Explore the Heart of Ethiopia

🗓️ Itinerary

• Arrival at Addis Ababa and City Tour
  After checking in at your hotel, you will meet the JET staff at your hotel at the agreed departure time. Your city tour begins with a scenic drive up to Mount Entoto, one of the most historically significant landmarks overlooking Addis Ababa.Located at an elevation of approximately 3,200 meters at its highest summit, Mount Entoto served as the encampment and political center of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu before Addis Ababa was established in the valley below.During your visit, you will explore important historical and religious sites, including Saint Mary (Mariam) Church, where Emperor Menelik II was crowned, as well as the Entoto Museum, which displays historical artifacts and items connected to Ethiopia's rich heritage.The mountain is covered with dense stands of Australian eucalyptus trees and indigenous African juniper, giving Entoto its distinctive natural character. It is often known locally as the "Lung of Addis Ababa" because of its high-altitude environment and surrounding forests.Mount Entoto is also famous as a high-altitude training area for world-class Ethiopian distance runners, making it an important part of the country's sporting heritage.After exploring Mount Entoto, you will continue your Addis Ababa city tour to discover more of the city's cultural and historical attractions.
  
  Then drive to visit the National Museum, one of the most important sub-Saharan museums in all of Africa. It houses priceless archaeological and historical treasures, most notably the 3.2-million-year-old hominid fossil of Lucy (Dinknesh).
  
  After lunch, your next destination will be the National Palace in Addis Ababa. Before visiting the palace, you will have a short break to enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee experience. Ethiopia is the birthplace of Coffea arabica and one of Africa’s leading coffee-producing countries, renowned worldwide for its ancient coffee-growing traditions, unique flavors, and remarkable genetic diversity.
  
  The national palace is originally built as the Jubilee Palace, served as the primary royal residence of Emperor Haile Selassie. Built in 1955 to commemorate Emperor Haile Selassie's 25 years on the throne, construction began in 1948 and was designed by Italian architect Raffaele Petrone. The style Features a neoclassical architectural masterwork with strong Art Deco influences and exterior bas-reliefs depicting Ethiopian history. Contains approximately 170 rooms, state dining halls, a library, and extensive surrounding gardens. The current status is following recent major renovations, the historic grounds have been restored and opened to the public as a museum showcasing imperial memorabilia, diplomatic gifts, and royal heritage.
  
  In the late afternoon, visit Merkato, the vibrant commercial heart of Addis Ababa and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. This bustling marketplace offers a fascinating glimpse into the everyday life, culture, and trading traditions of the Ethiopian capital.
  
  You will experience the sights, sounds, and aromas of Addis Ababa at its most energetic. Explore the spice and incense markets, where the rich fragrances of Ethiopian spices fill the air, and discover beautifully crafted traditional baskets, household items, clothing, and locally made products.
  
  A visit to Merkato is more than a shopping experience—it is an opportunity to connect with the authentic rhythm of Addis Ababa and discover a colorful side of Ethiopian urban life that you may not experience elsewhere.