ADDIS ABABA GETAWAY: PART THREE

worlddestination
Feb 2, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Feb 3, 2021

ENTOTO PARK AND KURIFTU TENTED LODGE

After my afternoon in the capital city, Addis Abba, it was time to head to Kuriftu Entoto Park and Tented Lodge.

We drove outside the city and up into the breathtaking Eucalyptus forests of Entoto Mountain. Mount Entoto overlooks the city of Addis Ababa, and it is 3,200 feet above sea level.

Entoto Mountain is also the site of Emperor Menelik's palace and museum since it was the first capital of Ethiopia before moving down to the foot of Mount Entoto.

Mt Entoto is often called the lungs of Addis Ababa as many of Ethiopia's legendary long-distance runners, train on this mountain. Quite honestly as I ascended, the air got fresher, and there was a faint smell of eucalyptus in the air.

Kuriftu Entoto Park and Tented Lodge, located on Mount Entoto in a densely forested area, take up 50 hectares of Mount Entoto. The Park's idea is for people to come and experience adventure and recreation without driving a long distance out of Addis Ababa.

The Park is just 20km from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is also an excellent place for tourists to end their Ethiopia tour.

It offers services such as a spa and yoga classes.

The Park has opened up long-term employment for many, especially the youth in the Entoto area.

When I arrived, the lodge staff took me to my tent. The elegant lodge is a mixture of luxury and nature. The tent was striking and cosy. It has an unexpected spacious bedroom and bathroom with a porch to sit, read, eat or hang out with family and friends.

My porch overlooked the beautiful landscape and surroundings of the forest.

My tent felt like a private apartment. After having my lunch; tuna sandwich and french fries with fresh juice on my tent's porch, I headed to see all the Park's activities.

The Entoto Park grounds include a spa, tented lodge, a stable, a library, a restaurant and coffee shops. There are many activities from ziplining, go-karting, rock climbing, playground, rope course and paintball to horse riding and trekking.

It is definitely a must for all ages. The Park also offers light walks, bicycle and scooter lanes for those who may find the listed activities too strenuous.

It is such a beautiful and refreshing place to be to clear your mind. I passed by many people, some were tourists, and some were locals. It was a pleasant experience, just seeing them enjoying nature and different activities.

Kuriftu Spa

One can visit the Park for a day or spend a night or two at Kuriftu Tented Lodge.

After enjoying the activities at Entoto Park, I decided to get an exceptionally incredible massage at the Kuriftu Spa.

Located at the forests of Entoto Park, this Spa is completely Zen, and you wouldn't want your session to end. The music was so relaxing, and the staff were very kind and professional. I enjoyed an hour-long deep tissue massage followed by a steam and sauna session with a cup of Ethiopia green tea. This Spa was such a highlight of my trip, and I am looking forward to experiencing it again.