Trip plan

A month in Addis Ababa

Addis as your home base, then the Rift Valley lakes, the old walled city of Harar by train, and the south by plane. Every trip out needs a check of your government's advice the week you go.

Days: 28 days
Places: 24
Your hotel: Ras Amba Hotel
Comfortable: >USD 90 a day

Play it on the map

ArrivalDay 1

Fly into AddisInt'l: T2 · Domestic: T1

Fly into Addis

Bole International Airport (ADD) is about 8 km from the centre and has two terminals, side by side: international flights use Terminal 2, domestic flights within Ethiopia use Terminal 1.

Fly into Addis

Land at Bole

Bole

Buy a SIM in the baggage hall, then book a ride in the app: the fare is shown upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

Time there: Dakika 15–30 kufika hoteli nyingi

Local tip: Nunua SIM yako katika ukumbi wa mizigo kabla ya kuondoka.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Kutua BoleEpuka madalali wa teksi: weka gari la RIDE, Feres au Yango kupitia programu. Dakika 15 hadi 30 kufika hoteli nyingi.Pata SIM kadiMitandao miwili, yote inauzwa uwanja wa ndege kwa pasipoti yako. Linganisha vifurushi vyao vya wageni.Badilisha pesaBenki na maduka ya kubadilisha fedha yenye leseni pekee; kubadilisha pesa mitaani ni kinyume cha sheria. Linganisha viwango vya benki vya leo.

Watch first · Indigo TravellerJinsi ya kusafiri Ethiopia: bei na usalama

Take a ride to your hotel 25 min

Take a ride to your hotel

25 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

RIDE, Feres, Yango

Take a ride to your hotel· 25 min

Your hotel · Mid-range

Ras Amba Hotel

Arat Kilo

A calm hillside hotel above Arat Kilo with views over the city, close to the museums and Piassa.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Mahali pa kukaaBole ndiyo kituo rahisi zaidi cha kuanzia: karibu na uwanja wa ndege, chakula na usafiri.Lipa na toa bakshishiPesa taslimu za birr kwa mambo mengi. Kadi zinafanya kazi katika hoteli kubwa; telebirr na M-PESA zinafanya kazi karibu kila mahali.Kuzunguka mjiniRIDE, Feres na Yango zinafanya kazi; Uber haifanyi kazi. Mlipe dereva pesa taslimu.

Take a ride to National Museum of Ethiopia 5 min

Take a ride to National Museum of Ethiopia

5 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

RIDE, Feres, Yango

Take a ride to National Museum of Ethiopia· 5 min

Week 1

Meet Lucy at the National Museum

Arat Kilo

The 3.2 million year old skeleton everyone comes for, plus royal thrones and early art. An hour is enough.

Time there: Saa 1–2 Small foreigner fee

Local tip: Hufungwa katika baadhi ya sikukuu.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Kuzunguka mjiniRIDE, Feres na Yango zinafanya kazi; Uber haifanyi kazi. Mlipe dereva pesa taslimu.

Walk to Holy Trinity Cathedral 15 min

Walk to Holy Trinity Cathedral

15 min

Short and easy on foot. Keep your phone in a front pocket.

Walk to Holy Trinity Cathedral· 15 min

Week 1

Holy Trinity Cathedral

Arat Kilo

Haile Selassie's tomb and the city's grandest stained glass, a short walk down from the museum.

Time there: Saa 1 Visitor fee

Local tip: Vaa kwa heshima; vua viatu unapoombwa.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Wasafiri WakristoMojawapo ya nchi kongwe zaidi za Kikristo, yenye karibu kila dhehebu: Waorthodoksi, Wakatoliki, Waprotestanti na zaidi, pamoja na ibada kwa Kiingereza.

Take a ride to Yod Abyssinia 25 min

Take a ride to Yod Abyssinia

25 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

RIDE, Feres, Yango

Take a ride to Yod Abyssinia· 25 min

Week 1 · evening

Dinner show at Yod Abyssinia

Bole

Music and dances from every region over a big shared platter, ending with a coffee ceremony. Book a table.

Dinner and show

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Chakula na usafirishajiNini cha kula na kunywa, pamoja na picha, na programu zinazoleta chakula na bidhaa za vyakula hadi mlangoni kwako.Lipa na toa bakshishiPesa taslimu za birr kwa mambo mengi. Kadi zinafanya kazi katika hoteli kubwa; telebirr na M-PESA zinafanya kazi karibu kila mahali.Kuzunguka mjiniRIDE, Feres na Yango zinafanya kazi; Uber haifanyi kazi. Mlipe dereva pesa taslimu.

