A Black A** Travel Guide To Addis Ababa
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By: Kashiya Nwanguma
At this point, every Black millennial knows how lit Africa is. The images of starving children or civil war no longer permeate the Black consciousness regarding our motherland. I grew up with a Nigerian father and an African-American mother, so I’ve always understood this. I couldn’t be happier with the paradigm shift I have witnessed recently because I believe traveling to Africa as a Black person is a right of passage and essential to understanding part of our identity as individuals and as a people.
These Are The Best Black Things To Do In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The best things to do In Addis Ababa
I’m rooting for everybody Black, so let me put y’all on to one of Africa’s best-kept secrets, the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. In Amharic, the national language of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa means “new flower.” It is a city with an estimated population of 10 million that is often called the “hub of Africa” because it connects many major cities. Addis is hot, up and coming, and honestly so lit that even writing this gives me all nostalgic vibes. I spent over a year working in Ethiopia. While I lived in the countryside, I spent every weekend in Addis, living my best life, blowing my birr (Ethiopian currency) like it was going out of style.
Since I spent so much time in the capital city, I have recommendations for things to do should you find yourself in Addis Ababa. Addis has so many restaurants, spas, hotels, clubs, bars, and places to shop that it can be a little overwhelming, but don’t worry, my expertise in all things related to turning up, eating well, and relaxing because you turned up too much will set you straight.
Where to eat in Addis Ababa
Firstly, and I’d argue most importantly, Ethiopian food is BOMB. You do not know if you’ve never had it, but you’re missing out. Not only is it healthy, but its delicious simplicity means it’s often reasonably priced, especially in Addis Ababa. You can find small restaurants all over the city, though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend walking into just any restaurant to eat because it’s a pro tip. If you eat at random small restaurants, you may get sick. Don’t worry; I’ve covered you with these cool, clean, traditional, and non-traditional restaurants.
First up is Kategna, a traditional Ethiopian spot with multiple locations around Addis Ababa. The food is served family-style on one big tray, and like most Ethiopian conventional food, you eat it with your hands using injera (a spongy flatbread) to scoop up different wots (stews made with veggies and meats.) Don’t forget to order jebena coffee (coffee made in a traditional Ethiopian clay pot) after your meal.
Next is Dessalech Kitfo, another traditional Ethiopian spot with many of the same foods as the previous one. Still, it also boasts a cultural dance show that showcases conventional dance performances from some of the nine regions of Ethiopia. There’s MK’s Wolo Safar, which has Ethiopian and foreign cuisine. MK’s also has live performances several times a week. If you start to crave Western food, head to Five Loaves, which is hands down my favorite foreign restaurant in all of Addis.
Where To Experience Nightlife In Addis Ababa
Now, on to my other favorite thing: the turn-up! Believe it or not, Addis is quite the party city because of a large population of young professionals. Both young ex-pats and Ethiopian nationals will use any excuse to get lit on the weekends and sometimes during the week (I’m so guilty of the latter). If you're looking for a pregame spot, you can hit up Libro, a hole-in-the-wall with the cheapest drinks ever, or Mojito Bar, Mojito Bar, which is a delicious craft cocktail spot.
If you’re into jazz, on Mondays, there’s Fendika, where you can have drinks and listen to some good Ethiopian jazz music. If you’re a turn-up queen/king/person like me, you’ll want to check out Diamond or Catch, which both play great music. If you go to catch, be prepared to walk out into the daylight since it stays open until 6:30 am.
Fendika Cultural Center
After a long night of hot mess-ery and a long day sleeping in, I love a good bottomless brunch to take the edge off the inevitable hangover. Both The Sheraton and The Hilton hotels have buffet-style bottomless brunch with bottomless champagne, but I prefer the Hilton’s food to the Sheraton’s. While you’re out being bad and boujee, you might as well head to Boston Day Spa for a facial, massage, or mani-pedi. Compared to the US, the prices in Boston are unbeatable, so you should take advantage.
As I mentioned before, I did not live in Addis Ababa, and before I had friends to stay with within the city, I would stay at Mr. Martin’s Cozy Place. It is very cozy, right in the center of the downtown area, and reasonably priced at about $30/night. They serve complimentary breakfast in the morning and complimentary coffee and tea all day. The owner, Dawit, is the absolute best, and the staff there are sweet and always helpful.
After you’ve spoiled yourself for your entire stay in Addis, you’ll want to buy some keepsakes for family and friends. I’d say head over to Posta Bet of Friendship Shopping Centre. They have t-shirts, bags, paintings, traditional dresses, and ornaments.
Top tips for visiting Addis Ababa
Well, there you have it, an insider’s guide to Addis Ababa. Pick some things that interest you from the list, but don’t forget to explore and forge your path, too! Also, here are a few pro tips to keep you safe and happy while you’re in Addis Ababa:
Addis has many pickpockets, so never keep your belongings in your outside pockets. Wearing a fanny pack across my chest was the best way to keep my belongings safe. If you have a purse, put the strap under your jacket because I have witnessed someone try to rip my friend’s bag off their body.
I would recommend using Ethiopia's version of Uber, called Ride, to get around, and I would avoid the blue taxis at all costs because they’re very overpriced and often old.
Never walk long distances at night, alone or in a group, because doing so can draw negative attention.
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