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Gullele Botanical Garden

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Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)

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Gullele Botanical Garden is located on the northwestern outskirts of Addis Ababa at an elevation ranging between 2,650 and 3,000 meters. Established in 2005, it spans an impressive area of approximately 705 hectares. The garden is a joint initiative between the Addis Ababa City Administration and Addis Ababa University, focused on the research and conservation of Ethiopia's native flora. The landscape consists of dense indigenous forests, open grasslands, and specialized sections for medicinal plants and endemic species. Visitors can explore the natural environment through numerous hiking trails, while researchers utilize on-site gene banks for species preservation. The garden functions as a vital center for environmental education, offering programs for students and the general public. Due to its high-altitude location, the park provides panoramic views of the capital and acts as a crucial green lung for the expanding city. It plays a central role in protecting endangered plant species that are found exclusively in the Ethiopian highlands.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151718181818161616141414
Rain mm1227569089116239246145341613

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Gullele Botanical Garden is a vast area open daily to visitors. It serves the conservation of Ethiopian flora and has numerous hiking trails.
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Typical hours
Botanical gardens usually open from sunrise to sunset. Some areas may close in rainy weather.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the garden, including with tripods. Please stay on paths to avoid damaging plants.
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Time needed
Allow at least two to three hours for a walk along the main trails. Hikers can spend half a day on longer routes.
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Combine with
The garden is on the outskirts of Addis Ababa - combine your visit with the National Palace or Mount Entoto. The Mercado market is also nearby.
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Getting there
The best way to reach the garden is by taxi or private driver from Addis Ababa. Public buses stop on the main road near the entrance.
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Insider tip
Bring a picnic, as there are nice rest spots in the shade of native trees. The garden is especially rewarding in the rainy season when everything is lush and green.

Geography

Coordinates
9.06000, 38.71000

Facts

  • Gullele Botanical Garden covers 705 hectares (1,742 acres) of diverse terrain.
  • It is situated at the highest point of Addis Ababa, reaching up to 3,000 meters.
  • The garden houses over 500 species of indigenous plants and trees.
  • It was formally established through a 2005 government decree for conservation.
  • The site includes a massive greenhouse used for seedling propagation.
  • The garden serves as a primary research site for the Department of Plant Biology.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Grand Anwar MosqueGrand Anwar Mosque4 km · NWExplore →
St. George's CathedralSt. George's Cathedral5 km · NWExplore →
Tiglachin MonumentTiglachin Monument6 km · NWExplore →
Holy Trinity CathedralHoly Trinity Cathedral7 km · NExplore →
AU HeadquartersAU Headquarters7 km · NWExplore →
Huajian Shoe FactoryHuajian Shoe Factory10 km · NWExplore →
Medhane Alem CathedralMedhane Alem Cathedral10 km · NWExplore →
Yeka Nature ParkYeka Nature Park13 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Gullele Botanical Garden (9)

Bahiru finance father hope🏰 castle

A distinctively built local financial institution noted for its castle-like architectural features.

hirut home🏰 castle

A grand local residence noted for its imposing, fortified walls reminiscent of a small castle.

Seid Afre House📍 landmark

A distinctive residential landmark adding unique character to the streets of the Gullele district.

ዴቭ (lekeso)🌿 nature

A locally known viewpoint offering a quiet spot for reflection and overlooking the Gullele area.

አለም ባንክ ቅድስት ማርያም ቤተክርስቲያን🌿 nature

A prominent Ethiopian Orthodox church offering elevated views from its spiritual grounds in the Alem Bank area.

🕒 24/7

Residence of Tafesse Tegegne🏰 castle

A historically significant home featuring imposing architecture that resembles a fortified castle.

🕒 Mo-Su 06:00-23:00

አጠና ተራ ቶርሽን📍 landmark

A spirited local commercial landmark historically known for its bustling timber and market activities.

Melesi foundation🏛 museum

An institutional museum space dedicated to preserving the legacy and community initiatives of the foundation.

shegole ring road exit🌿 nature

An elevated roadway infrastructure point providing sweeping views of the city's bustling traffic network.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Gullele Botanical Garden?
A vast natural garden on the outskirts of the city for conserving endemic plants.
Can you go hiking there?
Yes, there are many hiking trails through forests and open terrain.
How far is it from the center?
It is located about 10-15 km northwest of central Addis Ababa.
Are there toilets there?
Yes, there are sanitary facilities at the entrance and some rest areas.
Can you have a picnic there?
Yes, there are designated picnic areas for visitors.
Gullele Botanical Garden: where is it located?
Gullele Botanical Garden is located in Ethiopia.
Gullele Botanical Garden: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bahiru finance father hope, hirut home, Seid Afre House.
Gullele Botanical Garden: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Gullele Botanical Garden: why is it worth visiting?
Gullele Botanical Garden is located on the northwestern outskirts of Addis Ababa at an elevation ranging between 2,650 and 3,000 meters.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Addis Ababa — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
Addis Ababa
The capital and largest city of Ethiopia, and the headquarters of the African Union.

History & landmarks

Grand Anwar Mosque — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
Grand Anwar Mosque
The largest and oldest mosque in Addis Ababa, located in the bustling Mercato district.
Abune Petros Monument — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
Abune Petros Monument
A statue commemorating Archbishop Abune Petros, an Ethiopian patriot executed during the Italian occupation.
St. George's Cathedral — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
St. George's Cathedral
An octagonal church in Addis Ababa, noted for its distinct architectural style and historical significance.
Menelik II Monument — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
Menelik II Monument
An equestrian statue of Emperor Menelik II, celebrating his victory at the Battle of Adwa.
Tiglachin Monument — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
Tiglachin Monument
A prominent memorial dedicated to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers involved in the Ogaden War.
Yekatit 12 Monument — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
Yekatit 12 Monument
A monument honoring the victims of the Graziani massacre during the Italian occupation of Addis Ababa.
CBE Headquarters — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
CBE Headquarters
The tallest building in Ethiopia, serving as the headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.
National Museum of Ethiopia — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
National Museum of Ethiopia
A prominent museum housing important historical artifacts, including the famous hominid fossil 'Lucy'.

Nature

Akaki River — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
Akaki River
A small river near Addis Ababa.

More places

St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa)
An octagonal church commissioned by Emperor Menelik II in 1896 to commemorate the victory at Adwa against the Italians.
Addis Lion Zoo — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
Addis Lion Zoo
A historic zoo especially known for the rare Abyssinian lions.
Friendship Square — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
Friendship Square
A modern public square with gardens, water features, and recreation zones.
Unity Park Addis — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
Unity Park Addis
A large theme park on the grounds of the Imperial Palace with a zoo and museums.
🗺️
Sheger Park Addis
A new urban park along the riverbank with play areas for children.
Menelik II's Imperial Palace — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
Menelik II's Imperial Palace
Built in the late 19th century, this palace complex in Addis Ababa was the seat of Ethiopian emperors.
BGI Ethiopia Brewery — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
BGI Ethiopia Brewery
One of the country's largest and oldest breweries, known for popular brands like St.
Huajian Shoe Factory — Gullele Botanical Garden (Ethiopia)
Huajian Shoe Factory
A large factory by a Chinese manufacturer producing millions of shoes for export to Europe and America.