10 Bus Tours in Addis Ababa That You Shouldn't Miss

August 20, 2021 Kelli Reichel

Sometimes referred to as the capital of Africa, Addis Ababa is a buzzing hub of economic, social and political activity and home to such notable offices as the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The diversity of its people is reflected in the many churches, mosques and museums, including the Ethiopian National Museum which houses the fossilized skeleton of Dinkinesh, or Lucy, the Australopithecine discovered in the area in the 1970s.
Restaurants in Addis Ababa

1. Prepare for the Best Day Tour in Addis Ababa

Aspire Ethiopia Tours
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5.0 based on 38 reviews

This tour is unique in allowing the guests to improvise it based on their interest and time. The tour will involve some combinations of Historical, cultural and natural attractions. Apart from the touristic spots, we will show our guests the best and realistic parts of Addis Ababa. It will be full of activities that interests the guests, keeping the major sights in mind. The museums, the church, the Entoto Mountain view plus some Coffee tasting program will give our guests a balanced impressions of Addis Ababa. The tour of Addis Ababa with Aspire Ethiopia Tours will definitely be a day to remember for every guests.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Coffee and/or Tea, Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch, Alcoholic Beverages, Dinner

Reviewed By 12eduardv

It was my first time ever in Africa and in Ethiopia more in particular. I just had a 18 hours transit time. This could be an excellent opportunity to have some sightseeing, so I booked this tour via Viator. Guide Mr Hailu picked me up at the airport spot on time. While negotiating ourselves through the traffic jam of Addis Ababa, Mr Hailu kept on talking in a very interesting way about his city and his country. He is very knowledgeable and not a second boring. Nothing was to much for him and on my request we drove to the national telecom operator to buy a SIM card so that at least my office could reach me if there was something urgent. After driving to the busy city, he took us on one of the hills where we could have a very scenic view over the city and we got a bit immersed in the village life. Mr Hailu was so kind to leave the big road and drive through countryside to show the contrast. We also visited the National Museum. I had the impression that Mr Hailu must have been born there, cause he could talk about very object on display in a very interesting and entertaining way. It was not just a museum visit. It was an immersion in the culture of a beautiful an peaceful country and we were time travelling in the rich history of Ethiopia. Pity tripadvisor has only 5 stars to quote. This trip would have been rated a lot more ! Finally we went to a resort some 50 km out of the city at the side of a lake. There I could taste the delicious Ethiopian local dishes and ... of course, end with a cup of Ethiopian black gold : their excellent coffee. Pity my stay in Addis Ababa was rather short. I enjoyed every second of it !!!

2. Day Trip to Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu

Guide to Addis
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Travelers Can Enjoyed a Breath taking Crater Lakes of Bishoftu as well as epic Landscape of Crater Lakes with in Bishoftu a Boat trip and Hiking to lake Hora as well as Bird watching

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Lunch, Coffee and/or tea

Exclusions: Other Services which are not mentioned on the inclusion section

Reviewed By johnmM4414IP

The day trip to Debre Libanos Monastery was so amazing and wonderful, the arrangement was so perfect and the place was so beautiful, the view was so amazing. The guide take me to a lodge which has a great view of the Blue Nile gorge and we have a lunch there enjoying this view.

3. Day Trip to Debre Libanos and Blue Nile Gorge

Guide to Addis
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This Tour will give a partial view of the Ethiopian Rural area like experiencing the local hut or grass houses of the countryside and chance of learning about the history of Ethiopia, the Life in the monastery and its museums, and also you will have a chance of seeing the Ethiopian endemic baboons called Chilada, variety of bird life which are abundant to this Place and also seeing the fabulous waterfalls at the Portuguese bridge(which is one of the oldest bridge in Ethiopia built by the Portugal people).

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Local guides at the sites, Driver and Guide, Bottled water

Exclusions: Things which are not mentioned in the inclusion section

Reviewed By veronicahW9545AU

The travel agent with this tour company put together a well planned and wonderful trip. We had many stops with many tours, events, transfers and flights. Everything that the agent put together and reserved for us worked beautifully.

4. Full day city tour of Addis Ababa

Simien Image Tour and Travel
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Take an 8-hour tour of Addis Ababa City with guide. See several points of interest and landmarks. Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour starts with a pick up from Bole International Airport or at your hotel, and drive to Trinity Cathedral Church which has unique architectural style. Then, you will be taken to the National Museum of Ethiopia for visiting the long age history of Ethiopia and the oldest human ancestor, Lucy. After lunch, we will go to the ethnographic museum and admire the country's different nationalities cultural materials. Finish the tour with shopping in Merkato, the local marketplace which is said to be Africa’s largest open-air market.

