Things to do in Mersa
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Mersa
Mount Entoto
Mount Entoto is the main peak of the Entoto Mountains that surround Addis Ababa. The summit is approx. 3,200 m above sea level, nearly 1,000 m higher than the city center below. It is noticeably cooler on the mountain, making it a rare, refreshing highland near the city. It is also the starting point of the city: Emperor Menelik II once established his capital here, building palaces and churches. Later, the court moved to the valley below, which was full of hot springs, and gradually developed into the Addis Ababa of today. You could say the entire city "walked down" from this hillside. Many of the sights on the mountain are connected to this history: the Palace of Menelik II still stands today, and you can see old royal artifacts in the attached exhibition. The Entoto Maryam Church, built during the same period, along with religious buildings like the Saint Raguel Church, are scattered among the trees, making this a holy mountain in the hearts of believers. The entire hillside is covered with eucalyptus forests introduced from Australia, known as the "lungs of Addis Ababa," and the forest trails are perfect for a leisurely hike. The summit also houses an observatory for the Ethiopian Space Science Society, with a telescope set up inside the dome, serving as an important base for astronomical observation in Ethiopia. On clear days, you can take in the entire city from the summit. It is windy and cold on the mountain, with a noticeable temperature difference from the city center, so it is recommended to bring a jacket before heading up. If you want to see the city skyline clearly, it is best to visit on days with clear air.Ethiopia · Sululta
Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
Lalibela Rock Church was built around 1000 BC and is known as the "African Miracle". It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979. Legend has it that in the 12th century, the seventh king of Ethiopia, Lalibela, received an oracle in a dream: "Build a new city of Jerusalem in Ethiopia and ask to build a church with a single piece of rock". So Lalibela took 24 years to chisel 11 rock churches on the rock plateau at an altitude of 2,600 meters in northern Ethiopia according to the oracle. People call it Lalibela. Since then, Lalibela has become a famous place for Ethiopians. These churches sit in huge deep pits in the rock. The intricately carved churches resemble massive sculptures, hewn from solid rock like the temples of Ellora. Perhaps the most striking of the churches in Lalibela is the Church of Jesus Christ, which is 33 meters long, 23 meters wide and 11 meters high, with intricately carved cornices supported by 34 square columns.Lalibela · 78.6km from Mersa
Great Rift Valley
The Great Rift Valley is one of the Earth's geological wonders, stretching across Ethiopia and into the rest of East Africa. The result of the movement of tectonic plates, this rift demonstrates the dynamic forces of our planet. The Rift Valley in Ethiopia attracts many tourists with its diverse natural landscapes and rich ecosystems. In Ethiopia, the Rift Valley region includes several national parks, such as Awash National Park and Abigata-Shala National Park, which are ideal for wildlife and bird watching. Visitors can see flamingos, hippos, and several species of antelope in these parks. Rift Valley lakes such as Lake Awasa and Lake Abi are also popular tourist destinations, known for their unique ecological environment and beautiful lake views. Travelers can easily reach these attractions by road, and it is recommended to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle to cope with some rugged sections. The recommended time to visit is the dry season, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.Ethiopia · Afar Zone 1
Awash National Park
Awash National Park is located in the lowlands east of Addis Ababa and spans the Awash River. It is one of the most well-maintained protected areas in Ethiopia. The Awash River is one of the main rivers in the Horn of Africa (HornofAfrica) region. It irrigates the main grain-producing areas of northeastern Ethiopia and then flows into the broad Danakil Depression. The majestic Awash Falls, formed when the river pours into the valley, is a must-see in the park. Filāwoha, a beautiful, clear thermal pond, is also a unique attraction. Awash National Park is a protected area of arid and semi-arid woodland and savannah, with river jungles along the Awash River, thanks to the majestic Fantale dormant volcano. There are 46 species of wild animals found in the park, including the East African right-horned antelope and the antelope. Birds mainly live along the river, and there are as many as 392 species of birds recorded. To the park as far as possible from the Addis - Assab (Addis-Assab) main road to go, there is a caravan inn called Kereyu Lodge on the edge of the canyon.Ethiopia · Afar Zone 3
