Addis Ababa

A historic city set in an enchanting mountain backdrop, Addis Ababa is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia, as well as one of the most important cities of Africa. With the headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa both present here, it is considered the political capital of Africa. It is also one of the two chartered cities of Ethiopia.

Located at the foothills of the Entoto Mountains, Addis Ababa is among the 5 highest capital cities of the world. This altitude has resulted in the production of some of the best coffee in the world, also known as black gold. Its heavy political and international significance has allowed it to become the commercial, economic and cultural centre of Ethiopia. Due to the discovery of many pre-historic fossils, including the famous hominid 'Lucy', many consider Addis Ababa the 'city of humans' and one of the first origins of human life. The last capital of the former Abyssinian Empire, there is much of Ethiopia's ancient history and culture you can learn from in this city. The Ethiopian National Museum is a treasure trove for pre-historic knowledge and findings, the history of Africa and Ethiopia as well as the many unique cultures of the land. Being a historic town, there are loads of museums here for one to immerse themselves in to understand more about the past of the ancient civilisations that existed throughout Ethiopia, with the Ethiopian Ethnological Museum solely devoted to this purpose. For those looking to experience some of Addis Ababa's culture, the massive Merkato is your one-stop shop for witnessing the bustling life of the city, as well as the perfect place to purchase all your Ethiopian products and souvenirs.