The temperate and well-watered ‘New Flower’ founded by Emperor Menelik II at the close of the 19th century, Addis Ababa is world’s third-highest capital city, set at the base of the Entoto Hills, and the diplomatic capital of Africa, having served as the headquarters of the Organisation of African Unity (now African Union) since its inception in 1963. A cosmopolitan modern city steeped in ancient Ethiopian traditions, it boasts world-class tourist amenities and a lively nightlife, yet it also offering access to some fine museums, atmospheric old churches, and lush montane forests and other green areas.
- The National Museum of Ethiopia has a wonderful paleontological hall housing the 3.2 million year old skeleton of ‘Lucy’, along with pre-Aksumite statues from Yeha dating back over 2,500 years.
. - The beautiful Anwar Grand Mosque, with its green domed roof and towering minaret, is the city’s largest and oldest Islamic shrine, built in 1922.
. - The IES Ethnographic Museum includes displays relating to the cultures of South Omo, a wonderful collection of traditional musical instruments, and Christian icons from the Middle Ages.
. - Ethiopia’s tallest skyscraper, the New Africa Union Building, is a 99.9m high tower block that took over from African Hall as the African Union headquarters in 2012.
. - The mysterious Tiya UNESCO World Heritage site comprises around three dozen engraved megaliths erected in the 13th century to mark mass graves.
Other urban attraction include Africa’s largest market, a thrilling live music scene embracing traditional azmari bards and contemporary Ethio-funk, and several traditionally styled ‘cultural restaurants’ restaurants that celebrate the country’s diverse and unique cuisine
Getting There
Bole International Airport is where all international flights to Ethiopia land. It is also the departure point for Ethiopian Airlines flights to Bahir Dar, Gondar, Aksum, Lalibela, Mekele, Dire Dawa, Semera, Arba Minch, Jimma, Gambella, Assosa and other domestic destinations. The airport lies 5km southeast of the city centre at the end of busy Bole Road. Airport taxis are available to meet all flights, and many hotels offer airport transfers.