Addis Ababa and It’s Surrounding

Melka Kunture Home Melke Kunture The cluster of Pleistocene archaeological and palaeontological sites of Melka Kunture and Balchit lies along the upper course of the Awash River, on the Ethiopian Highlands, at an altitude of about 2,000 to 2,200 metres above the sea level. With a relatively continuous stratigraphic sequence formed by the accumulation of fluvial/alluvial and volcano-derived deposits interposed with tuff, the property preserves an exceptionally long cultural sequence consisting of four consecutive phases of the Oldowan, Acheulean, Middle Stone Age and Late Stone Age techno-complexes, documented in a variety of archaeological contexts, testifying to the occupation of the area by hominin groups from two million years ago. Fragments of palaeo-landscapes preserved buried under the volcanic and sedimentary deposits with fossil fauna and flora allow to reconstruct the high-mountain ecosystem of the Ethiopian Highlands during the Pleistocene and draw conclusions on the adaptation of hominins to the challenges and climatic conditions of high altitudes. The presence of Homo erectus, Homo heidelbergensis and archaic Homo sapiens fossils, found in association with well-dated archaeological material, throws light on the development of skills and cognitive capacities in the early hominin groups. Rich concentration of varied lithic assemblages made from volcanic rocks with different knapping techniques, and evidence of high-quality of standardised obsidian tools, suggest a level of planning and innovation. Evidence of the centuries-long tradition of procurement and use of obsidian starting with the Oldowan industry makes the property the earliest known example of obsidian utilisation and an outstanding witness of continuity of exploitation of this raw material. Ready to Travel With Real Adventure Check Availability

Bishoftu Home Bishoftu Bishoftu city is located 47 km south of Addis Ababa, the capital city of the country, in Oromia National Regional State. Topographically the city is located in tepid to cool sub-moist mid highland at an altitude of about 1920 meters above sea level with moderate weather condition The Absolute Location of Bishoftu is 8044’40″N latitude and 38059’9″E longitude. A total area of Bishoftu is about 14,000 hectare of land (140sq.km). The temperature of the warmest month falls within a range of 20 degree centigrade to 24 0c and; The coldest month is within 16 Oc to 20 Oc. So the mini and Max temp of Bishoftu is 16 0c and 24 0c. Lake Hora This lake is at an altitude of 1850m ASL and with a maximum depth of 38m and an average depth of 17.5. This lake is also the biggest in town; it covers 1.03km2 surface area. This lake is the oldest developed resort in Debre Zeit. However, it is only conveniently accessible from Ethiopian Air Force Club Il in recent days. At this resort there is an open area on the lake side, which gives a clear view of the lake while enjoy the cuisines served. It is also possible to walk on a porch a short distance into the lake, which gives a beautiful view from a closer distance. Lake Babogaya This is on the outskirts of Debre Zeit. This lake has a wide lake side area, which is busy on weekends by tourists. Currently there are hotels serving on the lake side with a magnificent view of the lake. This lake is also convenient for swimming, fishing and recreation on the boat. Surrounded by Lake Kuriftu itself on one side and beautiful tropical gardens on the other, the slice of paradise you are looking for lies only 45 kilometers or a short 40 minutes’ drive away from the capital city of Addis Ababa. Ready to Travel With Real Adventure Check Availability

Ankober Home Ankober The city of Ankober, located 42 Km east of Debre Birhan had played an important role in the country’s history as being a strategic site in the struggle between highland and lowland emperors as early as the 13th century. The fact that the city controlled most trade routes from the lowlands and from the Red Sea port of Zeila added an economic strength to Ankober, which flourished as the capital of the great region of Showa and its kings even in the turbulent time of the Zemene Mesafint. A notable Showan King of the time was King Sahle Selassie (1813-1847), Emperor Menelik’s grandfather who built the Church of Mikael which is a major attraction in Ankober. The Saturday market at Aliyu Amba on the outskirts of the city and the Zinjero Gedel escarpments which offer magnificent scenery are worth taking a look at as part of a daytrip to Ankober which is a 175 Km drive north east of Addis Abeba. Ankober was Menelik II’s capital before he moved to Entoto. Ankober Palace Lodge is known for its kingly treatment of its guests and brings the feel of ancient Ankober to life. Ready to Travel With Real Adventure Check Availability

