Ethiopia’s capital is located more or less in the dead centre of the country and is the world’s third highest capital (2,400m). Its name means ‘New Flower’ and it is a relatively modern city, founded in 1887 by the Emperor Menelik II. In just over a century it has grown from nothing into a modern metropolis of several million people. Its altitude lends it a comfortable climate and throughout the year the weather is temperate with just the occasional downpour.

Places to visit include the National museum – one of the most important sub-Saharan museums in Africa – and the Ethnological Museum which is located in the former Emperor Haile Selassie’s palace grounds. The Merkato (market) is one of the largest in East Africa and well worth a visit. There are also several interesting Orthodox churches to see including the church of the Holy Trinity, whose dome is a prominent landmark in the city.