Addis Ababa to Johannesburg Flights

  About Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and is one of the most important cities in Africa. It is also the largest city in Ethiopia. The city is also considered as the political capital of Africa since it houses the headquarters of the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. It is situated in the foothills of Entoto Mountains and is one of the five highest capital cities of the world. Ethiopia is known for producing the best coffee in the world, and there's nothing better than actually flying to the country to try some. The city has a rich economic, scientific and political history and several museums that showcase these findings. In fact, you will also come across a museum that solely focuses on telling people how politics can make bad history. Not to mention, it is also a great place to go on a shopping spree for Ethiopian products, lots of coffee grounds and souvenirs. While Addis Ababa is not a popular vacation destination, a lot of travellers usually explore the city when they have a long layover. If you do not have any time constraints as such, you can definitely explore the city and be amazed at how it has progressed.

Best Time to Visit Addis Ababa

Ethiopia is called the Cradle of Mankind and is one of the best places to visit in Africa. January to March is a high season in Ethiopia. The temperature ranges from 10 to 24 degree Celsius with slight rainfalls. It doesn't rain as much in Addis Ababa, but it does in the other cities. Summer is the perfect time for you to spot wildlife like giraffes, wolves and ibex. You can also attend events like Timkat and Leddet in summer. Hiking in the Bale or Simien mountains is one of the only things that you will not be allowed to do in summer. Since this is high season, make sure you book your flight tickets to Addis Ababa in advance and book your hotels in Addis Ababa several weeks in advance. The prices begin to surge since the city welcomes a lot of tourists in this season.

April to September is a low tourist season in Addis Ababa since this is when the monsoon begins. The city can get pretty hot, sticky and uncomfortable in monsoon. While you might get cheap flight tickets to Addis Ababa in monsoon owing to the dip in tourism, it is best to postpone your trip. However, if you still visit the city in monsoon, you will be allowed to go sightseeing at certain parks like the Omo and Mago Valley, but the major attractions remain shut. The temperature ranges from 12 to 25 degree Celsius during summer. October to December is also summer in Addis Ababa, and the temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degree Celsius. However, it is still a shoulder season in the city where only a few tourists will be seen. The weather remains cooler as compared to the high season. October to December is also an ideal time to go hiking in the Simien mountains. You might come across some excellent flight deals to Addis Ababa online during the shoulder season. If you plan to visit any time between October and December, ensure that you make the most of this deal. You will also get great discounts at the hotel you will be staying in, or maybe you pick one that comes with a lot of offers.

Places to Visit in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa has a lot of museums that narrate the sad story of its past. The 'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum is one of those museums that will shake you. It recalls the terrible incidents that have taken place in the city and give you a perspective in life. The National Museum is yet another popular tourist attraction that you can visit. St George Cathedral and Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral are few of the other popular spots in the city that you cannot miss. Head over to Merkato if you want to go on a shopping spree. Fair warning: It will be crowded so be prepared for it. You can also visit the Lion of Judah Monument that holds a lot of significant positions in the city. The Derg Monument is a reminder to the people of Addis Ababa about the pain and struggles that they went through during the communist rule. You can also roam around the Addis Ababa University and be amazed at the beautiful campus. You can also climb up the Entoto Mountain and catch the panoramic view of the city from up here. It can get pretty overwhelming. However, make sure that you are hiking up the hill during the right season. It is not safe to hike in the mountains during monsoon. You can also visit the Addis Ababa Museum, which was founded in 1986. The city has a lot of museums and historical landmarks that you cannot miss.

Things to do in Addis Ababa

You can catch the magnificent view of the entire city from Mount Entoto. Hiking in the forest of Eucalyptus trees sure does count as quite an adventure. You can also sign for a sightseeing tour covering all the museums in the city. Mercato is Africa's biggest open-air market, and you will buy everything from handmade baskets to spices at the market. It also has a separate section where shopkeepers sell second-hand items. Head over to Tomoca Coffee for the most refreshing cup of freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee in different flavours. You can also order for Macchiato, which is equally excellent. The Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum is a great place to learn more about Ethiopia's tragic past. If you want to go on a shopping spree for traditional clothes, you can try the Shiro Meda; it is near the US Embassy in Addis Ababa. The restaurants in the city have a very active dance and music scene along with delicious food. Make sure you do try some of that. You can also check out the statue of Emperor Menelik II, who was the founder of Addis Ababa.

