Addis Ababa, Cradle of Humanity: In the Footsteps of Lucy at the National Museum of Ethiopia
Lucy, Humanity's Most Famous Ancestor
In the heart of Addis Ababa, the National Museum of Ethiopia holds one of the world's most precious scientific treasures: the partial skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis, nicknamed 'Lucy'. Discovered in 1974 in the Afar region, this 3.2-million-year-old fossil revolutionised our understanding of human evolution. Visitors can observe a faithful replica displayed on the ground floor while the original is kept in the museum's reserves. For any traveller landing at Bole International Airport, this visit is an essential stop just twenty minutes by taxi from the terminal.
A Museum with Exceptional Collections
Beyond Lucy, the National Museum offers a chronological journey spanning millions of years of history. The archaeology halls display stone tools among the oldest ever discovered, bearing witness to the continuous human presence on Ethiopian territory. The floor dedicated to religious art exhibits illuminated manuscripts, finely chiselled metal processional crosses and icons painted on wood that illustrate the richness of Ethiopian Orthodox Christian tradition, one of the oldest in the world. The ethnographic section offers a striking overview of the country's cultural diversity, with more than 80 ethnic groups represented through costumes, musical instruments and ritual objects.
Mount Entoto, a Panorama over the Capital
After visiting the museum, travellers can extend their exploration by climbing Mount Entoto, Addis Ababa's highest point at 3,200 metres above sea level. This historic site, where Emperor Menelik II established his first capital before founding Addis Ababa in 1886, offers a spectacular panoramic view over the city. The octagonal Entoto Maryam Church houses the tombs of Menelik II and his wife. The recently inaugurated Entoto Park offers outdoor activities such as zip-lining, rope courses and hiking trails through eucalyptus forests.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
The National Museum of Ethiopia is open daily and admission remains very affordable. Allow approximately two hours for a complete visit. From Bole Airport, the taxi or ride-hailing journey takes around twenty minutes. The best time to visit Addis Ababa is between October and May, when the weather is dry and sunny. The city's altitude (2,355 metres) gives it a pleasant temperate climate year-round, with temperatures ranging between 10 and 25 degrees. Don't forget a warm layer for the evenings, as nights can be cool at altitude.