Reviewed · ETHIOPIA
Addis Ababa ,Forest Spa Experience, massage and steam sunna
The best part of this five-hour forest spa escape is the setting. You leave Addis Ababa for Kuriftu Entoto Resort and Spa, where a one-hour massage leads into steam sauna time and a Jacuzzi session, all surrounded by the greenery of Entoto. I like the complete sequence: you do not have to plan separate treatments or find your own way back.
I also like the private-group format and the friendly help with transport and timing. The package includes return pickup from Bole, water, and an English-speaking host, which keeps the day simple. The main consideration is the price, $141 per person, and the strict age and health limits. If you want a full spa day, it can be fair value. If you only want a massage, it may feel expensive.
Key points at a glance
- One-hour personalized massage: The main treatment gives you a full hour with a therapist rather than a quick add-on.
- Three-part relaxation circuit: Massage, steam sauna, and Jacuzzi create a clear rhythm from hands-on treatment to heat and hydrotherapy.
- Forest setting in Entoto: The resort’s greenery gives you a quieter backdrop than a city-center spa.
- Private transport from Bole: Pickup and return transportation are included, with the exact pickup point confirmed the day before.
- Time for more than the spa: The resort also has other activities, and you may have time for coffee or a zipline if schedules allow.
- Best for adults within the stated limits: Children under 10, pregnant women, people over 60, and people with certain medical concerns should not book this activity.
Leaving Addis Ababa for Kuriftu Entoto

Your day begins with pickup in Bole, Addis Ababa. The provider communicates with you the day before to confirm where to collect you, so keep your phone available and make sure the agreed meeting point is clear.
That small bit of planning matters in Addis Ababa, where a smooth pickup can make the difference between a relaxed start and a rushed one. Return transport is also included, so you do not need to arrange a taxi after the treatments.
The destination is Kuriftu Resort and Spa in Entoto, in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. The journey includes scenic views and a walk around the resort area. The transfer is not presented as a separate sightseeing tour, but the setting is part of the appeal. You are leaving the city for a greener, quieter place where the spa day feels like a proper change of scene.
This is a private group experience, which is useful if you are booking as a couple, with friends, or alone and want the day to feel personal. The available language is English. A friendly guide can also assist during the outing and, based on the service described, may help you find souvenirs if you have time for shopping.
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The welcome and first steps inside the spa

At the spa, you are greeted with a refreshing drink and warm service before the treatments begin. Water is included throughout the experience, which is especially practical after the heat of the sauna and the massage.
The order of the activities makes sense. You start with the treatment that requires the most attention, then move into heat and warm water. That means you can settle in rather than repeatedly changing pace.
The spa sits within a large park with other activities nearby. You should not expect five hours of nonstop massage. The package is a half-day outing built around one main treatment and two shorter relaxation sessions, with time for transitions and enjoying the surroundings.
This is a good fit if you enjoy a day that moves gently. It is less suitable if you want a tightly packed sightseeing schedule or several different massage styles.
A full hour of massage, not a rushed treatment

The central treatment is a personalized one-hour massage. Skilled therapists work on tension and help you settle before the sauna and Jacuzzi sessions.
The word personalized is important, but the supplied details do not specify the massage style, pressure options, or particular body areas covered. If you have preferences, tell the therapist clearly before starting. You should also mention any discomfort or health concern before treatment rather than waiting until the session is underway.
The massage received the strongest praise in the available feedback. One person called it the best massage they had experienced, while another described the spa as exceptional. Those comments point to the treatment as the main reason to book, not simply an extra included with the resort visit.
I would allow yourself to enjoy the hour without trying to rush toward the next activity. The sauna and Jacuzzi are there afterward, so the massage does not need to carry the whole day.
Steam sauna time for a slower reset

After the massage, you move into the steam sauna. The warm, humid air is intended to help you relax and leave your skin feeling refreshed.
Steam can feel wonderful after a massage, but it is also the part of the package where you should listen to your body. The experience specifically excludes people with altitude sickness and pre-existing medical conditions, and pregnant women are not permitted. If you are unsure about the heat, ask the staff before entering.
The sauna is described as a detoxifying session, though you should treat that as spa language rather than a medical promise. Its clear value is the soothing heat and the change of pace after the massage.
You may want to bring a calm frame of mind rather than expecting a dramatic treatment. This is a pause in the middle of the day, not an intense wellness program.
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Jacuzzi hydrotherapy in the forest setting

The final featured treatment is the Jacuzzi. Bubbling water and hydrotherapy jets are intended to ease remaining muscle tension and help you finish the spa sequence in a relaxed state.
I like this ending because it is less structured than the massage. You can simply sit, enjoy the water, and take in the peaceful setting. The forest surroundings give the Jacuzzi session a sense of escape that a treatment room alone cannot provide.
The details do not state how long the Jacuzzi session lasts, so the total time for each part may vary. Your five-hour booking includes transport, treatments, walking, and time at the resort. Do not read the duration as five full hours in treatment rooms.
The package also includes a manicure and pedicure in the general overview, but the detailed inclusions list names only the massage, steam sauna, Jacuzzi, water, and transport. I would confirm the manicure and pedicure before booking if those treatments are important to you. This is one of the few details that needs clarification.
What else you can do at the resort

