Two Days of History, Culture, Coffee & Contemporary Ethiopia

Your Addis Ababa experience begins at Bole International Airport, where you will complete immigration and customs formalities before being welcomed by the local representative, driver, and English-speaking national guide. After a morning coffee and light breakfast, the day unfolds as a carefully paced introduction to the history, character, and creative spirit of the city.

Drive into the Entoto Hills, the elevated landscape historically associated with the beginnings of Addis Ababa and the reign of Emperor Menelik II. At approximately 3,200 metres above sea level, the summit offers expansive views across the city and its surrounding highlands. Explore the historical setting around Entoto Mariam Church, Menelik II’s former palace, and the Ethiopian artefacts associated with this remarkable landscape.

If time and interest allow, continue to Shiro Meda, known for handwoven fabrics, shawls, scarves, clothing, jewellery, and distinctive cultural keepsakes. From the upper city, continue towards the Riverside Corridor for a guided walk through green spaces, riverside areas, and strawberry-growing landscapes, while learning about urban agriculture and environmental restoration.

Pause for lunch and an immersive coffee experience at ETT Coffee. Explore the roasting, brewing, aroma, and ritual of the traditional Jebena ceremony, with authentic accompaniments such as kolo, chiko, besso, and chechebsa, while learning about the distinctive profiles of Sidama, Yirgacheffe, and Limu coffees.

Continue to the National Archaeological Museum to encounter Lucy, the Selam fossil, the throne of Emperor Haile Selassie, and other important heritage objects. Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral, renowned for its stained-glass windows, religious artwork, historic significance, and royal tombs.

Explore Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, before ending the afternoon at Golla Art Gallery, a creative hub showcasing contemporary Ethiopian art, handwoven textiles, artisan jewellery, leather accessories, and natural-fibre baskets.

Subject to the performance calendar, enjoy an evening cultural performance at Fendika. Dinner may be arranged at Marcus Addis Restaurant & Sky Bar, an elegant high-rise venue known for panoramic city views, sunset scenery, creative cocktails, and refined dining. Marcus Addis dinner is optional and subject to availability.

After breakfast, continue discovering the historical and cultural institutions that give Addis Ababa its extraordinary depth. Begin at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, which commemorates Ethiopia’s victory over the Italian colonial army at the Battle of Adwa in March 1896. Historical objects, documents, weapons, letters, casts of Ethiopian leaders, and visual interpretations bring the story to life.

Continue to Unity Park at the Grand Palace compound, a historic seat of state associated with successive Ethiopian rulers. The park combines restored royal buildings, national history, gardens, regional cultural representations, indigenous tree species, a sculpture garden, and zoological features.

Visit Bahta Mariam Church, an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo church associated with the reign of Emperor Menelik II, then continue to the Mausoleum of Menelik II, the historic resting place of the emperor associated with the foundation of modern Addis Ababa.

Explore the National Palace, also known as Jubilee Palace. The visit may include the grand throne room, historic halls, galleries, furnishings, artwork, and other spaces that illuminate the diplomatic and royal life of Ethiopia’s former monarchy. Access is subject to official opening arrangements.

Enjoy an optional lunch at Golden Plate, offering a varied menu that may include Ethiopian, African, Indian, and Western dishes. Continue to Salem’s Ethiopia for Ethiopian jewellery, textiles, home accessories, gifts, and other handcrafted products created through local design and artisan communities.

Conclude the programme at Meskel Square, one of Addis Ababa’s most recognisable public spaces and an important setting for public gatherings, cultural celebrations, city life, and athletic activity. After the final visit, transfer to Bole International Airport for the return flight to Nairobi.