I booked the Day Trip from Addis Ababa to Mount Zuqualla with Danakil Depression Tours, and it was a refreshing change from the pace of Addis Ababa. I enjoyed the journey through the countryside and especially liked seeing the landscape gradually change as we approached the mountain. The climb and time outdoors gave the day a real sense of adventure, while the peaceful surroundings made it easy to slow down and enjoy the experience. Traveling alone, I appreciated having a helpful guide who made the trip straightforward and shared interesting information about the area along the way. The scenery from higher up was my favorite part, and I took plenty of photos before heading back to Addis. Danakil Depression Tours organized everything smoothly, making this a comfortable and enjoyable day trip for anyone who wants some fresh air, beautiful scenery, and a break from the city.
Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Mount Zuqualla
At a glance
- Duration
- 9h 30min
- Price from
- $200 / person
- Location
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 4 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Danakil Depression Tours
Description
Drive south from Addis to Mount Zuqualla to visit the Zuqualla Abo Monastery. Situated at the top of the mountain, the Crater Lake which is dormant is surrounded by beautiful woods and considered to be holy, then to crater lakes of Debre Zeit. There you will enjoy the lovely crater lakes of Hora, Bisheftu and other, these are best place for flora and fauna, birds’ life and spectacular scenery as you make walk around crater lakes, a number of lodge and resorts are available on the lakes shore.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 8:00 AM
- Next available
- Fri, Oct 9
- Adult (ages 10–80)
- $200
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 8.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Early in the morning we drive south from Addis Ababa to Debre Zeit and then to the feet of the extinct volcano Mount Zuqualla. To visit the Zuqualla Monastery, founded in the 4th century and situated on the top of the mountain, we have to hike for about 4 hours and gain a height difference of about 900 m. We advise being in good physical condition to do this hike. Situated at the top of the mountain at almost 3,000 m sea level, there is also a lake surrounded by a beautiful forest which is considered to be holy. Here we can enjoy the wildlife, such as the Colobus monkeys and the endemic Menelik’s bushbuck, as well as birds, including the endemic Ethiopian oriole and Abyssinian woodpecker.
Bishoftu
Lake Bishoftu, which lies immediately south of the town centre, is the closest to the rest of the town. The lake is accessible via a steep cattle path, and is often frequented by tourists and locals alike, particularly during the warm summer months, where they have been known to swim within its water. Lying one kilometre to the north of Bishoftu, Hora lake is the largest of the five, and is one of the most travelled with boats often seen upon the lake. For this reason, it is not advisable to swim far into its depths, however there are a number of jetties along its shore with boats and captains for hire.
What's included
Included
Lunch
Bottled water
Blue Badge Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Coffee and/or Tea
Entrance fee
Goverment taxes
Not included
Gratuities
Pickup Locations & Times
We will pick all clients from the hotel,guest house and any other accommodation requested for pick-up We will pick all our clients also from Addis Ababa Bole Int Airport based on the flight time We will pick any guests stays in Addis Ababa either from their home or home stays ...
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
4 reviews
How it compares in Addis Ababa
- Starting price $200 is 54% above the typical $130 for tours of similar length in Addis Ababa
Excurgo comparison of 560 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Mount Zuqualla take?
Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Mount Zuqualla lasts about 9h 30min. The itinerary has 2 stops.
How much does Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Mount Zuqualla cost?
Prices start at $200 per person for this Addis Ababa experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Mount Zuqualla run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:00 AM.
Can I cancel Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Mount Zuqualla for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We will pick all clients from the hotel,guest house and any other accommodation requested for pick-up We will pick all our clients also from Addis Ababa Bole Int Airport based on the flight time We will pick any guests stays in Addis Ababa either from their home or home stays ... Pickup points include Denver Boutique Hotel, Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa.
What languages is Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Mount Zuqualla offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Mount Zuqualla worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 4 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Danakil Depression Tours.
Reviews(4)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
8
A Quiet Mountain Escape With Views Worth the Climb
C
A Wonderful Family Escape to Mount Zuqualla with Stunning Views and Peaceful Nature
Our family booked the Day Trip from Addis Ababa to Mount Zuqualla with Danakil Depression Tours, and it was the perfect getaway from the city. The drive was comfortable, and the beautiful scenery along the way made the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. Reaching Mount Zuqualla, we loved exploring the peaceful surroundings, taking in the breathtaking views, and visiting the historic monastery at the summit. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the experience engaging by sharing fascinating stories about the mountain's history, culture, and wildlife. Everything was well organized, allowing us to relax and enjoy quality family time. We highly recommend Danakil Depression Tours to anyone looking for a memorable day trip filled with nature, history, and incredible scenery.
Operator response
Thank you for leaving us a 5* review! We are thrilled that you loved your experience; our staff will definitely be happy to read what you wrote. We put customer experience and satisfaction as our priority, and your review reaffirms the hard work we put in every day. So, thanks for your kind words and we look forward to seeing you again. Managing director Yigzaw/Mickey
A
A Refreshing Day Trip That Showed Me a Different Side of Ethiopia
I booked the Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Mount Zuqualla with Danakil Depression Tours, and it turned out to be one of the most peaceful experiences of my visit to Ethiopia. The drive from Addis Ababa was comfortable, and the scenery became more beautiful as we approached Mount Zuqualla. Hiking through the forest, enjoying the fresh mountain air, and visiting the historic monastery at the summit made the trip both relaxing and rewarding. My guide was knowledgeable and shared interesting stories about the mountain's history, wildlife, and cultural importance. The entire day was well organized, and I never felt rushed. If you're looking to escape the city and enjoy nature, I highly recommend Danakil Depression Tours for this unforgettable excursion.
Operator response
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time traveling with Danakil Depression Tours. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to hosting you on more fantastic journeys in the future!
J
highly recommended
Th day trip to Zequlla was a nice and memorable It's an amazing tour company,they take care of their clients so well,they work so diligently to give their customers the best experience, their service is amazing,they should be the first choice for every one that wants to come to Ethiopia ! Thank you Mickey Danakil Depression Tours owner
Operator response
Dear Josef We Pride ourselves on providing the best possible service and we are glad that this commitment was reflected in your travel with us. Look forward to welcoming back for the future travels. We aim to delight our customers and we are so pleased to serve customers like you. Thank you Yigzaw /Mickey Managing Director
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from$200
5.0(4) Free cancellation