🇪🇹 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Wollo safer
📍 XQVF+M5W, Africa Ave, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Your stay — Wollo safer
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Addis Ababa.
The Property — Wollo safer
The Wollo Safar is a functional three-star hotel in Addis Ababa's Bole district, offering clean, no-frills rooms and a reliable buffet breakfast. Its lobby feels like a busy transit lounge—linoleum floors, a television playing Ethiopian news, and staff efficiently checking guests in and out. It suits budget-conscious travellers and short-stay visitors who need a safe, central base near the airport without any pretence. If you want character or quiet, look elsewhere; if you need a practical bed and a shower that works, this does the job.
Chronicles of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa was founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II and his wife Empress Taytu Betul, who chose the hot springs that give the city its name ('New Flower'). Unlike many African capitals, it was never colonised, remaining the imperial seat through the Italian occupation (1936–1941) as a centre of resistance. The city's architectural story is a jumble of Italian rationalist blocks from the 1930s, Soviet-era concrete from the Derg period (1974–1991), and recent glass-and-steel towers financed by Chinese investment. Today it hosts the African Union headquarters, making it a diplomatic crossroads where Amharic, Oromo and English blend in the streets. Contemporary Addis is fast-growing, chaotic, and proud—a city that keeps its history visible in the faded signboards and eucalyptus trees lining the avenues.
Best Time to Visit
Full Addis Ababa guide →Best months
October, November and March—after the long rains (June–September) and before the short rains (February–April), with clear skies and temperatures around 20–22°C. Crowds are moderate as these are low tourism months.
Peak / festival surge
September and January. September has the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash, 11 Sept) and the Meskel festival (27 Sept) with massive public celebrations; hotels can double their rates. January sees the Timkat celebration (19–20 Jan) drawing pilgrims and tourists, with prices up 50-80%.
Budget shoulder season
May and early June offer discounts of 20–30% as the rainy season approaches but the city is still dry and the landscape is green. Fewer business travellers means quieter streets.
Weather & packing
Addis sits at 2,355 metres elevation, so it's cool year-round (15–23°C diurnal range) with sudden downpours even in dry months. Pack layers—a light jacket or fleece for evenings—and always carry a small umbrella, even if the morning is clear.
Live City Briefing — Addis Ababa
- The Addis Ababa Light Rail (blue and green lines) now operates extended hours until 10pm, making Bole easier to reach from the city centre without taxis.
- The Ethiopian government launched a visa-on-arrival e-payment pilot at Bole Airport this year; check if your nationality is eligible to avoid cash queues.
- New cafes and co-working spaces have opened along Bole Road near the hotel, including a branch of Tomoca Coffee, a 1953 Addis institution known for its strong Ethiopian espresso.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Wollo safer, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) to minimize potential street noise from Africa Avenue. The hotel has a single lift that serves all floors, so you won't have to worry about long walks or navigating stairs.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift as it may be audible from your room, especially if you're a light sleeper. Also, rooms on the ground floor may be noisier due to the proximity to the main entrance and possible foot traffic.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Africa Avenue doesn't offer any notable views, but you might catch a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape from the upper floors.
Quietest floors
2nd floor
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from Africa Avenue may be a concern, especially during peak hours. The hotel's on-site parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, which may lead to some noise and activity.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a premium WiFi upgrade for 150 ETB per day if you need a more reliable internet connection. Also, be prepared to pay 50 ETB per night for parking at the nearest public car park if the hotel's on-site parking is full.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Wollo safer
Free 5 Mbps (guest log-in via room number); premium 15 Mbps available at 150 ETB per day
One lift serves all 4 floors; no stairs-only sections
Digital copies of The Reporter and Addis Fortune via hotel tablet in lobby; no physical papers
Check-in 14:00–22:00; early bag drop allowed from 08:00; late check-out until 17:00 costs 50% of room rate
Free for day of arrival or departure; longer storage 100 ETB per day
Step-free main entrance and lift; no wheelchair-accessible rooms or adapted bathrooms
On-site free parking for 6 cars (first-come, first-served). Nearest public car park is 300 m away, 50 ETB per night. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; 500 ETB incidental hold on card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Thehadso International Church (700 m · ~9 min walk)
- Mosque: Welo Sefer Mosque (747 m · ~9 min walk)
- Church: Bole Bible Baptist Church (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Place of worship: ፃድቁ አቡነ ጎርጎሪዎስ ቤተ ክርስቶያን ፲፱፻፺፫ ዓ.ም ተመሠረተ (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Grace Plaza — 2.3 km · ~29 min walk
Peacock Park — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 572 m · ~7 min walk
Ze Gelia Pharmacy — 701 m · ~9 min walk
Lancha — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Ethiopian Birr, ETB
Use Dashen Bank or Commercial Bank of Ethiopia branches in Bole area; avoid airport and hotel bureaux for poor rates.
Cards accepted in supermarkets and mid-range hotels; cash essential for street food, taxis, and small shops.
