Addis Ababa

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.