Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia. With 4,5 million people, the city is located in the geographic center of the country. In most areas the rich and poor live as neighbours,though many of the wealthiest people live in the Southeast (Bole) and Southwest (old airport) parts of town. There are more than 120 international missions and embassies in Addis-Ababa, making the city a fore front for international diplomacy concerning Africa.
The headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa can both be found in the city. The United States and the European Union both have two delegations in Addis, one for bilateral relations with Ethiopia and one for the African Union. Addis Ababa is one of the important cities in Africa. Addis Ababa is also one of the best and biggest shopping cities in Africa with 12-15 shoppingcenters in the centre of Addis Ababa.
Temperatures in Addis Ababa are remarkably constant from month to month due to its proximity to the equator. The average highs are between 63°F(17°C) and 71°F(22°C). The average lows are between 51°F(11°C) and 58°F(14°C). The warmest months being February through May. Temperatures and climate can vary due to elevation.
PLACE TO VISIT
Ethiopian National Museum. See a plaster replica of Lucy, an early hominid. The museum is located between Arat Kilo Avenue and the University of Addis Ababa Graduate School. Walking along the street starting from Meskel Sq. to Sidest Kilo is very comfortable and entertaining. It will give you the chance to see the Africa Hall, the palaces and the Parliament building, the Hilton Hotel, the marvelous architectural adventure of a building hosting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Sheraton Hotel, the first modern school (which Menelik the II built in the 1880s), the Trinity Orthodox cathedral, the National Museum, and the Addis Ababa University (which also hosts a former palace and museum). Arat Kilo Avenue is marked by a statue built in commemoration of the Ethiopian V-day during the Second World War, while Sidest Kilo Avenue is marked by a statue commemorating the ~39,000 residents of Addis Ababa killed by Italian fascist troops. Around Arat Kilo, you will find part of an old town known as Serategna Sefer (literally, the residential area of laborers). If you want to proceed past Sidest Kilo, the road becomes steeper and much of the attractions will be on the right side of the road. The Entoto college (previously Teferi Mekonnen School) and the American Embassy are found on this side of the street. After the American Embassy there is an open market called Shiro Meda where traditional craftsmen sell their home made fabrics, pots and other crafts. The market place is at the foot of the Entoto Mountains that rises up to 3,300m above see level. You can take a taxi or a bus to the mountain unless you are of a mind to try it yourself. On the mountain, you will find the first churches of Addis Ababa called St. Mary and St. Raguel as well as smaller palace of Menelik the II. Walking on the mountain, especially between the churches is refreshing and gives you the chance to see rural life, the city itself, forest and unbelievably beautiful landscape intersected by farmlands and trails of farmers. It is from here that Menelik II and Queen Taitu conceived of the establishment Addis Ababa. You can get a sense of the city plan yourself by looking from here at the current city.
Africa Hall is located across Menelik II avenue from this Palace and is where the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa is headquartered as well as most UN offices in Ethiopia. It is also the site of the founding of the Organization for African Unity (OAU) which eventually became the African Union.
Near Holy Trinity Cathedral is the Parliament building, built during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie, with its clock tower. It continues to serve as the seat of Parliament today.
Shengo Hall, built by the Derg regime of Mengistu Haile Mariam as its new parliament hall. The Shengo Hall was the world's largest pre-fabricated building, which was constructed in Finland before being assembled in Addis Ababa. It is used for large meetings and conventions.
Near Bole International Airport is the new Medhane Alem (Savior of the World) Cathedral, which is the second largest in Africa.
In the Merkato district, which happens to be the largest market in Africa, is the impressive Anwar Mosque. The Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family is also in the Merkato district.
Other features of the city include the large Merkato market, the Jan Meda Race Ground racecourse, Bihere Tsige Recreation Centre and a railway line to Djibouti, while the Entoto Mountains start among the northern suburbs.
Suburbs of the city include Shiro Meda and Entoto in the north, Urael and Bole (home to Bole International Airport) in the east, Nifas Silk in the south-east, Mekanisa in the south, and Keraniyo and Kolfe in the west.
Menelik's old Imperial Palace which remains the official seat of government
National Palace formerly known as the Jubilee Palace, built to mark Emperor Haile Selassie's Silver Jubilee in 1955, which is the residence of the President of Ethiopia.
St George's Cathedral, North end of Churchill Road. Built in 1896 to commemorate Ethiopia's victory over the Italians. Open 8am - 9am, Noon - 2pm. The catherdral is a circular building that does not look very impressive when you approach it. As you walk around the building, you will notice people praying besides the walls, but it is unlikely that you will find an entrance. The Catherdral houses a small museum and close to it you will likely meet one of the archdeacon's of the Cathedral. If he offers to be a guide, take his offer and visit the Cathedral with him. The interior is beautifully decorated with huge paintings and mosaics, and will make the trip worthwhile. It is worth visiting the museum with guide as well to see ceremonial clothes and ancient manuscripts.
Holy Trinity Cathedral. The burial place for many famous people and once the largest Ethiopian Orthodox Cathedral. Built to commemorate the country's liberation from the Italian.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Bole International Airport, ADD is serviced by several international airlines with daily flights to Europe, United States, and Asia as well as inter-African destinations including Accra, Bamako, Brazzaville, Cairo, Dakar, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Khartoum, Harare, Johannesburg, Nairobi and many more cities in Africa. Bole International Airport has two terminas. Bole International Airport is the fifth busiest airport in Africa.
By train - Arrive via Djibouti. Over 700km trip that takes approximately 24 hour trip from point to point, stopping about halfway in Dire Dawa. Reservations are strongly recommended.
By car - Some of the roads are in pretty poor condition, so keep this in mind when estimating time between destinations.
Best roads out of Addis are 1. To the south west - to Jimma 2. To the north - to Blue Nile Gorge / Asmara 3. To the south - Mojo road to Harrar via Dire Dawa, or Langan / Nairobi road 4. To the south - Butajira road. 5. To Shoa Robit
Worst is the North East road to Debre Birhan - badly potholed.
