The High Plateau of Entoto Natural Park

Meandering Streams and Rock Pools on the High Plateau
The picture shows the mountain stream on the outer rim of the high plateau. Hence, the native Juniper trees along the brook are just a few steps above the abyss of the Canyon; the location is opposite the image's visual field. The high plateau is an evident and apparent contrast to the gently steep hiking up from Entoto Kidane Mehret (1) with its sculptural river banks at the Sanctuary (32).

The Arrival On the High Plateau
Behind now is the Canyon's beautiful experience (B) - (14) and the adorable viewpoint (16). But still, they are very near, with Bees' Cliff (14) a gentle promenader along the meandering brook to the south. Even the adorable viewpoint (16), is now behind but in close walking contact, located on the threshold below the southern outer rim of this high plateau. 
A purging fresh stream runs by leaps and joy beyond the secret path of  Entoto Kidane Mehret's sacred stone walls. Beauty shines beyond hidden depths and abyss to be seen at the Bees' Cliff (14). 


Enchanting Brooks and Waterfall

Natural Purging Spring Water and Baths

This plateau just above Bees' Cliff 14 (see the picture above) is a magnificent place with a fantastic panoramic view over the stream and many characters in the landscape. When the scene turns south, the abyss Bees' Cliff (14), the ravine, is very close, where the river's further gorge meandering (35) becomes intuitively felt through the profound fresh airflow rising from the unknown abyss below the field of view. The flowing freshwater from the Highland brooks in these photos was not rainwater in its origin, but instead chilled and underground fresh spring water. This phenomenon of freshwater creation occurs as the Highlands and mountains are affected by gravity, which naturally directs the torrential deluges from the rainy seasons into the natural aquifers.



Spring Water with Bath
The High Plateau's Rock Pools
The picture to the right, showing the cataract and its bath, is of the concealed vault that initiates Bees Cliff's actual waterfall (14). Its abyss is just a few metres behind, still hidden by the opposite camera view of the smaller, cosy waterfall in the photo. These photos of water-filled streams and cascading waterfalls are all shot just above Bees' Cliff (14) at Entoto's southern Highland plateau, from early October to the beginning of November.

The Dramatic Rock Chamber and Cliff-Hanger Chasm
The image to the right shows the equally shocking and amazing natural chamber bath a few steps from the abyss of the actual waterfall. Hence, the cataract bath in the picture is a staggering, inviting, and mysteriously hidden place, and its location is high above the abyss of Bees' Cliff (14). However, people with sensitivity to heights should only climb into this mountain vault if they are double-secured with harnesses and other equipment.


Natural Rock Pools Above the Dramatic Abyss

Meandering Highland Streams

The pictures' location with the spring water and natural pools is at the southern rim ledge of the high plateau, within the map loop (14), including (41- 42). The scene is reminiscent of invitingly wild rock baths close to the breathtaking view above the Canyon (B) - (14). These baths' location is just a few steps above the hidden stone chamber, which forms the gate to the waterfall and the northern preamble to Bees' Cliff's abyss (14)The meandering stream of the high plateau just above Bees Cliff (14) provides an extraordinary bath with natural threshold barriers that form the conditions for elongated and naturally dammed pools. However, some **[Caution] require the most fun bathing events. This caution is crucial because the depth of these pools rarely exceeds one metre and, therefore, could very likely cause serious injury if accidental jumping occurs during diving activities.


A Highland Nature with Beauty and Patina 

A Nature, Veiled in Mystique and Beauty


Bees' Cliff 14 requires Caution in the Canyon, but
 
assisting by the wide map loop surrounding the
 gentle and fascinating 
points 36 and 41-42
Description of the Hiking Paths

Waterfalls' Mists above Hidden Vaults

Since prehistoric times, this wonderfully exciting, secret dwelling has created scary, deep rock formations in underground gaps and hidden rock chambers amid its surrounding waterfalls. This treacherous, luring cliff vault and the abyss are home to pure magic twilight in this enticing, deep wonderworld and underworld of shadows and greenery. Thus, with dramatic beauty, this place attracts an exciting approach to exploring an unknown world of nature.

