Dubbed to be the oldest park in Africa, Menagesha has been a state forest since 15 century AD. Emperor Zere Yacob is credited for the protection of this fascinating ecosystem during his time. The total area of the park is around 2500 hectares which keeps important natural big trees like juniper and Eric arboreal and endemic antelopes like Minilik Bushbuck. As the forest is home to many endemic animals, bird species, and vast forests, the area is one of the ideal spots for bird watching, hiking and mountain climbing in the vicinity of Addis Ababa.