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3 reviews of Addis Mercato

The Most Crowded Place in Addis Abeda

Everyone will tell you not to go to the Merkato area in Addis Ababa. Or if you must go, don't bring a camera, documents, or valuables. On the other hand, you probably know that this is the largest African outdoor market. Let me just tell you actually leave all valuables in a safe place, except for some cash and for your camera which should be worn around the neck ... and as soon as we got there, two cops (or maybe soldiers), came to "escort" us. We didn't see it all, as we were only on a ship deck, with crowded craft stalls from all over the country, as well as clothing stalls and appliances for the locals and not much else.

Nothing happened to us. We can never know if it really was dangerous (usually threats are more dramatic than reality, but you never know unless you go and see for yourself). What I would say is that it is no longer Africa's largest outdoor market. No. It is now a large network of streets where quite unsightly buildings or even shacks have been turned into shops or businesses. It is preserved by a specialist organization, and so, if you want to go shopping, you must go to a specific area. If you want clothes, to another, etc. With the monsoon rain and cold (Addis is at a considerable height, even in August it isn't hot, except for times when the sun shines, which are few), the truth is that it was not very appetizing walking around. But I don't think you should give up, and probably with a little discretion and some time, it is a more interesting place.
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+3

El Merkato

This is the most spectacular and the largest outdoor market in all of Africa. It consists of hundreds of streets with thousands of stalls selling everything that one might need. It is also the most dangerous place in Addis Ababa. We rode in a car and they driver did not let us get out, although I would have loved to stroll through the streets full of people and browse the stalls. I noticed that people looked at us in a strange way, but I could not tell if it was good or bad. This was the end of our trip to Ethiopia, a country that I will never forget. I recommend it if you want to have a unique

Experience.
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+7

+2
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