Addis Ababa, also referred to as Addis, is the largest and capital city of Ethiopia. It is referred to as the home of mankind because of the various humanoid fossils discovered, such as the Australopithecus Lucy. The city centre is situated at the foot of the Entoto Hills and sprawls across several forested hillsides. This city is the core of economic and social development in the country.
Addis Ababa is the main gateway to Ethiopia through Bole International Airport. The airport is about 6km from the city centre. The best time to visit Addis is during its dry season, from October to April. Get around the city using minibuses, the train and taxis.
Arada (a sub-city of Addis) is the home to the National Museum of Ethiopia, the museum houses the nation's artistic treasures as well as various archaeological findings, like the remains of early hominids, such as the world famous Lucy.
Another point of interest is the Medhane Alem Cathedral, which is located in Bole Medhanealem. It is the largest in Ethiopia and the second largest in the whole of Africa.
On the streets of Addis Ababa, you get to explore the splendor of the city and feel its soul. At Menelik II Avenue is the magnificent Africa Hall, the headquarters of the UN Economic Commission for Africa.
There are quite a number of places that are a must see in Addis Ababa like the palaces, the architectural wonder of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building and the Holy Trinity Cathedral. At the Red Terror Museum on Bole road, you will get firsthand tales about the horrors of the Derg rule. The largest pre-fabricated building in the world, The Shengo Hall is also found here.