Gullele Botanical Garden

The basics

Gullele Botanical Garden should be viewed more as a work in progress than a final product. Don’t expect many perfectly manicured displays of plants and flowers; gardens take time, and this one is under continuous development. However, there’s still plenty of natural beauty to take in, and some of the garden species are labeled. Just a word of advice: The gardens are extensive, so it’s best to go with a guide who knows the lay of the land.

Things to know before you go

• Gullele Botanical Garden is a must-visit for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers.
• The garden is not wheelchair-friendly.
• Wear comfortable shoes that can get dirty, along with sun protection, and pack plenty of water.
• There’s a small on-site restaurant serving Ethiopian snacks.

How to get there

Gullele Botanical Garden is located northwest of central Addis Ababa, about a 20–25-minute drive out of town. While you can get a taxi to drive you here, you’ll need to also pay the driver to wait and then take you back. A more convenient option is to join a tour that includes transportation from your hotel.

When to get there

The garden is open daily from morning until evening. It's best to come early in the day to avoid the heat and to give yourself plenty of time to explore. The best time of year to visit is during the dry season, which runs from October until May. The rainy months of July and August are best avoided.

Visiting Mount Entoto

If you want to enjoy great views of the city while spending time in nature, consider visiting Mount Entoto, east of Gullele Botanical Garden. Highlights include the Entoto Natural Garden, a lovely natural area with great viewpoints, and the 19th-century Entoto Maryam Church, one of the most important Orthodox churches in the country.