ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
Solo Tour Guides
To fully appreciate Addis Ababa you need to book a Solo Tour Guide, your local friendly tour guide. A Solo Tour Guide can show you the tourist sites, places off the beaten track or discover places where the locals go. They are there to help you, looking after your safety and welfare at all times. Book a Solo Tour Guide and plan your day together.
Manuela
Manuela has a degree in Marketing Management. In addition this knowledge has come in useful for various jobs that she does. For instance not only is she a tourist guide, but also a wedding planner, events organiser and marketeer. Her hobbies include watching movies, going on camping trips, reading, cooking and going to music festivals. An all rounder who enjoys activities, book Manuela to help you discover Addis Ababa by clicking on the green button below.
Manuela is 28 years old, covid vaccinated, does not smoke and speaks English and Amharic.
Total cost for the guide services of Manuela for one day (8 hours) = a non refundable deposit of USD 45 by Paypal or major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) PLUS USD 70 in cash to Manuela after her services. Total 115 US dollars.
Alternatively the cost for the guide services of Manuela for half a day (4 hours) = a non refundable deposit of USD 25 by Paypal or major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) PLUS USD 40 in cash to Manuela after her services. Total 65 US dollars.
This does not include transport, entrance fees or any food & beverage costs.
Mulugeta
Born in the northern part of Ethiopia, Mulugeta now lives in Addis Ababa. For his studies he concentrated on political science and tourism. He now works as a teacher in a High School. However Mulugeta also works for a travel agency showing tourists the city of Addis Ababa and beyond. For an interesting tour of Addis Ababa, please book Mulugeta by clicking on the green button below.
Mulugeta is 36 years old, does not smoke and speaks English and Amharic.
Total cost for the guide services of Mulugeta for one day (8 hours) = a non refundable deposit of USD 45 by Paypal or major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) PLUS USD 70 in cash to Mulugeta after his services. Total 115 US dollars.
Alternatively the cost for the guide services of Mulugeta for half a day (4 hours) = a non refundable deposit of USD 25 by Paypal or major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) PLUS USD 40 in cash to Mulugeta after his services. Total 65 US dollars.
This does not include transport, entrance fees or any food & beverage costs.
How To Book A Solo Tour Guide
To book any of our Solo Tour Guides please go to the enquiry form.
Or send an email to info@solotourguides.com.
Alternatively whatsapp +94-76-630-1069.
Remember a Solo Tour Guide looks after your safety and welfare at all times.
Highlights of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia. Its location is in the Ethiopian Highlands next to the Great Rift Valley. A thriving commercial city, it is also a cultural hub for the arts. Its population is over 2.7 million.
The previous capital of Ethiopia was Entoto, located against the backdrop of Mount Entoto. Menelik II chose this place because of its strategic importance in 1884. However because of the cold climate, lack of water and firewood, Addis Ababa became the new capital in 1889. Indeed the Empress Taytu Betul enjoyed the hot springs of Addis Ababa. Along with the Shewan Royal Court, they enjoyed taking mineral baths. Hence Addis Ababa also goes by the name “Finfinne” in reference to its hot springs.
Nowadays the seat of government is located in the same place as the Empress built her house. In 1887 extensions to the original building made it into an Imperial Palace.
In the beginning there was no housing plan. Dwellings sprouted up made of mud and straw. It was only in the 1920’s when major concrete construction really took place. Due mainly to the importation of stone and European furnishings. As well as an increase in prosperity from a booming middle class.
The Italian Invasion
Europeans began to make trade routes but it was the Italians who made their mark. They arrived in 1936. Addis Ababa had escaped the bombardments of mustard gas unlike other Ethiopian cities. Their purpose being to create Italian East Africa. This comprised of Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia. It lasted until 1941.
During their rule, various Italian architects produced master plans in an attempt to control the growth of what was a disorganised scrawling city. However the architects could rarely agree between themselves. In the end large boulevards aligned with large monuments became the norm. Very much in tune with the fascism style of the day. Probably trying to keep in favour with Mussolini a the same time.
When the Italians left, the previous emperor, Haile Selassie, was reinstated in 1941. Things began to turn sour with his lack of understanding of the needs of his starving public. Crushing demonstrations, his power came to an end when a small group turned against him called the Derg. The group called themselves the Provisional Military Administration Council (PMAC). Derg rule lasted until 1991.
From 1991 onwards, Ethiopia became a Federal Democratic Republic. The ruling party being the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), so formed by a coalition to overthrow the Derg.
The Current Focus of Addis Ababa
Today Addis Ababa is a thriving commercial hub, rivalling any other African major city in the region. Various important associations have their headquarters here. For example the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Ethiopian youth are also a driving force not to be under estimated. Apart form the Addis Ababa University, there is diversity in the arts, theatre, music and fashion. And what with the new technologies of today, young Ethiopians are keen to make their presence.
Discover what Ethiopia has to offer by booking your Solo Tour Guide for Addis Ababa.
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