Capital City · Central Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Founded in the 1880s when Emperor Menelik II moved his court down from the Entoto hills, Addis Ababa — "new flower" — is now one of Africa's great capitals, and the place almost every journey in Ethiopia begins and ends.
At a Glance
Addis Ababa in plain terms
- Best time
- Year-round
- Typical stay
- 1 – 3 days
- Altitude
- 2,300 – 3,000 m
- Region
- Central Ethiopia
Why We Go
Africa's diplomatic capital, and home to the most famous ancestor of us all.
Most visitors treat Addis as an airport with a city attached. Give it a day or two and it rewards you: the National Museum, where the fossil known as Lucy lies alongside the story of the country's ancient kingdoms; the forested heights of Entoto, where the city was born and the air smells of eucalyptus; and the palace compound that is now Unity Park, the seat of Ethiopia's rulers for more than a century.
Then there is Merkato, the largest open-air market on the continent, a city within the city where every alley specialises — spices, baskets, recycled metal, coffee. We go with a guide who knows which lane leads where, and end the day as Addis does: a coffee ceremony, and an evening of traditional music and dance.
At around 2,300 metres the capital is also a gentle first step to altitude, which is why we often suggest a night here before flying north or driving into the highlands.
Highlights
- 01Lucy — Dinknesh — the 3.2-million-year-old hominid at the National Museum
- 02Mount Entoto, where the city began, with Menelik II's palace and the church of Entoto Maryam
- 03Unity Park, opened inside Menelik's 36-hectare palace compound
- 04Holy Trinity Cathedral, where Emperor Haile Selassie is buried
- 05Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa
Best combined with a stay of 1 – 3 days, travelling Year-round.
Journeys Including Addis Ababa
Routes that pass through here
Plan This Destination
Build Addis Ababa into your journey
Nothing here is fixed. Tell us how long you have and what else you want to see, and a designer will draw the route — including the flights, the guides and the hours that matter.
Speak With a Designer
Speak to someone who has been there this season
Our designers travel these routes themselves. Ask about road conditions, festival dates or which lodge has the better view — you will get a straight answer.
Or call us directly on +1909-450-7246