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Addis Ababa Private City Tour: Major Sites and More
5.0
38 Ratings
Addis Ababa
The tour is tailored for clients seeking a personal tour of Addis, encompassing all significant landmarks of Addis Ababa. Our guides and drivers are adaptable, with the client having the ultimate say…
The tour is tailored for clients seeking a personal tour of Addis, encompassing all significant landmarks of Addis Ababa. Our guides and drivers are adaptable, with the client having the ultimate say…
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- National Museum of Ethiopia - Begin the city tour of Addis Ababa at the National Museum of Ethiopia, renowned for its exceptional quality and diverse exhibits. Among its archaeological displays is the 3.5 million-year-old fossil of Lucy (or Dinkinesh, meaning ‘thou art wonderful’ in the local language), a hominid woman of the species…
- National Museum of Ethiopia - Begin the city tour of Addis Ababa at the National Museum of Ethiopia, renowned for its exceptional quality and diverse exhibits. Among its archaeological displays is the 3.5 million-year-old fossil of Lucy (or Dinkinesh, meaning ‘thou art wonderful’ in the local language), a hominid woman of the species Australopithecus Afarensis. Lucy’s discovery in 1974 revolutionized our understanding of human ancestry, revealing that our forebears walked the earth 2.5 million years earlier than previously believed. The museum also showcases remarkable artifacts from the pre-Axumite civilization.
- Ethnological Museum - Continue the tour with a visit to the Ethnological Museum, located within the Addis Ababa University campus. Although distinct from the National Museum, it is equally captivating, featuring a wide range of artifacts and everyday items from various ethnic groups across Ethiopia.
- Mount Entoto - Drive uphill to Entoto, once the permanent camp of Emperor Menelik II. As you ascend, enjoy the significant drop in altitude and the refreshing scent of eucalyptus trees that blanket the area. From the summit, take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the capital and its surrounding countryside.
- Shiro Meda Market - Upon descending from the mountain, you will encounter the bustling local market for handmade traditional clothing. Stopping at the market is optional.
- Mercato Market - After lunch, the city tour of Addis Ababa continues with a visit to Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa, where nearly every imaginable commodity is available.
- St. George’s Cathedral - The tour proceeds to St. George’s Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in Addis Ababa, where Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Zewditu were crowned.
- Tiglachin Memorial - The final stop is the Tiglachin Monument, a tribute to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers who participated in the Ogaden War. It was constructed under Mengistu Haile Mariam on Churchill Avenue. The tour concludes with a drive back to the hotel.

What's Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water included
- Professional guide services
- Fuel surcharges covered
- All entrance fees included
- Parking fees taken care of
- Private transportation
- Bottled water included
- Professional guide services
- Fuel surcharges covered
- All entrance fees included
- Parking fees taken care of
Location
National Museum of Ethiopia
King George VI Street,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(38 Ratings)
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1 star
Xthebhox
Jul 27, 2025
Excellent, Flexible Tour with a Knowledgeable Local Guide - Booked this tour for two of us during a short trip to Addis. We requested a few stops not on the suggested itinerary (Tomoca Coffee, Medhanealem Cathedral), which our guide Desale was happy to accommodate. He was very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, and provided great historical background and cultural context at the museums we visited.
He also guided us safely through Mercato, where we got to see local produce and some fascinating upcycling areas. We had a delicious local lunch at a nice restaurant he recommended. His English was excellent, and we learned he also speaks German and French!
The car was very clean, the driver was friendly, and we were back on time despite the traffic. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Addis, especially first timers!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Uwacug
Jun 25, 2025
Highly recommend, very knowledgable, punctual and understands what you're looking for, perfect for a solo traveler. - I went on a solo tour with Luel, he was a great guide, punctual and understands the history of Ethiopia, perfect tour, he bargained for me in the market, took me coffee tasting, took me to different museums and explained the history, culture of the Ethiopian people, I would highly recommend him.
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917margauxf
Mar 26, 2025
Great tour - Addis was amazing ! Such informative and cool guide ! He knows so many things and it was really great to discover the country’s history with such a professional guide I recommend 100%
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Terrylq1361ty
Feb 27, 2025
Amazing trip , I love this trip so much - I love this trip so much, it enables me to have basic understanding of Ethiopia, specially thanks to my tour manager Luel, he has good knowledge and very good guide, if you drop by Addis ababa please give him a call to arrange trip.
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Earnestjunior
Dec 28, 2024
Great Day Tour - This tour was a fantastic representation of the vast history and culture of Ethiopia as well as the unique atmosphere and energy of Addis Ababa. The knowledgeable tour guide was friendly, hospitable and very professional. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience!
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Alinenj1881sf
Nov 30, 2024
Amazing Experience - It was an amazing experience, the Guide Luel was super gentle. I felt safe, and cried twice for felling blessed during the day. I think this phrase says everything. Super recomended. From Aline Néglia, Brazil.
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Ivoquis
Sep 17, 2024
Perfect day tour in Addis - I was on a long layover in Addis, first time in Ethiopia. Was lucky to have Luel driving me around the city, through Mercatto, visiting Lucy at the National Museum, St. George Church and more! We also stopped for a coffee and to an antique store to buy some Ethiojazz Vynil. I am looking forward to my next visit to Ethiopia. I can't recommend Luel enough, it was just perfect!
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Rosslynfr
Sep 6, 2024
Tour guide Desale amazing - Brilliant tour.. Covered so much in one day.. Museums...market..Mount Entoto, even got. The opportunity to. Meet and carry a massive pile. Of. Wood carried by the local ladies.. Which was super heavy... I have so. Much respect of. The local. People. They smile. And get on with their sometimes very challenging local life. Our. Tour guide Desale was truly amazing.. Super informative.. Amazing knowledge and intelligence and very patient and kind.. Even took. My partner for a local. Hair cut which was top. Class.. Brilliant day!
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Dheerjal
Aug 12, 2024
City tour of Addis Ababa - We had a lovely day touring the bustling city of Addis Ababa. Our tour guide Luel was fantastic! He was knowledgeable and kind with fantastic communication skills. He really looked after us today and I am so glad to have done this tour!
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Asiechan
Jul 27, 2024
A day trip in Addis - We had lots of fun getting to know more about Addis Ababa and Ethiopian history. Our guide Loel was very knowledgeable and told us a lot about the culture and history. And My friend and Nebiyu pur driver took us safely to our various stops. I had a great trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor