The Best way to Discover Addis Ababa
5
The Best way to Discover Addis Ababa
By East Africa Tour Operator
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 1-89
Duration: 6–8 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: German, English, Italian, French, Spanish
More
- All Fees and Taxes
- Bottle of water, and Banana
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Entry/Admission - National Museum of Ethiopia
- Entry/Admission - St. George's Cathedral
- Entry/Admission - Ethnological Museum
- Entry/Admission - Tiglachin Memorial
What's not included- Lunch
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Pickup details
- we pick up from any hotels.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.Airport pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included airports.- Bole Airport, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Port pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports.- Hilton Hotel
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 166286P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 166286P1
From
$85.00
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- cristinaaM5484VV0 contributionsViva OromiaI had a long layover at the airport and I took the opportunity to take this tour, which was an unforgettable experience. The guide Capital and the driver Result went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and gave me all kinds of explanations about everything I asked. Also, since I had plenty of time, they offered to show me around Addis Ababa and take me to all the places I wanted to visit. What could have been an endless wait at the airport, turned into a fantastic day that allowed me to get to know Ethiopia and its people a little bit. Thank you very much Capital and Result!Written September 9, 2024
- harishrabadia0 contributionsExcellent park near addis**Hike:** **Menagesha Forest** **Location:** Near Addis Ababa **Length:** Varies (Multiple Trails) **Difficulty:** Moderate Menagesha Forest offers a peaceful escape just outside Addis Ababa, with lush greenery and towering indigenous trees. The trails vary in length and difficulty, making it suitable for both casual hikers and those seeking a more challenging trek. The forest is rich in biodiversity, and you we spotted colobus monkeys and various bird species along the way. The trails are well-marked and maintained, though some sections can be steep and muddy, especially after rain. It’s best to visit in the early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility. Great to have Beki as our guideWritten August 25, 2024
- Guide678694166120 contributionsBrilliant guide and tripBeki was great - attentive and relaxed at the same time. He helped us tailor the tour to our needs and also showed us new places and things we would not have known about otherwise. He made it work even though it is rainy season and we still had a great time.Written August 18, 2024
- abbyc4470 contributionsFantastic cultural and food experienceHad a wonderful day with Beki and driver who made me feel very comfortable and safe as a solo female traveller. Beki is very knowledgeable and friendly and provided an excellent tour of the amazing world heritage sites- Tiya Stelae and Melka Kuntre. I also enjoyed the traditional food and coffee we shared at a local restaurant along the way, as well as seeing how kotjo (a bread made from the false banana plant) was made (it’s delicious!). I would highly recommend this tour with Beki!Written August 4, 2024
- D9089RMguillermot0 contributions“Real” EthiopiaGood experience in “real” Ethiopia. Thanks Beki. Ir you go to Addis Ababa, you must road with Beki. To Argentine - Addis is very far, but is wonderfull time.Written July 25, 2024
- 60lauraj0 contributionsGreat experienceVery well organized your. Beki has a lot of knowledge to share about the country, and enjoys doing it. I recommend this experience.Written July 20, 2024
- mjuniphant0 contributionsCity Tour AddisGreat experience with Beki as the tour guide! Highly recommend booking with him. He has a plethora of knowledge about his country.Written July 17, 2024
- Nagykanizsa0 contributionsLalibela 3 days/2 nightsWe have chosen Beki for our Lalibela trip as we have already had great experience with his service. The satisfaction was not different with the trip to Lalibela. From the very first minute starting with planning the customized trip up until following up on us upon our return to Addis Ababa, everything was well organized. We felt safe everywhere we went despite the situation in the area ( fight and military presence). My family was warm welcomed at the airport in Lalibela. Beki had his own tour guide over the two full day trips and a well maintained, clean and comfortable mini bus. The trip was July around visiting all the churches in Lalibela. It was Eastern time (Ethiopian) , so cried was not a surprise for us. The churches are definitely worth to see once in your lifetime. The hotel we stayed at was really clean, comfortable beds ( Sora Lodge ), and good food. If something that stood out and might be taken as a negative comment : we did not like the attitude of some of the people who think just because you are European, you are a cash cow( or ATM). We have been living in Ethiopia for a year now ( since 2023) and are familiar with the salaries in the country. Therefotez, when one gives 50 birr for a small help for a local person and s/he expresses dissatisfaction, that triggers anger. Our package included an English speaking guide , hire rooms (2 rooms for three of us) , minivan with a driver over the stay. No food or drinks ( we always had water though if requested). We found the rate really high pP;,however, I was willing to pay it this time. Just wanted to shout out. Other than these two latter facts, we had great guides ( Beki and his friend), comfortable transport, very good hotel and food, great experience , and most importantly - feeling safe. We highly recommend Beki as your tour guide. P.S. if you have a minor with you and want to opt out of any social media picture shares, make sure you express this wish to Beki. We asked him to take those pictures off of his profile where our son was present.Written June 30, 2024
