Things to do in
Ethiopia

Our most recommended things to do in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa Bole Airport (ADD): Premium Lounge Entry

Addis Ababa Bole Airport (ADD): Premium Lounge Entry

Avoid the crowds and chaos of the public departure lounge and relax in style before your flight from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Make yourself comfortable in the premium lounge located right after security in Terminal 2. Spanning an impressive 1,000 square meters, this lounge redefines the travel experience with its blend of world-class facilities and distinctive Ethiopian charm. Indulge in pure relaxation at the lounge, where you can relax on the comfortable seating, soak in the pre-flight atmosphere, and effortlessly stay in the loop with flight information. Freshen up in the well-appointed shower rooms, make use of the lounge's unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi, and dine on an array of freshly prepared seasonal food as well as drinks in an open café/restaurant concept.

Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour

Addis Ababa: Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge, and Cave Tour

Visit the Debre Libanos Monastery, the famed Portuguese Bridge, the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge, and the haunting Saint Teklehaimanot Cave Church in just one day with an English-speaking guide. Marvel at breathtaking mountain landscapes and endemic wildlife, like bleeding-heart gelada baboons. After pickup at your hotel or at the airport in Addis Ababa, drive 100 kilometers (68 miles) to the north and pass over undulating mountain ranges that shelter the famous bleeding-heart baboons, as well as various endemic birds. Arrive at Debre Libanos, a monastery complex founded by Ethiopian Saint Abune Tekle Haymanot in 1284 that sits on a terrace between a cliff and the gorge of one of the tributaries to the Blue Nile River (Jamma River). Then, experience the breathtaking views of the Blue Nile Gorge, often compared with Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Admire the Portuguese Bridge, built by Ras Darge in the 1890s in a classic Portuguese style. Enjoy the scenic views, interact with the Oromo people, and trek to the Saint Teklehaimanot Cave Church where around 300 monks were slaughtered in 1936 by Italian invaders. On the way back to Addis Ababa, make a stop at the Entoto Mountain for panoramic views of Addis Ababa from 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) above sea level. The tour concludes with drop-off at the airport or your hotel

Addis Ababa: Guided City Tour

Addis Ababa: Guided City Tour

Get picked up from your hotel in Addis Ababa or at the Arrivals Hall of Bole International Airport where you will meet your English-speaking guide. After a quick refreshment, embark on your guided sightseeing city tour of Addis Ababa. First, drive up to Mount Entoto for spectacular panoramic views over the city. Descend by way of the National Museum where you will have the chance to observe the fossil of 'Lucy' - the oldest ancestor of humans.  Then, visit the remarkable Ethiopian Orthodox ancient churches of the Holy Trinity which were built during World War II. Proceed to Ethnographic Museum, which was the former palace of Emperor Hailie Selassie.  After lunch, see the tombs of Emperor Hailie Selassie and admire the amazing paintings and church frescoes. Finally, end the tour with a stroll through the spectacular open-air markets - the biggest in East Africa. In the evening, transfer back to your hotel or the airport in time for your departure.

Addis Ababa city Tour

Addis Ababa city Tour

Begin your Addis Ababa city tour by meeting our knowledgeable guide either at Bole Airport or your hotel. From there, embark on a fascinating journey through the city's major landmarks and streets. Our first stop will be the renowned National Museum, where you will have the opportunity to explore the incredible collection of human ancestors. Marvel at the ancient hominid fossils, including Lucy, a 3.2 million-year-old specimen, Selam, a 3.3 million-year-old fossil, and Ardi, a 4.4 million-year-old fossil. Additionally, you will have the chance to observe Stone Age tools, providing a glimpse into the early history of mankind. After immersing ourselves in the rich history of human evolution, we will drive up to Mount Entoto, a majestic mountain that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Addis Ababa. As we descend from the mountain, we will pass through Shiromeda, the largest traditional clothing market in the city. Here, we will make a stop at The Holly Trinity Cathedral to discover the tomb of Emperor Haile Selassie. Admire the stunning church frescoes and beautiful paintings that adorn this sacred place. To truly experience the vibrant local culture, we will indulge in a delicious Ethiopian traditional lunch during the tour. After satisfying our taste buds, we will continue our exploration by visiting the tombs of Emperor Haile Selassie. Marvel at the intricate details and historical significance of these tombs. Finally, we will conclude our tour by immersing ourselves in the bustling atmosphere of Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Whether we choose to walk through the market or drive inside, this vibrant hub offers an authentic local experience and the opportunity to find a wide array of goods. From traditional crafts to fresh produce, Mercato truly has something for everyone, making it an essential stop on any Addis Ababa itinerary. Note: National Museum is Closed on Manday and Merkato marlet ic closed on Sunday