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Services which are not listed on the inclusion

Reviewed By Grip7791

I traveled to Ethiopia on my own and while I was there I decided to purchase Simien Image Tour & Travel's "Hawassa and Rift Valley Lakes – Two Days Tour." I had difficulties with paying because I was new to experience of financial transactions in Ethiopia, being it was my first time visiting, and my bank in America was having issues with processing some transactions. Alexander Kemal was extremely patient with me and eventually everything was worked out. The morning of the tour's first day the driver was prompt with picking me up from the hotel and we were off. When he told me we were doing to get my tour guide I nonchalantly thought to myself "for what reason!" I wasn't concerned about having a tour guide, just getting to Hawassa and seeing what was on the way there. To my surprise Candy Walker, my tour guide, was an excellent guide. She is very knowledgeable on the history and various cultures of Ethiopia, therefore I learned a lot in two days. Buze, the driver, was the perfect driver for this road trip and was fabulous DJ! He knew all the scenic stops, all the best foods to order whenever we ate, where to get the best buna in Shashamene, and he's even a decent dancer while driver. I saw and experienced way more than I thought I would and I am eternally thankful that I happened to call the business that day. One business transaction, and a two day tour was enough to establish the foundation for a several friendships that I am appreciative of. I will definitely be recommending your business to any and everyone.

5. 3 Days/ 2 Nights Nights Danakil Depression Tour

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Sami Lalibela Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Sami lalibela tours is outstanding tour ours different is our service we work everywhere Ethiopia!!!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Full board Meal, Local Guide

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages

Reviewed By BackPacker712335

Having recently visited Lalibela, I can highly recommend Sami Lalibela Tours. He speaks English very well. From the moment we arrived, he quietly and professionally arranged everything for us. We stayed for four days. He picked us up on time from the airport in a new and clean vans. He arranged all the details of our tours with the churches. He negotiated the guide’s fee and paid everything for us. The guide was wonderful too. The next day he arranged all the details for our mule/hiking trip up the mountain to see the baboons. Again, every detail was cared for by Sami including lunch reservations for the top of the mountain and supper reservations after having consulted with us. This guide was also very good and the whole mule team and their handlers were great. He offered us Ethiopian “Jebena” coffee with his family each day too. We felt very welcome and confident in his care. At the end, he presented us with one bill for the church fees, guides, etc. and everything was as agreed upon with no surprises. It was really reasonable too. (He also runs a guest house which was a great experience too!) He also delivered us back to the airport on time. During the whole trip he always reserved professional drivers and clean vans. We were traveling with four children (aged 2-15) and he accommodated all of our needs. Thank you, Sami! We had a care-free and relaxing vacation due to all your careful planning. Thank you, again! Our entire family agrees that this was an amazing trip and really well planned.

6. Excursion to Melka Kuntre, Tiya and Adadi Mariam

East Africa Tour Operator
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Our clients will have escaping tour from Addis Ababa and see the countryside part of Ethiopia with scenic drive to the sites of Melka Kuntre Stone Age site then drive to Adadi Mariam heading to Tiya (ancient stele field and UNESCO World Heritage site) - You will have the chance immerse in the village of Tiya and learn how they make Ensset (kocho) from the falls banana tree. It is staple food for the southern people.

Inclusions: Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Fuel surcharge

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Gratuities

Reviewed By WanderingFunFour

I booked Beki for a one day tour on a recommendation from a friend. He was punctual and provided all necessary information in advance so nothing was missed. Beki is friendly and warm, knowledgeable and a provided a great days activities. As I was on a solo trip he knew exactly the right pictures and view points. The scenery outside Addis is beautiful, even just driving through villages you get a sense of life there. Portuguese bridge was dry this time of year but still spectacular. The monastery at Debre Lebanos has the most amazing stained glass windows, I found the setting to be very serene, enhanced by the chanting in the background. Beki took me to visit local family village, and it was fantastic to visualise their traditional way of life and how they make use of land and resources. I definitely recommend Beki tours be it solo or group travellers. His upbeat personality makes for easy company.

7. Day Trip From Addis Ababa To Debre Libanos & Blue Nile Gorge

Simien Image Tour and Travel
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This Tour Is Unique Because -You will have a chance of learning about the history of Ethiopia -You will have a chance of seeing the Ethiopian Endemic baboons called Chilada -You will have a chance of seeing some endemic birds only found in Ethiopia and specifically in Debre Libanos -You will have a chance of testing Ethiopian Foods -You will have a chance of hiking near to the George of Blue Nile & Jemma Valley -You will have a chance of visiting one of the oldest monastery of Ethiopia and its museums -You will have a chance of experiencing the local hut or grass houses of the countryside -You will have a chance of seeing the fabulous waterfalls at the Portuguese bridge(which is one of the oldest bridge in Ethiopia built by the Portugal people)

Inclusions: Ethiopian Lunch For Vegan & Veterinarian, Bottled water, Coffee and/or Tea, All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverage, Services which are not mentioned on the inclusion section

Reviewed By Grip7791

I traveled to Ethiopia on my own and while I was there I decided to purchase Simien Image Tour & Travel's "Hawassa and Rift Valley Lakes – Two Days Tour." I had difficulties with paying because I was new to experience of financial transactions in Ethiopia, being it was my first time visiting, and my bank in America was having issues with processing some transactions. Alexander Kemal was extremely patient with me and eventually everything was worked out. The morning of the tour's first day the driver was prompt with picking me up from the hotel and we were off. When he told me we were doing to get my tour guide I nonchalantly thought to myself "for what reason!" I wasn't concerned about having a tour guide, just getting to Hawassa and seeing what was on the way there. To my surprise Candy Walker, my tour guide, was an excellent guide. She is very knowledgeable on the history and various cultures of Ethiopia, therefore I learned a lot in two days. Buze, the driver, was the perfect driver for this road trip and was fabulous DJ! He knew all the scenic stops, all the best foods to order whenever we ate, where to get the best buna in Shashamene, and he's even a decent dancer while driver. I saw and experienced way more than I thought I would and I am eternally thankful that I happened to call the business that day. One business transaction, and a two day tour was enough to establish the foundation for a several friendships that I am appreciative of. I will definitely be recommending your business to any and everyone.

