Travelwings

Ethiopia is a beautiful green country also known as the roof of Africa for its mountainous beauty. Explore the country's majestic African mountains, magnificent rock-hewn churches, a diverse tribe of the Omo Valley, the Coffee Ceremony, the Legacy of the Queen of Sheba, and mind-boggling cultural diversity. With many more attractive cities, youthful population, astonishing landscapes, multi-colored salt flats, lava lakes, exotic flora and fauna, and ancient cultures, this country astonishes us at every step. Our travel guide here to helps you discover the beauty of Ethiopia tourism and its wonders. Come, visit Ethiopia from our lens.

USEFUL INFO ABOUT ETHIOPIA

Official Name: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Form of Government: Federal Parliamentary Republic

Capital & Largest City: Addis Ababa

Population: 109,224,414 (Est)

Official Language: Amharic

Languages Spoken: Amharic, Oromo, Tigrinya, Guaragigna, Somali, Arabic, English, other local languages

Currency: Birr (ETB)

Map Referred: Africa

Area: 1,104,300 sq km

Land: 99.3%

Water: 0.7%

Lowest Point: -125m ( Afar Depression)

Highest Point: 4550 m (Semien Mountains)

Coastline: 600km

Neighboring places

Somalia 771 km

Sudan 1194km

Kenya 1481.5 km

Eritrea 675km

Djibouti 376 km

Famous For: UNESCO Sites I Mountains I Coffee I Volcanoes I Multi-Colored springs I History I Jazz I The Hamer Tribe I Injera flatbread I Omo Valley I Legends I Rock-cut churches I Timkat Festival I Wildlife I Extraordinary Scenery

National Symbols: National Flag I National Animal I National Emblem I Coat Of Arms I National Flower

Time Zone: East Africa Time (GMT +3)

Ethnicity: Oroma 34.6%, Amhara 27.1%, Somali 6.1%, Tigrayan 6.1%, Sidama 4 %, Gurage 2.5%, Wolayta 2.3%, Hadiya 1.7%, Afar 1.7%, Gamo 1.5% ,Others 12.4%

Driving Side: Right

Airports in Ethiopia: Aba Segud Airport I Aba Tenna Dejazmach Yilma International Airport I Addis Ababa Bole International Airport I Alula Aba Nega Airport I Arba Minch Airport I Asosa Airport I Awasa Airport I Axum Airport

Network Connectivity:

Ethiopia is the perfect place to under digital detox and the internet connectivity facilitates so. Internet connectivity seems to be a major challenge and access to online service is highly restricted. Ethio Telecom is the only ISP in the country with a penetration rate of about 15.4%. There is also a ban on the use of VoIP in internet cafes and the public and ETA have exclusive control of Internet access throughout the country. Addis Ababa has 2G/3G/4G connection options however mobile speed hardly reaches 3Mbit/s of download speed. There is also a daytime blackout of the Internet for national security reasons.

Ethiopia is known as the cradle of humanity and is the only country in Africa that has never been colonized. It is one of the oldest Christian nations in the world. Lucy is the best-preserved version of the predecessor to the man believed to have its roots in Ethiopia that was found in the Great Rift Valley. Christianity dates to 300 AD and is well-rooted in Ethiopian history. However, 40% of Ethiopians are Muslims and the two religions have coexisted peacefully ever since the first disciple of Prophet Muhammad was given protection by the first king in Aksum, the then Capital of Ethiopia.

The country's history has its influences from both the Middle East and Africa. Queen of Sheba who reigned in the Northern city of Ethiopia had a son with King Solomon, King Menelik 1. Ethiopia was controlled by the descendants of King Menelik I until the communist took over power in 1974. Emperor Haile Selassie I ruled as the emperor from 1930 to 1974. In 1977, Mengistu Haile Mariam became the ruler of both the military council and the government. Under his rule, Ethiopia experienced some of the worst famines in the history of the country. In 1991, he was overthrown by guerrilla forces led by the Tiger People's Liberation Front. Meles Zenawi was appointed Prime Minister from 1991 until August 2012 and after his death, Hailemariam Desalegn was elected prime minister. Since then Ethiopia has gone through modernization and Addis Ababa is now referred to as the capital of Africa. Ethiopia is also one of the original members of the United Nations and hosts the African Union Commission and the UN Economic Commission for Africa.

