Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 0111-239702; Addis Ababa University, Algeria St)
Institute of Language Studies
teaches three Ethiopian languages (Amharic, Tigrinya and Orominya). Classes last four
months and cost US$100.
Head immediately left after entering the main university gates. The office is on the 2nd
floor, room 210.
Tours
There are no scheduled tours of Addis Ababa itself; however, if you contact one of Addis
Ababa's many travel agencies (
Click here
)
, most can usually arrange something.
Festivals & Events
Although Addis doesn't boast any major festivals of its own, it's a great place to catch
some of the national festivals. For Leddet and Timkat, head to Jan Meda Sports Ground,
in the north of the city, where the most exuberant celebrations take place. During Leddet
the festivities also include a traditional game of
genna
(hockey without boundaries).
When the festival of Meskel is underway, Meskal Sq is one of the best places to be in the
country. For more details on these festivals, see the Month by Month chapter.
For minor festivals and upcoming cultural events, check out www.addisallaround.com.
Great Ethiopian Run
Inaugurated in 2001, the 10km run is now the biggest mass-participation race on the con-
tinent. It takes over the city on the last Sunday of November and attracts over 20,000 run-
ners. Whether running or watching, it's a fun time and it's a great chance to see some of
East Africa's elite athletes in action.
RACE
Sleeping
Accommodation runs the gamut in Addis - brandish your flip-flop and do battle with
almighty insects, or sink into a sumptuous suite. It's all up to you, your budget and the
strength of your flip-flops.
For many years, budget travellers have congregated around the Piazza; however, with
hotels there starting to look a bit creaky, more and more travellers are moving out to the
brighter and newer options around the more salubrious surrounds of Bole and Haile
Gebreselassie Rds.
