Begin your tour at the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa. Head straight to the basement to see the paleontological section. Spend 45 minutes here, and see Lucy, the 3.2-million-year-old Australopithecus afarensis fossil, Ethiopia’s most famous prehistoric find. Also view Ardi, a fossil older than Lucy, and other hominid fossils and evolutionary displays.

Next, move chronologically forward to the ground floor to see ancient stone tools and pre-Aksumite artefacts, remarkable steles (obelisks) from Tiya (UNESCO site), and prehistoric cultural items showing early human development. Spend 30 minutes exploring these archaeological highlights.

Then, head to the ground floor to see the medieval and regal section. Spend 30 minutes here and see the crowns and royal regalia of Ethiopian emperors (Solomonic dynasty), as well as ancient manuscripts, crosses, and religious artefacts showing Ethiopia’s deep Christian heritage.

Finally, head to the second floor to see the ethnographic and art section. Take a quick walk-through of Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic cultures, and see traditional clothing, instruments, and household items. If time allows, pause at the museum exit for photos and a brief reflection.

If your tour includes the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum as well, begin your tour here. Spend an hour seeing the battle diorama, weaponry, and pan-African legacy. Then, take a 20-minute walk or short drive to the National Museum, and spend the remaining 2 hours exploring the museum.