
Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 310 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour worth booking?
Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour is a 6-hour experience in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from $75 per person. It scores 91 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 5/5 rating across 310 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 91 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (310)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $75 per person
Come to discover the authentic magic of Addis Ababa by visiting the most historical, local, nature and cultural highlights on a full-day city tour with private guide and driver. From seeing the grave of Emperor Haile Selassie, drinking a coffee in the oldest roasters company, exploring the narrow streets and stalls of the largest open market in Africa, having lunch in the oldest hotel built by Empress Taytu Betul, seeing the worldwide known "Lucy", walking in the former bedroom of Haile Selassie, to hiking an eucalyptus forrest at 3400 meters altitude and admire the full scenery of the city, this tour is definitely a must! Tour includes entrance fees, pick up and drop off at the airport/hotel. Discount can be offered for group or family tour.
What you get
About this experience
Come to discover the authentic magic of Addis Ababa by visiting the most historical, local, nature and cultural highlights on a full-day city tour with private guide and driver. From seeing the grave of Emperor Haile Selassie, drinking a coffee in the oldest roasters company, exploring the narrow streets and stalls of the largest open market in Africa, having lunch in the oldest hotel built by Empress Taytu Betul, seeing the worldwide known "Lucy", walking in the former bedroom of Haile Selassie, to hiking an eucalyptus forrest at 3400 meters altitude and admire the full scenery of the city, this tour is definitely a must! Tour includes entrance fees, pick up and drop off at the airport/hotel. Discount can be offered for group or family tour.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- All entrance fees
- Driver / Guide
- Airport / Hotel Pickup
- Fuel surcharge
- Tea and coffee
- Airport / Hotel drop-off
Not included
- Lunch
- Tips
What you'll see and do
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Holy Trinity Cathedral, also known in Amharic as Kidist Selassie, is the highest ranking Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo cathedral in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was built in 1942 to commemorate the Ethiopian victory over Italian occupation and is an important place of worship in Ethiopia. The tombs of the Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen Asfaw, as well as other members of the Imperial Family, can be found inside the cathedral. Option 2: Beata Maryam Church: is a historical Ethiopia Orthodox Church, for its royal mausoleum and its connection with Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu, royal tombs and beautiful religious artwork and there are tortoises around the church
60 minutes here · Admission included
Located in Piazza area, Tomoca is the oldest coffee shop in Ethiopia (since 1953). Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony is one of the most iconic and cherished cultural rituals in Ethiopia.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Mercato Market
Mercato is the largest open-air market in Africa, covering several square miles and employing an estimated 13,000 people in 7,100 business entities divided in organized zones (agricultural products, incense, coffee, spices, jewelry, recycling, baskets, pottery, leather goods, metal goods)
60 minutes here
Lunch at the oldest hotel in Addis. The Taitu Hotel was built in 1905 (1898 in the Ethiopian calendar) in the middle of the city (Piazza), by Taitu Betul (1851–1918), the Ethiopian Empress and the wife of Emperor Menelik II, to provide foreign guests a place to rest and dine. Alternative places for lunch is possible. Lunch is not included in the Tour price.
45 minutes here
National Museum of Ethiopia
The museum is divided in three sections. In the basement, the paleontological exhibition contains many precious local archaeological finds such as the fossilized remains of early hominids, the most famous of which is "Lucy". The collection is ranked among the most important sub-saharan africa. In the ground floor, artefacts from aksumite, pre-aksumite, solomonic and gonderian periods are exposed. In the first floor, there is a vivid display of ethiopian art ranging from early 14th century parchment until 20th century canvas oil painting.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Ethnological Museum
The Ethnological Museum is a public institution dedicated to ethnology and culture. Set within Haile Selassie’s former palace and surrounded by the beautiful gardens and fountains of the university main campus, the Ethnological Museum houses anthropological, musicological and cultural objects.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Entoto Natural Park
Located at 3400 meters altitude, Entoto natural park was where the former Emperor Minilik II’s permanent camp and palace was located. From the top, there is a panoramic view of the capital and the surrounding countryside. The mountain is densely covered by eucalyptus trees that were imported from Australia during the reign of Menelik II, and mostly planted during Emperor Haile Selassie's reign. Thus, it is sometimes referred to as the "lung of Addis Ababa".
40 minutes here · Admission included
Shiro Meda Market
Shiro Meda Market (also spelled "Chiromeda") sells Ethiopian textiles in all their forms, from Ethiopian wedding dresses to various types of clothing, linens, and fabrics.
40 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Addis Authentic Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 310 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
310 verified traveler reviews for Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Do not hesitate to book this excursion!
Wow , where do I even begin. The day was such a magical day and where did all the time go! Alex and Adis were amazing! Alex is a walking encyclopedia and is INCREDIBLY knowledgeable about Ethiopian history and beyond! He speaks fluent and perfect English and Arabic. Adis is a great driver and getting us through crazy traffic safely was a great task indeed! You do need good walking shoes and come well rested because the day is full of adventure and fun! As a solo female traveler I felt safe at all times , I feel Alex and Adis are family now. I am beyond grateful for this amazing experience, thank you!!
via Tripadvisor
Great tour of Addis with Alex
I had a long layover in Addis so I booked a tour of the city with Alex. Had a great time. He was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Took me to get delicious coffee and a nice meal. Really recommend.
via Tripadvisor
A great way to see Addis in a day
I was in Addis Ababa for a work conference and, after days cooped up in my hotel, booked this private tour to finally see the city. Pickup was right on time, and Alex was a fantastic guide: knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and clearly passionate about Ethiopia’s history and culture. We covered a lot in one day, including Entoto, the Mercato, the National Museum, a nice lunch, a beautiful church, and a stop at Tomoca for coffee. A highlight was an enjoyable lunch with Alex and our driver. As a solo traveler, I felt comfortable and well looked after all day, learned a lot, and left feeling like I had really seen Addis. Highly recommend, especially if you only have one free day in the city.
via Tripadvisor
Exceptional, Engaging, and Family-Friendly Guide in Addis!
We had an amazing time exploring Addis Ababa with Alex! Having our two boys with us made us appreciate him even more. Alex is incredibly passionate about Ethiopia, deeply knowledgeable, and very charismatic. The country has such a rich history, and he narrates it like a master storyteller, explaining it in a way that is engaging, exciting, and very easy to understand. He made a genuine effort to engage our boys as well and keep them interested the whole time. He made the experience wonderful for the whole family. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
A great experience
Instead of simply transiting through Addis Ababa, we decided to spend 24 hours, and we're so glad we did. We spent a great day with Alex on the tour, got to see the authentic Addis, and were introduced to a country and culture we otherwise would have never seen.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $75 to $80
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 109
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by Addis Authentic Tours, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.3 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Addis Authentic Tours runsWhy this scores 91
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Addis Ababa.
How much does Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour cost?
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Prices start at $75 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Addis Ababa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Addis Ababa is not rushed.
Is Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 91 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 310 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Addis Ababa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour?
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Around 109 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Addis Ababa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Addis Ababa and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Addis Ababa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Addis Ababa?
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On Outty we rank every Addis Ababa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Addis Ababa Guided City Tour With Airport & Hotel Pick Up, Full Day Tour of Addis Ababa with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off, Day Trip From Addis Ababa See Historical Monastery,Stunning Nature,Animals,Birds. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Addis Ababa?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour?
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Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; All entrance fees; Driver / Guide; and Airport / Hotel Pickup. Not included: Lunch; and Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 203 listed pickup locations in and around Addis Ababa. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour?
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Across 310 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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