Watch first · Mark WiensZiara bora kabisa ya vyakula vya Ethiopia mjini Addis Ababa

Day 2

Take a ride to Entoto Park 25 min

Take a ride to Entoto Park

25 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

RIDE, Feres, Yango

Take a ride to Entoto Park· 25 min

Week 1

Entoto Park and Entoto Maryam

Entoto hills

Eucalyptus forest 3,000 m up: trails, viewpoints over the city and the church where Menelik was crowned. Bring a layer.

Time there: Nusu siku Small fee

Local tip: Ni baridi zaidi na juu zaidi (takriban 3,000 m). Beba nguo ya ziada.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Wasafiri WakristoMojawapo ya nchi kongwe zaidi za Kikristo, yenye karibu kila dhehebu: Waorthodoksi, Wakatoliki, Waprotestanti na zaidi, pamoja na ibada kwa Kiingereza.Hali ya hewaHali ya hewa ya wastani mwaka mzima kwenye mwinuko wa 2,355 m. Mvua kubwa kuanzia Juni hadi Septemba; kavu na jua kuanzia Oktoba.Kuzunguka mjiniRIDE, Feres na Yango zinafanya kazi; Uber haifanyi kazi. Mlipe dereva pesa taslimu.

Take a ride to St George's Cathedral 25 min

Take a ride to St George's Cathedral

25 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

RIDE, Feres, Yango

Take a ride to St George's Cathedral· 25 min

Week 1

St George's Cathedral

Piassa

The octagonal church where Menelik gave thanks for Adwa, with a small museum of crowns and paintings.

Time there: Dakika 45 Small fee

Local tip: Baadaye tembea katika mitaa ya zamani ya Piassa.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Wasafiri WakristoMojawapo ya nchi kongwe zaidi za Kikristo, yenye karibu kila dhehebu: Waorthodoksi, Wakatoliki, Waprotestanti na zaidi, pamoja na ibada kwa Kiingereza.Kuzunguka mjiniRIDE, Feres na Yango zinafanya kazi; Uber haifanyi kazi. Mlipe dereva pesa taslimu.

Walk to Tomoca Coffee 10 min

Walk to Tomoca Coffee

10 min

Short and easy on foot. Keep your phone in a front pocket.

Walk to Tomoca Coffee· 10 min

Week 1

A macchiato at Tomoca

Piassa

Roasting since 1953. Stand at the bar like the regulars and buy a bag of beans to take home.

Time there: Dakika 30 From 40 Br

Local tip: Nunua maharagwe yaliyofungwa ya kubeba nyumbani.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Chakula na usafirishajiNini cha kula na kunywa, pamoja na picha, na programu zinazoleta chakula na bidhaa za vyakula hadi mlangoni kwako.

Day 3

Take a ride to Unity Park 5 min

Take a ride to Unity Park

5 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

RIDE, Feres, Yango

Take a ride to Unity Park· 5 min

Week 1

Unity Park

Arat Kilo

Menelik's palace grounds: the banquet hall, the old throne room, gardens and a small zoo. Closed on Mondays.

Time there: Saa 2–3 USD 20, or 50 with the palace and a guide

Local tip: Jumanne–Jumapili, tiketi saa 3 asubuhi–saa 10 jioni (9 am–4 pm). Hufungwa Jumatatu.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Kuzunguka mjiniRIDE, Feres na Yango zinafanya kazi; Uber haifanyi kazi. Mlipe dereva pesa taslimu.

Watch first · Wode MayaMji mkuu wa Ethiopia unageuka kuwa jiji la kiwango cha dunia

Walk to Fendika Cultural Center 15 min

Walk to Fendika Cultural Center

15 min

Short and easy on foot. Keep your phone in a front pocket.

Walk to Fendika Cultural Center· 15 min

Week 1 · evening

Azmari night at Fendika

Kazanchis

Live azmari singers, traditional dance and Ethio-jazz in an art-filled house. Tip the singer if they sing about you.

Time there: Jioni Entry and drinks

Local tip: Mpe mwimbaji bakshishi akiimba kukuhusu.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Lipa na toa bakshishiPesa taslimu za birr kwa mambo mengi. Kadi zinafanya kazi katika hoteli kubwa; telebirr na M-PESA zinafanya kazi karibu kila mahali.Kurekodi video na kublogu kwa videoUnachoweza kurekodi, mahali kamera haziruhusiwi, vibali vya droni, na kuwaomba watu ruhusa kwanza.

Day 4

Take a ride to Meskel Square 10 min

Take a ride to Meskel Square

10 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

RIDE, Feres, Yango

Take a ride to Meskel Square· 10 min

Week 1

Meskel Square and the riverside

Meskel Square

The city's huge public square, with fountains and new riverside paths below it. Bonfires light it up at Meskel in September.

Time there: Dakika 30 Free

Local tip: Magari mengi sana; vuka kwa uangalifu.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Kuzunguka mjiniRIDE, Feres na Yango zinafanya kazi; Uber haifanyi kazi. Mlipe dereva pesa taslimu.

Cycle to Friendship Park 10 min

Cycle to Friendship Park

10 min

Flat riverside paths, away from the traffic.

Cycle to Friendship Park· 10 min

Week 1

Bike the riverside to Friendship Park

Arat Kilo

The new riverside parks run from Meskel Square up to Friendship Park on flat, paved paths away from traffic. The calmest ride in the city.

Free

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Kuzunguka mjiniRIDE, Feres na Yango zinafanya kazi; Uber haifanyi kazi. Mlipe dereva pesa taslimu.

Watch first · Wode MayaMji mkuu wa Ethiopia unageuka kuwa jiji la kiwango cha dunia

Take the light rail to Merkato 10 min

Take the light rail to Merkato

10 min

A few birr a ride. Buy a ticket at the station window.

Take the light rail to Merkato· 10 min

Week 1

Merkato with a guide

Merkato

One of Africa's biggest open-air markets: spices, baskets, recycled metalwork. Go with a guide and keep your phone in a front pocket.

Time there: Saa 2 Free; agree the guide fee first

Local tip: Nenda na mwongozaji wa hapa; acha vitu vya thamani nyuma.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

ManunuziMaduka makubwa yana bei maalum, masokoni wanatarajia kupatana bei, na mtandaoni ni Zemen Gebeya ndani ya telebirr. Kamwe usilipe kabla ya kupokea bidhaa.Ziara na waongozajiKampuni za ziara zenye leseni zilizodumu kwa muda mrefu, na jinsi ya kuhakiki leseni ya mwongozaji kabla ya kulipa.

Day 6

Drive to Bishoftu with a driver About 1 hour by road

Drive to Bishoftu with a driver

About 1 hour by road

Hire a trusted driver through your hotel or tour operator, and travel in daylight.

Drive to Bishoftu with a driver· About 1 hour by road

Week 1

Day out at the Bishoftu crater lakes

1 hour from Addis

An hour down the expressway: lakeside lunch, birds and boat rides on Lake Babogaya or Kuriftu. Check current advice first.

Time there: Siku nzima au kulala huko Lodges approx. USD 80–250 a night

Local tip: Safari rahisi kwa barabara kuu ya mwendokasi. Angalia ushauri wa sasa kabla ya kwenda.

Check your government's travel advice for this trip the week you go.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Safiri nje ya AddisSafiri kwa ndege na Ethiopian Airlines, weka nafasi ya mabasi kwenye programu ya Mengedegna, au panda treni kwenda Dire Dawa.

Day 9

Fly to Hawassa 45 min flight

Fly to Hawassa

45 min flight

Ethiopian Airlines. Flew in on Ethiopian? Ask about the cheaper domestic fare.

Fly to Hawassa· 45 min flight

Week 2

Fly to Hawassa

Rift Valley, 45 min flight

A lakeside city in the Rift Valley: the fish market at dawn, monkeys in Amora Gedel park and a boat on the lake. Check your government's advice first.

Flight approx. USD 70–200

Check your government's travel advice for this trip the week you go.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Safiri nje ya AddisSafiri kwa ndege na Ethiopian Airlines, weka nafasi ya mabasi kwenye programu ya Mengedegna, au panda treni kwenda Dire Dawa.

Day 11

Fly to Addis 30 min

Fly to Addis

30 min

Ethiopian Airlines. Flew in on Ethiopian? Ask about the cheaper domestic fare.

Fly to Addis· 30 min

Back to your hotel · Mid-range

Ras Amba Hotel

Arat Kilo

A calm hillside hotel above Arat Kilo with views over the city, close to the museums and Piassa.

Directions

Day 12

Take a ride to Addis Sport Park 10 min

Take a ride to Addis Sport Park

10 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

RIDE, Feres, Yango

Take a ride to Addis Sport Park· 10 min

Week 2

A run at Addis Sport Park

Urael

A public sports park east of Meskel Square for a jog, a workout or a pickup game. Go early: Addis is 2,350 m up and the morning air is cool.

Free

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Kuzunguka mjiniRIDE, Feres na Yango zinafanya kazi; Uber haifanyi kazi. Mlipe dereva pesa taslimu.