The spa is in a large park with other activities. If you have spare time, you might order a coffee or try the zipline. These options are mentioned as possibilities, not as included parts of the package.
That distinction matters. Food and drinks outside the provided water are not included, and optional activities or excursions cost extra. Retail purchases and souvenirs are also your responsibility.
The park setting gives you some flexibility. A couple might split the time between the spa and a nearby activity, while friends could add coffee and browsing to the day. Still, you should ask the host about available time before paying for anything extra. The listed five-hour duration has to cover the full outing, including transportation.
If your aim is total quiet, you may prefer to skip the extra activities. If you want a little more action after the massage, the zipline can make the day feel less passive.
Is $141 per person a fair price?

At $141 per person, this is not a budget massage. The value comes from combining several elements: return transportation from Bole, a private-group arrangement, a one-hour massage, steam sauna, Jacuzzi access, water, and time at a resort outside the city.
For someone staying in Addis Ababa without a car, the transport has real value. You avoid arranging a taxi to Entoto, negotiating a return ride, and keeping track of separate bookings. The private format can also make the price more reasonable for couples or friends who want a shared day.
The value is weaker if you care only about the massage. You are paying for the setting, the resort access, the sauna, the Jacuzzi, and the transfer as well. Food, drinks beyond the provided water, souvenirs, and optional activities increase the final cost.
I would compare this with the price of arranging a quality massage and transport separately. If the difference is small, the forest setting and easy logistics may justify the package. If your budget is tight, book it only if you expect to use all three treatments.
The five-hour duration also helps. This is not a one-hour appointment padded with a quick transfer. It is a half-day plan, though the exact treatment lengths beyond the massage are not specified.
Who will enjoy this most

This experience suits an adult who wants a quiet break from Addis Ababa without committing to an overnight stay. It works particularly well for couples and small groups of friends, and it also makes sense as a solo reset because the group is private.
You will likely enjoy it if you value:
- A massage as the main event
- Easy pickup and return transportation
- A green resort setting
- Steam and warm-water treatments
- A flexible half-day rather than a full sightseeing itinerary
- English-speaking assistance
It is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people over 60, people over 95, people with altitude sickness, or people with pre-existing medical conditions. Those restrictions are firm enough that you should not treat them as minor booking notes.
The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is useful for many visitors. Still, because the day includes a sauna, Jacuzzi, and movement around a resort, ask the provider about the exact access arrangements if you need specific assistance.
Practical tips for a smoother spa day

Confirm the pickup location in Bole the day before. The provider contacts you to arrange it, and a clear meeting point will help you start without confusion.
Bring a calm schedule. The outing lasts five hours and includes scenic travel, a walk, treatment transitions, and time at the resort. Avoid booking an important appointment immediately afterward.
Tell the massage therapist what you need. Since the massage is personalized, your preferred pressure and areas of tension are worth discussing before the treatment begins.
Drink the provided water, especially after the steam sauna. If you want coffee, a meal, or another drink, budget separately because those purchases are not included.
Ask about the manicure and pedicure before departure. They appear in the broad description but not in the detailed inclusions, so confirm whether they are part of your specific booking.
If the zipline or coffee appeals to you, ask how much free time you will have. Optional activities are not included, and the package schedule must still allow for the return transfer.
The activity allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you useful flexibility, but you still need to check the available starting time before making other plans.
The final call: book it for the setting and the full sequence
I would recommend the Kuriftu Entoto spa day if you want more than a standalone massage. The strongest features are the one-hour treatment, the peaceful forest setting, and the convenience of private return transport from Bole. The high rating and repeated praise for the massage and serene spa support that choice.
I would hesitate if you want a cheap treatment, dislike heat, or plan to spend the entire day on sightseeing. Also confirm the manicure and pedicure details, since the package information is not fully consistent on that point.
For an adult looking for a simple half-day reset near Addis Ababa, this is a well-rounded choice. Book it when you want the whole outing: transport, massage, sauna, Jacuzzi, and a little time in the park. Skip it when the massage alone is all you need.
FAQ
Where does the spa experience take place?
It takes place at Kuriftu Resort and Spa in Entoto, in Ethiopia’s Oromia Region.
Where is pickup available?
Pickup is available from Bole in Addis Ababa. The provider communicates with you the day before to confirm the exact pickup location.
Is return transportation included?
Yes. Transportation to and from Kuriftu Resort and Spa is included in the package.
How long does the experience last?
The full experience lasts five hours, including transportation, time at the resort, walking, scenic views, and spa treatments.
What treatments are included?
The detailed inclusions specify a personalized one-hour massage, a steam sauna session, and a Jacuzzi session. Complimentary water is also included.
Are manicure and pedicure treatments included?
The general experience description mentions manicure and pedicure, but the detailed inclusions list does not specify them. Confirm this point with the provider before booking.
What language is available?
The host or greeter speaks English, and English is the listed activity language.
Is this a private experience?
Yes. The activity is offered for a private group.
Can I cancel for a refund?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Who should not take part?
The activity is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people over 60, people with altitude sickness, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or people over 95.
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