The name of this sprawling capital city means “New Flower.” Founded by Emperor Menelik in 1887 and with a population of

about 4 million, Addis Ababa is Africa’s diplomatic capital with the headquarters for the AU ( African Union ) located here.

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Impressive monuments of colonial architecture are scattered among stretches of sun-bleached shacks. Drive through “Mercato” the largest open market on the continent. Make interesting stops that include the National Museum, the Ethnological Museum and the Ba’ata Church known as Menelik Mausoleum. Enjoy souvenir shopping and visits to special art galleries. 

Mahlet  Ethiopia Tours patronizes local charities providing guests with opportunities to make purchases that support them. Hotel accommodations range from tourist class to luxury collections and a variety of restaurants serve delectable dishes from around the world including, of course, Ethiopia.

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MUSEUMS & MONUMENTS IN ADDIS ABABA

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Ethnographic Museum

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This museum is a must for every visitor to Ethiopia.The Museum of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies as it is officially known is housed on campus of the Addis Ababa University in former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie. It has a very interesting anthropological section which give a lot of information about the very diverse people of Ethiopia. Ethiopian instruments and arts are on display and the bed- and bathroom of the former emperor are preserved and open to visitors.

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National Museum

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The National Museum of Ethiopia is most famous for the display of the remains (replica) of Lucy. She is one of the oldest hominids ever found, living 3.2 million years ago. In Ethiopia she is better known by her Amharic name 'Dinknesh' meaning you are wonderful. Besides the paleontological section the museum has sections dedicated to archeology, history, ethnology and there is an excellent art exhibition, from traditional to contemporary.  It is a good place to see art by the late Ethiopian artist Afework Tekle who is most famous for the stained glass in the Africa Hall which is visited by appointment only. You also find his work at Saint George Cathedral, see below.

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Holy Trinity Cathedral

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The remains of its founder, Emperor Haile Selassie and his wife, are buried in this second biggest Cathedral of Ethiopia, build by him to commemorate the liberation of the Italian occupation in 1941. The recently build Medhane Alem Cathedral is the second biggest of the continent but the Holy Trinity Cathedral remains the most important church of Addis Ababa and is a fascinating site to witness a service.

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Saint George Cathedral

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Saint George who killed the dragon is one of the most important Saints in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The Tabot of this church, consecrated in the name of Saint George, was taken to the battlefield near Adwa to support the Ethiopian Army and they defeated the Italians for the first time. It is one of the oldest churches of Addis Ababa and has an interesting small museum.

 

Mercato

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It is said the Mercato is the largest market on the African continent; if that's true or not: it is huge. To find your way around you definitely need a guide. It's a vast grid of roads where everything has its own place: from vegetables to electronics, from spices to hardware and from household to qat, the widely used stimulant

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Entoto

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Addis Ababa is the highest capital of Africa at 2350 meter and it lies at the foot of Mount Entoto, reaching 3200 meter above sea level. It is here where Menelik II settled before moving down to where we find Addis Ababa today. Besides of beautiful views on the city you find here the Entoto Maryam Church with a small, but interesting museum and the Kidus Raguel Church which has two small rock-hewn churches nearby.

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