Entoto Mountain is the highest peak where one can overlook the extensive and spectacular views of Addis Ababa city in all direction. Reaching 3,200 meter above sea level, Mount Entoto is also a place covered by various trees and it is one of the ideal places for visitors to escape from the busy city life by hiking or bicycling in the dense forest.
Entoto is also historic site where Menelik II resided and built his palace. Moreover, it is a place of peace and tranquility that affords superb views.
Scattered across the mountain range, historic witnesses of Ethiopian religiousness open their treasury to the visitors.
Entoto Saint Mary Church (Maryam Church) constructed by Menelik II, along with a museum found near the summit and the museum preserves antique religious and historic pieces and valued national heritages of Ethiopia.
The area has considerable potential to offer for visitors. The historic, natural, sporting, religious/sacred and scientific attractions, plus the diverse marketplaces have the power to attract both foreign and domestic tourists.
The Addis Ababa Culture and Tourism Bureau has been working meticulously to tap the area through devising a project called Entoto and Surrounding Tourist Destination Project.
According to the information obtained from the Project Office, the part of the Mountain that lies on the south-eastern slopes of the mountain between the northern limit of the city of Addis Ababa and the track along the mountain ridge has been identified as an Integrated Ecotourism Development Zone.
Likewise, the natural plant species of the mountain can be classified as Dry Afro-montane forest which is dominated by Juniperus procera with groves of Olea europaea, scattered Hagenia abyssinica, Podocarpus falcatus and Acacia abyssinica.
The construction of the destination has been carried out on 4,134 hectors of land and over 4.6 billion Birr was allocated to accomplish it. The project has been constructing cultural and athletic villages, museum, ethnic tower and others, it was learnt.
Similarly, afforestation and reforestation works will be carried out to rehabilitate the area as part of ecological conservation plans by replacing the eucalyptus trees in Cordea Africana, Grevillea Robusta, Acacia decurrens, koshim and olea Africana which would help decelerate the emission of carbon and preserve the area to be kept colder.
The project has been working to construct ample cultural centers, museums, over 55 lodges, athletics training center, small facilities hotels as well as a green parks and tourist information centers.
Thus, after the accomplishment of the project the Entoto Mountain will be a potential destination to attract more tourists.
The Ethiopian Herald July 22, 2020
BY TAMERU REGASA
