• St. George’s Cathedral - Saint George Cathedral stands as one of the oldest religious landmarks in Addis Ababa, renowned for its unique octagonal design.

Inside, visitors can admire mosaics depicting biblical scenes, such as the Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon.

Additionally, there are hand-painted artworks illustrating historical and political events related to Emperor Haile Selassie and the Ethio-Italian War II.

These exquisite paintings and mosaics were created by the esteemed Ethiopian Maître Artist Afework Tekle.

The museum within Saint George Cathedral offers a glimpse into numerous historical and religious artifacts.

• Lion of Judah - Travel along the main streets of Addis Ababa to explore historical monuments, including the Lion of Judah.
• Mount Entoto - Journey through the Eucalyptus forest to Entoto Hill. At an elevation of 3,200 meters above sea level, enjoy breathtaking views of Addis Ababa. For a cultural experience, partake in a LOCAL FAMILY VISIT and attend a TYPICAL ETHIOPIAN COFFEE CEREMONY.

As this is a flexible private tour, visitors can choose to:

• Enjoy a leisurely hike in Entoto Park
• Visit the Entoto Maryam Church
• Explore the palace of Emperor Menelik II, the oldest in Addis Ababa

Near Mount Entoto, stop at Shiro Meda Market. Browse through a variety of stalls offering colorful textiles, spices, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. At Chiromeda Market, shop for beautiful pottery, woven baskets, intricate jewelry, and other unique Ethiopian souvenirs.

• Mercato Market - With the assistance of a tour guide, explore the most scenic and cultural parts of Merkato, the largest market in Africa. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, bustling energy, and diverse sensory experiences that local markets provide.

Discover unique sections of Merkato Market where items like False Banana Tree bread, traditional Ethiopian food ingredients, and spices are available for purchase.

Bargaining is customary at Merkato. With the help of a tour guide, practice bargaining skills in a friendly and culturally appropriate manner.

At Addis Mercato, shop for handwoven dresses, grass baskets, and other authentic souvenirs that truly represent Ethiopian local culture.

Exploring the Chat (mild stimulant leaves) section, browsing the second-hand goods market, and checking out the recycling sections at Merkato Market are all worthwhile experiences.

• Ethnological Museum - Enjoy a guided tour of the Ethnological Museum for one hour. Located within the Addis Ababa University compound, the IES Ethnographic Museum is one of Africa’s finest museums.

On the ground floor, visit two exhibition rooms. The first is dedicated to Ethiopia’s victory over the Italians at the Battle of Adwa (1896).
The second room honors renowned Ethiopian poets, writers, and translators who have significantly influenced Ethiopian literature.

The main section of the Ethnological Museum is on the first floor, showcasing a variety of exhibits that highlight Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic groups.

Learn about the background and history of Ethiopia’s people through displays that depict the life cycle from birth, childhood, and adulthood to death.

See the bedrooms and bathrooms of Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen.

On the second floor, discover more about Ethiopia’s religious art and traditional musical instruments.

Entrance fee is 200 ETB per adult.

• National Museum of Ethiopia - Gain a deeper understanding of human evolutionary history by visiting the National Museum of Ethiopia. View the famous Lucy fossil, a 3.2 million-year-old Australopithecus Afarensis, and learn about Ethiopia’s pivotal role in understanding human evolution.

Explore the historical evolution section of the museum to learn about the rise and fall of the powerful Aksumite Empire, the influence of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and the complexities of modern Ethiopia’s history.

On the first floor, discover Ethiopian artistic talents, from ancient paintings and sculptures to contemporary masterpieces.

Gain insight into Ethiopia’s diverse cultures and traditions through traditional clothing, tools, and household items from various regions displayed on the second floor.

• Holy Trinity Cathedral - Take a guided tour of the Holy Trinity Cathedral and its museum. Built in 1944 by Emperor Haile Selassie, this cathedral is Ethiopia’s second most significant religious site and the highest-ranking one in Addis Ababa. It is also the burial place for Emperor Haile Selassie I and other notable Ethiopians.

Inside, admire the stunning stained-glass windows that depict biblical stories. Observe a historic painting of Emperor Haile Selassie addressing the League of Nations in 1936, showcasing his passionate plea for international assistance against the Italian invasion.

Visit the cathedral’s small museum to see historical religious garments, royal crowns, and other fascinating religious and political items.

In the cathedral’s compound, observe the graves of Meles Zenawi, a key figure in Ethiopian politics until 2012, and Sylvia Pankhurst, a British activist who championed Ethiopia’s independence, particularly during the Italian occupation.

• Meskel Square - Visit Meskel Square, the main square in Addis Ababa, named after the vibrant religious ceremony of Meskel (the finding of the True Cross of Jesus Christ).

• Tour escort/host
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Hotel/Airport pickup and drop-off with private air conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water
• Professional experienced English speaking tour guide
• Lunch
• Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony Attendance

• Gratuities
• Merkato Market is closed on Sundays. National Museum is temporarily closed from Dec 19, 2024.

Ideal for travelers on a layover in Addis Ababa, this customizable tour offers a perfect introduction to the city.

With an expert tour guide, experience the best overview for first-time visitors to Addis Ababa.

Discover Addis Ababa from a local’s perspective by visiting popular attractions. Travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle through the city’s most picturesque sites.

Personalize this 8 to 9-hour private tour in Addis Ababa. Tour Highlights include:

• View the fossil remains of Lucy at the National Museum of Ethiopia
• Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral or Saint George Cathedral, two of Addis Ababa’s most significant religious sites
• Enjoy breathtaking views of Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto
• Explore Addis’s main avenues to see notable landmarks
• Visit Merkato Market and the Ethnological Museum
• Find your personal favorite activities in Addis Ababa

This tour, recognized with Viator’s “Badge of Excellence,” allows you to meet locals, experience the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, and learn to cook Ethiopian cuisine.

The tour is flexible and can be tailored to suit your interests.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.