Spring Ethiopia Tours

Addis Ababa: 1886

In 1886, Menilik needed to change his capital from a small town called Addis Alem to a more central location. The initial site selected for the palace was Entoto, the hilly area north of present day Addis. The palace site was later changed to the present location on the recommendation of his wife, Taitu, who was already finding the natural hot springs (Filwoha) at the foot of the mountain a much better place than the chilly heights. By the beginning of the century the new city was well established with several large buildings and growing population as well as eucalyptus trees imported from Australia.

Addis Ababa is almost exactly at the center and serves as the hub of the country. It is connected by major high ways with the surrounding regions.

Addis Ababa enjoys an ideal climate with brilliant African sunshine and clean cool air at an altitude of 2200-2600 meters, making it the third highest capital of the world.