Addis Ababa (African Diplomatic City)

Addis Ababa Among the 10 world capital cities need to be visted in your entire life due her stages of transformation ; recommended by lonely planet travel guide (on 2012).

The name of the city, in Amharic, means “new flower”. Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, it is located at 2,500 metres above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto mountain chain (3,000m above sea level). It enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 250C.

By air with any international flights available to Ethiopia

This is the National Archaeological Museum of Ethiopia which shelters the fossil remains of Lucy (3.25 million years old) - the oldest hominid. Visitors can also visit some of the most ancient stone tools human beings ever used, and various historical artefacts of Ethiopia. Other things to see in the museum include a number of historical artefacts dating back to the fifth and sixth Century BC, and from the Axumite Civilization (1st Century BC - 7th Century AD). Axum was the first capital of Ethiopia and it was one of the most powerful kingdoms during its heyday. 

On the second and third floors visitors will see different religious and secular paintings some of which are from the northern parts of Ethiopia and are as old as 400 years old. Manuscripts, icons, crosses, sculptures, House tools are other things displayed in the National Archaeological Museum of Ethiopia. 

Merkato (or Mercato) market in Addis Ababa is the biggest outdoor market in the whole of Africa. You can get and shop almost everything in Merkato market from small locally known herbs to latest fancy electronic devices.

The most interesting must-see sections of Merkato Market to visit and experience the real local life of Addis Ababans are

• The Spice Market: A symphony of aromas, this section explodes with vibrant colors and exotic scents. Heaps of berbere, turmeric, and incense fill the air, offering a glimpse into the heart of Ethiopian cuisine.
• Enset (False Banana Tree): Witness the fascinating process of turning the starchy root of the Enset tree (also known as the false banana) into "kocho," a staple food in Ethiopian cuisine.
• The Colorful Hand Woven Baskets Market: A feast for the eyes, this section showcases the incredible craftsmanship of local artisans. From intricately woven baskets to vibrant textiles, you'll find unique souvenirs to treasure.
• Second-Hand Items Market: One man's trash is another's treasure! Unearth unexpected finds in this section, where everything from vintage clothing to antique trinkets awaits discovery.
• The Recycling Section: An inspiring testament to resourcefulness, this section reveals how everyday items are ingeniously repurposed and given a new lease on life.

Merkato is closed on Sundays and bargaining for price is the order of the game here.

The Ethnological Museum of Ethiopia is found in the main campus of Addis Ababa University. It is one of the best museums in East Africa in terms of its wide collection of resources, display, lighting, and organization of items.

The building the museum is now used to be the former residence of Emperor Haile Sillassie I (1930 – 1974) before he opened the country’s first university and made his palace the university building. Then he moved to the Jubilee or National Palace in 1965.

The museum has two floors. The first floor displays items, catalogues, videos, and informational boards which focus on the background of the number of Ethiopian tribal people starting from Birth to Death, and gives general but important information about agriculture, religion, history, nature, etc of Ethiopia. The bedroom of the Emperor and his wife is also found here.

The second floor displays different ancient icons, crosses, manuscripts, religious paintings, and musical instruments from the different parts of Ethiopia.

Entrance fee for a foreign visitor is 100 Ethiopian Birr per person.

It is found in the main campus of Addis Ababa University at a locally known area called 6 Killo

Lalalibela,On arrival transferred to your hotel then drive to the eleven rock-hewn monolithic (carved from a single rock) churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World heritage site, with magnificent architecture & paintings inside the churches). In the evening you will get back to the hotel, rest, have dinner and relax. Overnight stay Lalibela.

Flights 

Drive 

Omo Valley is undoubtedly one of the most unique places on earth because of the wide variety of people and animals that inhabit it. It is located in Africa's Great Rift Valley. The region is known for its culture and diversity.

The tribes that live in the lower Omo Valley are believed to be among the most fascinating on the continent of Africa and around the world. Tours are offered to several towns and villages.Often you come into contact with the following tribes: Arbore, Ari, Bena,Bodi, Bumi, Daasanech (Geleb), Dorze, Hamer (Hamar), Kara (or Karo),Konso, Kwegu (or Muguji), Mursi, Tsemay, and Turkana when you tour the valley.

Either by surface or air

Located 225 km east of Addis Ababa, the Awash National Park is one of the nearest parks of Ethiopia to Addis Ababa. The park is of special interest to see different birds of Ethiopia including the Ethiopian endemic birds yellow throated serine and Abyssinian Roller.

The park is reached via the town of Adama (Nazareth), and with an enjoyable stop at one of the crater lakes of Bishoftu. One of the best spots to see in the park is the Awash River water falls. The Awash River is an inbound river (doesn’t reach the seas) running about 1,200 km in Ethiopia.

With a game driving in the Awash National Park visitors can see Kudus, Gazelles, Beisa Oryx, warthogs, and spot various birds. Usually, one can also see few crocs in the Awash River, if lucky.

Debre Libanos Monastery, located 105 km north of Ethiopia's capital - Addis Ababa, is  among the most important religious and pilgrimage sites of Ethiopia. It was originally founded in the 13th Century AD by an Ethiopian Saint Abune Tekle Haimanot who is widely believed to have stood in one leg and prayed for 7 years until the other leg cut off. Debre Libanos Monastery is also the biggest monastery in the county with about 500 monks. The modern church building was built in the 1960s during the reign of Emperor Haile Sillassie I. It is famous for its beautiful stained window glass works showing different biblical figures and history. 

• Debre Libanos Monastery is one of the best places to visit in a day trip from Addis Ababa as it is relatively near to Addis Ababa (100 km) and there are other places of visits around the monastery as well. Visitors can also visit 
• Portuguese Bride - a hand made stone bridge believed to have been built in the 16th Century
• Jemma River Gorge - enjoy the super scenic view of the Jemma River Gorge, and 
• See the Gelada Baboons - endemic to Ethiopia

Visit Debre Libanos monastery and sites around it with a day trip from Addis Ababa with me!

Holy Trinity Cathedral

Dating back to the 1940s, the Holy Trinity Cathedral is a peaceful historical religious place in Addis Ababa.

The building reflects unique architecture and stone carved statues. You would be stunned by the beautiful window glass works inside, and paintings on the dome. You can learn who played big roles in Ethiopia's history. Visitors can also visit the small but rich museum at the compound to be introduced to especially the modern history of Ethiopia.

The Cathedral is a site of burial for the country's important pubic figures such as Emperor Haile Sillassie I and the late PM of Ethiopia - Meles Zenawi who ruled from 1991 to 2012.

Entrance fee for foreign visitors is 200 Ethiopian Birr per person.