ETHIOPIAN TOURS & SAFARIS

Addis Ababa
Capital city of Ethiopia

With a population of more than three million people, Addis Ababa is not only the political capital but also the economic and social nerve center of Ethiopia. Founded by Emperor Menilik in 1887, this big, hospitable city still bears the stamp of his exuberant personality.

Like any other capitals in the world there is more than enough for any body to do in Addis. There are numerous restaurants offering various exotic dishes from many parts of the world. Ethiopian food is served at the majority and there are Chinese, Italian, French, Indian, Armenian, Arabic, Greece and many other specialist restaurants. Indeed, it is possible to eat your way round the world without ever leaving Addis Ababa.

There are a number of places that are well worth a visit.
The following are to mention but a few.

National Museum
The museum displays a replica of the early hominid "Lucy" and a valuable collection of historical artifacts, ancient coins, and some paintings by modern Ethiopian artists. There are also stunning examples of traditional ceremonial dress, robes, and crowns and an enormous decorated throne.

Selassie - Trinity Cathedral
Selassie is one of the most magnificent churches in Addis Ababa. Its large dome and slender pinnacles are one of the landmarks of the city. Handsome crystal chandlers, many notable paintings, murals, and beautiful stained-glass windows adorn the interior. In the church is the tomb of the former Empress Mennen, and the churchyard is the burial ground of many patriots who lost their lives during the five-year occupation of Ethiopia.

Merkato
A fascinating attraction for first-time visitors to Addis. This colorful market, the largest in Africa even comparing between Cairo and Johannesburg, consists of an almost infinite numbers of sections devoted to such items as grain, spices, clothes, ironware, pots and pans, and the like. Many swords, spears, shields, crosses, baskets, and other curios are displayed. Easily explored on foot, the Merkato is an amazing, crowded place with never ending hidden pockets to discover. You never know what odd sort of economic activity you will observe. It definitely provides a lesson in recycling. Nylon cord is extracted from old tires. Old tires are made into sandals. Cotton waste is twisted into lamp wicks. Old tins are soldered up to make lamps and so on.

Ethnographic Museum
Located in the Addis Ababa University main campus, the museum hosts ethnographic items of more than 83 ethnic groups of the country. It also comprises an art gallery.

Zoological Natural History Museum
Samples of the rich Ethiopian wildlife in display include 50 species of rodents, 36 species of bats, 20 species of carnivores, 450 species of birds as well as various species of snakes, lizards, amphibians and fishes. The museum is located at Addis Ababa University Faculty of Science compound.

Postal Museum
The museum has collections of samples of Ethiopian stamps issued since 1894. Stamps from World Postal Union member countries, original drawings, proofs and bromides, etc. are also displayed.

If you wish to visit Ethiopia, please contact us at
holidays@safari-africa.co.uk

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Pictures in this column were
taken in Ethiopia.