8. The Best way to Discover Addis Ababa

East Africa Tour Operator
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5.0 based on 30 reviews

It enables our clients to have a great experience to learn the highlight of Ethiopia. for example, Visit the prominent peak of Mount Entoto, which served as Menelik II's capital before the founding of Addis Ababa. Visit the museum and the palace and see one of the best views of Addis Ababa. Visit this trio of historical churches and see the Menelik II Mausoleum and the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. it is the highest ranking Orthodox cathedral in Addis Ababa and the second most important place of worship in Ethiopia after the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Axum. The Ethnological Museum is considered one of the finest museums in Africa. Visit the home of the famous Lucy which is ranked one of the most important museum collections in Sub-Saharan Africa. Merkato, it’s the largest shopping area in Addis and some say the largest market in Africa.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Bottle of water, Coffee and Banana , Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation

Exclusions: Lunch, Alcoholic Beverages

Reviewed By WanderingFunFour

I booked Beki for a one day tour on a recommendation from a friend. He was punctual and provided all necessary information in advance so nothing was missed. Beki is friendly and warm, knowledgeable and a provided a great days activities. As I was on a solo trip he knew exactly the right pictures and view points. The scenery outside Addis is beautiful, even just driving through villages you get a sense of life there. Portuguese bridge was dry this time of year but still spectacular. The monastery at Debre Lebanos has the most amazing stained glass windows, I found the setting to be very serene, enhanced by the chanting in the background. Beki took me to visit local family village, and it was fantastic to visualise their traditional way of life and how they make use of land and resources. I definitely recommend Beki tours be it solo or group travellers. His upbeat personality makes for easy company.

9. Best of Addis Ababa Guided City Tour

myGuzo
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4.9 based on 10 reviews

If you are looking to explore Addis Ababa in just one day with an experienced guide who has lived all their life in the City, you have come to the right place! On this all-inclusive tour, we have hand-picked the must-see places for you, some of which are listed below: Nature & Viewpoint - Entoto Mountains offers the best viewpoint of Addis Ababa surrounded by the densest forestry in the City. You will also get to experience a highlight of the typical Ethiopian countryside life Culture & Market - The LARGEST TRADITIONAL TEXTILE MARKET in Ethiopia (ShiroMeda) Culture & Market - The LARGEST OPEN AIR MARKET IN AFRICA (MERKATO).  Museum - The National Museum, home to the fossil replica of your ancestor Lucy Dining Experience - Nothing tops dining at the first hotel in Ethiopia (Taitu Hotel). Their vegetarian buffet at lunch time is claimed to be one of the best for its authenticity, healthiness, variety and taste

Inclusions: Pickup and drop-off at any location in Addis Ababa (Hotel, house or airport), Ground transportation including a car, a driver and fuel, Accompanying English speaking guide, Local tour guides, Lunch

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages, Tip for tour guide, Other cost not offered in this program

Reviewed By curwinl2021

From the meeting of these two gentlemen I knew my day was going to be spectacular . I was greeted so kindly like i knew these brothers from long ago. Ashanavi ; very humble driver made sure that we got to our destinations safely and efficiently; I felt like I did not go on the trip solo with my buddy Ash. Alex is extremely knowledgeable about the history, context of Addis Ababa and also the checkpoints we encountered ; like this man is a human encyclopedia; really impressed. Any questions that could be asked he would know the answers to . Very amicable , everyone favors him . So many great things can be said that I can put in context of words . Please tour with these guys, you will not regret your time. Seriously !!!

10. Full Day Tour of Addis Ababa with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Addis Ethiopia Tours
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4.9 based on 135 reviews

Full day city tour of Addis Ababa which include the National Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Merkato, Ba’ata Mariam Church, St. George Cathedral and the view of Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto.

Inclusions: Transport by air-conditioned minivan, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Fuel surcharge, Driver/guide, Blue Badge guide, Hotel drop-off, Hotel pickup, Round-trip shared transfer, All entrance fee

Exclusions: Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Airport/Departure Tax, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks

Reviewed By Anastasija_anarid

Had a great day seeing Addis with Adisu. Everything was really well organised, no rush and plenty time to explore the sites. It’s a wonderful city worth seeing. Adisu was extremely knowledgeable and professional, speaks superb English and can answer pretty much any question you could have. Definitely recommended and I would happily use their services again !

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