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There are some times when you need to go with your gut and not traditional wisdom. That’s exactly what I had to do when I got into a stranger’s car in Addis Ababa while I was visiting the capital of Ethiopia. Exploring Addis Ababa ended up being one of the highlights of my trip. Here is what happened:
This article is part of my Trip Report: Starting Summer in East Africa including:
- My Comically Bad Luck Flying to Africa
- No Compensation for an Involuntary Business Class Downgrade?!?
- Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge IAD
- Review: Lufthansa Business Class Lounge IAD
- Review: Lufthansa B747-8 Economy IAD-FRA
- My First Flight on the Queen: My Thoughts
- Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge FRA
- Review: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge FRA
- Review: Lufthansa A330 Business Class FRA-NBO
- Review: DoubleTree by Hilton Nairobi Hurlingham
- Review: Air Kenya into the Safari
- JW Marriott Masai Mara Review: Luxury in the Savannah, a Truly Unforgettable Safari
- Is the JW Marriott Masai Mara Worth $3k a Night?
- Review: Aspire Lounge Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (NBO)
- Review: Kenya Airways NBO-ZNZ E190
- Exploring Tanzania: My Thoughts on Zanzibar
- When Flights Don’t Go as Planned: Delayed in Zanzibar
- Review: Air Tanzania ZNZ-ARK
- Mt. Kilimanjaro Day Hike: My Thoughts
- Exploring Moshi, Tanzania: What Everyone Gets Wrong
- Review: Twiga Lounge by Aspire Lounge Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Weirdest Flight Delay I Have Ever Had…
- Review: Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa Executive Regency Suite
- Exploring Addis Ababa: My Thoughts
- Review: Ethiopian Cloud Nine Business Class Lounge Addis Ababa
- Review: Ethiopian Cloud Nine B787-8 Business Class ADD-IAD
- My 18 Hour Odd Business Class Experience: A Stop in Lome, Togo?
Exploring Addis Ababa
After the tour I had booked to visit, the city was canceled, followed by the backup tour I booked was canceled for very sad reasons. In need of someone to show me around Addis Ababa, I enlisted the help of the hotel concierge, who was friendly and offered me a connection to someone he recommended. I agreed, but I was not expecting the day I had in Ethiopia.
I have to give a massive shout-out to Sami, who was a phenomenal guide in Addis Ababa. Thank you for taking the time to show me around and telling me some of your stories.
After getting picked up, we first visited the National Museum in Addis Ababa, which was fascinating to learn about both the history of Ethiopia and the ancient history of our ancestors. The museum was certainly interesting, but it was not a top attraction for me.
Next, we visited a small clothing market which was beautiful and cool to see. We then proceeded to drive up to Entoto Park, a gorgeous park that overlooks the city. After reaching the park and enjoying the views, we continued to explore other areas. There was archery, gocarts, a trampoline park, and even horseback riding.
We also had a look at the spa because why not. Definitely worth a treatment, given both the beauty and price (it is relatively affordable), but I wish I had time to do that.
Touching Hospitality
After that, I asked Sami if he was getting hungry, thinking that I would take him out to lunch. He asked me what I wanted to eat, and I suggested authentic Ethiopian food, whatever he recommended. We went to a nearby restaurant where I had one of the most incredible meals, truly delicious, along with two of his friends.
When it came time to pay, I tried to and really insisted, but it turns out I had been dining with the manager of the restaurant, who comped our meal. This was the kindness that I experienced in throughout my time in Addis Ababa, which is incredible.
My Thoughts
I loved every minute I was in Ethiopia. While I stayed inside Addis Ababa, which is safer relative to other more conflict-torn areas, there were people who said I should not visit. I enjoyed my time, and although I was originally somewhat hesitant, I received some of the best hospitality I have felt around the globe.
I had an amazing time exploring the city with Sami, who I keep in touch with to this day. If you are looking for a tour guide in the city, feel free to contact me (form linked below), and I will gladly connect you.
The Last Point
Say yes. Step outside your comfort zone. It is worth it, I promise.
I took a risk and said yes to exploring Addis Ababa with a complete stranger, and it ended up being one of my favorite days of the entire trip. It opened my eyes to new perspectives and led me to learn new perspectives.
When have you taken a step outside your comfort zone? Comment below!
Nonstop Points has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Nonstop Points and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. This post may contain affiliate links; please read our advertiser disclosure for more information
We spent 4 days in Addis in May (also using ANA biz RTW award). Enjoyed the service on airline though seat was there old angled flat seat. Made three mistake of using the Cloud 9 immigration line instead of the e-visa line. Three $85/person visa fee is also steep.
If you walk instead of being in a car, the city is a whole different experience. I imagine you got some traffic except up in the hills. Noise, exhaust fumes and road dust were overwhelming. Construction is everywhere and I was mistaken as a Chinese person on business; it was obvious why when we flew out and the airport was packed with Chinese people. Also a lot of people, especially children, were homeless and we witness a couple of what appeared to be evictions.
On the other hand, as you found, the people are super friendly and we probably said hello to more people in those 4 days than our whole lifetime. Locals seemed pleasantly delighted to see foreigners walking. We only knew how to say hello and thank you but we’re told that’s much appreciated especially as three words for thank you it’s so hard to pronounce. We also enjoyed seeing herds of goats and donkeys intermixed with all the cars though I’m guessing the animals wouldn’t enjoy it knowing their fate.
At the time, the negative aspects made it hard to fully enjoy our experienced but shortly after finishing our RTW, we actually really appreciated tiger time. Hence, I was really happy to read your article Payton. If we could do it again, we’d spend more time in three city so we could get out to see other parts away from Addis.
The visa fee is steep, but it was similar to other East Africa countries. I am glad you also had an amazing experience in Addis Ababa! I certainly want to do an ANA RtW award at some point and given availability, going back to Ethiopia might make sense. Thanks for the thoughtful comment!
Hi! Read your interesting review of Addis Ababa. It sounds like a fascinating city and the history of Ethiopia is rather intriguing. I transit Ethiopia once a year. I’ve often given thought to actually stopping over for a few days. However, one of the issues that’s prevented me from doing so is not having a reliable guide in that area. In that regard, I would like to have your tour guide’s (Sami) contact info.
Feel free to fill out the contact form and I can connect you.