Addis Ababa

Perched at nearly 2,400 meters above sea level, Addis Ababa is Africa's highest capital city and the political heart of the continent, housing the headquarters of the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa. The name translates to 'New Flower', founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taitu on the slopes of the Entoto Mountains. The city offers a striking contrast between modern high-rises and ancient tradition. Here, you can wander through the bustling labyrinths of Merkato reportedly the largest open air market in Africa where everything from spices and hand woven fabrics to recycled metal artwork is traded. At the National Museum of Ethiopia, stand face to face with 'Lucy' (Dinkinesh), the 3.2 million year old hominid fossil that redefined human evolutionary history. No visit to Addis is complete without partaking in an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Green coffee beans are roasted over glowing coals, ground by hand with pestle and mortar, and brewed three times in a traditional clay pot (jebena), served alongside burning frankincense and fresh popcorn.