Blue Nile Falls
The Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Teasset, which means "smoky water", is a well-known waterfall in Africa. A crack 55 meters high, forming a beautiful rainbow. The Blue Nile River is 680 kilometers long. It passes through Lake Tana and then turns sharply down, forming a rush of water.Ethiopia · South Gonder
Simien Mountains National Park
Ethiopia · North Gondar
Weldia
Weldiya · 16.9km from Mersa
Northern Stelae Field
The carved stone pillars in the Stone Pillar Group Site are very famous historical sites in Axum. The obelisks in the Stone Pillar Group site have 4 square niches on each side, and the square niches are engraved with symmetrical architectural patterns, which depict the miniatures of ancient imperial palaces. There were originally seven carved stone pillars in the Stone Pillar Group site, but the two higher ones have fallen down, measuring 33 and 24 meters respectively. The latter was once taken away by Italy and returned here in recent years.Ethiopia · Axum
Fasil Ghebbi
Fasil Gaby Castle is located on a hill at an altitude of 2,000 meters and is surrounded by fortified fortifications. In the 16th and 17th centuries it was the residence of the Ethiopian emperor Fasilides and his successors. Castles include palaces, churches, monasteries, baths, and more, all of which are architecturally diverse, reflecting Indian, Arabic, and European influences. From the top of the castle, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the ancient city, Lake Nata and the famous monastery on the island.Ethiopia · Gondar
Lake Tana
Ethiopia · North Gondar
Experiences you can't miss in Mersa
Featured Day tours in Mersa
View all Day tours
FromUS$95.77
FromUS$240.58
FromUS$250.57
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$66.31US$69.81
Featured SIM card in Mersa
View all SIM card
3.6/5
· 7 reviews· 319 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for today
28 bookings in 7 days
FromUS$1.59
4.1/5
· 19 reviews· 541 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for today
22 bookings in 7 days
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$2.35US$2.48
4.5/5
· 766 reviews· 24.7k bookedBook now for today
1.622k bookings in 7 days
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$15.70US$16.53
3.5/5
· 2 reviews· 68 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for today
FromUS$2.40
More ways to travel from Mersa
Free things to do in Mersa
Mount Entoto
Ethiopia · SulultaRock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
Lalibela · 78.6km from MersaGreat Rift Valley
Ethiopia · Afar Zone 1Awash National Park
Ethiopia · Afar Zone 3Blue Nile Falls
Ethiopia · South GonderSimien Mountains National Park
Ethiopia · North GondarWeldia
Weldiya · 16.9km from MersaNorthern Stelae Field
Ethiopia · AxumFasil Ghebbi
Ethiopia · GondarLake Tana
Ethiopia · North Gondar
What travellers say about Mersa
Pakistani Traveler24 December 2019
5.0
A green location.. Serene and peaceful, overlooking the booming infrastructure of Addis baba, has some old churches and some traditional shops, a must visit in Addis baba
Mount Entoto
Mamaru Endris25 December 2023
5.0
The 11 medieval monolithic cave churches of this 13th-century 'New Jerusalem' are situated in a mountainous region in the heart of Ethiopia near a traditional village with circular-shaped dwellings. Lalibela is a high place of Ethiopian Christianity, still today a place of pilmigrage and devotion.
Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
艾尚旅行记25 October 2024
5.0
Standing on the edge of the crater, overlooking the bottomless canyon in the rift valley, it seems as if you can see the long history of the earth. The volcanic eruption in the distance makes the whole sky red, giving people the illusion of traveling through time and space.
Great Rift Valley
M33***3731 March 2020
5.0
The Blue Nile Falls is so beautiful! It's very spectacular! It's worth seeing!
Blue Nile Falls
_TI***up6 March 2023
5.0
fantastic Please, To see birds,hippoes, pelicans. The Amaising Thing Here Is The Separation Place Of Lake Tana And BlueNile Rever.
Lake Tana