Protected by imperial decree since the 15th century reign of Zara Yaqob, Menagesha is the most substantial indigenous forest in the vicinity of Addis Ababa.
A network of footpaths provides an opportunity to see black-and-white colobus monkey, Menelik’s bushbuck, and endemic birds such as yellow-fronted parrot, black-winged lovebird, banded barbet and Abyssinian catbird.
Easily visited en route to Menagesha, the Born Free Sanctuary doubles as a natural refuge for indigenous birds and small mammals, and a shelter for rescued and orphaned animals, notably some impressive Abyssinian lions.
