Drive 110 km north from Addis over the Entoto Mountains passing through the Sululta Plains to the Monastery of Debre Libanos founded in the 13th century by Abune Tekle Haymanot.

Overlooking Jema River Gorge, a tributary of the Blue Nile, the Monastery owns ecclesiastical, cultural and historical relics, and boasts a rare grove of trees that have disappeared from elsewhere in the region. Walk across a 16th Century Bridge said to have been built by Portuguese to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the gorge. Here you may see gelada monkeys—a unique grass-eating primate found only in Ethiopia. In the late afternoon drive back to Addis Ababa.

Drive west 30 km from Addis Ababa and you’ll reach the entrance of the protected Menagesha Forest. On a 2–3-hour hike, we will explore the forest with its typical plants such as the Giant juniper, Giant lobelia, heather, and Giant ragweed. Some of the oldest trees are over 400 years old. In addition, wild animals such as Guereza monkeys and Menelik bushbucks can be observed.

Before heading back to Addis Ababa, we can visit an abandoned compound with an old sawmill. Finally, after leaving the forest, we can make a stop at the Meta brewery, sit in the green garden with a fresh beer and have a look and some photos at the nearby waterfall.

Take a day trip to the northern Crater Lake Wenchi. Here, we have a 5–6-hour hike (or riding tour) through the beautiful countryside. You’ll walk down to the Crater Lake before crossing the lake by boat. On a small island, we’ll visit a monastery and church.
From the opposite side of the lake, we start our way back through a lovely green valley with numerous clear water springs and small streams. In the late afternoon, we return to Addis Ababa.