Among the Playful Hay of Ravens

Ravens reside within this Canyon of grandeur and invite pleasant arts of flight. However, take care because the Ravens habitually approach in playful jacket-pinching mischief. Therefore, caution prevails that people with sensitivity to heights should not climb into the mountain vault above Bees' Cliff (14) without being double-secured with harnesses and other equipment.




Golden Meadows Among Adorable Junipers
 Waterfalls and Majestic Rock Chambers (14)
The path (42) shown within the map loop (14) to Entoto Natural Park (Nursery) 34 (situated on the map's uppermost section's right corner) is a pleasant wandering with a minimum change in altitude. It usually allows wading with suitable dry rocks over the west side of the meandering stream. This direction passes just a little beside the natural pools above Bees' Cliff (14) and then further north through an open forest before arriving at the Nursery (34). However, this is the overall reason for the attraction of the place. Thanks to varying and dramatic scenery, it creates the ideal wildlife habitats that naturally utilize this rich, three-dimensional diversity in water and rock formations.


The Canyon Towards the High Plateau

With Splendid Curiously and Cautiously Wildlife 
 
The overall impression is adventurous since elusive hyenas 
hide within the creeks and shadows of the trees. Hence, 
careful behaviour is prudent for sensitive people with 
reduced health and mobility, even if the wild animals 
in curiously hiding from any visitor in the Park. 
Close Encounter With Playing Baboon Families
While this place is unique in many ways, there are also reservations about the impact people can exert on its nature. Because this site contains what is desirable for people and wildlife, the result is that a conflict of interest and living space can occur. The paths up to Bees' Cliff (14) offer several options: the northern hillside of the tributary gorge (36), the southern slope of (38- 39) - (15-16) and (41) - (42) within the map loop (14).

Caution: Hyena, Trauma and Accident Risks
It would, therefore, be possible for a person who slips and lies demobilized, hidden and injured in the shady creek bed may, at last, after a few days, attract Hyenas to become directly fatal. They can become mighty animals, especially females in close contact with muscular strength, resembling brown bears in a slightly reduced size. However, hyenas lack rabies virus symptomatic disease; thereby, such danger is unknown.

Absolute Caution with Injuries and Liquor

Since the relationship between humans and Hyenas is ancient, mutual peace has evolved, and even children are naturally left untouched by Hyenas. The Hyenas can show curiosity toward humans but are usually cautious and restrained. On the other hand, Hyenas have been seen as highly interested in sick or heavily intoxicated people, just regarding this as something different from humans and therefore not included in the ancient consensus of mutual respect.


The High Plateau's Brooks and Pools
With Wade and Ford Crossings

This landscape within the map loop (14) is a dramatic and gorgeous beginning of the high plateau where invitingly gentle cliff formations offer this picturesque wade (41) - (42) across the stream shown within the upper right side of map loop (14), thus giving the gentle continuing promenade on the high plateau on the path (42) displayed within this map loop (14) where the trail continues towards Entoto Natural Park (Nursery) (34). This ford crossing usually permits dry rock to wade to the west side of the meandering stream. This direction passes just a little beside the natural pools above Bees' Cliff (14) and then further north through an open forest before arriving at the Nursery (34). Although clearly below the high plateau, the stream to the Canyon offers excellent wading at the Italian fort ruin (38) - (B). This site, despite its dramatic views and altitude, remains relatively gentle but requires caution due to its nearby precipice and waterfall.



The native Ethiopian plants and trees directed the seasonal
 deluges historically flow into the mountain aquifers'
natural underground reservoirs and their surplus
created a unique Nature and the River Nile..

Creation of Natural Drinking Water
Entoto Natural Park (Nursery)

The Work Area of Many Endeavours
Entoto's High plateau appears among adorable Juniper hills and dreamlike meadows. Ultimately, this landscape of forgotten dreams reveals its southern border in Bees' Cliff's abyss (14). Here, the beautiful path (42) soon appears to Entoto Natural Park (Nursery) 34, where extensive work has been done with nature restoration for many years. Ethiopia's indigenous plants and trees have provided nature with an immensely robust, well-anchored, soil-reinforcing root system.

A High Plateau with Gentle Terrain
This excursion to the Nursery is a pleasant wandering with a minimum change in altitude, where it usually permits dry rock to wade over to the west side of the meandering stream. This direction passes just a little beside the natural pools above Bees' Cliff (14) and then further north through an open forest before arriving at the Nursery (34).



