Culture BridgeTours
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

East Africa

Addis Ababa

Ethiopia

Where coffee was born and a continent's diplomacy meets.

The culture

Why we bridge here

Ethiopia's capital sits high in the Entoto hills, a city of coffee ceremonies, jazz cellars and one of Africa's most important political stages. It is the seat of the African Union and the spiritual home of a country that was never colonised.

Amharic and the ancient Ge'ez script, Orthodox Christianity and a calendar that runs on its own time. In Addis you are welcomed with a coffee ceremony that takes an hour and is meant to take an hour, and you will learn quickly that hospitality here is a discipline, not a courtesy.

Experience

What you'll do

  • National Museum and the Lucy fossil
  • Merkato, one of the largest markets in Africa
  • Entoto hills viewpoint and eucalyptus forest
  • Holy Trinity Cathedral
  • Bole neighbourhood food walk

After dark

Nightlife

  • Live azmari music in Piassa
  • Jazz nights at Fendika Cultural Center
  • Rooftop lounges in Bole

The bridge

Teaching sessions with your hosts

  • A full Ethiopian coffee ceremony with your host
  • Amharic phrases and the origins of the Ge'ez script
  • Aksumite and Solomonic history

Choose your people

Vetted guides & drivers in Addis Ababa

AT

Amara Tesfaye

Tour Guide

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Born and raised in Addis, I have hosted travelers through Merkato, Entoto and the museums for nine years. I love the coffee ceremony most — it takes an hour and it is worth every minute.

English · Amharic · French

9 years with travelers

Coffee ceremonyAncient historyMarkets
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