- 141vendelas0 contributionsReally recommend this tour operator!Me and my family had an amazing day at Merkato with our guide Capital. We were picked up at our hotel in a very nice van. We spent the morning at Merkato and Capital guided us safely through the market which was amazing to see and walk around in. We continued to Tomoca and had a coffee and then to Bata LeMariam church and had a very nice tour of the church. I can warmly recommend Capital and this tour operator!Written June 12, 2024
- Liam O0 contributionsWenchi/Crater Lake TourOur host Beki was brilliant, the tour was easy to set up and communication throughout was impeccable. We were picked up on time and driven out of Addis to Waliso where we ate breakfast and drank some local coffee (very tasty!). After breakfast it was on to Wenchi where we picked up a local guide (included in the tour price) who was very friendly and welcoming. The views over Crater Lake from the viewpoint were outstanding - definitely something you need to see for yourself. After taking a load of photos we took a short (but steep!) trek down to the valley to take in the natural hot springs and waterfall. Much needed leg relief was taken care of by a pony trek through the scenic valley. Then it was on to a short boat ride to the island to see the monastery followed by lunch by the lakeside. Beki was a very knowledgeable and informative host and both he and the driver were very accommodating of our security requirements. We genuinely cannot recommend this tour highly enough!Written June 11, 2024
- Sherpa214221677150 contributionsFeeling the heart beat of AddisI spent a day with Beki, touring Mercato Market, restaurants museums and coffee! He was incredibly knowledgeable, tailored the tour to our interests and made sure we felt safe the whole day. I left feeling like I’d seen the real Addis and will the East Africa Tour Operator again! Can’t wait for another adventure!Written May 18, 2024
- Explorer194113m0 contributionsThrilling experience!Beki was a lovely, professional, competent, knowledgeable guide, who took us on an incredible tour of Addis Ababa’s Mercato, the largest open-air market in Africa. A colourful , crazy, fascinating place. I intend to continue to explore the city and country, where I currently live, through this organisation.Written May 17, 2024
- Q1910LUdianar0 contributionsMerkato half day tourWe did a morning tour of Merkato market in Addis. It was hugely enjoyable and inspiring and Beki navigated through the huge maze of stalls and took great care of us, while also sharing his deep knowledge on Ethiopian customs and answering all our many questions. I highly recommend Beki and would feel in safe hands with him for other tours.Written May 9, 2024
- bezawith20190 contributionsTravelled in time and spaceAfar (Dallol, Danakil, Ertale 2 nights). Amazing experience, surreal and beyond words! Beki and team took great care of us. Communication was timely and accurate starting from prep in Addis. Our guide and drivers were very experienced and navigated the system very well at each point. They went very well with locals and authorities which made us feel secure. Unforgettable trip, out of this world, travelled in time and space. Bucket list item, tick.Written March 30, 2024
- Z5328ZEandreas0 contributionsAfar and allways againAfar with its volcano, salt lakes and Dalo vulcanic area... sleeping at a 1000star hotel and getting kitchen service that was unexpected good. We went 3 days off road and saw places on earth you will never forget!!! Thanks Beki and his team to make it happen... we really enjoyed and we will come back... sure!Written February 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
51 reviews
Excellent
49
Very good
2
Average
0
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0
Terrible
0
Sinead S
Bridgetown, Barbados8 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Beki & Abitey arrived on time at 9am to collect us for our day out with them.
The bus was very clean and comfortable.
They were both very friendly and welcoming. They talked us through the plan for the day. It was on Thursday 22nd August and it was a very rainy day. They adjusted the plan to keep us out of the rain as much as possible.
We started at the Museum of Ethiopia, Beki was incredibly knowledgeable and showed and talked me through so much important history.
I loved how passionate and proud he was of his country and history.
We then went to Tomoca Coffee shop and tried some Ethiopian coffee which was very good. While explaining all the interesting history of this coffee also.
We then drove up the mount Entoto to a local ladies home. We were made very welcome and offered food and the warmth of a log fire. We were then taken outside to the place they make Injera and shown how to make it and taste. We were also given the chance to make one ourselves. We then went back inside and ate more Injera with a bean sauce as we do not eat meat and had a shot of a Russian alcoholic drink. This was very chest warming and nice. On the way back we were going to look down andctake photos if Addis from the Entoto view point but as it was raining there was no viably and had to abandon this.
