Private Full-Day Tour of Addis Ababa: Sightseeing, Culture, and Cuisine
4.9
77 Ratings
Addis Ababa
Experience the best of Addis Ababa on a private full-day tour. Discover the city's history, culture, and cuisine with an expert guide. Visit top attractions, enjoy stunning views, and immerse yourself in the local way of life. Customize the tour to suit your interests.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- St. George’s Cathedral - Saint George Cathedral is one of the oldest religious sites in Addis Ababa. This historical church is famous for its octagonal architecture.
At Saint George Cathedral, visit beautiful mosaics depicting biblical scenes. See also interesting hand paintings showing historical/political events. These wonderful paintings and mosaics are done by the famous Ethiopian Maître Artist Afework Tekle.
You will also visit the museum of Saint George Cathedral to see a number of historical and religious artifacts.
- National Museum of Ethiopia - At the National Museum of Ethiopia, see the fossil remains of Lucy (3.18 million years old) and some of the oldest stone tools human beings ever made and used. Learn about the historical and cultural background of Ethiopia and its people.
- Mount Entoto - Drive through the Eucalyptus forest to Entoto Hill (3,200 meters above sea level) to enjoy the panoramic view of Addis Ababa, for a LOCAL FAMILY VISIT and to attend TYPICAL ETHIOPIAN COFFEE CEREMONY
- Mercato Market - Visit Merkato - the biggest outdoor market in Africa. Walk at the Spice Market, Second-hand items market, handwoven basket market, and the recycling part of the market.
- Ethnological Museum - Take a guided tour of Ethnological Museum for about 1 hour. Get a great introduction to Ethiopia’s history, people, culture, and religions. Visit also the former palace of Emperor Haile Sillassie I.
- Lion of Judah - Drive on the main streets of Addis Ababa to visit historical monuments such as the Lion of Judah
- Meskel Square - Stop at Meskel Square - the main square in Addis Ababa which is named after a colorful religious ceremony of Meskel (finding of the True Cross of Jesus Christ)
What's Included
- Tour escort/host
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Hotel/Airport pickup and drop-off with private air conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
- Professional experienced English speaking tour guide
- Lunch
- Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony Attendance
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Visits to Merkato Market on Sundays and National Museum of Ethiopia on Mondays. They are closed.
Additional Information
With expert tour guide, get the best first-time visitors’ orientation to Addis Ababa’s history, culture, food, and sights.
Explore Addis Ababa from a local’s perspective visiting popular sites. With a private air-conditioned vehicle, drive through both Addis’s most scenic and unique areas only locals know.
Customize this 8 - 9 hours private tour in Addis Ababa including
- Seeing the fossil remains of Lucy at the National Museum of Ethiopia
- Visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral or Saint George Cathedral
- Enjoying stunning views of Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto
- Driving on main streets in Addis to see the city’s popular monuments, squares, landmarks, and
- Visiting Merkato Market and the Ethnological Museum
With this Viator’s “Badge of Excellence” awardee tour, meet locals in Addis Ababa at their home. Attend a traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony and learn preparing Ethiopian cuisine.
This tour is flexible to customize to your interests.
Location
St. George's Cathedral
Piazza
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(77 Ratings)
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John
Apr 11, 2024
Connect with Ethiopia through Merit Ethiopian Experience Tours! - There is plenty to see and experience in Addis Ababa and Ethiopia! Our guide, “Mule” as he is called, is friendly, knowledgeable, responsive and eager to show you the sights of his country. If you have any questions about creating a memorable trip, contact Mule!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Silvinac2022
Mar 1, 2024
100% recommendable - We had a great time with my brother!!!! super interesting all the places we visited!!! very good organization of the visit!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cami_garabato
Feb 26, 2024
Amazing experience - An excellent experience. The tour was very complete and the guide was amazing. We visited a local family house and we felt very comfortable. Everyone was so nice with us!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sim1lg
Feb 24, 2024
The Best Experience in Addis for a Solo Traveler ! - I had just 24hrs to explore the amazing city of Addis Ababa, and as a solo lady traveler, safety was my number 1 priority. After looking at many tours and reviews I decided to go with Merit Tours. My tour guide Zele was so professional, warm and absolutely knowledgeable of Ethiopian and world culture. I felt completely safe and actually was able to fully immerse myself in the culture. The driver was also really great.
