Mt. Entoto
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Towering over Addis Ababa in the Entoto Mountains, Mount Entoto is notable for its great views and its mix of natural and cultural attractions. Key points of interest include verdant Entoto Natural Park and Entoto Maryam Church, the final resting place of 19th-century Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu.
The basics
Though Mount Entoto is slightly removed from the main sights in Addis Ababa, it’s still featured on a number of city tours, many of which visit the Entoto Maryam Church, Entoto Natural Park, or both. Day tours from Addis to the Debre Libanos monastery frequently stop on the mountain, too. If you want to have enough time to see both main attractions, as well as the palace of Menelik II and Taytu situated near the Maryam Church, consider booking a private, customizable tour instead.
Things to know before you go
Women who plan to visit Entoto Maryam Church should bring along a headscarf to wear inside.
Comfortable shoes and sun protection are a must for a safe and comfortable visit to the mountain.
Photography is not allowed in the church or its museum, but you can take pictures outside and in the park.
The church is not wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair users might come across other accessibility issues at Mount Entoto.
How to get there
Mount Entoto is located north of central Addis Ababa, 20 to 30 minutes from the city center by car. Plenty of tours come to the mountain, providing a convenient way to visit. You can also go by taxi, but first you'll need to make arrangements with your driver to stick around so you have transportation back to your hotel.
When to get there
Entoto Natural Park is a year-round attraction, though you may not have as good of a time if you come in July or August, when the area gets a lot of rain. Sunrise and sunset are ideal for views. If you plan to visit Entoto Maryam Church on a weekend, you may be able to attend Mass.
Highlights of Mount Entoto
It's worth spending enough time on Mount Entoto to visit both of its main attractions. The octagonal Entoto Maryam Church is one of the most important churches in the country, and still draws a steady stream of pilgrims to this day. It also has a museum, with displays about royal history. Meanwhile, nature lovers adore Entoto Natural Park, both for its great views and its beautiful foliage. Expect to see plenty of endemic birds, too.
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