Welcome to Addis Ababa. On your arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, after clearing immigration and customs, you will be welcomed by Gemsbok Safaris staff and transferred to your hotel.

Addis Ababa “New Flower” is the third highest capital in the world. It is located at 2,300m above sea level which offers bracing temperatures and plenty of fresh highland air. Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, “Mercato”. Addis Ababa is Africa’s diplomatic capital with headquarters for the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. You will proceed with sightseeing of Addis:

A visit of the National Archaeological Museum – ranks among the most important museums in sub-Saharan Africa. It houses the 3.5-million-year-old bones of Lucy, believed to be the ancestor of all humankind. It has lots of ancient exhibits that reflect the importance of Ethiopia as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’. Its historic room features finery worn in the wars, such as crowns, weapons, and pictures of wartime heroes and kings.

Visit St. George’s Cathedral (Giorgis Cathedral), which lies at the north end of Churchill Rd. Designed in the traditional octagonal shape, this cathedral was built in 1896 to commemorate Ethiopia’s victory over the Italians at the Battle of Adwa. The Cathedral houses the work of Afewerk Tekle, the renowned Ethiopian artist responsible for the stained-glass windows of the Africa Hall, and also houses a small museum in the compound.

Visit The Ethnographic Museum, with its two main sections covering local crafts and regions and people, an ideal place to start learning about Ethiopia’s rich ethnic diversity. The museum has an impressive array of religious crosses, triptychs and murals, as well as Haile Selassie’s (Ethiopia’s last Emperor) bedroom and bathroom.

And a visit of Merkato, the largest open market in Africa, where virtually every possible commodity is on sale, from livestock to computers. It is closed on Sundays, and for a visitor good at bargaining there is a huge selection of Ethiopian arts and crafts.

Following breakfast, you will have sightseeing in Addis Ababa with a national guide and this includes:

Visit Entoto Hills – the best introduction place to Addis Ababa. Mt. Entoto is the highest peak in Addis Ababa reaching 3,200 meters above sea level, giving the opportunity to catch stunning views over the city and the surrounding area from the summit. It is the first settlement in Addis Ababa where Emperor Menelik II resided and built his palace in 1887. It is a historical place which offers a unique glimpse into the history of Ethiopia’s distinct culture. The compound at the peak hosts the Entoto Mariam church, an Ethiopian artefact museum as well as Menelik II palace.

In addition to its historical significance, as one drives up the hill there is an appreciable drop in temperature and the air is filled with the scent of the Eucalyptus trees which line the road. On the way up the roadside stalls offer fresh Ethiopian coffee. Also, if you have an interest in Ethiopian traditional clothes, stop by at Shero Meda Market. There is a wide variety of beautiful fabrics, shawls, scarves, dresses, tops and jewelry with lots of choice and really good for gift ideas.

Visit Ensera Clay Center (if interested) – this clay works center was established to provide a convenient space for mothers from the outskirts of Addis to create all things clay, while their young children spend the day in the nursery within the compound. The objective is a more convenient and safe working space for mothers, preservation and promotion of a traditional craft and more exposure and collective capacity to reach a broader market. Whether you are interested in the beautiful craftsmanship, the end products or supporting mothers at work, it is a place worth visiting and supporting.

Further to Sabahar Shop, an Ethiopian company that produces uniquely designed handmade cotton and silk textiles. In addition to scarves and shawls, they make table linens, cushions, throws and towels. All the products are entirely hand made in Ethiopia from natural fibers. On site you can visit the weavers, spinners, dyers and finishers. They also keep silk caterpillars on site.

Fendika night show – the best place for those after a glimpse of traditional Ethiopian culture, now located at the Hyatt Regency.

We are really happy to have had you, and hope you enjoyed your stay with us. Have a safe flight.

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