Things to do in Ethiopia

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.

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

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

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.

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 Entoto hills (NOT ENTOTO PARK ) for spectacular panoramic views over the city. Second Descend by way of the National Museum where you will have the chance to observe the fossil of 'Lucy' - the oldest ancestor of humans.  Third, visit the remarkable one of the oldest Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Churches on the Entoto Hills. It was built in 1877 by Emperor Menelik II characterized by octagonal domes. Several royal artifacts of the emperor and empress also found in this church including some traditional costumes of the crowns, their royal bed, jewels owned by the royal family, and a mirror presented by Queen Victoria to Empress Taytu. Forth, Proceed to Ethnographic Museum, which was the former palace of Emperor Hailie Selassie.  Fifth, end the tour with a stroll through the spectacular open-air markets - the biggest in East Africa. In the end, transfer back to your hotel or the airport in time for your departure.

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 an Ethiopian orthodox church to Admire Ethiopian christianity and culture, inside the churches we will see some holly relics, the stunning frescoes and beautiful paintings that adorn this sacred places of worships. To truly experience the vibrant local culture, we will indulge in a delicious Ethiopian traditional lunch during the tour. After satisfying our taste buds. 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

On the Addis Ababa Private Insights Tour, you'll embark on a customized journey through Ethiopia’s bustling capital, tailored to your interests. Begin your day with a visit to the historic National Museum, home to ancient artifacts and the famous fossil "Lucy." Next, explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a stunning example of Ethiopian Orthodox architecture, and pay your respects at the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. For history enthusiasts, delve into the vibrant streets of Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where you’ll experience the hustle and bustle of local trade and sample traditional snacks. Music lovers will delight in a visit to a local music venue or cultural center, where you can enjoy live Ethiopian music and dance performances. Food enthusiasts will savor a traditional Ethiopian lunch at a renowned restaurant, featuring injera, doro wat, and other regional specialties. Adventure seekers can opt for a guided walking tour through the city’s scenic neighborhoods, discovering hidden gems and local stories. Each stop is designed to offer an immersive and engaging experience, providing a deep and personal connection to Addis Ababa’s rich heritage and vibrant culture.

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.

On arrival we will meet you at the airport or pick up you from your hotel 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 has one of the most interesting church museums in Ethiopia. Besides the usual ecclesiastical items there are Italian guns, giant cooking pots, crowns of past emperors and their wives, musical instruments and an old wooden shackle. Fifteen minutes up the hill from the monastery is the cave of Tekla Haimanot (the monastery's founder), where the saint is said to have done all his praying. It’s also the source of Debre Libanos' famed holy water. A monument in front of the church memorialises the hundreds of innocent priests, deacons and worshipers who were massacred here by the Italians following an assassination attempt on the notoriously brutal viceroy Graziani in 1937 (he was later imprisoned by the Italians as a war criminal for crimes against humanity). finally we will take you to the Portuguese Bridge lying at the Blue Nile George to see the wonderful landscapes and Ethiopian endemic baboons which is called the Chelada Baboon and you will have a chance of seeing Ethiopian Birds. When we come back we have chance to discover panoramic view of Mount Entoto. eventually, return in addis abeba.

You will meet our staff at the hotel or airport and drive from Addis Ababa to Debre Libanos Monastery and Portuguese Bridge. It is located 105 km north west of Addis Ababa, It takes two and half hours of scenic driving to get to this historical and one of the respected monastery in Ethiopia. It was founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot. Firstly we will visit the museum that have a lot of ancient bible books collection with religious crosses, clothes and some traditional material it was used within the monastery during the previous time, Secondly we will see the internal parts of the church with the tomb of the founder of the Monastery with a beautiful stain Glass windows. Later you will visit the Portuguese bridge built by the Portuguese during 16 century with a beautiful landscape and if you lucky one of Ethiopian endemic Mammals Chelada Monkey. Finally we have lunch in front of a beautiful Jemma river gorge. After lunch we will back to Addis. On the way we have a chance to see some birds, traditional Ethiopian huts and farm lands.