OVERVIEW
 

Addis Ababa, which in Amharic means “New Flower”, is the capital and unique metropolis of Ethiopia. Founded by Emperor Menelik in 1987, Addis Ababa is of relatively recent origin and lacks ancient landmarks, but it is somewhat like an ancient walled city, sitting within the embrace of numerous elegant hills and four major mountains- Zukwala to the South, Entoto to the North, Yerer to the East, and Wuchacha to the West. Addis Ababa is a panoramic plateau metropolis at between 2200 – 2600 meters above sea level and is the third highest city in the world with an average temperature of 160 c.

Addis Ababa is the seat of the political, social, economic and cultural life of Ethiopia. Besides, it is graced as Africa’s diplomatic capital with the presence of the head quarter of African Union; and is also the port of entry for most travellers.

Addis Abeba also stands guard over many museums, palaces of vanished Emperors, monuments of the nation’s heroes, broad squares, cathedrals, churches, mosques, souvenir and gift shops, Africa’s largest outdoor market, night clubs, folkloric fares, handicraft centres, and traditional restaurants for cultural nights. All these reflect the composite image of the entire nation. It is only with Noble Conference and Tours that you can fully experience the poetry of this quaint city. We have arranged a range of packages to help you see the best of Addis Ababa including our best Highlights and Reality tours of the city.

ITINERARY
Highlights of Addis Ababa
Duration: Full Day
Destinations: Entoto Mountain- The National Museum- St. George

Cathedral- Mercato- The Trinity Cathedral/ Menelik II Mausoleum- The
Anthropology Museum- A Handcraft Center- Cultural Night

Depart from your hotel at 8.30 am and tour the city of Addis Ababa. Drive north up to Mount Entoto and the hills that overlook Addis Ababa, offering a stupendous view of the city with its surrounding plains and volcanic cones. There is the church of Mariam where Menelik II was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia in 1889, and in the museum in the compound there are various historical and religious relics. Leaving the church we descend to Addis, stopping off at the National museum where cultural and archaeological relics including “Lucy” 3.2 million year old hominid is cherished. Near by St. George Cathedral is dedicated to the Patron Saint of Ethiopia and is a traditionally octagonal shaped building constructed in 1896 by Emperor Menelik to commemorate his victory over Adwa. Leaving the cathedral, we drive through Mercato, the largest open air market on the continent, where virtually every possible
commodity is on sale, from a pin to a new brand automobile. After lunch,  a selection will be made for visiting special churches in Addis, either the  Menelik Mausoleum or the Trinity Cathedral. The next stop will be the  Anthropology museum at Addis Ababa University. The Handicraft Centre is also another interesting stop where a vast array of Ethiopian traditional  craft work can be viewed and purchased till the sun fades away. In the  evening, we take our visitors to the city’s best traditional restaurant for a uniquely tasty meal of fine Ethiopian cuisine to be followed by traditional music and dance. This completes the full day tour and visitors will be taken back to the hotels.

Click here to view more details about the attractions in Addis Ababa.