Program: The Menagesha Forest and Addis Alem

Code: ATE1051

Duration: Full Day

Transportation: Land

Day1: after Breakfast, we set off driving west on the Jimma road. We pass potters’ markets and take a turn left after the town of Sebeta to mount Wochecha and the Menagesha forest (50 km.) The Emperor Zera Yacob (1434-1468), noticing the degradation of the forest around Mount Wochecha, initiated what was the first reforestation and conservation measure in Africa by having Juniper trees planted. In Menagesha forest; we can expect to see the Abyssinian Catbird, Banded Barbet, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Black-headed Forest Oriole, Wattled Ibis, Yellow-fronted Parrot, Black-winged Lovebird, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Crowned Eagle and Narina’s Trogan. Among the wildlife species recorded here are: Menelik’s Bushbuck, Leopard rarely seen), Colobus Monkey, Serval, Grey Duiker, Hyaena, Warthog, Porcupine and Civet Cat.

After the forest, we will return to Addis Ababa on Ambo road, stopping off at the small town of Addis Alem. Towards the end of the 19th century, faced with a chronic wood shortage around Addis Ababa (ultimately solved through the importation and planting of the fast growing Eucalyptus), Emperor Menelik II thought of transferring his capital here, and we can see today the imperial compound, Menelik’s residence, a dining hall, kitchen and the church of Mariam, which was planned to be the counterpart of Mary of Zion Church in Axum. The church has some interesting paintings and a small museum nearby contains clothes and decorations of former Ethiopian rulers. We then set off for Addis Ababa, passing Gefersa reservoir (good for birds) and arriving early evening.

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