Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour
Description
The oldest conservation area in East Africa, Menagesha Suba Forest has been protected by imperial decree since the mid 15th Century. At 2500ha, it represents the largest remaining patch of indigenous forest in the Addis Ababa area, and as such is an excellent spot for walking, birding and wildlife spotting. Here, you can Climb Damocha Peak (3385m), see forest mammals such as guereza monkeys and the endemic Menelik's Bushbuck and look for endemic bird species including Ethiopian oriole, yellow-fronted parrot, black-winged lovebird, banded barbet, Abyssinian woodpecker and Abyssinian catbird.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Just 40km from Addis Ababa, Menagesha Suba Forest offers a breath of fresh air and a very contrasting landscape. Here, you can meander through forest trails, encounter endemic wildlife and even trek to the summit of Mt Wuchacha (3380m). On the western slope of this crater, some of the giant juniper and wanza (Podocarpus) trees are said to be over 400 years old.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Customers can meet us at our office which is within the compound of the Taitu Hotel, or we can pick up customers from any hotel within 6km of the Taitu Hotel.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(5)
Be aware of the altitude if you are not used to it. The scenery is beautiful. You will not be disappointed.
Had a lovely trip to Suba forest with Bierk..Brook as we called him. Pleasant and informative... Great Guide... .. Would choose again
Thank you and hope to see you again!
Aman Ethiopia Tours, as always, helped me have a few of the best trips of my life at a very low price. A similar trip that they recommended to me was the trip to the Suba Forest. It was $199 each for me and my wife, but the price was nothing compared to the natural scenic beauty that we got to experience. The song of birds and the fresh fragrance of the forest made the entire environment feel like heaven. We also got a guide for us, who was extremely helpful and professional, guiding us through the forest and helping us with more details about it.
We had an amazing day with Biruk the owner of Venture Ethiopia, the pick up was perfect he arrived 10 min after and he even let me change the pick up location one day before without problems. We felt very good during all the tour , very friendly, correct and intelligent guide and very good driver. He made sure we were comfortable all time and we had great conversations while he showed us Menagesha Forest. The place is stunning we got the chance to see baboons, gelada monkeys and endemic ethiopian birds and vegetation. Would recomend 110% to visit it and to chose him as a guide.
Having grown up in Ethiopia and once visited Menagesha (albeit, over 25 years ago) I initially thought of organizing this hike for my girlfriend and I by myself (and just hiring transportation to & from there). In hindsight I am happy I did not. Booking through Venture Ethiopia/Biruk was an excellent decision. Starting in the morning, we headed out from my home in Addis and picked up lunch along the way. The road to menagasha is very difficult but Biruk had the appropriate vehicle and was very careful to minimize the bumping and jostling. Once there, we got a local guide (as required) and, after hearing the various hike options, chose the 4 hour hike. I can't describe how amazing Menagesha Park is; you do not need to be a nature lover to appreciate it, it is truly spectacular. It is shocking how this park is not on every hiker's or tourist's go-to bucket list. The experience would not have been the same without the assistance of Biruk of Venture Ethiopia. His passion for nature and his dedication to crafting the perfect outing cannot be matched. He hears what you want and will plan the trip to enhance the experience. For example, he knew we wanted to be out in the woods as long as possible so he took his time and set a pace that would maximize our time in the forest. The location he picked to stop and eat lunch was high on a hill overlooking the landscape. Visitors to Addis - expats, diaspora, tourist - if you have a day where you want to be active, this is THE trip to book and THE guide you want to have.
