Abeba Tours Ethiopia

Abeba Tours Ethiopia is a locally based operator that opened in 2007. It was started by an Ethiopian-American couple who met in Addis Ababa, and it runs a young office team with its own field staff, drivers and guides. Alongside multi-region itineraries across the north, south, east and west of Ethiopia, it publishes a dedicated set of Addis Ababa programmes, which makes it a useful option for visitors with only a few days in the capital or a long stopover.

The core product for city visitors is a full-day Addis Ababa city tour. The operator's own description of the capital highlights the places that usually feature on such a day: Meskel Square, the city's best-known open space; Merkato, where it counts more than 7,000 businesses grouped by trade, from produce and coffee pots to spices, clothing and recycled goods; the Ethnological Museum, with its exhibition arranged around the stages of life; and the Entoto Hills, which rise to the north and are sacred in the Orthodox faith. In the evening it points visitors towards Fendika, the city's best-known venue for azmari music and Ethio-jazz.

Beyond the city, Abeba Tours offers a range of one-day trips from Addis Ababa, and two- and three-day trips that include a night outside the capital. Named short programmes include two days in Awash National Park and three days in eastern Ethiopia around Harar. These suit travellers who want to see some of the countryside without committing to a long overland journey.

The company's programmes are private and arranged on request, so they work well for couples, families and small groups who want a guide and vehicle to themselves. Contact the team with your dates, interests and pace, and ask for a written itinerary showing what is included, such as entry fees, meals and hotel pick-up. Book a few days ahead for city tours and earlier for overnight trips, especially around the major festivals of Meskel in September and Timket in January, when demand rises.

Contact is through the phone number and the enquiry form on the company's website. Combining a guided city day with independent time at the National Museum, Unity Park and a coffee house in Piazza gives a good balance for a first visit.