After this we went to the Merkato Market, again Beki was very knowledgeable showing me around all the different parts and explaining different things about what people were selling.
Our final destination was St Georges Cathedral where Beki showed us the small museum outside and then we went into the Cathedral where again he passed on all if his knowledge in a passionate, proud way that kept me engaged all the way to the end.
I would highly recommend Beki & Abitey to take you on a tour. If I come again I would definitely use them again to see other sites.
My 15 year old daughter wasn't as interested as I was but they were very understanding of this and at times she just waited with Abitey in the van which I was very grateful for.
The bus was very clean and comfortable.
They were both very friendly and welcoming. They talked us through the plan for the day. It was on Thursday 22nd August and it was a very rainy day. They adjusted the plan to keep us out of the rain as much as possible.
We started at the Museum of Ethiopia, Beki was incredibly knowledgeable and showed and talked me through so much important history.
I loved how passionate and proud he was of his country and history.
We then went to Tomoca Coffee shop and tried some Ethiopian coffee which was very good. While explaining all the interesting history of this coffee also.
We then drove up the mount Entoto to a local ladies home. We were made very welcome and offered food and the warmth of a log fire. We were then taken outside to the place they make Injera and shown how to make it and taste. We were also given the chance to make one ourselves. We then went back inside and ate more Injera with a bean sauce as we do not eat meat and had a shot of a Russian alcoholic drink. This was very chest warming and nice. On the way back we were going to look down andctake photos if Addis from the Entoto view point but as it was raining there was no viably and had to abandon this.
After this we went to the Merkato Market, again Beki was very knowledgeable showing me around all the different parts and explaining different things about what people were selling.
Our final destination was St Georges Cathedral where Beki showed us the small museum outside and then we went into the Cathedral where again he passed on all if his knowledge in a passionate, proud way that kept me engaged all the way to the end.
I would highly recommend Beki & Abitey to take you on a tour. If I come again I would definitely use them again to see other sites.
My 15 year old daughter wasn't as interested as I was but they were very understanding of this and at times she just waited with Abitey in the van which I was very grateful for.
Written September 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim
6 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I had an absolutely superb experience with Beki on this tour.
I had an afternoon stopover in Addis and wanted to get a first look at Addis, and Beki arranged the itinerary to fit my connection perfectly. He and his driver met me at the airport, got me delicious food to start the trip, and made sure I was energised with coffee at the right moments!
Above all, Beki's knowledge of the history and cultures of Ethiopia was excellent and I learned so much within my half day tour. I've never had such a productive visit to a museum!, and that served as a basis for all the other details I'd see for the rest of the afternoon.
Besides this professionalism, Beki and his driver were also very kind - taking lots of photos for me, stopping the car in just the right place for pictures, etc.
Really cannot recommend this tour enough - and now I very much want to come back to Ethiopia to experience more!
I had an afternoon stopover in Addis and wanted to get a first look at Addis, and Beki arranged the itinerary to fit my connection perfectly. He and his driver met me at the airport, got me delicious food to start the trip, and made sure I was energised with coffee at the right moments!
Above all, Beki's knowledge of the history and cultures of Ethiopia was excellent and I learned so much within my half day tour. I've never had such a productive visit to a museum!, and that served as a basis for all the other details I'd see for the rest of the afternoon.
Besides this professionalism, Beki and his driver were also very kind - taking lots of photos for me, stopping the car in just the right place for pictures, etc.
Really cannot recommend this tour enough - and now I very much want to come back to Ethiopia to experience more!
Written September 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We thank you very much for taking your time to write this amazing review. We are glad to know you have enjoyed your time. With our guide Beki. We hope to serve you with another trips in the future. Thank you. Best wishes, East Africa Tour operator
Written September 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Egbert_Q
1 contribution
Jan 2023
What do you do when you have a full day layover in Addis Ababa? You call Beki with East Africa Tour Operator and arrange for a tour of the Addis area! You are guaranteed to learn everything about the city, the people, even the country. Beki is very knowledgeable about the history of Ethiopia, has great connections with people providing private tours of local museums, and religious sites, and will give you an eye opener of a tour through the Mercato, claimed to be the largest open air market in the world. You will be amazed, informed, drink some awesome coffee and feel safe throughout your tour. Don’t forget to ask about the incredible antiques shop! You will find a new friend and create lasting memories! 10 out of 10 Beki, and thanks for sharing the photos of our tour.
