Ethiopia Churches & cathedrals

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.

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.

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

You will meet our staff at the hotel in Addis Ababa or at Bole International Airport, 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.

Debre Libanos Monastery & Portuguese Bridge Day Tour Full-Day Guided Cultural and Nature Tour from Addis Ababa Tour Start Time & Pick-Up Location: Start Time: 7:30 AM (recommended) Pick-Up: We will pick you up from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport or your hotel within the city. Please be ready 15 minutes before departure. Begin your journey heading north from Addis Ababa through the scenic Entoto Mountains, enjoying views of dense forests and the highland landscape. After approximately 2 hours of driving (110 km), we arrive at Debre Libanos Monastery, one of Ethiopia’s most venerated religious sites. Debre Libanos Monastery & Museum: Explore the richly decorated church and its unique museum, which houses religious artifacts, historical crowns, musical instruments, and even relics from the Italian occupation. Tekle Haimanot’s Cave & Holy Water: Visit the sacred cave of Saint Tekle Haimanot, the monastery’s founder, and see the holy spring believed to have healing powers. Martyrs’ Memorial: Learn about the tragic 1937 massacre of priests and worshippers by Italian forces, commemorated by a monument near the church. Portuguese Bridge & Blue Nile Gorge: Drive to the nearby 16th-century Portuguese Bridge overlooking the dramatic Blue Nile Gorge. Enjoy breathtaking views, spot Gelada Baboons (Ethiopian endemics), and observe a variety of native bird species. Entoto Mountain View: On your return, pause for a panoramic view of Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto. Tour Ends: We return to Addis Ababa in the late afternoon (approx. 5:00 PM) and drop you off at your hotel or the airport

Authentic Addis Ababa City Tour – Discover Ethiopia’s Capital with a Local Expert Experience the vibrant culture, rich history, and lively atmosphere of Addis Ababa with a professional local guide, Daniel Sisay. This immersive city tour offers a deep dive into the heart of Ethiopia’s capital, showcasing its most iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and unique cultural experiences. Tour Highlights National Museum of Ethiopia Begin your journey at the National Museum, home to the famous fossil “Lucy.” Discover ancient artifacts, historical relics, and modern Ethiopian art that trace the country’s fascinating evolution. Holy Trinity Cathedral Visit this historic religious site known for its stunning architecture and significance as the burial place of Emperor Haile Selassie. Learn about Ethiopia’s Orthodox Christian heritage as Daniel shares captivating stories. Mercato: Africa’s Largest Open-Air Market Wander through Mercato, a bustling maze of stalls offering everything from traditional spices and textiles to handmade crafts. Daniel’s local knowledge ensures a safe, authentic experience as you navigate this vibrant marketplace. Mount Entoto Enjoy breathtaking views of Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto, the city’s highest peak. Discover its historical significance, including ancient churches and the former palace of Emperor Menelik II, while soaking in the serene atmosphere. Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony Experience Ethiopia’s famed coffee culture with a traditional ceremony. Watch beans being roasted, brewed, and served while learning about the ritual’s cultural importance. Savor the bold flavors and aromatic ambiance. Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine Indulge in local dishes like injera and various traditional stews. Whether at a street vendor or a local restaurant, Daniel will guide you through the diverse flavors that make Ethiopian cuisine unforgettable. Why Choose This Tour? Personalized Experience Daniel tailors each tour to your interests, ensuring an engaging and memorable adventure. Whether you love history, food, or cultural exploration, this tour offers something for everyone. Expert Local Guide With over six years of experience in tourism, Daniel’s deep knowledge and engaging storytelling make every stop insightful and enriching. Direct Tour Provider As a direct provider, Daniel ensures an authentic experience without intermediaries, offering high-quality service and genuine local insights.

Embark on a 3-day adventure to the Danakil Depression, one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions in Ethiopia. See the Erta Ale volcano, the mythical Lake Giulietti, and the salt flats where the Afar people obtain salt by evaporating the water of the lake. Day 1: Addis Ababa to Erta Ale Start your day with a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Semera. Drive to Erta Ale, which means "smoky mountain" in the Afar language. Erta Ale is an active volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and a 1 km square caldera at its summit. It contains the world’s only permanent lava lake. After a short break, trek up to Ertale. Vehicles will transport all the camping materials and food to the rim of the volcano, where you will spend the night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava. Day 2: Erta Ale to Hamedela Wake up early to see the sunrise at the northern pit crater. Walk 5 minutes to the southern and central pits. The main pit crater is 200 m deep and 350 m across, and the smaller southern pit is 65 m wide and about 100 m deep. Descend from Erta Ale around 9 am and leave back to Dodom after an early breakfast. Reach the camp by 10:30 and relax. Drive to reach the mythical Lake Giulietti, a saltwater lake located more than 100 meters below sea level, in one of the deepest depressions of the planet. Visit the salt flats where the Afar people obtain salt by evaporating the water of the lake. Continue to Erbiti and proceed to Abaala/ Hamed ela. Spend the night at Hamedela. Day 3: Hamedela to Semera Drive to Ragad (Asebo), the place where the localities are mining salt. Watch the activity of workers breaking salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and loading it on camels. Drive ahead to Dallol and visit the different landscape formed by volcanic activity, Dallol, Lake Assal, and camel caravans. Excursion to Dallol, one of the lowest places in the world, and see the colorful salts mining. Visit Lake Assal, follow up camel caravans. Drive to Mekelle. Fly back to Addis Ababa.