10% in restaurants if service charge not added; round up taxi fare; small note for hotel porter.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Street-side coffee ceremony or small kiosk: 5–10 ETB.
Injera and wot from a local cafeteria or 'buna bet': 50–80 ETB.
Tibs or shiro with injera at a small restaurant: 80–120 ETB for a main.
Around Bole Medhane Alem area or near bus stations—fried sambusas, roasted corn, and dabo kolo.
Shem Ltd Supermarket and Friends Supermarket are common in the area.
Bole Road market stalls near Getu Commercial Centre for second-hand and affordable new clothes.
Blue taxis (minibuses) cost 5–10 ETB per ride; from airport take a minibus heading towards Bole.
Eat at local cafeterias instead of tourist spots; always negotiate taxi fare before getting in; buy coffee beans from market rather than cafes.
Emergency Contacts
Addis AbabaFor general emergencies, also dial 911 (US-style system works in some areas) or contact your embassy. Addis Ababa police station numbers: 251-11-1-11-11-11. Save your hotel's front desk number too.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Addis Ababa, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Wollo safer
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 572 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · Ze Gelia Pharmacy — 701 m · ~9 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Bole Bus Stop (near airport roundabout) → Kazanchis (closest stop to Airport Motel)
💡 Buses are packed with no luggage space. Doable with a backpack only. Walk 5 min from airport to the roundabout stop — ignore touts offering 'express' minibuses.
Bole International Airport (ADD) → Airport Motel
💡 Use Ride or Feres app rather than hailing from the rank — app drivers use meters, rank drivers overcharge tourists. Avoid taxis near exit doors unless you want haggling.
Bole Road Station (10 min walk from airport) → Kazanchis Station (300m from motel)
💡 Cleanest and fastest public option. The walk from airport to Bole Station is safe but not signposted — use Maps. Verify direction: you're heading west towards Tor Hailoch.
Airport Motel → Airport Motel (return to ADD)
💡 Call motel day before and request a pick-up time. They send a white minibus with a sign. Tip driver 50 birr if they help with bags — no pressure, but polite.
About Addis Ababa
Wikipedia ↗
Addis Ababa ( AD-iss AB-ə-bə; Amharic: አዲስ አበባ [adˈdis ˈaβəβa] , lit. 'new flower'; Oromo: Finfinnee, lit. 'fountain of hot mineral water', Arabic: اديس ابابا, romanized: adiis ababeh, lit. 'Centre of the Flower') is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia. With an estimated population of 2,739,55...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Wollo safer?
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) to minimize potential street noise from Africa Avenue. The hotel has a single lift that serves all floors, so you won't have to worry about long walks or navigating stairs.
Which rooms should I avoid at Wollo safer?
Avoid rooms near the lift as it may be audible from your room, especially if you're a light sleeper. Also, rooms on the ground floor may be noisier due to the proximity to the main entrance and possible foot traffic.
Is Wollo safer noisy?
Street noise from Africa Avenue may be a concern, especially during peak hours. The hotel's on-site parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, which may lead to some noise and activity.
Which rooms have the best views at Wollo safer?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Africa Avenue doesn't offer any notable views, but you might catch a glimpse of the surrounding cityscape from the upper floors.
What are insider tips for staying at Wollo safer?
Consider requesting a room with a premium WiFi upgrade for 150 ETB per day if you need a more reliable internet connection. Also, be prepared to pay 50 ETB per night for parking at the nearest public car park if the hotel's on-site parking is full.
What time is check-in at Wollo safer?
Check-in at Wollo safer is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Wollo safer have Wi-Fi?
Free 5 Mbps (guest log-in via room number); premium 15 Mbps available at 150 ETB per day
Is there a city or tourist tax at Wollo safer?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Wollo safer?
Injera and wot from a local cafeteria or 'buna bet': 50–80 ETB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Wollo safer?
Blue taxis (minibuses) cost 5–10 ETB per ride; from airport take a minibus heading towards Bole.
When is the best time to visit Addis Ababa?
October, November and March—after the long rains (June–September) and before the short rains (February–April), with clear skies and temperatures around 20–22°C. Crowds are moderate as these are low tourism months.
Top Attractions in Addis Ababa
💡 Visit on a Sunday morning for the liveliest scene. Try the roasted corn (200 birr) or sambusa from stalls. Don't miss the stone relief map of Ethiopia near the central monument.
💡 Enter from the main road near the Tunisia junction. Keep valuables deep in zipped pockets. Haggle hard—start at 30% of the asking price. Best in mid-morning before the heat peaks.
💡 Wear good walking shoes; the path is steep and dusty. Take a minibus from Sidist Kilo for 10 birr. Bring water and a jacket—it gets windy at the top. Entry to the church grounds costs 50 birr.
💡 Combine with a walk around the beautiful university compound. Entry is 50 birr (cheapest museum in town). Give yourself 1 hour. The cafe next door does decent coffee for 15 birr.
💡 Go early on a weekday to avoid school groups. Bring small notes for the donation box at the Lucy exhibit; it's not mandatory but helps maintain the collection.