[CAUTION]: In Contact with Precipices

CAUTION: Dramatic Distances and High Altitudes.
Although Entoto Maryam (43) and the museum tower are situated on a high plateau, they provide a pleasant and historical view, offering a welcome respite from the highlands' ordeals, making for a delightful picnic trip for the young family. Entoto Kidane Mehret Sanctuary's (32) multiple choices for adventures or pleasant excursions appear thanks to the landscape. Thus, Entoto Kidane Mehret (1) and (32) offer excellent hiking adventures to the high table, including a demanding and exhausting route for experienced highland hikers leading to Entoto Maryam (43). With its Church and Monastery, Entoto Kidane Mehret (32) rests in the mystique of Nature's serenity, while yet astonishingly hidden, tucked into the mountain massif's rising shoulder, and a dizzying perception arises very soon and demands care for young families. This observance is evident because dramatic views display spectacularly beautiful landscapes over the location of gorges, precipices and gullies.

Demanded Harness in Contact with Abyss
Caution at the Precipices of (B) and (14)
The unique impressions of the highlands create a somewhat hazardous situation, especially when handling the camera with care while keeping the feet away from the abyss. The importance of security precautions becomes apparent quite soon, alongside the continuing beautiful views. Therefore, even if a harness is not required around the areas of the Sanctuaries (32) and (43), it is advisable to adopt some cautious behaviour already when walking along the paths (5) - [A] from the cosy Entoto Kidane Mehret (1) mountain town and Sanctuary (32).


Grande Adventures and Paths of the Canyon

Towards the High Plateau's Meandering Brooks

Bees' Cliff 14 requires Caution in the Canyon, but
 
assists by the wide map loop surrounding the
 gentle and fascinating 
points 36 and 41-42
Activities & Nature (36) and (14)
A Pleasant Easternized Route along the Tributary Gorge
However, since the abyss is hiding at Bees' Cliff (14), it's advisable to take a more eastern route while following along the tributary gorge (36) within the map loop (14). This required Caution along the path is crucial for increased safety towards the abyss and to avoid suddenly scaring wildlife that enjoys socializing around the beautiful pools, just some ten metres above the plateau threshold and the abyss of Bees' Cliff  (14). This location, including the Canyon, is shown within the map loop (14).

A Walk in the Abyss with the Secretive Company of Hyenas
This charmingly hidden gorge (36) - (14) delivers expectations where curiosity and excitement fill the atmosphere directly from the route's start. Gentle and refreshing winds provide visitors with a fresh coolness in a welcoming breeze from the Canyon below that well camouflages the scary smells of civilization from reaching the hyenas in depth. This tributary gorge (36) to the Canyon is shown within the lower section of the map circle (14).



A Deeply Enchanting Nature Dream

Along a Magical Path Where Butterflies Dance

Very near but deeply below this Bees' Cliff (14), where these two streams meet, a place of idle creative nature is created, with splendid surprises in hidden prongs and open spaces with high slopes. The one who stays concealed between the tree trunks at point  (36) within the map loop (14) can quickly get very close to rumbling and relaxed hyenas. The southern slopes of the creek  (36) are a pretty steep yet comfortable hike with beautiful views down over this mysterious and lush nature with its invitingly open gorge and the two converging streams (36).


The Former Capital Of Ethiopia

Google Maps: Palace Of Emperor Minilik and
 Empress Taitu 1883.
 (Photo by David Stanley)  

On the Mountain's Grand High Table 

Palace Of Emperor Minilik and Empress Taitu, 1883.
Entoto Maryam (43) on the mountain's high table is the site for the Former Capital, the historical Palace and a cosy town. Hence, Entoto Maryam (43) offers a charming site for the whole family, with convenient access to restaurants. With accessible trails, this high plateau offers surprisingly gentle terrain in reasonably close contact with great views over the landscape beneath, including the fashionable and cultural facilities with activities of Entoto Park (Z)

The High Plateau's Museum and Restaurants
A museum and a Palace within this town (43) of the grand high plateau invite the whole family's interests. Another lovely choice is Entoto Kidane Mehret (1), with an extensive sanctuary, restaurants, and excellent Nature for picnics. Therefore, these charming mountainous towns appear culturally welcoming and captivating with their beautiful, gentle surroundings. Entoto Maryam Church (43), Former Capital, Emperor Palace, Museum. 


