Wide tree-lined streets, fine architecture, glorious weather, along with the incongruity of donkey trains strolling along the boulevards make Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, a delightful place to explore. It is a city of surprises characterized by remarkable diversity and contrasts.
Addis ababa’s cosy espresso bars and patisseries are reminiscent of Rome and the Mediterranean, and its bustling outdoor markets are colourful reminders of more tradition ways of life. The people, the bursts of music from cafes or shops, the pungent aromas of spicy cooking, of coffee and frankincense, from a unique Ethiopian pastiche.
Dominated by the 3000-metre (9,840-foot) high Entoto mountains immediately to the north, ethiopia’s largest city has grown at an astonishing speed since it was founded just over a century ago. Covering 250 square kilometers (97 square miles), the city rambles pleasantly across many wooded hillsides and gullies cut through with fast flowing streams. Despite its proximity to the equator, its lofty altitude – it is the third – highest capital in the world – means that it enjoys a mild, afro alpine climate.
From its , addis ababa was clustered around two main centres, the national palace to the east and the market, with saint Georges church, to the west. Together they generated so much activity that the capital grew and developed rapidly. By the late 1950’s Addis Ababa was recognized as the unofficial capital of Africa, and thus was made the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commision for east Africa (ECA) in 1958 and later, in 1963, chosen as headquarters of the afican union (AU). Today Addis Ababa, which bears the imprint of many of these past developments, is a major metropolis, with an estimated population of over three millions.
Located at the centre of of Shewa region, the city stands at the very heart of Ethiopia and enjoys excellent connections with all of the country’s economic zones. Addis ababa is africa’s unchallenged diplomatic capital, with more than seventy embassies and consular representatives clustered in the mountain city.
There is much to do within the capital, whether at night – at he variety of night clubs offering all manner of music from tradition Ethiopian to modern pop, as well as dancing – or by day.
The sports-minded will probably already know of the country’s global reputation for producing first-class long distance runners, several of whom are world record holders. But those not anxious to try out their running shoes at this high altitude can still take advantage of the tennis – as well as open – air swimming in warm thermal water – offered by several top hotels. In addition, the Addis Ababa stadium offers frequent inter-african and other international as well as local football matches; and ther are plenty of opportunities for horse riding, bowling and other sports.
Legend has it that Emperor Menelik 1, the son of the queen of Sheba and king Solomon, brought the ark of the convenant from Jerusalem to axum where he settled and established one of the world’s longest known monarchial uninterrupted dynasties. This is only one example of ethiopia’s magnificent history which encompasses legend and tradition, mystery and fact from a powerful and religious ancient civilization. The well-trodden path through ethiopia’s famous and fascinating historic places takes you through a scenically magnificent world of fairly-tale names such as axum, Lalibella, Gondar, Debre Damo and Bahar Dar.
Travelling the route by plane, by car or both, will offer you a glimpse into a truly remarkable past. As well as the many priceless historic relics, you will also se the castles at Gondar, the churches of Lalibela hewn out of the living rock, the mysterious giant stelae at axum, the ruins of the queen of Sheba’s palace, and the monastery at Debre Damo whose access is limited to men and the only by way of a rope lowered by the friendly monks above.