Addis Ababa highlight city tour

Addis Ababa highlight city tour

Start the tour from National Museum of Ethiopia: This is one of the best museums in quality and diversity of the exhibits. Archeological exhibits include the 3.5 million-year-old fossil of Lucy (or Dinkinesh – ‘wonderful’- in the native language), a hominoid woman of the specious of Australopithecus Afarensis. The discovery of Lucy’s fossil in 1974 forced a complete rethink of human genealogy, providing that our ancestors were walking 2.5 million years earlier than had been supposed. The National Museum also contains many wonderful artifacts dating back to pre-Axumite civilization. Afterward, you will visit St George's Cathedral (Giorgis Cathedral). Lies at the north end of Churchill Rd. Built in 1896 in the traditional octagonal shape to commemorate Ethiopia's victory over the Italians at the Battle of Adwa, the Cathedral houses the work of Afewerk Tekle, the renowned Ethiopian artist responsible for the stained-glass windows of the Africa Hall. Drive to Entoto on the way you will visit Shiromeda market one of the biggest markets for Ethiopian traditional cloths continue drive to the mountain to visit the commanding panoramic view point mount Entoto which offers the stupendous view of the city. Final stop Coffee stop at Tomoka coffee! One of the best coffees in the city. End of Tour

Addis Ababa: Guided Expedition through Ethiopia's Capital

Addis Ababa: Guided Expedition through Ethiopia's Capital

Meet and Greet: Begin your adventure with a warm welcome from our knowledgeable local guide at the meeting point . Get ready to delve into the heart of Addis Ababa's captivating stories. Historic Landmarks: Venture to iconic landmarks like the National Museum, home to the famous fossil "Lucy," and the Holy Trinity Cathedral, where the history of Ethiopia unfolds through its ancient architecture and religious artifacts. Local Artisans and Craftsmanship: Immerse yourself in the rich artistic culture by visiting local artisans and craftsmen. Witness the creation of traditional crafts, handwoven textiles, and intricate jewelry, gaining insight into Ethiopia's artistic heritage. Merkato - Africa's Largest Open Market: Navigate through the bustling lanes of Merkato, Africa's largest open-air market. Engage in the lively exchange of goods, from spices to handmade crafts, and feel the pulse of daily life in this vibrant economic hub. Coffee Ceremony Experience: Indulge in the authentic Ethiopian coffee culture with a traditional coffee ceremony. Learn about the significance of coffee in Ethiopian society while savoring the rich flavors of freshly brewed coffee. Panoramic Views at Mount Entoto: Conclude your journey with a scenic drive to Mount Entoto, offering panoramic views of Addis Ababa. Capture breathtaking cityscapes and reflect on the day's discoveries before returning with a heart full of memories. Throughout the tour, our expert guide will share captivating stories, historical insights, and local anecdotes, ensuring a truly enriching experience that goes beyond sightseeing, leaving you with a profound connection to the culture and spirit of Addis Ababa.

Semera: Danakil Depression Guided 3-Day Tour w/ Camel Ride

Semera: Danakil Depression Guided 3-Day Tour w/ Camel Ride

Explore the Danakil Depression begins in Semara city the capital of the Afar region which is accessible by air from Addis Ababa from Semera, you are driven to Lake Afdera, which is a salt rock at the centre of the Danakil Depression At Afdera you will enjoy hot springs and then head to Dodom village at the base of Erta Ale, from where you travel to the rim of the volcano on the back of a camel. With all your sleeping materials ready to doze off when you are tired, you will spend the night being awed by the lava bubbling underneath. On the second day of your visit, you will be driven to Hamad Ela village where you will see caravans of camels plus the picturesque sunset from Assale Salt Lake. Heading to Dallol district, you will enjoy some of the most visually fascinating scenes of the area including the Dallol Sulphur Lake as well as colourful hot springs On the third day of your excursion you will head back to Lake Afdera and then Semera city, once again enjoying the unique scenes of the area

