Thursday, May 7, 2026
Together, these seven mountains do more than decorate the skyline; they frame the life of the city.
Together, these seven mountains do more than decorate the skyline; they frame the life of the city. Whether viewed from a bustling street corner in Piazza or conquered on a misty Sunday morning, they are the eternal witnesses to the growth and spirit of the Ethiopian capital.
7. Gara Moti: The Mountain of the King
7. Gara Moti: The Mountain of the King
Finally, there is Gara Moti, often associated with the oral histories of the region’s traditional leaders. It holds a distinct place in the geography of the southern plains. Its slopes offer clear, unobstructed views of the surrounding countryside, and like its brothers, it provides a crucial vantage point. It serves as the final anchor in this circular embrace, completing the ring of peaks that define the climate, the mystery, and the breathtaking horizon of Addis Ababa.
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
6. Gara Bushu: The Rugged Sentinel
6. Gara Bushu: The Rugged Sentinel
Often overlooked by the casual observer, Gara Bushu stands as one of the quieter sentinels in the proximity of the capital. It forms part of the rugged terrain that punctuates the landscape, offering a more technical and intimate hiking experience. Its rocky outcrops provide a sense of isolation and raw beauty, reminding trekkers that beyond the city’s paved arteries, the volcanic soul of Ethiopia remains jagged, untamed, and spectacularly beautiful.
5. Zukwala: The Sacred Crater
5. Zukwala: The Sacred Crater
Further south, standing in solitary, mystical majesty, is Zukwala. This is no ordinary mountain; it is an extinct volcano with a hidden treasure—a deep, serene crater lake at its summit. It is a site of deep spiritual significance, home to a monastery of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. To climb Zukwala is a pilgrimage. The air inside the crater is cool and still, filled with a silence that feels ancient, offering a sanctuary of peace far removed from the bustling traffic of the city.
4. Furi: The Western Shield
4. Furi: The Western Shield
Looming over the southwestern outskirts of the city is Furi. It is the mountain most intimately tied to the daily rhythm of Addis; its slopes are dotted with the homes of those who live on the city’s edge. For hikers, Furi offers a steep, rewarding challenge. The summit provides a panoramic view of the city’s expansion, where the concrete jungle meets the golden wheat fields of the Oromia region. It is the mountain of transition, bridging the urban density and the rural wilderness.
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