A Historic Site on the High Plateau

Entoto Maryam (43), the old Capital's central area, dramatically invites to this historical mountain's high table. Furthermore, the historical site of Entoto Maryam (43), with its museum and palace, rises just above Entoto Park [Z] and on the same mountain road.

The former Capital with Entoto Maryam Church (43)
After passing all the fascinating facilities of Entoto Park [Z], Entoto Maryam (43) dominates just above and allures to a vast high plateau. Together with the historic and quaint mountain town (43) with restaurants, this high plateau offers surprisingly gentle terrain.



Adventures above the Abyss

Grandiose Waterfall and Secret Rock Vault


Bees' Cliff is a Rock Dwelling of Amazing Beauty, but it also
A Dangerous Cliff-hanger with a Concealed Abyss
**CAUTION - Bees' Cliff (14)
Bees' Cliff constitutes a hidden, unknown void that can become a real danger and does not allow direct, easy proximity from either the east or the west side of the gorge's slopes. These precipitous cliff sides above the waterfall's hidden rock vault are so steep that all visual contact toward the bottom of the abyss is impossible. Therefore, due care is a crucial precaution for each new adventure.

Enchanting Attractions Above the Abyss
In all the expressions of fundamental nature, a multi-dimensional, graceful beauty is nevertheless a false invitation to safety delivered. Through this deceiving natural trickery, the eastern Canyon's slope gives an impression of invitingly lush beauty but a treacherous one with a fertile green breathtaking threshold, hiding a shocking void.





A Veiled World of Adventure and Dreams

A Culture Beyond Time of Aeons
Residents of the Capital highly value these prehistoric megaliths and traditional palaces on the high plateau of Entoto's massif, and a high priority should, therefore, be to assist the population in preserving and protecting these historic treasures and Ice Age sculptures from a bygone era. However, due care is crucial since the terrain is dramatic and shadows among ancient rocks often appear mysterious, imposing like pesky giants and beings from a forgotten past, where the concealed cliff space, just waiting for adventure in a somewhat overwhelming flow of impressions. 
 
Ancient Megaliths
These massive stone statues give references to a past Ice Age heritage where man and monoliths appear to have been pulled out of the quaking rock’s roots, so weathered by large erosive forces that they have finally, beyond aeons, been appreciated as large ancient monuments. Like Egypt and the Sphinx, the real genesis and origins of these monuments often remain unknown, but the patina and deeply shaded furrows claim an age beyond recorded history. Caution: Hiking after Dusk, Alone in the Park is Dangerous. Safety and Security



The Rising Shoulders of Entoto's Massif


A Canyon of Grandeur & Adventure

A Guiding Canyon with Paths & Adventure
This mysterious but inviting twilight cleft of the canyon (B) - (14)  dominates the landscape and is an excellent place for the well-equipped family to appreciate unforgettable adventures. However, this canyon (B) - (35) - (14) also offers the most pleasant magical mountain views, complete with sights and picnics that provide an utterly captivating natural experience. This visible clarity in the appearance and selection of trails is apparent here, thanks to the attractive overview of the sculptural introduction towards this very family-friendly gorge and river (35) - (B) and its paths that ultimately deviate along the tributary creek (36).

A Canyon of Great Beauty and Drama
The trails towards the first contact with the southern rim of the high plateau (41 - 42) - (14) follow a clear upward direction on Entoto's mountain massif. This visible clarity in the appearance and selection of trails is apparent here, thanks to the attractive overview of the sculptural introduction of this family-friendly upper slope of the canyon. Due to the visual contact with the canyon (35) - (B) towards the tributary creek (36) - (14), both a dramatic allure and a mighty visual guide in the landscape appear. Furthermore, the paths are straightforward to follow in the landscape, including all these exciting and surprisingly attractive paths along and above the eastern slope of the canyon's riverbank.


