Addis Ababa, meaning "New Flower" in Amharic, is the capital city of Ethiopia and a major center of African politics and culture. Founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul, the city sits at an altitude of about 2,355 meters (7,726 feet), making it one of the highest capitals in the world. This gives it a cool, pleasant climate year-round.
Known as the “political capital of Africa,” Addis Ababa hosts the headquarters of the African Union (AU), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and many international embassies. It serves as a hub for diplomacy, trade, and development, as well as important religious and cultural sites
The city also offers several major tourist attractions. The National museum of Ethiopia house ancient artifacts, royal items, and the world – famous Lucy (Dinqenesh). It is also features Homo Sapiens Idaltu, dating 160,000 years . The Ethnological Museum. Inside Emperor Haile Selassie’s I former palace. Displays Ethiopian’s art, music, and religious crosses.
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The magnificent Holly Trinity Cathedral is the final resting place of Emperor Hile Selassie I and his Empress Menen , with a museum full of imperial and church treasures . Nearby, Bahita Lemariam Church holds the tomb of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Tayitu (she gave the name Addis Ababa meaning new flower) in a serene hilltop.
St. George’s Cathedral is tied to the Battle of Adwa 1896 Menelik II carried the sacred Tabot St. Georg into battle . The church museum contains historic weapons, robes and religious art. The Grand Palace Museum at Unity Park inside the palace grounds showcases restore imperial halls, royal collections, traditional houses, and zoo, It tells the story of Ethiopia’s emperors and modern leadership.
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Other must –visit sites include Entoto Hills, with historic churches and scenic views; Merkato, Africa’s largest open- air market. With its blend of history, politics, culture, and natural beauty, Addis Ababa stands as a proud symbol of Ethiopia and the African continent.
Agelgil is more than a hiking program—it’s a movement to empower Ethiopian women and girls through eco-tourism. Nestled in the highlands above Addis Ababa, Entoto Mountain is not only rich in history and biodiversity, but also the daily path for hardworking women carrying heavy firewood to survive. Agelgil aims to transform this daily struggle into an opportunity—by turning Entoto’s trails into a sustainable tourism experience that uplifts the very women who walk them.
Objective
To empower Entoto women and girls—young, adult, and elderly—through sustainable eco-tourism by offering guided hikes, cultural experiences, and community-based tourism that directly benefits local families.
Entoto Mountain, over 3,000 meters high, offers clean air, no noise, no pollution, and no crowds — making it ideal for meditation and healing from stress or depression. It’s also the top training spot for Ethiopian Olympic legends like Haile Gebreselassie, Tirunesh Dibaba, Kenenisa Bekele, Meseret Defar, and Derartu Tulu. Many still train here today. Entoto is truly where champions and calm meet.
