Start driving north on the Dessie Road in the morning.

First stop on this route will be the historical city of Debre Berhan, which is located 130 km from Addis Ababa. The great Emperor Zera Yaqob (1434 - 1468) made his imperial capital here, after seeing a "heavenly light" (almost certainly Halley’s comet), which he took as a divine sign. later, rulers abandoned the town, but it once again became an important center under the Shoan kings, notably King Sahle Selassie (1813 - 1847).

Continue driving to Ankober. The town traces its history to the 12th century, reaching its climax in the 19th century with the coronation of Minilik II as King of Ethiopia. It served as the capital of Showan rulers until the founding of Addis Ababa as a capital in 1886.

At Ankober, visit the ruins of Minilik palace, an ancient Christian Monastery; and also enjoy a spectacular view of the Great Ethiopian Rift Valley.

Drive back to Addis Ababa with a stopover at Debre Birhan.

Arrive at Addis Ababa late in afternoon.