Suba Menagesha Forest Home Suba Menagesha Forest As the oldest park in Africa, Menagesha is just a stone’s throw from Addis Abeba. The park dates back to the reign of Emperor Zera Yaqob, from 1434 to 1468, when he originally designated it a crown forest. In the park, the lower slopes of Mount Damocha are covered with plantation forests, which form a buffer zone for its natural forest, higher up the mountainside that featuring a wide variety of native tree species. While the plantation areas are largely devoid of undergrowth, these natural areas of forest are rich with many different types of smaller trees, bushes, shrubs, groundcovers, and flowers, including big red onion-like flowers that grow from a single stem protruding from a bulb. At the top of the mountain are medicinal red-hot poker flowers. All these provide a rich habitat for many animals, including the endemic Menelik’s bushbuck, anubis baboon, guereza (colobus monkey), bush pig, warthog, leopard, and serval cat, for example. Many different types of birds, including endemics and semi-endemics, can also be seen. Ready to Travel With Real Adventure Check Availability

Adadi Mariam Home Adadi Mariam Dating back to the 15th or even as early as the 13th century by some accounts, the Adadi Mariam Church is not as old as some of the rock hewn churches of the northern highlands but is nonetheless an impressive and revered place of worship which attests to the early adoption of Christianity in the surrounding Guraghe area. The church was destroyed by Ahmed Gragn in the early 16th century and was only discovered and rehabilitated in the reign of Emperor Menelik. It has been in active use ever since. Ready to Travel With Real Adventure Check Availability

Jazzamba Lounge Home Jazzamba Lounge Nestled in the historic Taitu Hotel, one of Addis Ababa’s oldest establishments, Jazzamba Lounge is a cornerstone of the city’s jazz culture. The venue exudes a retro-chic ambiance, with dim lighting, vintage decor, and cozy seating that harks back to the golden era of 1960s Ethiopian jazz. Its intimate setting, adorned with black-and-white photos of legendary musicians, creates a nostalgic vibe perfect for immersive live performances. Jazzamba is renowned for its dedication to preserving Ethio-jazz, a genre popularized by icons like Mulatu Astatke, who occasionally graces the stage. The club’s acoustics and intimate stage setup ensure an up-close experience with both emerging talents and established artists. Jazzamba’s programming leans heavily on live bands blending traditional Ethiopian melodies with jazz improvisation, Afrobeat, and soul. Weeknights often feature experimental sessions, while weekends draw crowds for electrifying performances by bands like Addis Acoustic Project. The club also hosts jam sessions, drawing in local and international musicians. Paired with a menu of Ethiopian wines and craft cocktails, Jazzamba is not just a music venue but a cultural hub where history and modernity converge. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Ethiopia’s jazz legacy. Ready to Travel With Real Adventure Check Availability

African Jazz Village Home African Jazz Village One of Ethiopia’s epic innovations, Ethio Jazz has a tradition going back to the 1950s. “Ethio-jazz, is a unique fusion of the eerie rhythms of ancient Ethiopian cultural music with the soulful undertones of jazz and the funky bounce of Afro-beat. Marked by eerie and ancient-sounding tones, typical of traditional Ethiopian music, Ethio-jazz also displays the sensual undertones of soulful jazz. But this innovation did not last long as the communist regime temporarily suspended it (along with other kinds of live music). But recently it’s returned and ready to be thoroughly enjoyed at venues across the city If you are interested to enjoy Jazz music Mama’s Kitchen around Wollo Sefer is the standout place in the city. Ready to Travel With Real Adventure Check Availability

Fendika Home Fendika The Fendika Cultural Center, currently located in Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is a vibrant hub dedicated to preserving and promoting the nation’s rich artistic traditions. Founded by renowned dancer and cultural advocate Melaku Belay, the center emerged from a humble azmari beta traditional Ethiopian music house and has grown into a dynamic space celebrating Ethiopia’s diverse heritage. Fendika hosts electrifying performances of traditional music and dance, featuring instruments like the single-stringed masinko, the lyre-like krar, and the rhythmic kebero drum. Its intimate setting allows audiences to immerse themselves in the energy of Ethiopian folklore, from the hypnotic movements of Eskista dance to the soulful improvisations of azmari poets. The center also serves as a gathering place for local artists, offering a platform for both seasoned performers and emerging talents to showcase their craft. Beyond performances, Fendika plays a crucial role in cultural preservation and innovation. Melaku Belay, a passionate advocate for Ethiopia’s intangible heritage, has spearheaded collaborations between traditional artists and global musicians, fostering creative fusion while honoring ancestral roots. The center organizes workshops, residencies, and community programs to pass artistic knowledge to younger generations, ensuring the survival of endangered art forms. Fendika’s inclusive atmosphere—where locals, diaspora communities, and international visitors connect—reflects Ethiopia’s spirit of unity and resilience. By blending authenticity with contemporary experimentation, the center not only safeguards tradition but also reimagines it for modern audiences, solidifying its reputation as a cornerstone of Addis Ababa’s cultural landscape. Ready to Travel With Real Adventure Check Availability