** [CAUTION]

Note that the mountain range is vast, and the family on an excursion should avoid the tiring adventure tours that extend beyond the line of sight across the mountain range's landscape. This cautious observance in the family's daily routine regards the family's well-being and pleasure due to the demanding terrain. This caution is crucial because the impressions from each place are just at the upper limits of what a person can muster. Therefore, Do Not Combine the family's planned new mountain adventure on the same day with tiring and exhausting fluttering trips between Entoto Kidane Mehret (1) and Entoto Park (Z), including Entoto Maryam (43).

 

A Sanctuary of Beauty and Serenity  

Among Purging Spring-Water

The valley [A] is located just down the eastern hillside after passing Entoto Kidane Mehret (1) and the Sanctuary (32). This somewhat hidden path (5) is an invitational route with many following options. It is constituted of a concealed way just beneath the walls of Entoto Kidane Mehret's Sanctuary (32) and continues with a traditional bridge just some steps downhill from the Sanctuary (32). Further, this valley [A] invites gentle walks toward the family picnic and games at the Italian reservoir (19). This underground water technology (19) is easily reached by an inviting, undulated and charmingly curved path just at the foot of the mountain and to the right of the map's valley sign [A]. The bridge crossing here, except for the family gentle path to point (19), is also the natural path for those who want a more dramatic hike towards the high plateau by the first passing point (37), located just a few steps upward on the left side after passing the bridge.


A Wonderful Family Excursion 

Towards Picnics Among Water Sources

Water to the Capital
Towards the Fresh Well-Fragrance of Highland
Despite this somewhat harsh highland air, the hiking is captivating and comfortable, but requires regular rest, and it's essential to drink regularly from the brought-with and rugged water bottle. However, underneath in the valley [A] and just after the handcrafted bridge rises, the mountain's slope towards Entoto's high plateau continuously upwards towards secret places of pure serenity, often with views of breathtakingly beautiful heights.




The Secure Way Back for Lost and Worried People
To find out from this enchanting and beautiful original forest (40) just east of point (16), a lost person only ought to follow its very apparent slope down the east of the valley and thus in short contact with the open environment and clear paths that quickly show where you are in the relationship with the rest of the Park. In addition, point (19) and further the valley [A] of Entoto Kidane Mehret (32) are very close and reached quickly. This pleasant return, Entoto Kidane Mehret (32), is a gentle route downwards without gorges or precipices. 


[CAUTION] - Precautionary Commitments

Assistance Directions: [A] - (B) - (14)



The Assistance of Path Directions [A] - (B)

Mountain Maps and Alerts

The superficially lying water pipeline (37) is located on the slope above the valley [A]. This place is easily reached from below the valley [A] with comfortable passing between a couple of cottages before it continues and reaches a gentle high level on the mountain's shoulder. Just before the Italian fortification (38) - (B) appears a theatrical view and potentially a dangerous downhill abyss. The superficial water-conducting metal pipe (37) - [A] assists the mountain hike where its apparent suitability begins on the slope above the valley [A]. This water-conducting metal pipe (37) makes the path easy to follow, where it reaches a pleasantly high level on the mountain's shoulder. The route offers two options when the pipeline makes its high northern bend just to the right of (38) - (B), where the steeper uphill path is typically taken by most hiking routes, even if point (38) - (B) offers every possibility for further hiking towards the heights. Just before the Italian fortification (38) - shown within the map loop (B) - a theatrical view and potentially dangerous abyss appear a few metres to the left of the path. This precipitous view is within the lower sections of the map circle (B). The Italian Mountain Fortress (38) - (B)


Entoto Park Main Entrance - Entoto Park (Z)

Entoto Mountain's Highland now includes an invitingly magnificent culture centre and activities that constitute the new Entoto Park (Z). This grandiose adventurous centre above the Capital forms the amazing mountain-dwelling for the whole family's interest in comforting high-spirited culture. Thus, the historical and captivating Entoto Natural Park and the alluring Entoto mountain massif include the newly inaugurated Entoto Park (Z). This mountainous location and elevated centre for pleasure and activities invite the entire family to enjoy pleasant leisure with gardens, art, or just exploring many highly inspiring activities. 


