In the next few issues, we will give you a roundup of interesting places to visit within a short distance from Addis. Take an impromptu day trip to some of these small, sometimes out-of-the way destinations and we are confident you will have an unforgettable experience.
 

Bishoftu (Debre Zeit)
Bishoftu, more commonly known as Debre Ziet is a quaint, wonderful town, just 45 km south east of Addis Ababa. The town is nestled among seven lakes on the western edge of the Rift Valley, five of which are crater lakes. Emperor Haile Selassie maintained a palace here and the town is most notable for being the home of Ethiopia’s renowned Air Force Training Center. The streets thronged with horse-drawn two wheeled carts give Bishoftu it’s own character quite distinct from Addis. Some places to eat are: Warka Hotel which serves fresh traditional food in a pleasant setting and The Hora Ras Hotel which has a lovely view overlooking Hora Lake. For a more posh and quite pricey dining experience, there is the recently opened Kuriftu Resort at Hora Lake – however, that does require advance reservation.

Addis Alem
Addis Alem meaning “New World” is a small town ? km north ? of Addis on the Ambo road. It is about an hour and 20 minutes drive on asphalted road the entire way. Addis Alem was founded by Emperor Menilik II at the beginning of the previous century with the intent to make it the capital city of Ethiopia. When that plan was abandoned, Emperor Menelik’s palace which had been under construction was converted into a church and named Debre Tsion (after Axum Tsion). Further uphill is the church of Addis Alem Maryam which is unique among Ethiopian churches in that it has paintings on it’s walls. The paintings are superb and well worth visiting.

Aba Samuel and the Akaki River
Aba Samuel is located 45km south from Addis taking the Debre Ziet Road out of the capital city. It is named after the Aba Samuel church from whence it’s name is derived.  The hydroelectric dam at Aba Samuel which was built during the Italian occupation is a charming spot to visit. The Akaki gorge below, although not spectacular has a natural beauty that is pleasing to the eye. The area is well known as one of the best Teff growing regions in Ethiopia and not surprisingly is relatively densely populated.

Mount Furi
For a simple yet beautiful spot to enjoy nature, Mount Furi may just be the right spot close enough for a one day trip and far enough for a getaway from the hustle & bustle of towns, cars and people. It is located 19kms out of Addis off of Jimma Road past Kara Kore and Alem Gena. Park at the Geja Kudus Balewold church immediately after Alem Gena. Mount Furi is a great place for hiking and picnicking. Expect to hike up a moderately steep climb for about 45 minutes to an hour before reaching the summit. The views of Wuchacha to the left and the cone of Zquala to the right are impressive. Besides the eucalyptus plantations typical of the area, nature lovers will appreciate the white flowered sweet smelling bushes, the indigenous white rose, the mauve-colored glasslike Polygala Sphenopetra flower and another pretty yellow flower with five heart shaped petals.

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