Addis Ababa Layover: Private Capital City Tour

Overview

Make the most of your layover with a 6-hour private tour of Addis Ababa. Accompanied by a guide and an experienced driver in a minibus, you will explore the iconic sites and cultural highlights of the Ethiopian capital. The itinerary includes historical and spiritual landmarks such as the National Museum, Meskel Square, the Yekatit 12 Monument, and Bata Mariam Church, known for its underground crypts. You will also visit the Merkato market and head up to Entototo for views of the city. The experience includes a tasting of Ethiopian coffee and bottled water. Please note that lunch and other meals or drinks are not included in the service.

Itinerary

1. Meskel Square

   Meskel Square is a public square in the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is often a site for public gatherings or for demonstrations and festivals, notably, the Meskel Festival from which it takes its name.

   · Non-stop passage

2. Addis Ababa

   Visit Bata Mariam Church in Addis Ababa, a historic Ethiopian Orthodox church known for its unique circular design and vibrant frescoes. Explore its peaceful atmosphere and admire the detailed murals depicting biblical scenes. Learn about the church’s significance in Ethiopian religious life and its architectural heritage. This visit offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s deep-rooted Christian traditions and cultural history. The church also features underground crypts for Menelik and wife Empress Taitu, his daughter Empress Zewditu, and Emperor Haile Selassie’s daughter, who died at the young age of only 22.

   · 2 h

3. National Museum of Ethiopia

   This is Ethiopia’s primary Museum and houses the nation's artistic treasures. This is one of the best museums in the diversity of the exhibits and your visit will give you a glimpse of Ethiopia. The museum has four main exhibition sections and the most famous exhibit is the Paleontological showcase where you can see the 3.5 million-year-old fossil of Lucy, ‘ Dinkinesh’ in Amharic meaning ‘wonderful’, a hominoid woman of the specious of Australopithecus Afarensis. Lucy’s fossil was discovered in 1974 at Hadar, Afar Region and this big discovery changed the way we understand Human Evolution. The exhibit on the first floor contains objects from ancient and medieval periods, as well as regalia and memorabilia from former rulers including the famous Emperor Haile Selassie. The other Exhibit contains artwork in chronological order, from traditional to contemporary works while the third floor comprises rich ethnographic displays.

   · 1 h· Admission included

4. Mercato Market

   Short drive to the north of the capital and take in the panoramic view of Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto, the highest peak in the city. Entoto Mountain was the site of a palace and the royal court to Emperor Menelik in the 1800s. The Entoto Mountain is known as the “lung of Addis Ababa” because the dense forest regulates the climate condition of the city. On top of this mountain, you will visit the palace of the Mighty King Menelik II who kept Ethiopia independent from Colonial Powers. Also, you will explore the Entoto Maryam Church museum. One the way down from the mountains, stop at Shiro Meda to visit Ethiopia’s largest local market for Traditional Clothes with displays of Ethiopia's finest hand craftsmanship.

   · 1 h· Admission included

5. Yekatit 12 Martyrs Square

   The Yekatit 12 is a monument in Addis Ababa commemorating victims of Italian reprisals following an attempt to kill the Marshal Rodolfo Graziani, marchese di Neghelli, Viceroy of Italian East Africa, on 19 February 1937, or Yekatit 12 in the Ethiopian calendar

   · Non-stop passage

6. Menelik II Square

   Menelik II Statue is a statue of the emperor sitting gloriously on a horse, and has been standing there since 1930. The statue was erected in memory of the battle of Adowa. This was the only major battle in the history of Africa, when Emperor Menelik and his army defeated the Italian army.

   · Non-stop passage

7. Tiglachin Memorial

   The Tiglachin Monument, also known as the Derg Monument, is a memorial to Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers involved in the Ogaden War. It was built during the rule of Mengistu Haile Mariam and is located on Churchill Avenue in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

   · Non-stop passage

Pickup

Pickup included.

Airport

How to use your ticket

• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel • U.S and Canadian Citizens: Must bring a government issued photo ID and proof of citizenship (U.S birth certificate or naturalization certificate) or a passport for re-entry to the United States. Children, ages 18 and under only require a birth certificate. Non-U.S. Citizens: Either a Passport, I-94, Multiple Entry Visa or Resident Alien Card is required for re-entry to the United States. • You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements prior to border crossing. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler

What to know before you go

• Accessible for people with reduced mobility.
• Prams and pushchairs accepted for babies and young children.
• Assistance animals are welcome.
• Public transport available nearby.
• Infants must sit on an adult's lap.
• Special needs child seats available.
• Transport options accessible for people with reduced mobility.
• Suitable for all fitness levels.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Please specify any dietary requirements when booking.
• Immediate confirmation upon booking.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before departure.

• 100% refund up to 1 day before departure.
• No refund from the day of departure.

Who is it for?

• Layover travellers with 6 hours available
• Those seeking a personalised private tour
• Travellers speaking English, French, German, Spanish, or Italian
• Families with children or people with reduced mobility

What makes it different

• Private minibus with pick-up service included
• Diverse site access: museum, historical church, monument, and market
• Ethiopian coffee tasting included

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 102961P1

Activity offered by GishAbay Ethiopia Tours via Viator.