TEthiopia geography is completely landlocked with Sudan in the west, Somalia, and Djibouti in the East, Eritrea in the north, and Kenya in the south. Located in East Africa, Ethiopia is a mountainous country with about 20 peaks above 4000 meters. The highest point is the Ras Dashen located in Simien Mountain Range at 4620 meters, the third highest mountain in Africa located in north-east Ethiopia. Another range in the country which is famous for the Bale mountains. Southern Ethiopia appears flat with semi-arid scrubland that covers parts of the East and Southeast. Awash River, the chief river in Ethiopia has large basins found in the country that include the Blue Nile, the Baro River, and the Omo River. Addis Ababa is the largest city and capital of Ethiopia. It also hosts many international organizations and is nicknamed 'the political capital of Africa'.

Art and Music
The art of Ethiopia is diverse with a blend of neighboring and far civilizations that influence it. Art is influenced by the part of Northeast Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, India, Italy, and Malaysia. Africans are known for their craftsmanship in making unique weapons such as spears, bows and arrows and shields made from animal hide. Beautifully crafted swords are also considered prestigious in Ethiopian culture. Music is also diverse and unique to each ethnic group. Types of music include folk in Somalia, Manzuma, a Muslim musical form in northeastern Ethiopia sung in Oromo language and traditional secular music called Azmari played in the Ethiopian highlands.

Food and Drink
Ethiopian food is mainly defined by vegetables and spicy meats. Fasting happens during different parts of the year and on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Lent. Orthodox Christians do not eat meat and Muslims do not eat pork. Ethiopian cuisine can be very spicy. Most Ethiopian restaurants use a common spice called Berbere. It is a chilli powder combined with other powders at various levels of heat. Injera is the national staple of Ethiopia made of endemic grain called teff and looks like a round thin pancake.

Must-try Ethiopian Food
Injera (Pancake Thin Bread), Wat (Lamb, Beef, Goat, Chicken Curry), Minchet Abesh (Meat Stew), Ayibe (Cottage Cheese), Enkulal Tibs (Scrambled Eggs)

Must- try Drinks
Dukam And Goudar (Red Wine), Crystal (White Wine), St. George, Harar, Catel ( Barley Beers), Kaffa ( Coffee)

Hospitality
Ethiopian people are a large diverse population and friendly overall. Shaking hands is customary between men bowing their torso and touching shoulders as a greeting. Women greet by voice with physical demonstrativeness, although close friends and relatives might kiss each other on the cheeks. It is a done gesture to first ask about each other's health before launching into a conversation or request. Always accept the gursa, a tasty morsel of food offered in the mouth to a guest as a good gesture. Refusing the offering is considered rude. Also, customarily the left hand is reserved for cleaning and it is rude to offer the left hand for handshakes or to eat or pass money.

Hike the spectacular mountains, vast lakes, and scenic landscapes such as the Semien Mountains and the Danakil Depression.

Ethiopian food is flavorful and tasty. Injera, the country's staple food is available in Ethiopian restaurants and is a must-try.

Visit Ethiopia for the traditional coffee ceremony, a social event where people gather to sip coffee and indulge in the aroma of frankincense smoke.

Enjoy religious events and festivals such as Timket and Meskel that is colorful and cultural.

Visit the beautiful Blue Nile Falls that are about 150 feet with sprays of hazy water, hence also called the 'Smoking Blue Nile.

Feel a part of the early era of humankind with Lucy, a skeleton of early human ancestors.

Enjoy the many things to do in Ethiopia such as spending time with its superb wildlife and bird watching such as the white-cheeked Turaco.

Ethiopia Weather I ETH climate
The best time to visit Ethiopia is between October and June when it is the dry season. The average Ethiopia temperature in the highlands is below 20-degree centigrade and can rise past 30-degree centigrade on the lowland fringes of eastern southern and western Ethiopia. Hence the best time to visit Ethiopia is when the rain tends to stop in early October and the highlands are lush and green, perfect for trekking amongst wildflowers that are colorful and have just bloomed.

You can also visit Ethiopia during a festival which is a joyful celebration such as the Timkat festival in January celebrated by orthodox Christian.

Visit Ethiopia with Family

Visit the Simien Mountains National Park and see the rare wildlife and Ras Dashen Mountain, a popular Ethiopia place to visit

Go with your family to Lake Tana, a large lake with beautiful churches

Another great Ethiopia thing to do is taking your family to the Blue Nile Falls

Explore the natural bounty and wildlife at Bale Mountains National Park

Visit Ethiopia as a Couple

Relish traditional spicy Ethiopian food at the famous Ethiopian restaurant, Yod Abyssinia Traditional Restaurant in Addis Ababa

Ethnological Museum is a popular Addis Ababa tourism venue to explore art, culture, and archaeological exhibits

Immerse yourself in nature at the Omo National Park and River, a romantic Ethiopia thing to do

Hike to Mount Entoto that overlooks the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa

Visit Ethiopia with Friends

Drink coffee at the Ethiopian coffee ceremony in a clay pot called the jebena to lift your spirits. The ceremony is a highlight of Ethiopian culture.

