Cheap flights to Addis Ababa
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Quick summary
Country
Ethiopia
Continent
Africa
Airport
ADD
Currency
Ethiopian birr (ETB)
Time zone
UTC+3 (EAT)
Deals already spotted to Addis Ababa
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Addis Ababa is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia. Wikivoyage (EN) says it was founded in 1886 by King Menelik II and his consort Taytu Betul, a date that French, German and Spanish Wikipedia repeat. It lies at roughly 2,355 metres according to English and Spanish Wikipedia, and English Wikipedia calls it the highest capital in Africa. The city has hosted the African Union headquarters since 1963, according to French Wikipedia, and Wikivoyage counts more than 120 foreign missions and embassies. Population figures differ widely between sources, so we do not publish one. ADD is the main hub of Ethiopian Airlines, which makes price tracking worthwhile.
Airport and getting into town
A large East African hub a few kilometres from the centre
Addis Ababa – Bole International Airport (ADD)
Bole airport sits in the district of the same name, south-east of the centre. English Wikipedia puts it 6 km from the city centre, while Spanish Wikipedia says 18 km: the sources disagree, so simply remember that it is close to town. Wikivoyage describes it as the busiest airport in East Africa and the main hub of Ethiopian Airlines, with two terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and most services to neighbouring countries, Terminal 2 for other international flights. Arrangements can change, so check which terminal your flight uses.
Distance from English Wikipedia and Spanish Wikipedia, which differ. Journey times depend on traffic and are not reliably given. We do not give fares.
French Wikivoyage points out that the airport is very close to the centre and mentions yellow taxis set aside for trips into town; English Wikivoyage advises against hailing a cab in the street if you do not speak Amharic and recommends ride-hailing apps instead. The train to Djibouti leaves from a station about 20 km from the centre, according to Wikivoyage, but it is not a way to reach the airport.
Landmarks
A plateau, cathedrals, a huge market and Entoto mountain
Addis Ababa is a young city spread over a plateau, and its landmarks tell the story of Menelik II, the resistance to Italian occupation and the religious life of the country. The photos show the modern centre, Holy Trinity Cathedral, the church at Entoto and the landscape above the city.
The modern centre and its parks
Addis Ababa is changing fast. Wikivoyage mentions major road projects that have upgraded the main avenues with street lights, cycle lanes and bus stops. English Wikipedia lists Africa Park along Menelik II Avenue and Unity Park at the Palace among the green spaces. The picture shows a promenade beside a pond with a fountain, in front of the towers of the centre.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
According to Wikivoyage, Holy Trinity Cathedral, in the Arat Kilo area, was built to commemorate the country's liberation from the Italians. Many victims of the occupation are buried there, along with Emperor Haile Selassie, whose body was moved there in 2000, and the British suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst. As in every church in Ethiopia, shoes are left outside.
The church at Entoto Maryam
On Entoto mountain, north of the city, stand the first churches of Addis Ababa, including St Mary's, and a smaller palace of Menelik II, says Wikivoyage. French Wikipedia explains that the imperial couple left Entoto for the valley because its climate was cold and windy. The octagonal church with colourful columns should be visited with respect for its religious use.
Entoto, a lookout over the city
The Entoto mountains rise to about 3,300 metres, according to Wikivoyage, which recommends walking between the churches: you see rural life, forest and the city spread out below. It was from here, the guide recalls, that Menelik II and Taytu conceived Addis Ababa. A taxi or bus gets you up there, and the altitude makes walking tiring.
The city at dusk
In the evening the city lights up beneath the mountains that overlook it. Wikivoyage advises bringing a warm layer for the evening: the thermometer can fall from around 27 °C at lunchtime to 3 °C at night, according to English and Spanish Wikivoyage. Major streets are generally safe at night, says Wikivoyage, but it is wiser to ride home with an app.
Other places named by Wikivoyage and Wikipedia: Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa according to English Wikipedia, with the Grand Anwar Mosque; St George's Cathedral, an octagonal building put up in 1896 to commemorate the victory over the Italians, which can only be visited with a guide according to Wikivoyage; Medhane Alem Cathedral, the largest in Ethiopia; Meskel Square in the centre; the old railway station known as La Gare; and Shiro Meda market at the foot of Entoto, where weavers and potters sell their work.
Museums and culture
Lucy, the emperor's palace and the country's memory
The National Museum of Ethiopia
Wikivoyage describes it as an interesting museum whose best-known exhibit is the replica of Lucy, the early hominid, and which shows objects spanning thousands of years, including sculpture, clothing and both traditional and modern art. Part of the building was under renovation according to the same source, so check before you go.
The Ethnological Museum
It is housed in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie on the university campus, says Wikivoyage. It shows clothing, instruments and tools of the country's many peoples, and you can see the emperor's bedroom.
Memory and recent history
The Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum, next to Meskel Square, honours the victims of the Derg regime. Wikivoyage says it opened in 2010 and calls it a simple, powerful reminder; the visit is short and calls for the respect the subject deserves. The Addis Ababa Museum and the Railway Museum round out the offer for anyone who likes urban history.
Food and drink
Injera, tibs, kitfo, tej and coffee
Injera and what goes with it
Injera is the fermented teff pancake that serves as plate and cutlery. Wikivoyage notes that it has a mildly sour taste and is eaten at breakfast, lunch and dinner. It comes with stews known as wat, with shiro, vegetables and meat dishes such as tibs, which are cooked, and kitfo, both named by the same source.
