's Bushbuck, baboons, leopards and more than 180 species of birds. In the late afternoon, return back to Addis Ababa. Because of the road close to the forest park of Menagesha Suba is quite bumpy, it can take about 2 hours to reach from the city center. If you follow the northern most route to Menagesha Suba Forest, you will come across an awesome airplane restaurant.
Key Information        

  • Duration: 1 day
  • Price from: $111
  • Category: Day trips
  • Transportation: Surface
  • Vehicle: Jeep
  • Price Includes: Return private vehicle from departure points, lunch, entrance fee, guide, gratuities, and government tax.

Bird watching day trips Ethiopia

Addis Ababa birding day trips

Birding Day Trips from Addis Ababa: Pick up from your hotel to start your birding day trip is at 6:30 AM. You will directly drive to the Sululta Plains to see Rusty-breasted Wheatear, Blue-Winged Goose, Wattled Ibis, Thekla's Lark, Speckled Pigeon, Abyssinian Longclaw, White-winged Cliff-chat, and many more other bird species. Then, proceed to Debre Libanos to see Little Rock-thrush, Black-crowned Tchagra, Banded Barbet, Abyssinian Ground-Thrush, Common Bulbul, Thick-billed Raven, Common Fiscal, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Abyssinian Slaty-flycatcher, Pin-tailed Whydah, and more birds. Around mid-afternoon, drive back to Addis Ababa where you will finish your day tour.

Key Information        

  • Duration: 1 day
  • Price from: $101
  • Category: Day trips
  • Transportation: Surface
  • Vehicle: Jeep
  • Price Includes: Return private vehicle from departure points, lunch, entrance fee, guide, gratuities, and government tax.

Wildlife safari day Trips from Addis Ababa to the Born Free Foundation Ethiopia

Addis Ababa wildlife safari day trips to Born Free Foundation Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa Wildlife Safari Day Trip: After breakfast, drive some 34 km west of Addis Ababa to escape Addis Ababa’s urban bustle for a day trip to the Born Free Foundation Ethiopia to explore the nearest national park to Addis Ababa. This drive takes approximately an hour and ten minutes. After arrival, explore the Born Free Foundation Center, a wildlife conservation center in East Africa. You can visit lions, cheetahs, monkeys, and baboons from a safari car. Born free foundation is the best place where one can have the closest encounter he can have with these impressive animals. You can brush up the cheetahs against their fence as they are remarkably friendly. Ethiopia wildlife safari tour packages without this place are not complete. 
Key Information        

  • Duration: 1 day
  • Price from: $129
  • Category: Day trips
  • Transportation: Surface
  • Vehicle: Jeep
  • Price Includes: Return private vehicle from departure points, lunch, entrance fee, guide, gratuities, and government tax.

 

Day trip to Bishoftu from Addis Ababa

Bishoftu Day Trip from Addis Ababa

Bishoftu Day Trip in Addis Ababa: After breakfast, drive 48 km southeast of Addis Ababa to Bishoftu, a resort town. After arrival, visit the 5 crater lakes which the town is famous for. You will have a chance to see nearby attractions to Bishoftu such as Mt. Yerer and Green Crater Lake. This town is located at an altitude of 1,925 meters above sea level. In the late afternoon drive back to Addis Ababa.
Key Information        

  • Duration: 1 day
  • Price from: $124
  • Category: Day trips
  • Transportation: Surface
  • Vehicle: Jeep or Minivan
  • Price Includes: Return private vehicle from departure points, lunch, entrance fee, guide, gratuities, and government tax.

What you should pack for day trips from Addis Ababa:

The weather at Wonchi (Wenchi) is typically calm. But, it is necessary to outfit yourself with the appropriate outwear to fully enjoy the nature, fresh equatorial air and calm environment. 

  • Daily medications.
  • Sunglass.
  • Hat.
  • Comfortable shoes.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Snacks.
  • A copy of your passport.
  • A bottle of water.
  • Some important toiletries.

Travelers can also enjoy exploring this dynamic city with our Addis Ababa city tours; be it half-day Addis Ababa city tours or full-day Addis Ababa city tours and the freedom to stop many times as they wish, allowing them to take their time discovering Addis Ababa in addition to their day trips.
Please note: Guests need to be prepared for varying weather conditions and rain gear is essential to enjoy all our day trips from Addis Ababa particularly between the second half of June and the first week of September. Please contact us to book your day trips from Addis Ababa with us. Please be kindly informed that we also book Addis Ababa airport stopover hotels for a reasonable price for those who have overnight stays in Addis.