Written February 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We thank you very much for taking time to write this amazing review. We are glad to know you have enjoyed your time with our guide Beki. We hope to serve you with another trips in the future. Thank you. Best wishes, East Africa Tour operator
Written February 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kristina S
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy7 contributions
With Beki’s excellent guiding we had the opportunity to spend half a day at the Merkato, one of the largest markets in Africa. It was an amazing experience to see everything from how scrap metal is recycled and remodeled to local groceries, live animals and everything in between. And not to mention trying locally roasted coffee. Thank you Beki for sharing your vast knowledge about Ethiopian culture and history!
Written June 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We thank you very much for taking time to write this amazing review. We are glad to know you have enjoyed your time. We hope to serve you with another trips in the future. Thank you. Best wishes, East Africa Tour operator
Written June 19, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kay M
3 contributions
We had an extremly interesting day at Mercato, St George Cathedral, Friendship Park and a good ethiopian Restaurant with Beki. He always gave a very good and personal explanation. He even answered all our questions and made is understand the culture and history very good.
Written January 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We thank you very much for taking time to write this amazing review. We are glad to know you have enjoyed your time with our guide Beki. We hope to serve you with another trips in the future. Thank you. Best wishes, East Africa Tour operator
Written January 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Henry F
Montgomery, TX22 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Beki gave me a city tour of Ethiopia in 2019. It was a great tour of the city. Beki took photos of the experience so that I could be in them. He knew how to avoid the lines and concentrated on the sights that I was most interested in. It was an excellent tailor made excersion in the city and the overlook.
Written December 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We thank you very much for your nice review. We are glad to know you have enjoyed the
tour with our guide Beki. We hope to serve you with another trips in the future. Thank you.
Best wishes, East Africa Tour operator
Written January 12, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert M
Nairobi, Kenya5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Spent the day touring Addis with Beki. Great option if you have limited time in Addis and want to make the most of your day. Beki was easy to deal with and booking was smooth. We were impressed with Bekis, knowledge and passion. The tour had everything you needed to experience the local culture. We even made injera with a lovely local woman. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for options in Addis and surrounding area. Beki has many tour and experience options available. Will book with again when back in town.
Written October 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We thank you very much for your nice review. We are glad to know you have enjoyed the tour with our guide Beki. We hope to serve you with another trips in the future. Thank you. Best wishes, East Africa Tour operator
Written November 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ulla K
9 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
Our family went to the Mercato with Beki. It was a wonderful and enriching experience! Not only did we do a deep dive into etiopian culture but we also went into corners of the market we could never have gone to by ourselves. We recommend doing this tour 100%
Written March 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your nice review and recommendations! We are glad to know you have enjoyed your time with our guide Beki. We are looking forward to serve you again with another great experience . Thank you. Best wishes, East Africa Tour operator
Written March 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DCLady85
Washington, DC34 contributions
Mar 2019 • Business
I had a one on one custom tour with Beki, who was an amazing guide. He was so accommodating and allowed me to map out what I wanted to do in Addis, while incorporating what he felt I needed to see in Addis. I had the opportunity to experience Addis like a local. I was taken out of my comfort zone and I absolutely loved it. I rode in the "blue donkeys" (commuter vans), made injera with a beautiful grandmother in the community, and went to a local "bar" that served honey wine. I learned so much about the history of Ethiopia from a guide who was knowledgeable, generous to the locals, and extremely friendly.
My spouse took the tour with East Africa Tour Operator and I was told that I had to take their tour. Although my spouse had a different guide and a more "touristy" experience, it was just as fantastic. I love that you can customize your tour.
My trip to Addis was one of my best travel experiences and this tour had a lot to do with it. I highly recommend this tour if you are interested in taking a safe, fun, and educational tour of a beautiful country with beautiful people.
My spouse took the tour with East Africa Tour Operator and I was told that I had to take their tour. Although my spouse had a different guide and a more "touristy" experience, it was just as fantastic. I love that you can customize your tour.
My trip to Addis was one of my best travel experiences and this tour had a lot to do with it. I highly recommend this tour if you are interested in taking a safe, fun, and educational tour of a beautiful country with beautiful people.
Written March 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your nice review and recommendations!
We are glad to know how much you have enjoyed Addis Ababa with us. Please feel free to contact us for future trips and we will make sure you enjoyed at most!
Thank you once again
East Africa Tour Operator
Written December 10, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Claudia B
Geneva, Switzerland10 contributions
Jun 2018 • Solo
Beki Is just amazing. I have done several tours with him and all were a worthwhile adventure.
He makes sure everything is well organised and safe. I have no doubt in choosing him for my next tours around the country and in Addis.
He makes sure everything is well organised and safe. I have no doubt in choosing him for my next tours around the country and in Addis.
Written May 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your nice review and comments. We are really happy that you enjoyed your time with us. We look forward to seeing you back soon.
Best wishes,
East Africa Tour operator
Written December 10, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience