Overview
Take a trip to Addis Ababa on your Ethiopia Vacation
Founded little more than a century ago, Addis Ababa, which in the Amharic language means ‘New Flower’, is not only the diplomatic capital of Africa and a thriving metropolis but also a growing city that takes pride in its multifaceted assets, an interesting stopover on an Ethiopian vacation.
Perched on the Abyssinian plateau, some 2400 metres/7800 feet above sea level, Addis Ababa boasts a climate known as ‘tropical highland’ and is balmy and temperate with cloudless blue skies for about eight months of the year. It has many museums including the culturally stimulating Ethnological Museum located within Emperor Haile Selassie’s former palace and which gives an insight into Ethiopia’s many rich cultures. Another highlight of an Ethiopia vacation is the National Museum whose collection ranks among the finest in Sub-Saharan Africa. With Ethiopian civilization being one of the oldest in the world, the artifacts within the museum span thousands of years, including some from its earliest days - its star attraction is Lucy, the fossils of the oldest human ever discovered by archaeologists. A wide variety of artifacts are featured, from sculptures to clothing to artwork plus both traditional and modern art.
Addis Ababa has a lively restaurant and nightlife scene on Bole Road which is a fashionable district also offering sophisticated bars, galleries and clubs on Ethiopia tours.
Languages
AmharicCurrency
Ethiopian Birr (ETB)What do the experts say?
If you are looking to experience something truly unique then plan your trip to coiencide with Timkat (Epiphany) on January 19th for colorful processions of priests carrying the Tabots (Ark replicas)
When in the Addis Ababa, coffee lovers should make sure to visit Aster Bunna: A cozy and long-standing coffee house renowned by locals for serving some of the best-quality Ethiopian coffee in the city.
Ethiopia is one of the few places in the world that uses a 13-month calendar and its own 12-hour clock system, meaning the country is currently seven years behind the rest of the world.
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