Addis Ababa Private Tour: Explore Architectural Churches and Emperior Haile Silase Palace

Embark on a private tour of Addis Ababa and discover its architectural churches, Emperor Haile Selassie Palace, and more. Experience a unique coffee ceremony and explore the vibrant markets of Merkato.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • National Museum of Ethiopia - The National Museum of Ethiopia houses numerous valuable archaeological finds, including the famous fossilized remains of “Lucy,” a partial skeleton discovered between 2000 and 2004. The basement is dedicated to archaeological and paleoanthropological exhibits. The first floor features artifacts from ancient and medieval periods, as well as regalia and memorabilia from former rulers, including Emperor Haile Selassie. The second floor showcases artwork in chronological order, from traditional to contemporary pieces, with Afewerk Tekle’s massive African Heritage being one of the most notable. This floor also includes a collection of secular arts and crafts, such as traditional weapons, jewelry, utensils, clothing, and musical instruments. The third floor offers an ethnographic display, providing an overview of the cultural richness and diversity of the Ethiopian people.
  • Holy Trinity Cathedral - Built during WWII, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, known in Amharic as Kidist Selassie, is the highest-ranking Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo cathedral in Addis Ababa. It was constructed to commemorate Ethiopia’s liberation from Italian occupation and is the second most important place of worship in the country.
  • Mount Entoto - Mount Entoto is the best spot to enjoy the stunning scenery of Addis Ababa (NOT ENTOTO PARK).
  • Mercato Market - Mercato is the largest open-air market in Africa, spanning several square miles and employing an estimated 13,000 people across 7,100 businesses. The primary goods traded in Merkato are locally-grown agricultural products, most notably coffee.
  • Yekatit 12 Martyrs Square - Yekatit 12 is a monument in Addis Ababa that commemorates the victims of Italian reprisals following an attempt to assassinate Marshal Rodolfo Graziani, Viceroy of Italian East Africa, on February 19, 1937, or Yekatit 12 in the Ethiopian calendar.
  • Tiglachin Memorial - The Tiglachin monument honors Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers who fought in the Ogaden War. It was erected under Mengistu Haile Mariam on Churchill Avenue in Addis Ababa.
  • Menelik II Square - Located in the heart of Addis Ababa, in an area known locally as Arada, Menelik II Square features a magnificent equestrian statue of Emperor Menelik II. The monument was erected by Emperor Haile Selassie I in 1930, just before his coronation.
  • Meskel Square - The Meskel Festival has been celebrated for over 1,600 years. The word “Meskel” means “cross,” and the festival commemorates the moment when the crucifix was revealed to Empress Helena of Constantinople, mother of Constantine the Great.
  • Shiro Meda Market - Shiro Meda is a prominent place to buy locally made Ethiopian cotton clothing for both women and men. In addition to various clothes, you can also find gifts like necklaces and jewelry.
What's Included
  • Blue Badge guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Bottled water
  • Private tour
  • Transport by private vehicle
What's Not Included
  • Dinner
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Enjoy a personal tour guide during your stay in Addis Ababa.
Experience a private, air-conditioned vehicle for your journey.
Appreciate prominent sites in Addis Ababa, its beautiful churches with impressive architecture.
Professional team dedicated to crafting your ideal day.
Explore significant landmarks in Addis and sights like the holy Trinity Churches, Emperor Haile Silase Palace, and much more on this private tour.
We will organize a coffee ceremony to demonstrate the uniqueness of our coffee.
-We plan a walk in the Merkato markets to portray the everyday life of our locals.
-We will showcase all historic landmarks of Addis Ababa in addition to those sightseeing spots mentioned in the itinerary.
-We will coordinate hiking sessions on Mount Entoto amidst the lush eucalyptus and junipers forests.

