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Yeka Nature Park

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Yeka Nature Park (Ethiopia)

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Yeka Nature Park is situated in the northeastern part of Addis Ababa on the hills of the Yeka district, serving as one of the capital's most vital outdoor recreation areas. The park is a key component of a large-scale reforestation project where thousands of indigenous trees and eucalyptus have been planted to prevent soil erosion and improve urban air quality. At an elevation exceeding 2,400 meters, the park has cool temperatures and numerous hiking trails that are popular among both residents and international tourists. From the hilltops, visitors are treated to an impressive panoramic view of the entire city, extending toward the Entoto Mountains. The park also provides a crucial habitat for urban wildlife, including hyenas, various bird species, and small mammals. For families and children, there are designated picnic areas and nature trails designed to raise environmental awareness about local flora and fauna. As a significant 'green lung' for the rapidly growing metropolis, Yeka Nature Park plays a decisive role in maintaining ecological balance and enhancing the quality of life in Addis Ababa.

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
Yeka Nature Park is a protected nature area on the edge of Addis Ababa, convenient for family hikes. The grounds are open to visitors, entry is usually paid but inexpensive.
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Typical hours
The park is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with possible seasonal variations. It is advisable to check current hours before visiting as they may change on short notice.
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Photography
Photography of nature and wildlife is encouraged. Please do not disturb the animals and avoid loud noises.
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Time needed
A hike through the park typically takes between one and three hours, depending on the chosen trail. Plan a picnic break to enjoy the tranquility of nature.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Mount Entoto or the Ethiopian National Museum in Addis Ababa. Both offer cultural and historical insights.
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Getting there
The park is in the Yeka district, about 30 minutes by taxi from central Addis Ababa. You can also take a minibus (circular route) and get off at the 'Yeka Park' stop.
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Insider tip
Bring enough water and snacks as there are no food facilities in the park. Wear sturdy shoes and long pants for protection against insects and thorns.

Geography

Coordinates
9.03000, 38.82000

Facts

  • The park is situated at an elevation of over 2,400 meters above sea level.
  • The area is part of a project aimed at planting over 1 million trees.
  • The park offers over 15 kilometers of marked hiking and jogging trails.
  • Hyenas are regularly spotted in the denser forested areas of the park.
  • The location is in close proximity to the city's diplomatic quarter.
  • Reforestation has reduced soil erosion in the Yeka hills by roughly 40%.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Medhane Alem CathedralMedhane Alem Cathedral5 km · SWExplore →
Holy Trinity CathedralHoly Trinity Cathedral6 km · SExplore →
Bole Lemi Industrial ParkBole Lemi Industrial Park6 km · WExplore →
Meskel SquareMeskel Square7 km · SExplore →
Menelik II MonumentMenelik II Monument8 km · SExplore →
BGI Ethiopia BreweryBGI Ethiopia Brewery9 km · SExplore →
Grand Anwar MosqueGrand Anwar Mosque9 km · SExplore →
Huajian Shoe FactoryHuajian Shoe Factory10 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Yeka Nature Park (10)

Maseltegna ayat📍 landmark

Maseltegna ayat is an urban facility near the nature park that enriches local life.

Castle🏰 castle

The Castle in this area is a massive stone fortress-style structure with an imposing presence.

OLD TRA📍 landmark

OLD TRA is a local focal point that recalls the historical usage of this district.

Ropack Village🌿 nature

Ropack Village provides an elevated observation point over the houses of the village.

Entoto🌿 nature

Entoto is a forested mountain peak noted for its eucalyptus trees that overlooks Addis Ababa.

breakthrough trading sc🌿 nature

The grounds of breakthrough trading sc also serve as a vantage point over the local commercial activities.

Unknown place🏰 castle

Unknown place is a mysterious castle-like structure situated near the nature park.

Presence of God International Church🏰 castle

The Presence of God International Church is housed in a distinctive, castle-like building.

Queen's kitchens seller📍 landmark

Queen's kitchens seller is a culinary attraction offering traditional street food in the neighborhood.

Washa michael🏺 historical

An ancient, unfinished rock-hewn church ruin located in the hills of the Yeka district.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How difficult are the trails in Yeka Nature Park?
The trails are moderate; sturdy shoes are advised for the sometimes steep sections.
Can you see the city from the park?
Yes, the park gives spectacular panoramic views over Addis Ababa.
Are there toilets in the park?
There are basic sanitary facilities at the main entrance, but few along the trails.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning is best to enjoy cool temperatures and clear views.
Are there wild animals in the park?
You can spot various bird species and occasionally small mammals.
Yeka Nature Park: where is it located?
Yeka Nature Park is located in Ethiopia.
Yeka Nature Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Maseltegna ayat, Castle, OLD TRA.
Yeka Nature Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Yeka Nature Park: why is it worth visiting?
Yeka Nature Park is situated in the northeastern part of Addis Ababa on the hills of the Yeka district, serving as one of the capital's most vital outdoor recreation areas.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

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

History & landmarks

Medhane Alem Cathedral — Yeka Nature Park (Ethiopia)
Medhane Alem Cathedral
An Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo cathedral in the Bole district, known for its massive size and architecture.
Holy Trinity Cathedral — Yeka Nature Park (Ethiopia)
Holy Trinity Cathedral
A highly ornate Orthodox cathedral that serves as the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Meyazia 27 Monument — Yeka Nature Park (Ethiopia)
Meyazia 27 Monument
A historic monument in Addis Ababa commemorating the liberation of Ethiopia from Italian occupation.
National Museum of Ethiopia — Yeka Nature Park (Ethiopia)
National Museum of Ethiopia
A prominent museum housing important historical artifacts, including the famous hominid fossil 'Lucy'.
Yekatit 12 Monument — Yeka Nature Park (Ethiopia)
Yekatit 12 Monument
A monument honoring the victims of the Graziani massacre during the Italian occupation of Addis Ababa.
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Meskel Square
The main public square in Addis Ababa, famously used for public gatherings and the annual Meskel festival.
Jubilee Palace — Yeka Nature Park (Ethiopia)
Jubilee Palace
Built to mark Emperor Haile Selassie's Silver Jubilee, it now serves as the official residence of the President.
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum — Yeka Nature Park (Ethiopia)
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum
A museum dedicated to the victims of the Derg regime's Red Terror campaign in the late 1970s.

Nature

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

More places

Menelik II's Imperial Palace — Yeka Nature Park (Ethiopia)
Menelik II's Imperial Palace
Built in the late 19th century, this palace complex in Addis Ababa was the seat of Ethiopian emperors.
Bole Lemi Industrial Park — Yeka Nature Park (Ethiopia)
Bole Lemi Industrial Park
Ethiopia's first state-developed industrial park in Addis Ababa, focusing on leather and textile processing.
Unity Park Addis — Yeka Nature Park (Ethiopia)
Unity Park Addis
A large theme park on the grounds of the Imperial Palace with a zoo and museums.
Addis Lion Zoo — Yeka Nature Park (Ethiopia)
Addis Lion Zoo
A historic zoo especially known for the rare Abyssinian lions.
St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa) — Yeka Nature Park (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 — Yeka Nature Park (Ethiopia)
Friendship Square
A modern public square with gardens, water features, and recreation zones.
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Sheger Park Addis
A new urban park along the riverbank with play areas for children.
BGI Ethiopia Brewery — Yeka Nature Park (Ethiopia)
BGI Ethiopia Brewery
One of the country's largest and oldest breweries, known for popular brands like St.