We offer the city walking or car with driver/guide where you’ll meet the local and visit all the
best sightseeing with coffee and lunch breaks on your way, which will lead by a tour guide, as an
escort.
Start the day looking down on Addis Ababa from Entoto Mountain, the capital of Ethiopia before
Addis Ababa. Here you will have panoramic views of the city with fresh air from the eucalyptus
forests. Here you will visit the Entoto Maryam church and museum.
After the visit, proceed down to Addis Ababa via Shiro Meda, the city’s largest market for
traditional clothes.
Proceed to the campus of Addis Ababa University to the ethnographical museum, with great
displays of the many cultures of Ethiopia, housed in the former palace of Haile Selassie.
Continue with a visit to the National Museum, where Ethiopia’s oldest resident, Lucy, is housed.
Close to the National Museum is the Selassie (Trinity) church, one of the most important
churches of Addis Ababa and the final resting place of Haile Selassie, to whom there is a
dedicated museum on site.
Before you head to Mercato, you will visit the Red Terror Museum and receive a tour in English
from a survivor of the Red Terror. It was a very informative and heart-breaking account of the
recent history of Ethiopia.
Finish the day with shopping in Merkato, the local marketplace which is said to be Africa’s
largest open-air market.
All the guides are experienced and great storytellers and, more importantly, are fully qualified
and experienced in the history of art and the history of Addis Ababa. Highly recommended!
DAY TRIP FROM ADDIS ABABA
Looking for a list of great day trips around Addis Ababa? While starting and ending in Addis
Ababa each day, you're still able to get away to explore the naturally beautiful and cultural
heritage outside of the city. Activities range from multi-hour hikes to visiting holy lakes and
ancient monasteries.
Day Trips from Addis Ababa -Addis Ababa Summary: Various 1-day trips from Addis Ababa.
Cost $100 USD
1. Debre Libanos Monastery
Drive north from Addis Ababa (about 100km) to the Debre Libanos Monastery. This monastery
was founded in the 13th century by St. Tekle Haimanot, who, according to legend, prayed for 7
years straight standing on one leg until the other leg fell off. Nearby the monastery is the
Portuguese bridge, which was the first bridge in Ethiopia. Around this area, you will hopefully
see some endemic gelada baboons. Short hikes are available in the area, with stunning views of
the Jemma Valley. Return to Addis Ababa, late afternoon.
2. Lake Ziway
Early morning, depart south from Addis Ababa to Lake Ziway, one of the chain of lakes found in
the Great Rift Valley. Here you will take a boat trip on Lake Ziway to the island of Tullo
Gudo. The island hosts the church of Maryam Tsion which, according to tradition, once housed
the Ark of the Covenant to hide it from invaders. After the visit, return to shore, enjoying the
bountiful birdlife on this lake and possibly some hippos. Return to Addis Ababa late afternoon.
3. Archeological sites of Tiya, Adadi Maryam and Melka Kunture
After breakfast, depart south from Addis Ababa to visit these archeological sites of interest. Tiya
is an ancient stellae field, with anthropomorphic statues marking burial grounds. Tiya is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adadi Maryam is a rock-hewn church, similar to those in
Lalibela. Melka Kunture is a pre-historic tool-making site. Return to Addis Ababa late
afternoon.
4. Lake Wenchi
Early morning departure west from Addis Ababa to Lake Wenchi, a crater lake in a stunning
location. There are many options for activities in the area including hiking, horseback riding or a
boat trip to the island monastery of Kirkos and the hot spring valley. After the visit, return to
Addis Ababa.
5. Debre Zeit
Depart from Addis for a short drive to Debre Zeit, home to several crater lakes and a popular
weekend getaway spot for Addis Ababa residents. You can spend the day visiting the lakes or
doing some light hiking (circling Lake Hora takes 1 ½ hours). The area is very popular for
birdwatching. There are several lake-side establishments for lunch and even a spa. Return to
Addis Ababa, late afternoon.
6. Mt. Zuqualla
Very near to Debre Zeit is Mt. Zuqualla, an extinct volcano that offers beautiful views of the
surrounding areas. Here you can visit the monastery of Mt. Zuqualla Maryam, which may date
back as far as the 4th century. The nearby crater-lake is considered holy by the monks of the
monastery. Time permitting, you may stop for a rest in Debre Zeit before returning to Addis
Ababa in the afternoon.
7. Menasha National Forest
Departing west from Addis Ababa, drive to the Menagesha National Forest for some
hiking. Here you will enjoy the wildlife, such as the colobus monkeys and endemic Menelik’s
bushbuck, as well as birds, including the endemic Ethiopian oriole and Abyssinian
woodpecker. You can also stop at the Gefersa Reservoir, which supplies water to Addis Ababa,
and is a nice birdwatching and wildlife spot. Return to Addis Ababa in the afternoon.
Cost: $100 USD ( FOR ONE OF THE PLACES LISTED ABOVE)