Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour
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Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour

Active
(195 reviews)
6h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Come to discover the authentic magic of Addis Ababa by visiting the most historical and cultural highlights on a full-day city tour with private guide and driver.

From seeing the grave of Emperor Haile Selassie, drinking a coffee in the oldest roasters company, exploring the narrow streets and stalls of the largest open market in Africa, having lunch in the oldest hotel built by Empress Taytu Betul, seeing the worldwide known "Lucy", walking in the former bedroom of Haile Selassie, to hiking an eucalyptus forrest at 2600 meters altitude and admire the full scenery of the city, this tour is definitely a must!

Tour includes entrance fees, pick up and drop off at the airport/hotel. Discount can be offered for group or family tour.

Available options

Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
Bottled water
All entrance fees
Driver / Guide
Fuel surcharge
Coffee and/or Tea
Airport / Hotel drop-off
Airport / Hotel Pickup

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Holy Trinity Cathedral, also known in Amharic as Kidist Selassie, is the highest ranking Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo cathedral in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was built in 1942 to commemorate the Ethiopian victory over Italian occupation and is an important place of worship in Ethiopia. The tombs of the Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen Asfaw, as well as other members of the Imperial Family, can be found inside the cathedral.

2
Stop 2

Located in Piazza area, Tomoca is the oldest coffee shop in Ethiopia (since 1953).

3

Mercato is the largest open-air market in Africa, covering several square miles and employing an estimated 13,000 people in 7,100 business entities divided in organized zones (agricultural products, incense, coffee, spices, jewelry, baskets, pottery, leather goods, metal goods)

4
Stop 4

Lunch at the oldest hotel in Addis. The Taitu Hotel was built in 1905 (1898 in the Ethiopian calendar) in the middle of the city (Piazza), by Taitu Betul (1851–1918), the Ethiopian Empress and the wife of Emperor Menelik II, to provide foreign guests a place to rest and dine.
Alternative places for lunch is possible.
Lunch is not included in the Tour price.

5
Stop 5

The museum is divided in three sections. In the basement, the paleontological exhibition contains many precious local archaeological finds such as the fossilized remains of early hominids, the most famous of which is "Lucy". The collection is ranked among the most important sub-saharan africa. In the ground floor, artefacts from aksumite, pre-aksumite, solomonic and gonderian periods are exposed. In the first floor, there is a vivid display of ethiopian art ranging from early 14th century parchment until 20th century canvas oil painting.

6
Stop 6

The Ethnological Museum is a public institution dedicated to ethnology and culture. Set within Haile Selassie’s former palace and surrounded by the beautiful gardens and fountains of the university main campus, the Ethnological Museum houses anthropological, musicological and cultural objects.

7
Stop 7

Located at 2600 meters altitude, Entoto natural park was where the former Emperor Minilik II’s permanent camp and palace was located. From the top, there is a panoramic view of the capital and the surrounding countryside. The mountain is densely covered by eucalyptus trees that were imported from Australia during the reign of Menelik II, and mostly planted during Emperor Haile Selassie's reign. Thus, it is sometimes referred to as the "lung of Addis Ababa".

8

Shiro Meda Market (also spelled "Chiromeda") sells Ethiopian textiles in all their forms, from Ethiopian wedding dresses to various types of clothing, linens, and fabrics.

What's not included

Lunch
Tips

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
21 reviews
5★
21
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
174 reviews
5★
169
4★
4
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is a vibrant and historically rich city nestled in the highlands of the Horn of Africa. Known as the political, cultural, and economic heart of the country, it offers a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional Ethiopian culture.

Top Attractions

Entoto Mountain

A scenic mountain offering panoramic views of Addis Ababa and the surrounding highlands. It's a great spot for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Nature Half day to full day Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Addis Ababa Museum

A museum showcasing the history and cultural heritage of Ethiopia, including artifacts from the ancient kingdom of Aksum and the medieval Solomonic dynasty.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (around 100 ETB or 3 USD)

Mercato

One of the largest open-air markets in Africa, offering a vast array of goods, from spices and textiles to handmade crafts and livestock.

Market Half day Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

St. George's Cathedral

A historic cathedral built in the 19th century, known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate architecture.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Doro Wat

A spicy chicken stew made with berbere spice, onions, and hard-boiled eggs.

Main Dish Contains meat and spices

Injera

A sourdough flatbread made from teff flour, used as both a utensil and a base for other dishes.

Staple Vegan

Tibs

Sautéed cubes of meat, often served with vegetables and spices.

Main Dish Contains meat and spices

Shiro

A chickpea or lentil-based stew, often spiced with berbere or mitmita.

Stew Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Entoto Mountain Boating in Lake Bishoftu Coffee ceremony Spa and wellness treatments Visiting museums and historical sites Attending traditional music and dance performances N/A Participating in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony

Best Time to Visit

October to June

This period offers the best weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

12°C to 26°C (54°F to 79°F) 54°F to 79°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Amharic
  • Widely spoken: English, Oromo
  • English: Moderately spoken in urban areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Addis Ababa is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night
  • • Use reputable tour operators and guides
  • • Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas

Getting there

By air
  • Addis Ababa Bole International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center
By bus

Addis Ababa Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable but can be crowded. Tickets are purchased on board.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ride

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Piazza District Bole District Mercato District

Day trips

Debre Berhan
130 km (80 miles) from Addis Ababa • Full day

A historic town known for its beautiful church and traditional Ethiopian architecture.

Lake Bishoftu
40 km (25 miles) from Addis Ababa • Half day to full day

A series of volcanic lakes known for their scenic beauty and birdlife.

Festivals

Timket (Epiphany) • January 19 Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) • September 27

Pro tips

  • Learn a few basic phrases in Amharic to enhance your experience and connect with locals
  • Hire a local guide for a more authentic and insightful experience, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites
  • Try traditional Ethiopian coffee and participate in a coffee ceremony for a unique cultural experience
  • Bargain politely when shopping in markets, as it is a common practice
  • Be patient and flexible, as punctuality and schedules can be more relaxed in Ethiopia
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 8-80
1
Infants
Age 0-7
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 10
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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