The Jimma Road

The road leaving Addis Ababa to the southwest is leading to Jimma, in the heartland of the coffee-growing area. There is a connecting road with the Ambo road, making a perfect round trip from Addis Ababa possible.

The Negash Lodge in Weliso, 115 km (2 hr) from Addis Ababa is an excellent place to stay overnight in this area.

Menagasha National Forest

Already in the 15th century, the Menagasha Forest on the slopes of Mount Wechecha obtained protected status, bringing it among the oldest protected conservation areas in Africa. At the lower slopes of the 3.385 meters high extinct volcano forest plantation is found with height changing to a large natural (juniper) forest and above the tree line Afro-alpine moorland. Large mammals and a great variety of birds (among them many endemic species) are found in the area. Different walking trails are laid out to explore the area. Menagasha Forest lies 45 km (1 hr) from Addis Ababa.