Lagar Railway Station is yet another tourist attraction that you cannot miss. It is the first-ever railway station in the city, and its unique architecture is what makes it special. Medhane Alem Church at Bole District is one of the biggest Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Churches, and it is breathtakingly beautiful. Head over to check out the Tiglachin (Dreg) Monument, which stands as a reminder that Ethiopia was victorious over all of its invaders. You can also sign up for a food tour in the city and get to know more about the culinary speciality here.

Food and Restaurants in Addis Ababa

Ethiopian food is known for being spicy, and while it may not be as popular as European or Asian food worldwide, it is worth trying. If you are new to Ethiopian food, your first experience will be out of this world. Addis Ababa has a lot of restaurants that serve traditional Ethiopian food with music and dance. They also have a lot of restaurants that serve other cuisines from all over the world and cannot be missed. Totot is a restaurant that specialises in Ethiopian cuisine. Make sure you order the Kitfo here that melts in your mouth and is quite spicy. The restaurant is packed on weekends so make sure you reach the restaurant early, so you don't have to wait for a long time. Yod Abyssinia is yet another restaurant that reflects the country's food, dance and music culture. The decor of the place is unique, and it is also quite close to the airport. You can order the tibs, Shiro and Doro wat here along with kitfo. The Addis Ababa restaurant in Arada can be a little difficult to find, but it is completely worth it. A lot of locals believe that the food here tastes like homemade food.

How to reach Addis Ababa (Transportation)

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is about 6 km from the city centre. The flight connectivity to Addis Ababa from India is excellent. Ethiopian Airlines has direct flights to Addis Ababa from India. Egyptair, Kenya Airways and Emirates Airline also have flights to Addis Ababa with layovers at Cairo, Nairobi and Dubai. It might be difficult to get cheap flight tickets to Addis Ababa if you book at the last moment. If you book several weeks in advance, you might get exciting flight deals to Addis Ababa online that are worth exploring. It is quite convenient to get a cab or car rental service from the airport to your hotel. However, it is advisable to pre-book your cab online. You can also opt for an airport shuttle service that your hotel might offer. The airport also has premium lounges, restrooms and a lot of other services for the convenience of the passengers. The airport opened its first business class lounge in 2012, and they are also planning to add spas and another lounge soon.

  About Johannesburg

Johannesburg is in South Africa and one of the most diverse cities in the country with about 11 national languages. It is also one of the world's largest cities that is not situated near a river, coastline or lake. The city has a rough history of violence and politics. The locals have suffered racial segregation and political turbulence. Late Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, or Mahatma Gandhi as he is respectfully called, used to work in the city as a lawyer and was also the catalyst in starting a revolution in the city for equal rights. The city has quite a lot of museums, sites that are dedicated to legendary revolutionists like Nelson Mandela, Robert Sobukwe, Walter Sisulu and many more. In fact, Mandela played an important role in the history of South Africa. Not just history but the city is also known for its music, bohemian art and an eclectic dining scene. You can either book a hotel in Johannesburg that is closer to the historical monuments or with a beautiful view of the city, and you will find myriad options if you book it at the right time.

Best Time to Visit Johannesburg

December to February is the high season in Johannesburg, and the temperature ranges from 13 to 25 degree Celsius. Make sure you book a hotel in Johannesburg well in advance since the availability and reasonable prices will be tough at the last moment. It is also quite difficult to get cheap flight tickets to Johannesburg during summer. You will also have to pack your umbrella since it rains in summer here. You can attend events like Johannesburg International Mozart Festival and FNB Dance Umbrella that happen any time between January to March. If you don't mind the scorching heat that comes with an increase in humidity, this is the perfect time to head to Johannesburg. But be prepared to wait in queues at major tourist attractions. If you are a history buff, you will absolutely enjoy your stay in the city.

March to May is autumn season in the city, and it is also an ideal time to head to Johannesburg. You won't have to deal with a hot summer or a cold winter. The weather is quite pleasant, and the temperature ranges from 7 to 24 degree Celsius. The best part about travelling to the city during this season is that there will be fewer tourists. You can book a hotel in Johannesburg at a lower price, and you'll also come across some decent flight deals to Johannesburg in autumn. You can attend events like the FNB Dance Umbrella and Rand Show. If you don't like crowded places, this is the perfect time to visit the city. You can explore it without having to wait in queues at the important monuments and places of historical significance.

