Mount Entoto, Museums, Cathedral and Merkato
Start at 8:30 with pickup from your hotel and drive north to Mount Entoto. In 1881, Emperor Menelik II made his permanent camp there after the remains of an old town - believed to have been the capital of the 16th-century monarch Lebna Dengel - were discovered, which Menelik considered a divine and auspicious sign. Addis Ababa, at between 2300 and 2500 meters, is the third-highest capital in the world, and Entoto stands a few hundred meters higher.
As you drive up the hill, there is an appreciable drop in altitude, and the air is filled with the scent of the eucalyptus trees lining the road. From the top, enjoy a panoramic view of the capital and the surrounding countryside.
Then descend to Addis Ababa, stopping at the National Archaeological Museum. Here, visitors can see exhibits ranging from the 3.5 million-year-old bones of Lucy through the Axumite and Gonderian periods to the monarchs Tewodros and Menelik.
After lunch, visit the Ethnographic Museum of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, where you can see clothing from different regions, along with artifacts, household utensils, and, in a separate section, paintings reflecting the history and culture of the country.
Your next stop is Trinity Cathedral, where many patriots of the war against the Italian invaders are buried. Then, passing Menelik's Palace, proceed to Africa Hall at the headquarters of the Economic Commission for Africa for a look at the large stained-glass artwork designed by Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle.
You then move on to the Merkato, the largest open-air market area in Africa, where virtually every possible commodity is on sale. There is also a huge selection of Ethiopian arts and crafts.
End of the city tour.
