What to Expect on This Unforgettable Day
1-Mount Entoto Heights & Imperial Origins
Your journey begins with a scenic ascent to Mount Entoto, the sacred cradle of modern Ethiopia. As the city shrinks below you, the rolling hills and towering eucalyptus groves whisper secrets from the days of Emperor Menelik II.
- Entoto Maryam Church: Step inside the original church where Menelik II and Empress Taytu once worshipped. Its humble grandeur reflects centuries of devotion.
- Entoto Museum: Explore treasures that once belonged to Ethiopian royalty—ceremonial crowns, ancient manuscripts, and even a mirror gifted by Queen Victoria.
- Panoramic Viewpoint: From this ridge, gaze upon the sprawling capital below—a perfect photograph, and a moment of reflection you won’t forget.
2-Unity Park – Royal Grandeur Reimagined
Descend into the heart of the city where modern Addis meets imperial legacy at Unity Park, nestled within the Menelik II Palace compound.
- Walk through The Throne Hall, where policy and legacy once collided
- Marvel at the Banquet House, where royal feasts dazzled visiting dignitaries
- Enter the serene Imperial Residences, preserved in their original elegance
- Visit the Office of Emperor Haile Selassie, rich with personal and political symbolism
- Explore the Zoological Garden, home to Ethiopian wildlife like lions, monkeys, and majestic birds
3-Jubilee Palace – The Seat of Power
Next, approach the imposing gates of the Jubilee Palace, the current residence of Ethiopia’s head of state. Though the visit includes an exterior view only, your guide will bring its symbolism and architecture to life, connecting its modern function with Ethiopia’s royal past.
Lunch Break
Pause and relax at a carefully selected local restaurant. Enjoy injera with richly spiced dishes like doro wat or shiro, while your guide shares insights on Ethiopian dining culture and customs. Vegetarian options always available.
4-Ethnological Museum – Voices of a Nation
Travel to the historic halls of Addis Ababa University to visit the Ethnological Museum, once Haile Selassie’s palace and now one of Africa’s most respected cultural institutions.
- Journey through recreated traditional homes from Ethiopia’s diverse regions
- Discover ancient musical instruments, tribal customs, and spiritual rituals
- Step into the Emperor’s private bedroom and study, preserved just as he left them
This museum is more than a collection—it’s a deep dive into Ethiopia’s rich human tapestry.
Optional Experiences (Time & Interest Permitting)
- Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony: Experience this ritual of friendship with fresh-roasted beans, frankincense, and three rounds of soul-soothing coffee
- Handicraft Discovery: Browse curated shops featuring authentic textiles, leather goods, silver crosses, and artisan-made baskets—each piece a cultural story
Tour Concludes with Return to Your Hotel
As the sun dips below the hills and the city comes alive with golden light, your guide returns you comfortably to your accommodation—your memory card full, your heart fuller still.
Why This Tour?
Because Addis Ababa isn’t just a city—it’s a living archive of Africa’s past, present, and future. From mountaintop churches to presidential palaces, this tour offers a rare chance to walk through time and diplomacy in one unforgettable day.
Book your City Tour of Addis Ababa with Hoya Tour Ethiopia today.
