Family Pack Fun at Entoto Park: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The park offers a variety of trails for hikers of all levels while you enjoy the fresh air and panoramic views of the city. The way down from the monument are shops, cafeterias and Maya viewpoints. Green Gold is a place to stop at for a cup of coffee while enjoying the whole coffee ceremony, including the roasting and a coffee gallery and lab.

For someone who enjoys the architecture, the Maya viewpoint is the landmark of Entoto Park with its circular building from the top, which is a limitless view of Mount Entoto forest. The Entoto Natural Park Museum is engaging for you to learn about the park's natural history and biodiversity. You can also take a horse ride through the park's trails while also enjoying a game of paintball to test your skills at the park's paintball arena. Zip-lining is also a big feature to experience the thrill of soaring through the treetops on a zip line. Trampoline can be enjoyed by both children and adults, where there is also a kid's playground: 70 ETB for unlimited time.

While enjoying the parks many other activities, relax in the park's gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with beautiful flowers while having a picnic. Whether you're interested in history, nature or adventure, Entoto Park will give you a memorable experience.

Another feature is the Kuriftu Spa that is located in the Kuriftu Resorts, which has a sauna, different massages and a yoga center. You can come and unwind while making your spa visit with a trip to the Jacuzzi and floating beds. Participate in a Yoga session.

The park is open to the public from 6 am to 6 pm every day. The entrance fee is $15 ETB for adults and $10 ETB for children.

Day trips

I would suggest exploring the historical sites at Entoto Mariam Church, built in the 19th century with a rich history and stunning views of the city. You can come here and see its architecture and get a glimpse of its history and pay your service if you are a Christian or not.

Explore Menelik's Palace and learn about the history of Ethiopia's kings and queens at this historic palace where it was built on a hill for Empress Taitu, who would visit the hot mineral springs at Felweha, a short distance away.

The Entoto Observatory and Research Center is not too far, and you can pay a visit to this, the center that was initiated during the establishment of the Ethiopian Space Science Society (ESSS) and officially began operations in 2012. There are the two domes for the twin telescopes, completed by deserting the trees, and you can see them and hear a guide on its daily operations.

There are a number of restaurants and cafes in the park, as well as vending machines and food stalls. There are also restrooms and public toilets available.

• Green Gold Coffee: This shop provides Hand-Roasting coffee available with whole bean packages and coffee ready-made for you to sip as well as a roasting ceremony there.

• O'Levite Bistro: This is a great cafe within mountains in a natural park to enjoy the fresh food, which is tasty and hygienic Italian food and choice of prime-cut meats.

• Bilo's Pastry: high-end pastry establishment that brings authentic and delectable French and Italian pastries to the citizens of Addis Ababa

• Kuriftu Restaurant: Located within the Kuriftu Resorts in Entoto Park, serving traditional food and American items as well.

• Kategna Restaurant: This place prepares fresh spices blended daily in sauces that are prepared as ordered. The friendly staff and warm decor makes Kategna the perfect place to relax with family and friends. While they offer many traditional Ethiopian meat dishes, they are also sensitive to the needs of our vegan customers. Traditionally, they prepare many authentic Ethiopian dishes that are vegan, without the use of any animal products.