Addis Ababa Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Addis Ababa Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch worth booking?
Addis Ababa Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch is a 6-hour experience in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from $85 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $85 per person
What makes this tour of Addis Ababa unique is its seamless blend of historical landmarks and vibrant cultural experiences in just 6 hours. Guests begin with the inspiring views and spiritual history of Mount Entoto, followed by an immersion into local artistry at the bustling Shiro Meda Market. The national museum enriches visitors with its diverse cultural exhibits related to Emperor Haile Selassie's former residence as well as many profound historical artefacts passed down from generations. The tour's highlight is by far the all out, immersive cooking experience where you follow the local guide through the joy in culinary gathering of ingredients and cooking hearty Ethiopian dishes. A standout feature is the inclusion of a "special secret place," promising an exclusive experience of hidden local gems known only to insiders as a way to conclude the tour. This ensures an unforgettable exploration of Addis Ababa, capturing its essence through a curated journey of discovery and intrigue.
What you get
About this experience
What makes this tour of Addis Ababa unique is its seamless blend of historical landmarks and vibrant cultural experiences in just 6 hours. Guests begin with the inspiring views and spiritual history of Mount Entoto, followed by an immersion into local artistry at the bustling Shiro Meda Market. The national museum enriches visitors with its diverse cultural exhibits related to Emperor Haile Selassie's former residence as well as many profound historical artefacts passed down from generations. The tour's highlight is by far the all out, immersive cooking experience where you follow the local guide through the joy in culinary gathering of ingredients and cooking hearty Ethiopian dishes. A standout feature is the inclusion of a "special secret place," promising an exclusive experience of hidden local gems known only to insiders as a way to conclude the tour. This ensures an unforgettable exploration of Addis Ababa, capturing its essence through a curated journey of discovery and intrigue.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Other
- Tea and coffee
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Licensed Guide/Driver
- We can accommodate dietary restrictions
Not included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Personal expenses and tips
- On-board restrooms
What you'll see and do
Mount Entoto
Welcome to Ethiopia, on arrival we will meet you at the airport, or your hotel and then offer you a fresh perspective on Addis Ababa, widely considered the African Capital City / Headquarters. We typically begin this by sightseeing the bustling aspects Addis Ababa has to offer through a drive up to Mount Entoto, the highest peak on the Entoto Mountains, which overlooks the city for a panoramic view. This way you are given the freedom to stop should anything intrigue you on the way, we are more than happy to answer any questions you may have on the way up too. The mountain reaches 3,200 meters above sea level and 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". The forest on the mountain is an important source of firewood for the city. It was also a source of building material in earlier times.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Shiro Meda Market
At Shiro Meda market, visitors can walk through or buy colorful handwoven locally made scarves, and dresses for men and women which are made from cotton and decorated with colorful embroidery. If visitors have time, they can visit the small startups working on weaving these colorful Ethiopian traditional clothes in the yellow condominium. This stop of the trip highlights local artistry where you may find enjoyment in bartering for the best price should anything interest you.
25 minutes here
National Museum of Ethiopia
This is a great introduction to the history, culture and people of Ethiopia. It houses different collections like antiques, crafts, contemporary paintings, archaeological findings from different parts of the nation in exhibition to the public. This is also where the famous and oldest (3.2M years old) known human skeleton (fossil) - LUCY - Is displayed. We can even offer you a free guided tour at no additional charge, should you wish to learn more about the history of the contents in the museum which regarded as the treasure of the city. Please note that the National Museum is closed on Mondays in which case, we will have to interchange this experience with the Ethnological museum which we are confident will impress you just as much given that it is the palace of the former great emperor Haile Selassie who has had a rippling influence on Ethiopia as we know it today.
60 minutes here · Admission included
This is your most culturally immersive stop of the tour, right in the heart of the city where we will be guiding you through a cooking class of authentic Ethiopian cuisine! By this point we are sure you will be hungry, so enjoy the traditional meal of this experience which comes with profound health benefits! Injera for example is a gluten free pancake made from fermented Teff flour that all Ethiopians love as it never feels heavy due to great digestive properties. You will be shown how to make and eat it with vitamin and protein rich Ethiopian sides like Shero and more. We will start with the shopping experience that is done when it comes to making such flavorful cuisine and explaining the significance of the ingredients. Settle into a lunch time created by you alongside an experienced chef/cook who will explain the process intimately. This is the most fun, private and hands on experience rewarding you with a delicious meal that you can even take home with you by the end of the day.
120 minutes here
Addis Ababa
This is a special secret of ours where we take you to a viewpoint that we get exclusive access to. Overlooking the city of Addis with a luxury 360 view whilst being very much in the heart of it, you are sure to be tempted to click some scenic pictures.
25 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
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 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Simen Land Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We can accommodate dietary restrictions
Photos
Traveler reviews
2 verified traveler reviews for Addis Ababa Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
My excellent experience with SIMEN LAND TOURS
I was extremely well received and made an excellent tour along with the SIMEN LAND TOURS. He safely took me to the main sights, explained to me the history of the country, took and bought Ethiopian coffee. I highly recommend the services!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Now I know how to cook Shiro!
Tess is the best. He can arrange any type of trip for whatever mood you are in. Since I was not a first timer I wanted more than a tourist experience. So I did a cooking class. Topped it off with dinner at the T&T Lounge - his neighborhood bar where you always feel welcome.
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
- $85 to $180
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Addis Ababa Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Addis Ababa.
How much does Addis Ababa Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch cost?
+
Prices start at $85 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 Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch take?
+
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 Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Addis Ababa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Addis Ababa Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch?
+
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 Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch suitable for kids and families?
+
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 Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch?
+
Around 1 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?
+
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 Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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 Authentic Private City Tour, Addis Ababa Guided City Tour With Airport & Hotel Pick Up, Full Day Tour of Addis Ababa with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off. 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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch?
+
Included: Private transportation; Other; Tea and coffee; Bottled water; and Lunch. Not included: Breakfast; Dinner; Personal expenses and tips; and On-board restrooms. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Addis Ababa Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 175 listed pickup locations in and around Addis Ababa. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Addis Ababa Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch offered in?
+
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 Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch?
+
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.
What happens to Addis Ababa Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Addis Ababa. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Addis Ababa Private City Tour with Immersive Cooking Class Lunch.
Pick your date