Take a ride to Zoma Museum 25 min

Take a ride to Zoma Museum

25 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

RIDE, Feres, Yango

Take a ride to Zoma Museum· 25 min

Week 2

Zoma Museum

Mexico

An artist-built museum of mud-and-straw walls, gardens and a café. Check opening days before you go.

Time there: Saa 1–2 Entry fee

Local tip: Hakiki siku za kufunguliwa kabla ya kwenda; hufungwa kwa ajili ya hafla binafsi.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Kuzunguka mjiniRIDE, Feres na Yango zinafanya kazi; Uber haifanyi kazi. Mlipe dereva pesa taslimu.

Day 13

Take a ride to Gullele Botanic Garden 30 min

Take a ride to Gullele Botanic Garden

30 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

RIDE, Feres, Yango

Take a ride to Gullele Botanic Garden· 30 min

Week 2

Gullele Botanic Garden

Gullele

Quiet trails through native trees and a great view west over the city. Few people, lots of birds.

Time there: Saa 2–3 Small fee

Local tip: Vaa viatu vizuri; njia zina milima na ni baridi zaidi huku juu.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Kuzunguka mjiniRIDE, Feres na Yango zinafanya kazi; Uber haifanyi kazi. Mlipe dereva pesa taslimu.

Take a ride to Galani Coffee 55 min

Take a ride to Galani Coffee

55 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

RIDE, Feres, Yango

Take a ride to Galani Coffee· 55 min

Week 2

Galani Coffee

Gerji

A specialty café and gallery that runs cuppings of single-origin Ethiopian beans. Ask for a tasting.

Coffee and tasting

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Chakula na usafirishajiNini cha kula na kunywa, pamoja na picha, na programu zinazoleta chakula na bidhaa za vyakula hadi mlangoni kwako.Kuzunguka mjiniRIDE, Feres na Yango zinafanya kazi; Uber haifanyi kazi. Mlipe dereva pesa taslimu.

Day 16

Take the train to Dire Dawa Most of a day by train

Take the train to Dire Dawa

Most of a day by train

Ethio-Djibouti Railway from Furi-Lebu station. Book on the official portal.

Take the train to Dire Dawa· Most of a day by train

Week 3

Train to Dire Dawa

East, by the Ethio-Djibouti Railway

The electric railway leaves from Furi-Lebu station. Book on the official portal with telebirr, or at the station with your passport. Check advice for the east first.

Book on bookingedr.et

Check your government's travel advice for this trip the week you go.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Safiri nje ya AddisSafiri kwa ndege na Ethiopian Airlines, weka nafasi ya mabasi kwenye programu ya Mengedegna, au panda treni kwenda Dire Dawa.

Day 17

Drive to Harar with a driver About 1 hour by road

Drive to Harar with a driver

About 1 hour by road

Hire a trusted driver through your hotel or tour operator, and travel in daylight.

Drive to Harar with a driver· About 1 hour by road

Week 3

Harar and the hyena men

Old walled city, 1 hour from Dire Dawa

Islam's fourth holy city: 82 mosques in a walled old town, coffee and baskets, and hyena feeding at dusk. Go with a guide and a trusted driver.

Agree the guide fee first

Check your government's travel advice for this trip the week you go.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Wasafiri WaislamuMisikiti katika kila sehemu ya Addis na nyama halali kila mahali kutoka kwa mabucha ya Waislamu. Pata mahali pa kusali kwa kutumia Musalla.Safiri nje ya AddisSafiri kwa ndege na Ethiopian Airlines, weka nafasi ya mabasi kwenye programu ya Mengedegna, au panda treni kwenda Dire Dawa.

Watch first · Drew BinskyNilikutana na fisi 500 wa porini nchini Ethiopia

Day 19

Fly to Addis 50 min

Fly to Addis

50 min

Ethiopian Airlines. Flew in on Ethiopian? Ask about the cheaper domestic fare.

Fly to Addis· 50 min

Back to your hotel · Mid-range

Ras Amba Hotel

Arat Kilo

A calm hillside hotel above Arat Kilo with views over the city, close to the museums and Piassa.

Directions

Day 21

Take a ride to Shiro Meda market 15 min

Take a ride to Shiro Meda market

15 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

RIDE, Feres, Yango

Take a ride to Shiro Meda market· 15 min

Week 3

Shiro Meda weavers' market

North Addis

Hand-woven scarves and traditional dresses straight from the weavers. Haggle gently.

