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Unity Park Addis

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Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)

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Unity Park is located within the grounds of the National Palace in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was officially opened in October 2019 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, marking the first time in history that the grand seat of government was made accessible to the public. The park features meticulously restored buildings from the era of Emperor Menelik II, including the throne room and the private quarters of the imperial family. A key highlight is the wildlife section, which houses the rare black-maned Abyssinian lions along with cheetahs, antelopes, and other indigenous species. Spanning over 40 hectares, the complex includes botanical gardens representing Ethiopia’s diverse ecological zones and various regional pavilions. Interactive museums on site provide a comprehensive overview of the nation's political history from the imperial age to the modern era. The park serves as both a recreational space and a symbolic landmark for national unity and political transparency. Its development integrates historical preservation with modern landscape design, making it a top tourist destination in the capital.

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
Unity Park in Addis Ababa on the grounds of the former Imperial Palace is a public park and theme park. It is open to visitors, with an entrance fee.
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Typical hours
The park is typically open daily from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On holidays, opening hours may differ.
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Photography
Photography is largely allowed in the park, especially in the gardens and at the zoo. In the Palace Museum, photos are often allowed without flash.
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Time needed
Allow at least three to four hours for the entire park including the zoo, museums and gardens. Families with children will stay even longer.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the National Museum of Ethiopia and the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Also the Bole district with restaurants and shops is nearby.
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Getting there
The park is located in the Sidist Kilo district of Addis Ababa and is easily reachable by taxi or bus. Limited parking is available.
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Insider tip
Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Try the traditional Ethiopian snacks at the food stalls in the park.

Geography

Coordinates
9.03000, 38.76000

Facts

  • Unity Park covers an expansive area of approximately 40 hectares (99 acres).
  • The site includes the Grand Palace, which has served as the residence of Ethiopian leaders since the late 19th century.
  • The park's zoo features the endemic black-maned lions, historically associated with the Solomonic dynasty.
  • There are over 1,000 species of plants curated within the park's botanical sections.
  • The project was part of a major urban renewal initiative called 'Beautifying Sheger'.
  • Historical pavilions representing the nine regional states of Ethiopia are located within the park.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Meyazia 27 MonumentMeyazia 27 Monument<1 km · EExplore →
Jubilee PalaceJubilee Palace1 km · WExplore →
Addis AbabaAddis Ababa2 km · SWExplore →
BGI Ethiopia BreweryBGI Ethiopia Brewery3 km · SWExplore →
Medhane Alem CathedralMedhane Alem Cathedral4 km · NWExplore →
Gullele Botanical GardenGullele Botanical Garden6 km · SEExplore →
Huajian Shoe FactoryHuajian Shoe Factory7 km · WExplore →
Yeka Nature ParkYeka Nature Park7 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 Unity Park Addis (2)

The Africa Unbound Museum🏛 museum

A museum near Unity Park dedicated to Pan-African history and philosophy.

Friendship Square🌳 park

This modern urban park features landscaped green spaces, water fountains, and recreational areas.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Unity Park located?
It is located within the Grand Palace grounds in central Addis Ababa.
What can you see in Unity Park?
Historical palaces, a zoo with lions, botanical gardens, and museums.
What are the opening hours?
The park is open daily except Mondays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
How much is the entrance fee?
Fees differ for locals and foreigners (around 20-50 USD for tourists).
Is photography allowed?
Photography is allowed, but fees may apply for professional cameras.
Unity Park Addis: where is it located?
Unity Park Addis is located in Ethiopia.
Unity Park Addis: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Africa Unbound Museum, Friendship Square.
Unity Park Addis: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Unity Park Addis: why is it worth visiting?
Unity Park is located within the grounds of the National Palace in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
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Nearby cities

Addis Ababa — Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)
Addis Ababa
The capital and largest city of Ethiopia, and the headquarters of the African Union.

History & landmarks

Meyazia 27 Monument — Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)
Meyazia 27 Monument
A historic monument in Addis Ababa commemorating the liberation of Ethiopia from Italian occupation.
Holy Trinity Cathedral — Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)
Holy Trinity Cathedral
A highly ornate Orthodox cathedral that serves as the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
National Museum of Ethiopia — Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)
National Museum of Ethiopia
A prominent museum housing important historical artifacts, including the famous hominid fossil 'Lucy'.
Menelik II Monument — Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)
Menelik II Monument
An equestrian statue of Emperor Menelik II, celebrating his victory at the Battle of Adwa.
St. George&#39;s Cathedral — Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)
St. George's Cathedral
An octagonal church in Addis Ababa, noted for its distinct architectural style and historical significance.
Yekatit 12 Monument — Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)
Yekatit 12 Monument
A monument honoring the victims of the Graziani massacre during the Italian occupation of Addis Ababa.
Abune Petros Monument — Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)
Abune Petros Monument
A statue commemorating Archbishop Abune Petros, an Ethiopian patriot executed during the Italian occupation.
Jubilee Palace — Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)
Jubilee Palace
Built to mark Emperor Haile Selassie's Silver Jubilee, it now serves as the official residence of the President.

Nature

Akaki River — Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)
Akaki River
A small river near Addis Ababa.

More places

Addis Lion Zoo — Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)
Addis Lion Zoo
A historic zoo especially known for the rare Abyssinian lions.
Menelik II&#39;s Imperial Palace — Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)
Menelik II's Imperial Palace
Built in the late 19th century, this palace complex in Addis Ababa was the seat of Ethiopian emperors.
St. George&#39;s Cathedral (Addis Ababa) — Unity Park Addis (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.
Friendship Square — Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)
Friendship Square
A modern public square with gardens, water features, and recreation zones.
🗺️
Sheger Park Addis
A new urban park along the riverbank with play areas for children.
BGI Ethiopia Brewery — Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)
BGI Ethiopia Brewery
One of the country's largest and oldest breweries, known for popular brands like St.
Gullele Botanical Garden — Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)
Gullele Botanical Garden
A vast area for the conservation of Ethiopian flora with hiking trails.
Huajian Shoe Factory — Unity Park Addis (Ethiopia)
Huajian Shoe Factory
A large factory by a Chinese manufacturer producing millions of shoes for export to Europe and America.