Addis Ababa: Altitude, Markets, and a Whole Lotta Hustle

okay, so i’m back from…addis ababa. ethiopia. wow. just…wow. i’m still trying to process it all, honestly. it’s been a trip, a real trip. i feel like i need a nap and a strong cup of coffee, but here’s what i’ve got.

first of all, the altitude. seriously. they don’t mess around. it’s like, 2,355-2,665 meters (7,726-8,743 feet) above sea level. i just checked and it’s 16.12°c (60.92°f) there right now, feels like 14.73°c (58.51°f), humidity is 36%, pressure is 1016, and ground level is 769. hope you like that kind of thing. i felt a little lightheaded the first day, you know? gotta take it easy. someone told me that a lot of people have issues adjusting, so be prepared. bring some water, don't overdo it on day one.

and the city itself…it’s just…a lot. it’s the third-highest capital city in the world, apparently. who knew? it’s right near this rift valley thing, surrounded by hills and stuff. it’s got this history too, founded by Emperor Menelik II way back when. apparently, the original capital, Entoto, wasn’t working out, so they moved to Addis Ababa, which means “new flower” in Amharic. cute, right?

body of water near city buildings during daytime

okay, let’s talk about mercato. oh. my. god. it’s one of africa’s largest open-air markets. it’s…intense. like, seriously intense. crowded, chaotic, a sensory overload. you can find anything there, i swear. i got completely lost, but in a good way, you know? just wandering around, soaking it all in. be prepared to haggle, and watch your belongings. someone told me it’s best to go with a guide, especially if you’re a tourist. i didn’t, and i survived, but maybe it’s a good idea.

and the food! i didn’t find a ton of specifics about addis ababa-specific dishes, but apparently, everyone eats injera and stews (wats). i tried it, of course. it’s…different. but good! i’m not sure i’m a huge fan of the injera itself, but the stews were flavorful. i need to look up some recipes when i get home.

a night view of a city with a lot of tall buildings

if you get bored, bahir dar is just a short drive away, apparently, near lake tana. and there are other hubs along trade routes to djibouti and eritrea. it’s a major trade center, apparently. everything goes through here. it’s a bit overwhelming, honestly.

there’s piazza and bole road, which are supposed to have european-style shopping centers. i didn’t spend much time there, to be honest. i preferred the chaos of mercato. and entoto hill, with the old capital ruins. that was pretty cool, the views were amazing.

apparently, it’s a really diverse place, with a population of almost 4 million. lots of amharic speakers. and it’s growing fast. it’s got a high human development index, whatever that means. it’s a major diplomatic hub too, home to the african union headquarters. i didn’t see much of that, though.

things to be aware of? altitude sickness, crowds at mercato, rainy seasons (february-april and june-september). and apparently, there’s a contrast between the city and the rural areas.

it’s just…a lot to take in. it’s not your typical tourist destination, that’s for sure. it’s raw, it’s real, it’s chaotic. but it’s also fascinating. i’m glad i went. i’m just…tired now. really, really tired. i need that coffee.

Addis Ababa: Altitude, Markets, and a Whole Lotta Hustle

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About the author: Xenia More

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