Merkato, Addis Ababa

Merkato, proclaimed as the largest open air market in Africa, is a peddler’s haven! Smothering miles of central Addis, its borders are amorphous.

Roughly 7,000 businesses are dispersed in muddled clusters where hundreds of merchants struggle to sell indistinguishable merchandise. Competition is stiff.

Hawkers are cutthroat and haggle ruthlessly for a quick deal. The myriad of dilapidated hole in the wall shacks rivals the shadiest swap meets in the west.

Navigating through the congestion is overwhelming and intimidating. It is easy to get lost and vanish in the masses of people, livestock, and unsympathetic motorists.

Fortunately, I met local security guards who protected me as we wondered through districts inaccessible to foreigners.

My pictures couldn't capture all the energy, mayhem, and boundless array of treasure and dross covering the streets. It is best to experience it with locals in their territory!