Addis Ababa vs Cairo

Addis Ababa

Thanks to its high altitude (2,355 m), Addis Ababa enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year-round. Temperatures rarely exceed 25°C or drop below 7°C. The main rainy season (kiremt) runs June-September with heavy afternoon downpours. The dry season (bega) from October-February offers the clearest skies.

Cairo

Cairo has a hot desert climate with very little rainfall. Summers are extremely hot with temperatures regularly above 40C, while winters are mild and pleasant. The city gets only about 25mm of rain per year.

Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa's traffic is congested and chaotic, especially during rush hours. The city has Africa's first light rail system, but minibuses (blue and white) remain the backbone of local transport. Ride-hailing apps have transformed getting around for visitors.

Walkability: Addis Ababa is moderately walkable in the central areas during the day. The Piazza, Arat Kilo, and Bole neighborhoods are reasonably pedestrian-friendly, though sidewalks can be uneven. The altitude makes walking tiring until you acclimatize. Avoid walking long distances on the first day.

Cairo

Cairo's traffic is legendarily chaotic, but the city has a growing metro system and affordable ride-hailing apps. The metro is by far the fastest way to cross the city, while Uber and Careem have transformed how residents and visitors get around.

Walkability: Central Cairo is dense and theoretically walkable, but chaotic traffic, broken sidewalks, and extreme heat make long walks exhausting. Zamalek and the Corniche waterfront are the most pleasant walking areas. Islamic Cairo and Coptic Cairo are best explored on foot.