Mount Entoto — Local services in Addis Ababa

Really nice view of Addis Ababa and there are a few nice restaurants to visit at the lookout location/gate. Note that there are other locations/gates as well with different attractions but we did not visit them.

Just a few pointers for anyone thinking of visiting All responses to questions and other sources states that entrance is free when it is not. There is a 1000 Birr entrance fee per adult (Different lower price for locals) and they only accept Cash, no card facilities available. There is no Wi-Fi at any of the restaurants or other shops so unless you have roaming which is charged at 2-5$ per MB make sure that your driver waits for you to take you down again. There is not a lot of taxi services waiting up there and you could be stuck for a while or forced to negotiate at a ridiculous rate. (Personal experience). When arranging a taxi or any form of transport ensure that the vehicle is in proper condition as the road up and down the mountain is steep, you don’t want a brake failure when going down. (Personal experience). Not all of the shops/restaurants have card facilities so I would ensure that I have some cash if you would like to keep your options open.

Visiting the lookout location is still a worthwhile outing, but you are not going to spend hours there unless you are also planning on visiting one of the...

Scenic but underwhelming in the rain—come prepared 🌧️🗻 Visited Mount Entoto on a rainy day, and while the location is vast and naturally beautiful, the experience felt limited due to the weather. Most activities were unavailable, and the view of Addis Ababa was foggy, with non-functional telescopes 🔭❌, which was disappointing given the mountain’s reputation for panoramic sights.

The area includes two restaurants and one ice cream shop 🍽️🍦, but it was very cold 🧥❄️, so indoor seating and warm drinks are a must. The ambiance is peaceful, but without clear skies or active attractions, it’s easy to feel like you missed the full experience.

Important tip: bring your own umbrella ☂️, as rentals are cash-only 🪙, and there’s no card option available. This small detail can make a big difference in comfort during unpredictable weather.

Overall: 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for natural beauty and potential, but the visit needs better weather and working amenities to truly shine. Would love to return on a clear day to explore more of the park’s offerings and enjoy...

This mountain, located to the north of Addis Ababa at an altitude of 3,000m, was the base of Menelik II and Queen Taitu before the new capital of Addis Ababa was built in the 1880s. Due to the cold environment and changeable weather of the highlands, Addis Ababa, a basin with hot springs, was chosen as the capital. The summit is a tourist destination with historic churches and the ruins of royal residences, but it is also a place where you may feel the cold and experience shortness of breath due to the high altitude.

Addis...