Feel awestruck at the stone churches of Lalibela carved from living rock and marvel at the monolithic church

Take a full-day tour of Addis Ababa and explore Lucy, where the 3 million-year-old fossil is kept, a must Ethiopia thing to see

An Ethiopia tourist attraction is the biggest open-air market in Mercato to shop and pick up souvenirs.

What to Buy?

Coffee Beans

Ethiopian Jewelry

Straw Baskets

Habesha Kemis

Berbere (Spice)

Clay Pottery

Musical Instrument Krar

Scarves Known as Netela

Traditional Textile

Danakil Depression
The hottest place on earth, the Danakil Depression is a top Ethiopia things to see where the day time temperature is about 50 degrees centigrade. Erta Ale is the world's oldest active volcano with bubbling lava and unbearable heat which is why the area is also called the 'gateway to hell'. In the heart of the depression is a place called the Dallol with salt mines and beautiful multi-colored landscapes, Ethiopia must-visit.
Best Time to Visit: November to early January
Entry Price: $50

Lake Tana Monasteries
A fascinating Ethiopia place to visit, these monasteries have historical treasures such as the mummified remains of the country's emperor, King Fasilides, and many ancient religious books. There are plenty of island monasteries surrounded by the Blue Nile and Lake Tana where you can get plenty of historical insights.
Best Time to Visit: Dry Season
Entry Price: $2.99

Sof Omar Cave
This unique natural architectural wonder is the longest cave system in Africa. The astonishingly beautiful cavern has 40 main entrances and exits and is a sacred Islamic place named after Sheik Sof Omar. The cave is over 15 kilometers long with stones as high as 20 meters. An exciting Ethiopia thing to see.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Entry Price: $20

Omo Valley
The Lower Omo Valley is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site after human skeletons were discovered that lived 3 million years ago. Interact with the friendly Omo tribe and be enamored by the unique attire worn by the traditional tribesmen and women. Also, visit the beautiful Omo River, an Ethiopia tourist attraction.
Best Time to Visit: Dry Season
Entry Price: Based on the tour

Axum Obelisks
The royal Monolithic obelisks Data intricately carved out of stone, the royal tombs and Palace ruins are interesting Ethiopia things to see. These impressive monuments can be witnessed in the City Axum in Northern Ethiopia. Another Ethiopia place to visit is the Axum Tsion Church, the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Entry Price: Based on the sightseeing tour of the ruins of Axum

Bale Mountains National Park
A popular Ethiopia tourist attraction, the park is filled with endemic animals such as Mountain Nyala, Semien Fox, Menelik Bushbuck, and the Giant Molerat. Witness the breathtaking Sanetti Plateau and the Harenna Forest with astonishing bird species such as Blue-winged Goose and Rouget's Rail.
Best Time to Visit: Dry Season
Entry Price: $1.50

Semien Mountains National Park
Also called the roof of Africa, take a trekking experience to the highest point in Ethiopia. Visit Ethiopia mountains that are one of UNESCO World Heritage sites and home to three endemic plant species and 180 bird species with beautiful mountain views. Try and sight the Lammergeyer, a vulture with a wing of 2 meters length.
Best Time to Visit: Dry Season
Entry Price: $1.50

Bete Medhani Alem Church
Lalibela town is home to about 200 ancient monolithic churches, one of which is the Bete Medhani Alem Church, the largest Monolithic church in the world. The spectacular building has been registered by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Bete Giorgis, a 40 feet high church is another gorgeous Ethiopia place to visit.
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Entry Price: $ 0.90

National Museum of Ethiopia
This Addis Ababa tourism attraction houses archaeological finds and fossilized remains of the early hominids, the most popular being Lucy. This fossil dates to some 3 million years ago. Also, on display are ceremonial costumes and Selam, another archaic fossil found between 2000 and 2004. Visit all the four main exhibition sections to explore exhibits from ancient and medieval periods.
Best Time to Visit: Dry Season
Entry Price: $5.99

Mount Entoto
One of the most exciting things to do in Addis Ababa is to experience the highest peak that overlooks the city of Addis Ababa. It stands at a height of 3200 meters above sea level and is considered a sacred mountain and has many monasteries. It is also sometimes referred to as 'the lung of Addis Ababa'. Mount Entoto is also home to a few celebrated charges including Saint Mary and Saint Raguel.
Best Time to Visit: Dry Season
Entry Price: Free

