Ethiopia turned Emperor Menelik’s palace into a tourist attraction park

Dubbed as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s prestige project, Unity Park which is literally made from Ethiopia’s greatest monarch Menelik’s Palace is now open

Aerial view Unity Park in Emperor Menelik’s palace

October 10, 2019

One of Ethiopia’s greatest emperors, Menelik II, 19th century palace is transformed into a park to be visited by local and foreign tourists. It is officially launched on Friday. Since the end of the 19th century., Ethiopian leaders including the late Meles Zenawi lived in the palace

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is said to have initiated the US $160 million (about 1.5 billion Ethiopian birrs) project and he has named it Unity Park.  The United Arab Emirates has reportedly provided financial support for it.

Widely criticized as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed vainglory project, it seems to be a demonstration of his government’s effort to reconcile Ethiopia’s past – which glorifies unity of the country – and the current politics of division along the ethnic line.

It captures the 19th and 20th century Ethiopia along with Ethiopia’s great emperors including Emperor Haileselassie who is featured in a life-size waxwork. It also features the post-1991 political works of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in the form of sculptures in the garden representing nine ethnic-based regional states 

Wax work of Emperor Haileselassie on the throne

When Abiy assumed office in April of 2018 he introduced a buzz-word, medemer, which many within and outside of his government tends to see as “political thought.”  It could translate to translate to “addition.” The park is partly informed by that thought.

“Today marks the inauguration of ‘Unity Park’ which is a manifestation of the MEDEMER idea, inviting us to takes stock of our positive capital from the past (our historical and cultural assets) and build upon it for future generations. Unity Park symbolizes our ability to come together for a common goal and cross the finish line by, creating an exquisite lasting prints of our collective worth,” said a statement from the office of the prime minister which was shared on social media.

Leaders from member countries of IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) have attended the official inauguration ceremony.  Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Sudan’ prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, Somalian President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and Ugandan President Museveni have attended it.  Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde was also in the inauguration ceremony. 

It will be open to the public as of next week. 

The entrance fee is 200 Ethiopian birr which is about $US 6.7

Unity Park

The Ethiopian government has an economic motive in the project too. It is intended to boost the tourism sector. “Home-Grown Economic Reform” agenda which the government unveiled in September of this year emphasizes tourism as an important job creation means in the country.

Towards the end of this year the park will have a zoo featuring Ethiopian endemic animals.  

Explore Danakil Depression and Volcano

Explore Danakil Depression and Volcano in Afar ,Ethiopia 

Overview

This tour to the Danakil Depression and Erta Ale volcano is one of the most challenging and rewarding tours you can take in Ethiopia. Go way off the beaten track with a 4-day hiking and camping trip through otherworldly landscapes—a trip made both safe and possible when done with a guide, but not recommended for travelers going it alone. This tour includes all activities, transportation, lodging, and food.

Day 1 Mekele-Hamad Ela 
Start tour in Mekele, drive to Hamad Ela town via Berhale. The Danakil Depression can be said to 'begin' here. It is one of the most inhospitable regions of the world, but is nonetheless spectacular, full of eye-catching colors of sulphur springs. The desert has several points lying more than 100 meters (328 ft) below sea level. Pass through the town of Berhale where the camel caravans stop before proceeding to the northern highlands. On the way see many long caravans going to the salt mines and others coming out of the Danakil with their salt loaded camels. Campsite at Hamedela. 

Day 2 Hamd Ela-Dodom-Erta Ale 
We start early, shortly after at 06:30 breakfast continue the tour and drive to Dodom at the base of Erta Ale volcano. This may be one of the worst road in the world. The 80 km distance may take about 6 hrs passing through changing landscape of solidified lava, rock, sand and the occasional palm lined oasis. You pass several small hamlets scattered here and there in this desert land before reaching Dodom. You will trek from Dodom to Erta Ale which takes about 3 hrs. Early dinner around 17:00 and trek up to Ert Ale at 20:00. Camels transport all the camping materials and some food, sleeping materials, mattresses and water, to the rim of the volcano, where we spend the night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava. Erta Ale ranks one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions anywhere in Ethiopia. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and 1 km square caldera at its summit. Erta Ale contains the world’s only permanent lava lake and you will spend an unforgettable night on the top of the mountain. 

Day 3 Erta Ale-Dodom-Hamad Ela 
Get up at sunrise to walk around pits and craters. The main pit-crater 200m deep and 350m across, is sub-circular and three storey. You will leave around 7:00 to head back to Dodom for breakfast. You will reach latest at 10:30 am at the camp and after some time of relax you will drive on to Hamad Ela, a village with a total population about 500 people. Overnight camping at Hamed Ela. 

Day 4 Ragad-Dallol-Mekele 
Morning driving to Ragad (Asebo), the place where salt is mined. Observe breaking of the salt, cutting into rectangular pieces & loading on camels. Drive to Dallol & visit the landscape formed by volcanic activity, Dallol, Lake Assal, camel caravans. Excursion to Dallol (116 meter below sea level, one of the lowest places in the world) colorful salts mining, Lake Assal, follow up camel caravans and walk with the Afar people. Drive back to Hamedela & Mekele.