A Guide to Unity Park, Friendship Park, and Entoto Park in Addis Ababa

Since 2019, Addis Ababa has welcomed a new generation of parks that bring together Ethiopian heritage, open green spaces, and the beauty of its highland setting. Within the National Grand Palace grounds, Unity Park brings history to life through restored palace buildings, traditional gardens, and native wildlife. Next door, Friendship Park, Addis Ababa, offers landscaped gardens, fountains, and inviting places to dine.

Further north, Entoto Park winds through the forested slopes of Mount Entoto, where walking trails open onto sweeping views of the capital below. Each park offers a different way to experience Addis Ababa, from its historic landmarks to its gardens and mountain landscapes. Here’s what to see at each and what to know before visiting.

Unity Park, Addis Ababa: Palace History, Gardens, and Zoos

Opened on 10 October 2019, Unity Park, Addis Ababa, occupies 40 hectares within the National Grand Palace, once home to Emperor Menelik II. The grounds have served as the residence and office of 7 Ethiopian leaders, blending the country's political history with carefully restored heritage buildings, gardens, and wildlife attractions.

The palace complex dates to the early 1890s and holds stories within its distinctive architecture. The 2-storey Egg House takes its name from the shape of its roof, while 2 small rooms near the emperor's bedroom corridor housed Ethiopia's first telephone installation. The century-old Throne Hall now accommodates the park's main museum, and its basement once held imperial officials as prisoners. The Banquet Hall also holds historical significance, having hosted a state dinner for African leaders during the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.

Unity Park, Addis Ababa, featuring the facade of Emperor Menelik Chamber on a sunny day
Lion resting on the grass inside a wildlife enclosure at Unity Park Addis Ababa.

Beyond the palace buildings, Unity Park, Addis Ababa, brings together wildlife and botanical attractions:

  • Black Lion Zoo: Named after Ethiopia's distinctive black-maned lion, the zoo features a roughly 175 m long man-made cave passage with wide glass viewing windows.

  • Unity Zoo: Home to an aquarium, meerkats, and peacocks, adding to the park's wildlife attractions.

  • Indigenous Garden: Created entirely by hand without machinery, this traditional garden celebrates Ethiopia's native plant life.

  • Botanical Centre: Its 3,200 sq. km greenhouse houses more than 230 plant species, including over 15 found only in Ethiopia.

Together, the restored palace, historic halls, gardens, and wildlife exhibits offer a glimpse into Ethiopia's past alongside its remarkable natural heritage.
 

Visiting Info

  • Opening Days: Tuesday to Sunday, including public holidays. Closed on Mondays.

  • Ticket Sales: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

  • Visiting Hours: All visits must conclude by 5:00 PM.

  • Identification: Carry a passport or other valid ID.

  • Restricted Items: Outside food and drinks, power banks, laptops, personal cameras, and drones are not permitted. Baby food is exempt from the food and drink restriction.

Forested trails and lush greenery at Entoto Park Addis Ababa.

Friendship Park, Addis Ababa: Lakeside Gardens and Light Shows

Landscaped park with a water feature, greenery, and open outdoor spaces.

Friendship Park, Addis Ababa, also known as Sheger Park, opened its first phase on 10 September 2020, shortly before Ethiopian New Year. Built with support from China to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between the 2 countries, the first phase spans 32 hectares of landscaped grounds.

The park brings together more than 6,000 transplanted plants, creating distinct green spaces filled with colour and texture. An art garden, a palm grove, and a flower stream add variety to the landscape, while a man-made lake and illuminated fountains draw visitors after dark. Cafeterias across the grounds offer places to pause, and the walking paths attract morning and evening visitors looking to exercise or enjoy the outdoors.

The second phase, inaugurated on 30 October 2022, added 11 hectares between the main square and Abrehot Library. Its attractions include:

  • Gardens and Greenery: More than 4,000 additional plants enhance the landscaped grounds.

  • Family Recreation: Children's playgrounds offer space for younger visitors to play.

  • Sports Facilities: A football pitch and basketball courts cater to sports enthusiasts.

  • Wedding Garden: A dedicated garden adds a landscaped setting for celebrations.

  • Dining Options: Cafes and restaurants provide places to eat within the park.

Football resting on a green sports field near the boundary line.
Two cups of coffee served on an outdoor table in the evening.

With its lakeside setting, illuminated fountains, gardens, and recreational spaces, Friendship Park, Addis Ababa, offers a lively outdoor escape in the heart of Addis Ababa.
 

Visiting Info

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM daily

  • Weekend Timings: Open until 9:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays

  • Ticket Prices: Rates are subject to change. Check with your hotel concierge or tour guide for current prices.

Entoto Park, Addis Ababa: Trails and City Views from the Hills

Rising along the slopes of Mount Entoto, north of the city centre, Entoto Park, Addis Ababa, opened on 10 October 2020 as part of the Beautifying Sheger Project. Spread across a reported 1,300 hectares, the park ranges from 2,600 to 3,100 m above sea level. The elevation brings cooler air than the city below, making a light jacket a useful addition to your day bag.