Meskel Square and Museums
Meskel Square is a popular Addis Ababa tourism spot especially during festivals and political demonstrations. It is one of the central gathering spots in the city and a good point for local transportation to travel in and around the city. Visit the museums and the official Ethiopian Tourism office here.
Best Time to Visit: Dry Season
Entry Price: $1.50

If you can make time, visit these places in Ethiopia

Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum

Holy Trinity Cathedral and Museum

Unity Park

Ethnological Museum

St. Georges Cathedral

Medhane Alem Cathedral

Addis Mercato

Erta Ale

Blue Nile Falls

Lake Tana

Most Popular Regions and Cities to Visit in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
The city is Ethiopia`s large capital and the country's commercial and cultural hub. It is famous for traditional crafts and prehistoric fossils including the famous Lucy, an Ethiopia tourism attraction. Addis Ababa weather is pleasantly warm except during rainy seasons in July and August.
Visit For: Ethiopia National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Mount Entoto, Addis Mercato, St. Georges Cathedral, Ethnological Museum, Red Terror Martyr Memorial

Lalibela
The city is famous for rock-cut architecture and orthodox Christian churches recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage. The churches are an excellent engineering feat and the most prominent church being Saint Georges built during the reign of Lalibela, the King of Ethiopia.
Visit For: Church of Saint George, Biete Amanuel, Biete Abba Libanos, Church Tomb of Adam Young Lalibela

Axum
Axum is famous for its obelisks, old and new Churches of Our Lady Mary of Zion, and other archaeological and ethnographic museums. The city located in the northern part of Ethiopia was originally the capital.
Visit For: Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Obelisk of Axum, Dungur, Ezana Stone, Queen of Sheba Bath

Gondar
The city was home to many royal Emperors from the 12th until the 20th century. It is called the ` Camelot of Ethiopia` and is famous for the Gondar Castle and a few fine churches.
Visit For: Fasil Ghebbi, Debre Birhan Selassie, Fasilides Bath, Kusquam

Bahir Dar
A famous place to visit in Ethiopia, the city is lined with colorful flowers and beautiful gardens. The city is located on the south shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Other attractions are the markets for colorful cloth and excellent Ethiopian food and beverages.
Visit For: Blue Nile Falls, Lake Tana, Ura Kidane Market, Azwa Maryam, Bahir Dar Market

Few more famous cities to visit in Ethiopia,

Harar

Dire Dawa

Awassa

Mek`ele

Dessie

Aksum

Jimma

Sodo

Gambela

Meskel Celebrations
The festival celebrates the day the true cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified was found. On the eve of Meskel, a joyful celebration known as demera happens, that involves eating, drinking, dancing and planting trees in the marketplace and in homes. The procession involves the burning of branches which are called demera and chanting special Meskel songs.
Location: Addis Ababa
Date: 27th September (Gregorian calendar )

Timkat Festival
The festival celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the river of Jordan by John the Baptist. Pilgrims from all parts of the country come together to celebrate the epiphany. The festival lasts for 3 days where the procession celebrates beside the river to renew baptism vows. Traditional dances and drumming happen where special Ethiopian food is served such as injera, shiro, kitfo, and berbere.
Location: Addis Ababa, Gondar (best places to be to view the celebration)
Date: 20th January

Ethiopian Christmas (Leddet/Genna)
The Genna celebration is preceded by 40-day fasting where meat, egg, and dairy products are forbidden. On Christmas Eve, church service goes on all night until 9 am and it marks the beginning of the Genna celebration. Yegena Chewata, a hockey-like game is played following the service.
Location: Aksum, Lalibela (one of the best places to be to attend the celebration)
Date: 7th January

Enkutatash (New Year)
The Ethiopian New Year falls on the date that the Queen of Sheba arrived back in Aksum after visiting King Solomon in Jerusalem. Children are dressed in new clothes and distribute paintings of angels. On New Year's Eve, dry wood torches are burnt in front of the houses where crowds sing and dance to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
Location: Ethiopia
Date: 11th September

Easter (Fasika)
Easter is a day of a family reunion with a colorful mass from 6 pm until 2 am. People go to church to celebrate with candles and go home to break their fast with chicken or lamb. It is a day where gifts are exchanged and are celebrated after a 55-day period of fasting (Hudade or Abye Tsome)
Location: Axum, Lalibela
Date: May