Guided: Addis Ababa City Tour

Guided: Addis Ababa City Tour

The vibrant capital city, Addis Ababa is the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. Home to many nationalities, it has a multitude of distinct religious and linguistic groups, and the city is full of rich culture and interesting history. The city boasts several interesting Orthodox cathedrals, mosques, historical monuments, museums, and local markets. This city tour includes the following sites; National Museum This is Ethiopia’s primary Museum and houses the nation’s artistic treasures. This is one of the best museums in the diversity of the exhibits and your visit will give you a glimpse of Ethiopia. The museum has four main exhibition sections and the most famous exhibit is the Paleontological showcase where you can see the 3.5 million-year-old fossil of Lucy, ‘ Dinkinesh’ in Amharic meaning ‘wonderful’, a hominoid woman of the specious of Australopithecus Afarensis. Holy Trinity Cathedral One of the major churches in Ethiopia and the resting place of the Legendary Emperor Haile Selassie, the last king of Ethiopia. This massive and ornate cathedral, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, was built by Emperor Haile Selassie l in 1944. It is one of the architecturally decorated, spacious, and well-designed churches in Ethiopia. Mount Entoto; hort drive to the north of the capital and take in the panoramic view of Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto, the highest peak in the city. Mount Entoto; Short drive to the north of the capital and take in the panoramic view of Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto, the highest peak in the city. the Piazza (Old Town) It is an old part of Addis Ababa. Here you will have a short walk to see Old Italian, buildings, other historical Houses, Jewelry Houses, cafe and also masses of people transiting to different parts of the city. It is a good highlight of Addis Ababa’s way of life. You can also see the famous Taitu Hotel, the first modern hotel in Ethiopia and still in use. Merkato The largest open-air market in Africa. If you’re a market lover, this is the place that you shouldn’t miss when you visit Addis Ababa. The market is arranged into separate areas for different items. It is one of those markets, that if you know where you look, you’ll find anything you want from electronics to clothes, heavy industrial steel girders to tires, and all that goes in-between can be found. And other important monuments and buildings that are all worth visiting. You will also have a coffee in one of the best coffee shopes.

Addis Ababa city tour.

Addis Ababa city tour.

Get picked up from your hotel or meet at Bole International Airport where you meet your professional speaking guide. After refreshing at your hotel, embark on your guided sightseeing city tour of Addis Ababa. First and foremost, our guide explains some beautiful history of Addis Ababa. Then, drive to the National Museum to see the celebrated remains of 'Lucy,' an Australopithecus afarensis discovered in 1974 in the Afar region. Lucy, estimated to be over 3 million years old, provides a look at the stages of human evolution with a focus on bipedalism, and her remains are a cornerstone of this display. Afterward, drive to Mount Entoto. Legend has it that Emperor Menelik II and his wife Empress Taitu saw Addis Ababa for the first time from here and decided to make it the capital of the country. The mountain is considered sacred by many locals and offers a fantastic view of the capital city nestled in its foothills. Finally, return to the city of Addis where you will have your lunch. tested Ethiopian food as well as the beauty of Ethiopian coffee. After lunch and some minutes of relaxing, we drove to one of the famous and largest markets in Africa called Merkato. Merkato, the largest open market in Ethiopia and possibly Africa, has a special meaning in Tedros Fekiru’s life. It is a place where he was born, raised, and learned everything in life. It is also where the 43-year-old trader started his business, eventually owning a clothing retail store and a furniture house. Our final stop is Tomoka, one of the famous coffee places in Addis Ababa city, marking the end of the tour.

Addis Ababa: Monasteries, Wildlife, & Hike Private Day Trip

Addis Ababa: Monasteries, Wildlife, & Hike Private Day Trip

We will pick you from Addis Ababa Bole Int airport or any hotel in Addis Ababa or houses then drive to north Ethiopia passing through the wonderful chain mountains and densely tree forest of Mount Entoto then after a two hours driving we will be arriving at one of the respected monastery of Ethiopia Debre Libanos is a monastery in Ethiopia which is lying northwest of Addis Ababa and it was Founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot and visit the museums that have a lot of ancient bible books collection with religious crosses later take a visit internal parts of the church with the tombs of the founder of the monastery then we will have a 10 min hiking to the cave(served like a praying area for the founder of the monastery ST Tekle Haymanot) finally take a walk and a hiking to the portugse bridge lying at the Blue Nile George to see the wonderful landscapes and Ethiopian endemic baboons which is called the Chelada Baboon and have a chance of seeing Ethiopian Birds. In the evening be transferred to the airport for your departure.

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What people are saying about Ethiopia

Overall rating

4.8
(23 reviews)

I only stayed in Addis Ababa for one night, but the tour was efficient because the car took me around, and I think I was able to see the bare minimum of what there was to see in Addis Ababa. However, I think the time I could spend at each place was a little shorter. Joe, the guide and driver, was very friendly and I was able to enjoy the tour with peace of mind. I was able to take a lot of photos, and he took photos for me. However, the guide's English at the museum was a little hard to understand.

Very nice home cooking experience. We had a short tour of the city (unfortunately museum was closed on monday), drive throuth the market and shopping for groceries. Next we visited guide's home where we coocked vry tasty dish in very cozy atmosphere with his family. Ended tour with coffee ceremony. Highly recommended.

Amanuel was simply the best guide you could wish for. Not only did he speak excellent German, he was also able to report on historical events in great detail and knew his facts. The tour by car was definitely the right decision if you have just arrived in Addis and are already a little overwhelmed. Highly recommended.

We had an excellent city tour in Addis Ababa with guide Kenaw. He is very friendly and gentle and knows a lot of ethiopian history. We had just one day in Ethiopia, but had a great time and learned a lot about Addis Ababa.

It was a nice experience with a very friendly guide which really knows the city. I recommend this tour. At Merkato you will need a guide