  • Dress code is formal
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
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.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(199 Ratings)
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1 star
Ibroxman
Aug 4, 2024
Great experience In Addis - The tour was well worth it. Joseph was patient and very knowledgeable about the city. We never felt rushed, he let us enjoy everything at our own speed. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H4676abdeborahh
Jul 25, 2024
Whirlwind city tour with experienced guide and driver! - Joseph (guide) and George (driver) were friendly, enthusiastic, and very knowledgable throughout our entire day. Holy Trinity Cathedral is under renovation, but all of the other sights were great! We particularly appreciated Joseph’s explanations in the National Museum of Ethiopia, where he guided us through the highlights, as well as in the St. Mary’s museum on Mt. Entoto. I learned much more about Addis Ababa and Ethiopia’s history through this private tour than if we had tried to explore the city on our own. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bridgetsc2658lx
Jul 23, 2024
A great 2 days! - I did 2 day tours,and they both were great! My guide and driver showed up on time, and good at communicating when they would be there, and were very nice! Also, my guide, Yihun, was very informative, and let me know to ask if I have any questions ( which i did) and he was great about answering them! Was glad I got to see a bit of this awesome country! And I appreciate the guide for showing me around, and telling me a lot of great information! Enjoyed getting to try the food, and at a local place, where we all ate together! Also, enjoyed the cultural show and dinner!All and all 2 very good tours!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patrickda307js
Jul 22, 2024
Amazing Day Trip! - This day-trip is amazing. Joseph has been a fantastic guide all the way through. He is passionate about his country, the history, the culture, etc. Joseph is a real encyclopedia and so nice to interact with. I have learned so much during this one-day. I would strongly recommend this tour as it gives a great perspective on the country and on the city of Addis.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diogolopessanto
Jul 20, 2024
Great time with great tour guide. Knowledgeable and flexible! Couldn't ask for better - Great tour! Very fun, flexible and insightful! Had a great time with Joseph and George! They are both very friendly and Joseph (the guide) was very Knowledgeable and he was able to adjust the trip to my likes and what I would like to see. Made it much better. Great!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oaklee_91
Jun 18, 2024
A good experience for a first timer - I enjoyed sightseeing with Aman Tour especially going to the old churches. I don’t think I could have done it alone and without them. It was my first time in Ethiopia and I happened to have an 18-hour layover so after I got to my transit hotel, had a rest, I started going around Addis Ababa with Aman Tour. I also enjoyed the traditional Ethiopian food.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adeeb_f
Jun 16, 2024
Friendly Guide, Limited Sights: Addis Ababa City Tour Review - recently took a guided city tour of Addis Ababa, which included convenient airport and hotel pickups. The highlight of the tour was undeniably our knowledgeable and friendly guide(Mr. Joseph), who made the experience enjoyable with insightful commentary and engaging conversation. However, when it comes to Addis Ababa itself, the sights were somewhat underwhelming. Beyond a few notable landmarks and cultural spots, the city seemed to lack the captivating allure found in other travel destinations. As a traveler, I couldn't help but feel that visiting was more about checking another country off my list than being truly captivated by its offerings. Nevertheless, for anyone interested in Ethiopian culture and history, the city does offer some intriguing glimpses, particularly in its museums and markets. The guide's expertise was instrumental in bringing these facets to life, adding depth to what might otherwise have been a fleeting visit. In conclusion, while the tour guide's excellence shone through, Addis Ababa itself might appeal more to those specifically interested in Ethiopian culture rather than general sightseers looking for a multitude of attractions.
Review provided by Viator
Ka
Jun 14, 2024
Addis Ababa Tour - Thank you Abe and George for my tour today and share lots of information about Ethiopia and Addis Ababa to me. I am recommending them and his company to everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
104romank
Jun 3, 2024
Super! - Hi everyone! I highly recommend Aman Ethiopia Tours Company. Addis Ababa is an incredibly vibrant city, and the tour guide was exceptionally nice, making the experience even more enjoyable. Best regards, Roman
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janicenotfromfriends
Jun 1, 2024
Great experience with a local guide! - I went as a solo traveller and had a great tour! I got to see everything I wanted to see in Addis Ababa with a great team of tour guide and driver, Abe and George, who made sure I was getting the best experience. Also, Abe is very knowledgeable in history and culture - it was great to have someone explain everything and I learnt so much about Ethiopia. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Addis Ababa, whether group or solo.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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