• National Museum of Ethiopia - The National Museum of Ethiopia showcases the country’s artistic heritage and significant archaeological discoveries, including the renowned fossilized remains of early hominids, most notably “Lucy.” A recent addition is the exhibit on Selam, estimated to be 3.3 million years old, believed to be the earliest known child.

The museum’s displays feature archaeological and paleoanthropological artifacts, items from ancient and medieval times, regalia and memorabilia from past rulers, artwork, and a collection of secular arts and crafts. The museum aims to provide an overview of the cultural richness and diversity of Ethiopia’s people. Lucy was discovered in 1974 near the village of Hadar in the Awash Valley of the Afar Triangle in Ethiopia. The Lucy specimen is an early australopithecine, dated to approximately 3.2 million years ago. The skeleton reveals a small skull similar to that of non-hominin apes, along with evidence of a bipedal and upright walking gait.

• Ethnological Museum - The Ethnological Museum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is a public institution focused on ethnology and culture. It houses anthropological, musicological, and cultural artifacts. The Ethnological Museum is Ethiopia’s first university museum and is located on the main campus of Addis Ababa University, which also hosts the Institute of Ethiopian Studies.

• Shiro Meda Market - Shiro Meda, a local market near the US Embassy in Addis Ababa, is renowned for its handwoven cotton clothing, primarily for women. It is also a popular spot for purchasing small gift items like T-shirts, necklaces, and earrings. At Shiro Meda, visitors can buy colorful handwoven scarves and dresses for women, made from cotton and adorned with vibrant embroidery. Bargaining is a common practice here.

• Mercato Market - Before the current Mercato, there was an open marketplace in Addis Ababa near St. George Church, where the City Hall now stands, but it ceased during the Italian occupation in the 1930s. The occupiers relocated the market further west to the area around Fitawrari Habte Giyorgis Dinagde, naming it Merkato Dinagde. Thus, the present Addis Merkato was established by the segregationist policies of the Italian occupational government.

The Italians restricted the historic St. George Merkato to Europeans, renaming it Piazza, which featured European-style shops with glass window displays. The predominantly Arab tradesmen who owned stores there eventually moved half a mile west. Over time, local shopkeepers replaced the Arab merchants, and since the 1960s, Addis Merkato has had a predominantly local character. The Mercato Dijino developed without a plan, gradually expanding in size and offering various categorical stocks known as “terras.”

• St. George’s Cathedral - St. George’s Cathedral is an Orthodox cathedral known for its unique octagonal shape, located at the northern end of Churchill Road. Designed by Sebastiano Castagna and constructed by Italian prisoners of war defeated at Adwa in 1896, it was named after St. George, as the church’s ark was carried to the Battle of Adwa against the Italians, where the Ethiopians achieved victory. The Italian Fascist authorities set the building on fire during the war in 1937, but the cathedral was later restored by the Emperor after liberation in 1941.

The Cathedral houses a museum displaying an Imperial throne and weaponry used in the wars against the Italians, including curved swords, tridents, and giant helmets made from lion manes.

• Meskel Square - Meskel Square (Amharic: መስቀል አደባባይ, romanized: mesik’el ādebabay, lit. ‘Cross Square’) is a public square in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is often a venue for public gatherings, demonstrations, and festivals, notably the Meskel Festival, from which it derives its name.

History
2:05
Emperor Haile Selassie I was seen celebrating the finding of the cross at Meskel Square in 1971. Previously known as Stephen Square, its name was changed to Meskel Square in the early 1950s. Traditionally, the Meskel bonfire in Addis Ababa was lit by the Emperor of Ethiopia, accompanied by members of the Imperial Family, nobility, and high officials of the Orthodox Church and government. Initially, the bonfire was lit in a square near the southern gate of St. George’s Cathedral during the reigns of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Zewditu, but it was moved to its current location in the specially constructed Meskel Square by Emperor Haile Selassie.

• Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum - The “Red Terror” Martyrs’ Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa was established in 2010 to honor those who perished during the Red Terror under the Derg government. The museum features displays of torture instruments, skulls and bones, coffins, bloody clothes, and photographs of victims. Free tours of the museum provide guides who explain the history leading up to the Red Terror (beginning with Haile Selassie’s 80th birthday celebration), the actions taken against citizens who opposed the Derg, how prisoners were treated, and how they secretly communicated with each other.

• Mount Entoto - This historical site is where Emperor Menelik II resided and built his palace when he moved from Ankober and founded Addis Ababa. It is considered a sacred mountain and is home to many monasteries. Mount Entoto also hosts several renowned churches, including Saint Raguel and Saint Mary.

The mountain is densely covered with eucalyptus trees imported from Australia during Menelik II’s reign and mostly planted during Emperor Haile Selassie’s time. It is sometimes referred to as the “lung of Addis Ababa.” The forest on the mountain is a vital source of firewood for the city and was also a source of building material in earlier times.

The Ethiopian Heritage Trust, a non-profit, non-governmental organization, is actively working to restore part of the mountain to its original state as a natural park. Entoto Natural Park is located on the northeastern rim of Addis Ababa, on the southeastern slopes of Mount Entoto, covering an area of 1,300 hectares.

• Professionally guided tour with a Blue Badge guide
• Comprehensive entry package including Mercato, Mount Entoto, Red Torror Martyrs’ Memorial Museum, St. George’s Cathedral, and the National Museum of Ethiopia
• Roundtrip transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service
• All taxes, fees, and handling charges included

• Airport/Departure Tax
• Food and drinks (available to purchase)
• Alcoholic drinks

Discover the wonders of Addis Ababa with an all-encompassing full-day tour, starting with a hassle-free pickup from your hotel or the airport. Explore the National Museum, which houses the renowned 3 million-year-old fossils of Lucy, and soak in the lively ambiance of Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market. Relish stunning panoramic views of Ethiopia’s capital from Enoto, and savor the exquisite tastes of traditional Ethiopian coffee and cuisine, ensuring an unforgettable journey through the city’s cultural and historical landmarks.

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