Every stop on the tour was well explained and one of the highlights was definitely the local coffee ceremony up Mount Entoto. Zele provided the tour in English and we had a wonderful time at the museum, markets, and all the monuments. He was also kind enough to take some photos for me and even recommend a salon where I could get my hair braided!
This company and tour guide far exceeded my expectations. I would 100% recommend for solo travelers, and anyone else looking for an fully immersive cultural experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Asnaq2024
Feb 4, 2024
Amazin! - This was an amazing experience! We had a long layover and hired this tour to see the sights. It did not disappoint. The guide and driver took us to a ton of places and were extremely knowledgeable. I would 100% do this again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jimmag73
Jan 28, 2024
Merit Ethiopian Experience Tour Made my day! - Henok, our guide was awesome! Very professional and his knowledge was good. He took us through the itinerary as well as making our wishes outside the itinerary come through. His energy and enthusiasm for his country was impressing. I recommend him as well as Merit Ethiopian Experience Tour for all other travelers to this wonderful country!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
4worldexplorer
Dec 3, 2023
Great city tour, great guiding by Biruk - This Trip is a absolute must. Our guide Birku was awesome. He showed us his Addis Ababa with great passion and pride. He found the right balance between historical explanations and the life on the streets. Biruk was extremely attentative and realised when something was not our main interest and changed immediately to what was of more interest. He made great suggestions when walking through the Mercato and the city. Birku has a broad knowledge in many subjects and we got plenty of information about Ethiopia and Addis Ababa. He is a very fine person and it was great having him as a guide. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Onair753287
Nov 11, 2023
Full Day Private Tour in Addis Ababa - This is a must go to tour while in Addis. The professionalism of the company was unmatched and the private tour gave us the opportunity to pick places to visit on the tour that catered to our interests. My family came from the US for a visit. We scheduled this tour last minute and Biruk was so accommodating. We got to see the breathtaking views of Entoto Park and during the tour of the National Museum he gave us a deeper understanding of Ethiopian culture. He took us to one of the historical churches in Addis, we were able to try many of the traditional Ethiopian dishes, and participated in the Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Biruk's personality made this a fun and educational tour. He was also very interested in our culture as Black Americans and we just had an amazing day exchanging information about our cultures. This tour is a must do while in Addis.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wc2305
Nov 4, 2023
Best Tour Guide Ever - This tour was absolutely the highlight of my trip to Ethiopia. Our guide Brook was amazing. He arrived promptly with a warm smile and it was like meeting an old friend. He was so knowledgeable about the country and answered all of our questions. It was a private tour with me and a friend so we were able to customize it. The very beat part was when he took us to one of the locals houses and they prepared a full on Ethiopian meal along with homemade beer and wine. We got a change to grind coffee beans and learn so much about the culture. The Merkato market is an experience in itself. I’ve done a lot of traveling so I’m used to these open air markets but we were able to go to places that we would not have known about without our guide. He was also security for us making sure we did not become overwhelmed by all the local activity. The tour was only supposed to be about 9hrs but we were all having so much fun that he agreed to take us to see more of the city. If I ever come to Ethiopia again I know exactly who to call.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Odyssey11557596706
Feb 13, 2024
Well planned and flexible! - Merit Ethiopian Experience Tour was flexible, patient, and knowledgeable! The driver was also particularly responsible for rejecting a beer as he was driving. That said the total experience for the entire offering for a solo person seemed a bit pricey.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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