Drinks
The national drink is tej, brewed from honey, according to Wikivoyage; you can also try tela, which is similar to beer. Cafés are everywhere and coffee is one of the city's strengths, served with cakes and layered fruit juices.
Fasting and vegetarian dishes
Wikivoyage points out that many restaurants offer a fasting menu with no meat, which makes the city easy for vegetarians. Meals are often shared from one large platter.
Getting around
Ride-hailing apps, minibuses, buses and light rail
Taxis and apps
Wikivoyage says Uber does not operate in Addis Ababa and that Ride is by far the most popular app, alongside Feres, Little and Yango. An Ethiopian phone number is needed, and you should check the plate number before getting in. It is not advisable to hail a cab in the street if you do not speak Amharic.
Minibuses and buses
The blue-and-white minibuses run everywhere and cost very little, according to Wikivoyage, though a local guide helps the first time. The orange and yellow buses connect the whole city, with no timetables or maps; watch your belongings, as they are often crowded.
Light rail
The light rail, the first in sub-Saharan Africa according to French Wikivoyage and opened in 2015, has two lines that cross near Meskel Square, says English Wikivoyage. It gets very crowded at peak times and pickpocketing is common.
Budget and precautions
Budget and precautions
Price level
Wikivoyage describes food as generally cheap. The fares quoted in the sources we read are dated and not cross-checked, so we do not publish amounts. The currency is the Ethiopian birr (ETB); find out how currency exchange works before you leave.
By air
SniperAir monitors prices to ADD and compares them with the route's price history, but it does not sell or book tickets. To compare, you can also track Nairobi or Cairo.
Safety
Official advice differs depending on your country of departure, and several governments advise against travel to some regions of Ethiopia: check your own government's advice before booking. Wikivoyage rates Addis Ababa safer than most African cities but warns of pickpockets and scams, notably in Merkato, Piazza and around the airport. Carry ID with you.
Health
Ask a doctor or a vaccination centre for advice before you go, particularly about vaccinations and malaria prevention for your itinerary. Wikivoyage advises drinking bottled water and notes heavy air pollution, so a dust mask may help if you are sensitive. The altitude can also tire you out in the first days.
When to go
A highland climate, mild all year, with a summer rainy season
October to March
The dry season, according to Wikivoyage. Nights can fall below 10 °C and days stay pleasant. Timkat, which celebrates the baptism of Christ, takes place on 19 January at Jan Meda, says the same source.
April to May
Wikivoyage mentions a short warm season that is almost unnoticeable in Addis Ababa, with warmer nights and a higher chance of rain. February to May are the warmest months, though never excessively hot.
June to September
The rainy season. Wikivoyage and German Wikipedia place it from June to September. July and August feel cold and damp, with thunderstorms and occasional hail.
Temperatures and rain
Wikivoyage gives average highs of 21 to 25 °C and lows of 7 to 11 °C, with 1,165 mm of rain a year and 132 rainy days, in a temperate highland climate (Cwb).
German Wikipedia confirms a temperate highland climate, with most rain between June and September. We give orders of magnitude only: always pack a warm layer for the evening.
By length of stay
What to do in Addis Ababa depending on how long you stay
The centre and museums
One to two days for Holy Trinity Cathedral, the National Museum, the Ethnological Museum and Merkato.
Entoto and food
Add the walk at Entoto, an evening in a café and a meal of injera, tibs or kitfo.
Beyond the capital
Wikivoyage lists Adama and Sodere, 120 km to the south-east, Awash National Park at 200 km, and Bahir Dar, the gateway to Gondar and Lalibela.
In pictures
Addis Ababa in pictures
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about flights to Addis Ababa
How far is Addis Ababa's airport from the centre?
Bole airport (ADD) is close to the centre: 6 km according to English Wikipedia, 18 km according to Spanish Wikipedia. The journey time depends on traffic; people reach town by taxi or ride-hailing app.
Is Addis Ababa safe?
Wikivoyage rates it safer than most African cities but warns of pickpockets and scams. Official advice differs by country of departure and some regions of Ethiopia are advised against: check your own government's advice before booking.
What health precautions should I take for Addis Ababa?
Ask a doctor or a vaccination centre before you go, particularly about vaccinations and malaria. At more than 2,300 metres the altitude can be felt; drink bottled water.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
The dry season, October to March, is the most pleasant; rain falls from June to September. Nights are cool all year, so bring a jacket.
How long should I stay in Addis Ababa?
Two to three days for the centre, the museums, Merkato and Entoto; longer if you continue to Bahir Dar, Gondar or Lalibela.
What should I eat in Addis Ababa?
Injera with wat, tibs or kitfo, the coffee, and tej, a honey wine.
How much does a flight to Addis Ababa usually cost?
The price depends mainly on your departure city, the time of year and how far ahead you book. The "opportunities" section above shows real examples of prices SniperAir has already detected to this destination.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Addis Ababa drops below my budget?
Create an alert profile with your departure airport, Addis Ababa (ADD) as the destination and your maximum budget. You are notified automatically as soon as a matching price is detected. SniperAir monitors and alerts, it does not sell or book tickets.
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