The name of this sprawling capital city means ‘New Flower.’ Founded by Emperor Menelik in 1887 and with a population of about 4 million, Addis Ababa is Africa’s diplomatic capital with the headquarters for the Organization of African Unity located here. Impressive monuments of colonial architecture are scattered among stretches of sun-bleached shacks.

Drive through “Mercato” the largest open market on the continent. Make interesting stops that include the National Museum, the Ethnological Museum and the Ba’ata Church known as Menelik Mausoleum.

Enjoy souvenir shopping and visits to special art galleries. Hotel accommodation ranges from tourist class to luxury collection and varieties of restaurants serve delectable dishes from around the world.

If international arrival into Addis is on an evening flight, then that first overnight must be spent in town.