The New Facilities Of Entoto Park (Z)

If the intention is amusement activities, families should
consider Entoto Park (Z) an appropriate option and be
cautious about the higher and deeper wilderness.
Entoto Park (Z) facilities are just below Entoto Maryam (43). Entoto Park (Z) 's newly built facilities have many amusements which inform the special open hours and regulations of this very modern and extended centre for Entertainment, Culture, Art, sports activities and Breathtaking highland views of Nature and mountains. However, the freshly made Entoto Park is in its first phase of organizational development, and it is challenging to give personal service time.  Despite this, there are probably conditions for direct contact with restaurants at this newly inaugurated Entoto Park (Z).

[ Entrance Fee ]

The entrance to Entoto Natural Park is free, but the outside parking fee is 25 - 40 birr per hour if you're coming in your car. However, although the Park's Nature is free to visit, Entoto Park Gate Z's entertainment and amusement activities are usually accessible for a fee. Furthermore, as tourist visitors, remember your ID card or passport.



The Trees in the Pictures of Streams and Views:

 (Juniperus procera)

Variation with habitat creation:

Juniperus procera is the native species of Entoto, and it should dominate the future Natural Park.  Entoto Natural Park 1995). This means that the forest will look different all over. When designing with nature, the high importance dominates of creating habitats (biotopes) suitable for the area's physical conditions. After analyzing soil quality and eroded parts, biodiversity, water availability and catchment, limitations due to, e.g. high altitude, etc., the area's potential for accommodating specific plant communities can be estimated. The 17km² provides unique variations in elevation, humidity, climate, and soil if the conditions specified for each spot are considered when planting and managing (HΓ₯kan Blanck and Pia Englund,
                                                       
Juniperus procera
Ecology:
A valuable timber tree indigenous to Ethiopia and eastern Africa's highland forests, 1,500-3,000 m. It does best in high rainfall but can survive quite dry conditions once established.
It is the largest juniper in the world. It performs well in Moist and Wet Weyna Dega and Dega agroclimatic zones (Azene Bekele-Tesemma 1993).



This picture shows native Juniper trees and the plateau ledge No.16 view. A little behind the camera's typical
 view of the dim-capped Capital is a group of magnificent and powerful Juniperus procera trees.
These indigenous Juniper trees are unique and appear to have an origin from a past culture,
and are here very near, just some steps uphill towards Bees' Cliff (14).
The Wild Forest of the Ancient
                                                                   

The High Plateau's Brooks and Waterfall
The southern threshold of the high plateau, illustrated in the upper part of the map loop (14), offers an exceptional opportunity for exploration, with a picturesque scene of naturally shaped cliff weirs arranged in stairway formations of natural pools, (see photo just down of the header) featuring a breathtaking view above the Canyon's waterfall (refer to the upper part of map loop (14)). Yet, from this vantage point, a gently meandering brook fills a truly enthralling view with its gentle flow, continuing over the high plateau with an enchantingly captivating scenery. When shifting the gaze downward from the elevated position of these natural pools, the brook appears to flow perilously close to the abyss (shown from the upper part of the loop (14). Then, suddenly and irresistibly intriguing, within just a few meters, the stream disappears into a rock vault, leading to a potentially dangerous waterfall. Albeit, here above on the high plateau's threshold, this brook appears continuing within the upper part of the map circle (14), located near the eroded road (41) and the continuing trail (42) towards Entoto Natural Park (Nursery) 34. (Observe that, given its high location, the stream flows actively during the rainy season and for several months thereafter.) 


Bees' Cliff (14) abyss requires caution in the Canyon but
invite by the path of the tributary gorge (36) within the
wide map loop (14) towards the high plateau at 41-42.
   



  Ethiopia Tourism: 

  Important Information  


  Videos: The Park's  Classical  
  Beauty with Nature and Music 

______________________________

Schools & Associations -
Touring Companies & Guides:
_______________________________
_____________________________________________________________________


Attached is a PDF Containing a List of Suggested Activities, 
Entertainment Options and Lodging Arrangements:


Google Maps: Kuriftu Entoto Resort and Spa  |  Horse Stable with Paddock | Zipline | Trampoline | Wall Climbing and Much More. Although the mountain massif of Entoto is very extensive, it may require care to venture out into the wildly beautiful landscape. However, the extensive highland meadows on the high plateau offer more secluded and wild horseback riding services located very near Bees' Cliff (14) at Beka Ferda Ranch (45) - (On the High Plateau's Meadows).

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