Time there: Saa 1–2 From 600 Br

Local tip: Vitu vilivyofumwa kwa mkono ni ghali zaidi; pima uzito wake kwa mkono.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

ManunuziMaduka makubwa yana bei maalum, masokoni wanatarajia kupatana bei, na mtandaoni ni Zemen Gebeya ndani ya telebirr. Kamwe usilipe kabla ya kupokea bidhaa.Kuzunguka mjiniRIDE, Feres na Yango zinafanya kazi; Uber haifanyi kazi. Mlipe dereva pesa taslimu.

Take a ride to Kategna 35 min

Take a ride to Kategna

35 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

RIDE, Feres, Yango

Take a ride to Kategna· 35 min

Week 3

Lunch at Kategna

Bole

Traditional food done well: try the kategna (toasted injera with spiced butter) and a shiro. Vegan plates too.

approx. 250–1,200 Br

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Wasafiri wa veganMara nyingi huitwa paradiso ya vegan: chakula cha mfungo cha Kiorthodoksi, kisicho na nyama, maziwa wala mayai, hutolewa karibu kila mahali.Chakula na usafirishajiNini cha kula na kunywa, pamoja na picha, na programu zinazoleta chakula na bidhaa za vyakula hadi mlangoni kwako.Kuzunguka mjiniRIDE, Feres na Yango zinafanya kazi; Uber haifanyi kazi. Mlipe dereva pesa taslimu.

Watch first · Mark WiensKategna: chakula cha Ethiopia usichopaswa kukikosa

Day 23

Fly to Arba Minch 1 hour flight

Fly to Arba Minch

1 hour flight

Ethiopian Airlines. Flew in on Ethiopian? Ask about the cheaper domestic fare.

Fly to Arba Minch· 1 hour flight

Week 4

Fly to Arba Minch

South, 1 hour flight

Crocodiles and hippos on Lake Chamo, then up to the Dorze villages for beehive huts and weaving. Go with a licensed operator.

Flight approx. USD 70–200

Check your government's travel advice for this trip the week you go.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Safiri nje ya AddisSafiri kwa ndege na Ethiopian Airlines, weka nafasi ya mabasi kwenye programu ya Mengedegna, au panda treni kwenda Dire Dawa.

Day 26

Fly to Addis 50 min

Fly to Addis

50 min

Ethiopian Airlines. Flew in on Ethiopian? Ask about the cheaper domestic fare.

Fly to Addis· 50 min

Back to your hotel · Mid-range

Ras Amba Hotel

Arat Kilo

A calm hillside hotel above Arat Kilo with views over the city, close to the museums and Piassa.

Directions

Day 28

Take a ride to Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral 20 min

Take a ride to Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral

20 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

RIDE, Feres, Yango

Take a ride to Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral· 20 min

Week 4

Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral

Bole

The second-largest cathedral in Africa. Sunday mornings fill the grounds with white shawls and chanting.

Time there: Dakika 30–45 Free

Local tip: Funika mabega na magoti.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Walk to Bole Road 5 min

Walk to Bole Road

5 min

Short and easy on foot. Keep your phone in a front pocket.

Walk to Bole Road· 5 min

Week 4 · last night

Bole Road at night

Bole

Rooftop bars, lounges and late food on Bole's main strip. Take a ride home rather than walking late.

Time there: Jioni Varies

Local tip: Tumia programu za teksi usiku, hata kwa umbali mfupi.

Directions

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Je, ni salama kusafiri?Addis ni shwari, lakini baadhi ya mikoa sivyo. Ona wapi pa kwenda na nini cha kuepuka, kutoka kwa ushauri wa Uingereza, Marekani na Japani.Kuzunguka mjiniRIDE, Feres na Yango zinafanya kazi; Uber haifanyi kazi. Mlipe dereva pesa taslimu.

Take a ride to Bole Airport 10 min

Take a ride to Bole Airport

10 min

Book it in a ride-hailing app: the fare shows upfront, so there's nothing to haggle.

RIDE, Feres, Yango

Take a ride to Bole Airport· 10 min

Back to Bole for your flight

Leave about 3 hours before an international departure: security and check-in take time.

Time there: Dakika 15–30 kufika hoteli nyingi

Local tip: Nunua SIM yako katika ukumbi wa mizigo kabla ya kuondoka.

Miongozo ya kituo hiki

Kutua BoleEpuka madalali wa teksi: weka gari la RIDE, Feres au Yango kupitia programu. Dakika 15 hadi 30 kufika hoteli nyingi.Nini cha kuletaSimu na kamera ni sawa. Droni na darubini zinahitaji kibali kabla ya kusafiri.Kuzunguka mjiniRIDE, Feres na Yango zinafanya kazi; Uber haifanyi kazi. Mlipe dereva pesa taslimu.

Watch first · Indigo TravellerJinsi ya kusafiri Ethiopia: bei na usalama