Johannesburg experiences winter from June to August. You can find accommodation at affordable rates and cheap flight tickets to Johannesburg in winter. This is a low tourist season for the city, and the temperature ranges from 4 to 19 degree Celsius. The weather is pleasant, and it doesn't rain in the city, which makes it a perfect time to visit Johannesburg. You can attend the Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival in June or the Good Food and Wine Show that happens from July to August. September to November is the spring season, and the weather remains quite pleasant. The temperature ranges from 9 to 24 degree Celsius, and you can attend several events and festivals in the city like FNB Joburg Art Fair, Arts Alive, Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival and Johannesburg Pride. This is also the perfect time to find good flight deals online to Johannesburg, just like in autumn.

Places to Visit in Johannesburg

Market Theatre is a popular place in Johannesburg that showcases the vibrant culture of the city. You will also find book shops, photo galleries and restaurants here to visit after you are done visiting the theatre. South Africa is known for its wildlife, and the Lion Park is an important place to visit. It is an experience that will stay with you forever. Head over to Holy Hill for the most exhilarating view. This is the best place to take pictures. Johannesburg is also home to several histories and art museums. You can visit the Wits Art Museum and the Apartheid Museum to get to know more about the history of the city. SAB is owned by South African Breweries and is located in Newtown. You can opt for a guided tour and know more about the brewery through a 3D movie. You can also go on a beer tasting spree here and binge on some bar snacks. Mandela House is an important tourist attraction that you cannot miss. It used to be the house of Nelson Mandela which has been turned into a museum. You will find a lot of photos and paintings of Mandela and his family.

Take a break from all the sightseeing and head to Zoo Lake. It is surreal and one of the most romantic locations in the city. You can take a dip in the pool, go on a boat ride or take a stroll alongside the river. Mary Fitzgerald Square is named after South Africa's first female unionist. The place also pays tribute to the country's most talented Jazz musicians. If you are a history buff, you must visit Constitution Hill. You will get to witness a magnificent view of the city, and you will also get to know more about this site, which was once a prison. Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela were also held prisoners here. Lindfield Victorian House Museum is a unique site in Johannesburg, and you must take a two-hour tour of the museum. Pilanesberg National Park is the best place to head to if you want to experience wildlife at its best. You will spot a lot of animals like rhinos, elephants, African wild dogs, zebras and so on. You will also find 300 species of birds here.

Things to do in Johannesburg

Sign up for a sightseeing tour of the city to all the historical monuments. Johannesburg has a rich history, even though it is dark and full of struggles. The city has given the world a lot of revolutionary leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. You can visit all of these museums and monuments. You cannot miss experiencing South Africa's wildlife when you are planning a trip here. Johannesburg has national parks and zoos that are worth visiting. You can also opt for a safari ride at Lion Park. Sign up for a food tasting tour of the city to explore it better.

Food and Restaurants in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is one city that welcomes people of other ethnicities also to settle down. You will find a lot of Zimbabwean, Nigerian, Mozambican, Chinese, Indian and Somali cuisines. Some of the local delicacies like pap (boiled corn with mashed potatoes), umleqwa (Xhosa-style chicken stew), samosa (Malay and Indian delicacy) and boerewors, a sausage dish are worth trying. Wombles is a diner that is known for serving the most delicious steaks. If you are on a budget, you can head to Lucky Bean and order the Ostrich burger, springbok pie and Casamance chicken. Ristorante La Trinita is one of the best restaurants to head to for Italian cuisine. You can also try Plaka Restaurant Cresta for authentic Greek food. The Grillhouse Rosebank and The Local Grill are the best restaurants to go to if you want to binge on steak. Mozambique Linksfield serves delectable seafood and Portuguese food. If you want to try some Japanese fusion food with a glass of beer, you must try Urbanology. The Big Mouth serves lip-smacking sushi, grill, seafood and Asian cuisine. Mezepoli Meze and Wine Bar is a Greek restaurant that you will fall in love with instantly. You can also try Quills for authentic European cuisine. While fine dining is an excellent experience here, you can also try the local street food.

How to reach Johannesburg (Transportation)

O. R. Tambo International Airport is the busiest airport in South Africa and is also the main hub for South African Airways. The flight connectivity to Johannesburg from India is excellent. Air Seychelles, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Emirates Airline have frequent flights to Johannesburg from India with layovers at Mahe Island, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Dubai. The airport has a lot of car rental services that are available to passengers quite easily. The airport also has premium lounges, shopping areas, restaurants, cafes and a lot more for passengers. If you book at the right time, you might get cheap flight tickets to Johannesburg easily. If you are booking your flight tickets to Johannesburg during the offseason, you might come across some exciting flight deals to Johannesburg online, and you can't miss it. You can either book a hotel in Johannesburg that is closer to the airport or opt for one that is closer to the historical monuments.