
Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour worth booking?
Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour is a 8-hour experience in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from $75 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $75 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Lunch
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Menagesha Suba Forest Park
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.
300 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Addis Ababa
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.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Venture Ethiopia
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos

What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Be aware of the altitude...
Be aware of the altitude if you are not used to it. The scenery is beautiful. You will not be disappointed.
via Viator
Out hiking in the countryside...very nice
Had a lovely trip to Suba forest with Bierk..Brook as we called him. Pleasant and informative... Great Guide... .. Would choose again
Response from the operator: Thank you and hope to see you again!
via Tripadvisor
: Affordable yet safe and fun tour!
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.
via Tripadvisor
Our amazing experience in Menagesha Suba Forest
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.
via Tripadvisor
An excellent day trip for the active person
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.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $75 to $99
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Venture Ethiopia, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.7.
See everything Venture Ethiopia runsWhy this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Addis Ababa.
How much does Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour cost?
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Prices start at $75 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Addis Ababa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Addis Ababa is not rushed.
Is Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Addis Ababa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Addis Ababa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Addis Ababa and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Addis Ababa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Addis Ababa?
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On Outty we rank every Addis Ababa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour, Addis Ababa Guided City Tour With Airport & Hotel Pick Up, Full Day Tour of Addis Ababa with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Addis Ababa?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour?
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Included: Private transportation; and Lunch. Not included: Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 123 listed pickup locations in and around Addis Ababa. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Addis Ababa. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private Menagesha Suba Forest Hiking and Sightseeing Tour?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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