Addis Ababa Full Day City Tour: How to Plan Your Trip

Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, is a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. The Addis Ababa Full Day City Tour is a great way to explore the city and its surroundings. This tour covers the main highlights of Addis Ababa, including the National Museum of Ethiopia, Merkato, and Mount Entoto. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan your Addis Ababa Full Day City Tour.

Experience

The Addis Ababa Full Day City Tour is a perfect experience for those who want to explore the culture and history of Ethiopia. This tour will take you to some of the most significant places in the city. You will have the chance to see Lucy’s skeleton, visit the biggest open-air market in East Africa, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Mount Entoto.

Highlights

The Addis Ababa Full Day City Tour highlights are the following:

National Museum of Ethiopia

The National Museum of Ethiopia is the repository of an assortment of archeological and cultural artifacts of Ethiopia. Here, you’ll have the chance to see Lucy’s skeleton, the 3.2 million years old most famous hominids skeleton discovered in 1974 at a place called Hadar Lucy (Dinknesh). This discovery gave rise to the theory that Ethiopia is the cradle of Humankind.

Merkato

Merkato is the biggest open-air market in East Africa. This market is a great place to buy souvenirs and traditional Ethiopian goods. You’ll find everything from handmade crafts to fresh coffee and spices.

Mount Entoto

Mount Entoto is a beautiful mountain that offers a panoramic view of Addis Ababa. It’s also the highest point in the city, standing at 3200 meters. You’ll enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful scenery.

Tour Description

On your full-day tour, you’ll start your tour from your hotel, where your guide will pick you up. You’ll head to the National Museum of Ethiopia, where you’ll see Lucy’s skeleton, the 3.2 million years old most famous hominids skeleton discovered in 1974 at a place called Hadar Lucy (Dinknesh). After that, you’ll head to the Ethnographic Museum, which showcases various types of traditional artifacts that show the lifestyles of different Ethiopian major ethnic groups.

Next, you’ll visit Trinity Cathedral, a unique and magnificent church with a baroque style of European architecture, dedicated to the Holy Trinity.

Your last stop will be at Mount Entoto, where you’ll enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery of Addis Ababa. You’ll also have a chance to visit the Entoto Maryam Museum, which is a unique museum that showcases Ethiopian traditional and religious artifacts.

How to book the Addis Ababa Full Day City Tour

To book the Addis Ababa Full Day City Tour, visit this website. Bookings must be made at least 24 hours in advance. The tour price includes transportation and an English-speaking guide. Lunch is not included. It’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, as there will be some walking involved.

Conclusion

If you’re planning a trip to Ethiopia, the Addis Ababa Full Day City Tour is a must-see. This tour will give you a great opportunity to explore the history, culture, and natural beauty of Ethiopia. Book your tour now and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

Addis Ababa Full Day City Tour: How to Plan Your Trip

Welcome to Addis Ababa, the bustling capital of Ethiopia. Known for its rich culture and history, delicious cuisine, and friendly people, this vibrant city is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the true essence of Ethiopia. In this insider’s guide, we will take you through a full-day city tour of Addis Ababa, introducing you to the best attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Attractions

Addis Ababa is packed with many fascinating attractions that offer insight into the country’s history and culture. Here are some of the must-visit attractions that you should include in your full-day city tour of Addis Ababa:

National Museum of Ethiopia

The National Museum of Ethiopia is a great place to start your tour. It houses the famous fossil of Lucy, one of the oldest hominids ever discovered, and other significant artifacts that tell the story of Ethiopia’s cultural and historical evolution. The museum also has a beautiful garden and a café where you can rest and enjoy the view.

Ethnological Museum

The Ethnological Museum is located within the Addis Ababa University campus and displays the impressive cultural and traditional artifacts of the diverse ethnic groups that populate the country. The museum is housed in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie and offers an opportunity to get insights into Ethiopia’s history, art, clothing, and music.

Merkato

For a taste of local life, head to Merkato, one of the world’s largest open-air markets. Here, you’ll find vendors selling everything from local spices to traditional clothing. Be sure to bargain for the best prices. Merkato is a sensory experience, and you’ll need to wear comfortable shoes while exploring the narrow alleys and streets.

Dining Spots

Addis Ababa is home to a thriving food scene that combines traditional Ethiopian cuisine with modern flavors. Here are some of the dining spots you should try during your full-day city tour:

Kategna Restaurant

Kategna Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Addis Ababa, renowned for its delicious traditional cuisine, including injera, kitfo, and doro wat. The restaurant is located near the National Theatre and has a beautiful outdoor seating area.

YOHANNES EFRIMM: The Coffee Roaster

Ethiopia is home to some of the world’s best coffee, and no trip to Addis Ababa is complete without a visit to a coffee roaster. Yohannes Efrimm is a family-owned coffee roaster located in the heart of the city. Here, you’ll get to learn about the coffee-making process and even roast your beans.

Cultural Experiences

Ethiopia is a culturally rich country, and Addis Ababa is the perfect destination to experience its vibrant traditions. Here are some cultural experiences you should include in your full-day city tour:

Traditional Coffee Ceremony

Coffee is an important part of Ethiopian culture, and the traditional coffee ceremony is a must-try experience. The ceremony involves roasting coffee beans over a charcoal fire, grinding them by hand, and brewing them in a traditional pot called a jebena.

Tesfaye Gebre Kidan Theatre

Tesfaye Gebre Kidan Theatre is the perfect destination for lovers of live theater and music. The theater is renowned for its cultural performances, including traditional Ethiopian dancing, singing, and acting.

Local History

Addis Ababa is home to a fascinating history that dates back to the reign of Emperor Menelik II. Here are some of the historical landmarks you should visit in your full-day city tour of Addis Ababa:

Meskel Square

Meskel Square is a popular gathering spot in Addis Ababa and is named after the Meskel Festival, a Christian holiday that celebrates the finding of the True Cross. It is also home to the Monument of Patriots, a symbol of Ethiopia’s resistance against Italian colonization.

Entoto Hill

Entoto Hill is the highest point in Addis Ababa and was the site of Emperor Menelik II’s historic palace. The palace is now a museum that provides insight into Ethiopia’s royal history and culture. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those looking to explore beyond the popular tourist destinations, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

Asni Art Village

The Asni Art Village is a unique destination that showcases the work of local artisans. The village offers a glimpse into Ethiopia’s contemporary art scene and a chance to buy souvenirs to take back home.

Mt. Entoto

Mt. Entoto is a beautiful off-the-beaten-path destination that provides a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The mountain offers hiking trails and stunning views of Addis Ababa.

In conclusion, Addis Ababa is a city that offers a wealth of attractions, dining options, cultural experiences, and historical landmarks that provide a glimpse into Ethiopia’s rich history and culture. By including the above recommendations in your full-day city tour of Addis Ababa, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.