Ankober, old palace of Menelik

Ankober only a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Addis, is a village almost forgotten that used to be one of the most important seats of power in Ethiopia at the end of the 19th century. It was the home of the legendary king Menelik II, founder of modern Ethiopia and the capital of the Kingdom of Shoa. In the 1880s, the place was only accessible by horseback or mule, as recalled by the French poet Rimbaud, who lived in Ethiopia for many years. Rimbaud had taken a trip from the Eastern town of Harar to Ankober to trade weapons to the King.
Ankober is a beautiful and convenient weekend getaway for Addis Ababa residents. The spectacular scenery on the top makes it worthwhile. Perched on top of a steep hill, about 2,800 meters high on the edge of the Abyssinian high plateaus, the lodge benefits from stunning 360° views of the Rift Valley.