Beyond its forested trails and panoramic views of Addis Ababa, the park offers a range of outdoor activities and leisure spaces. Visitors can explore:

  • Outdoor Adventures: Hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, and a go-kart track

  • Open-air Recreation: An artificial lake, picnic areas, and walking paths surrounded by the highland landscape

  • Indoor Attractions: A library, cinema, and sports centres

  • Dining and Coffee: Restaurants and coffee shops for a break between activities

  • Memorial: A statue honouring healthcare workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic

Restaurant dining area with wooden tables, chairs, and bookshelves.
Entoto Park, Addis Ababa, on a sunny day featuring winding road

With its mix of outdoor pursuits, cultural landmarks, and elevated viewpoints, Entoto Park, Addis Ababa, offers plenty to explore beyond the trails, with the Ethiopian capital unfolding beneath the highland canopy.
 

Visiting Info

  • Opening Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM

  • Entry: Access to the natural park is free. Parking and certain entertainment activities at Gate Z incur additional charges.

  • Identification: Carry a passport or valid ID.

Planning a Day at the Parks

From Bole’s Africa Avenue, Unity Park is about 5 km away (a 14-minute drive), with Friendship Park right beside it. Entoto Park lies farther north, around 13 km away, with an uphill drive of about 33 minutes.

Begin your day at Entoto Park, head to Unity Park in the early afternoon, and finish at Friendship Park after dark to see its illuminated fountains. Since it takes a full day to explore all 3 parks, plan your visit between Tuesday and Sunday and arrive at Unity Park before 3:00 PM to access Menelik II’s palace complex and the Egg House on a special ticket.

After a day among gardens, forest trails, and historic grounds, unwind with an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a cherished local tradition centred on conversation and connection. Continue planning your stay with our guides to the places to visit in Addis Ababa and things to do in the city.

Green park with mature trees, lawns, and shaded walking areas.

Staying near the Parks in Bole

Bole’s Africa Avenue puts you within easy reach of Addis Ababa’s green spaces, with Unity Park around 5 km from Ramada by Wyndham Addis and Friendship Park close by. After a morning among Entoto Park’s forest trails or an afternoon exploring the capital’s historic grounds, return to one of our 134 guest rooms and suites. Our 7 suites span 44 sq. km each, with separate living areas for extra space at the end of a full day.

Executive Suite at Ramada by Wyndham Addis, one of the best places to stay in Addis Ababa, featuring a plush king size bed with striped cushions under warm lighting, and large windows with city views

As the city lights come on, head to Fogo no Chão for Brazilian churrascaria on the rooftop, served from 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM. Chef’s Club offers all-day dining, including Ethiopian favourites such as kitfo and doro wot every Thursday. Across our 7 dining and lounge venues, there are more ways to round off the day, whether over dinner or a drink accompanied by live music at Oak Lounge.

Room service runs around the clock, while our fitness centre and Soreti Spa and Wellness offer a welcome pause between outings. For a smoother start or finish to your trip, complimentary airport transfers connect our hotel with Bole International Airport, around 3 km away.

Addis Ababa reveals a different side of itself in each of its parks. Unity Park brings the country's history into focus, Friendship Park, Addis Ababa, draws visitors to its gardens and illuminated fountains, and Entoto Park opens onto forested hills and sweeping city views. Together, they offer a rewarding way to experience the Ethiopian capital beyond its busy streets. Set aside a day to explore all 3, and let the city's heritage, green spaces, and highland scenery shape your time in Addis Ababa.

FAQs


Where is Unity Park in Addis Ababa, and what is inside it?
Unity Park is located within the National Grand Palace grounds in Addis Ababa. Opened in 2019, it features restored palace buildings, historic halls, traditional gardens, a botanical centre, an aquarium, and wildlife attractions, including the Black Lion Zoo.

Is Friendship Park the same as Sheger Park?
Yes, Friendship Park, Addis Ababa, is also known as Sheger Park. It features landscaped gardens, a man-made lake, illuminated fountains, walking paths, cafes, restaurants, children's playgrounds, and sports facilities across its 2 development phases.

How do I get to Entoto Park?
Entoto Park lies on the slopes of Mount Entoto, north of Addis Ababa's city centre. From Bole's Africa Avenue, the park is approximately 13 km away, with an uphill drive of around 33 minutes.

Can I visit all 3 parks in one day?
Yes, you can visit Unity Park, Friendship Park, and Entoto Park in one day. Start at Entoto Park, explore Unity Park in the early afternoon, and finish at Friendship Park after dark to see its illuminated fountains.

What are the entry fees and opening hours?
Unity Park opens Tuesday to Sunday, with ticket sales from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and visits ending by 5:00 PM. Friendship Park opens daily from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, while Entoto Park operates from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry fees vary by park.

Where can I stay near Unity Park and Friendship Park?
Ramada by Wyndham Addis, located on Bole's Africa Avenue, offers convenient access to Unity Park, approximately 5 km away, and nearby Friendship Park. The hotel features 134 guest rooms and suites, 7 dining and lounge venues, a fitness centre, a spa, and complimentary airport transfers.

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