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Ethiopian— vacations —

Addis Ababa Day, Half-Day & Layover Tours

Addis Ababa Day & Layover Tour

A guided day in the capital, shaped around the time you actually have.

Ask About This Tour
Region
Addis Ababa
Starts
Addis Ababa

Overview

Addis Ababa sits at around 2,300 metres, which makes it one of the highest capital cities in the world and explains why it is cooler than most people expect. Founded in 1886, it is the country's largest city and its centre of gravity — most trips to Ethiopia begin and end here. This tour is built for two kinds of traveller: someone with a spare day at the start or end of a longer trip, and someone with a long layover who would rather see the city than the airport.

Highlights

  • The National Museum and the Lucy fossils
  • Views over the city from the Entoto hills
  • Merkato, one of Africa's largest open-air markets
  • Ethiopian coffee, where the coffee ceremony is still daily life

Who it suits

Works as a half day or a full day, and adapts to how long you have. Most of it is walking and short drives at altitude, which is worth knowing if you have just flown in.

Before you go

If you are travelling on a layover, tell us your flight times when you enquire — how much of the city is realistic depends entirely on how long you are on the ground and how long immigration takes.

Common questions

Can this be done on a layover?
That is one of the reasons it exists. How much fits depends on how long you are on the ground, so send us your flight times and we will tell you honestly what is realistic.
Will I feel the altitude?
Addis Ababa is around 2,300 metres. Most people notice it as being a little short of breath on stairs and hills for the first day or two. It is worth taking the first day gently.

Places visited

  • Addis Ababa
  • Entoto

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