Kullubi, Feat of St. Gabriel
The festival is a huge pilgrimage to St. Gabriel Church on Kullubi Hill about 70 kilometers west of Dire Dawa. Children are brought to be baptized, the poor are given offerings and the pilgrims believe in St. Gabriel who is the Patron Saint that guards our homes and churches.
Location: Church on Kullubi Hill
Date: 28th December

Other Festivals Celebrated in Ethiopia

Great Ethiopian Run

Kiddus

Yohannes

Buhe

Adwa Day

Idd Al Fatr

Patriot`s Day

Passports
To enter Ethiopia, a passport should be valid for at least 6 months prior to the date of entry, have at least two blank pages. You can travel to Ethiopia with an eVisa. Ethiopian authorities in most cases accept Emergency Travel Documents (ETD) that should be made by the traveler's country authorities.

Visas
Two nationalities who can enter Ethiopia without a visa are Kenyans (up to 1 year) and citizens of Djibouti (up to 3 months).

Ethiopia eVisa is available to all citizens from across the world who hold an eligible passport including Canada, United States, United Kingdom, China, Germany, Italy and Kenya. Nationals of all countries are eligible for an Ethiopian online visa (eVisa) effective June 1, 2018, as per the link countries eligible for Ethiopian eVisa . Depending on your nationality, certificate of vaccinations such as Yellow Fever is required.

Types of Visa
Apply for single- entry, 30-day visa and single-entry 90 days visa online at www.evisa.gov.et or apply in person at a consulate near you.

For multiple-entry, 90-day visa and multiple-entry, 6-month visa, you can apply at a consulate near you.

Transit visa can be obtained from the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport or from the Ethiopian Embassy or consulate.

Fees for single- entry, 30 days visa is $52 and single-entry, 9 days visa is $72
Fees for multiple-entry, 90 days visa is $82 and multiple-entry 6-month visa is $122
Fees for a transit visa on arrival is Ethiopian birr 20

Validity
Single- entry tourist visa: 30 days, 90 days
Multiple-entry tourist visa: 3 months to 6 months
Transit visa :12,24,48,72 hours

Usually, an eVisa will be approved in 1 to 3 business days (24 to 72 hours). The visa on arrival is obtained at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport valid for up to 3 months with a single entry.

TRANSPORTATION
Local Minibus, Taxi, Bajaj
The best and cheapest way to commute around the larger town is a choice of a minibus, taxi, and bajaj (a local blue Indian made three-wheeler). If the commute is shared along with other passengers the cost is no more than 5 birr per journey or otherwise, you could hire a private vehicle with no other passengers and the fair typically is around 100 birr for a ride within the city center in Addis Ababa and 50 birr in other towns and cities. Private chartering a taxi or bajaj is the best way to visit sites and the fares are negotiable.

Selam Bus and Sky Bus
The bus is another public transport in Ethiopia. It can be broadly broken into three categories- luxury buses, ordinary buses and minibuses. The fares typically work to $ 1 per 25 to 50 kilometers whereas the luxury buses cost around 50 to 75% more. The two main luxury bus operators, the Selam bus and the Sky bus have comfortable seating, air conditioning, and experienced drivers. It is a good idea to book your seat on the bus in advance with the typical fares around 340 birr from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar.

Train
Trains are not a viable option with few options such as the light rail system in Addis Ababa, a metro system in the capital city. There are three electrified standard gauge lines owned by the National Railway Network of Ethiopia - the Addis Ababa - Djibouti Railway, the Awash - Weldiya Railway, and the Weldiya - Mekelle Railway.

Private Vehicle
There are few operators that provide private vehicles in an organized manner. You could rent a 4 * 4 or minibus with an experienced driver for $ 120 per day and Land Cruiser for around $ 160 per day. However, we would not recommend hiring a private vehicle as it ends up mostly in misunderstanding and stressful travel.

Cycle
Cycling can be an adventurous and dangerous way to explore the city. If you want to venture though make sure the bike is sturdy and you come with spare parts, a repair kit and water-carrying storage. Roads are irregular and unsafe in the dark. Punctures can be easily repaired at a gommista (garage) and cycles are accepted aboard the Ethiopian Airlines.

Boat
There are very few commercial boats and just a handful of tourist boats. The only one recommended is the ferry service between Bahir Dar and Gorgora on Lake Tana.

By Air
The best way to travel between main sites is by the national carrier Ethiopian Airlines that runs a very reliable network of daily flights connecting the capital with other northern cities. Full fare domestic flights are expensive however Ethiopian Airlines always offer discounts that make flights extremely affordable. Beware of the bureaucracy at check-in and reach the airport at least two hours in advance.

Via Air Route
The Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa handles an extensive network of flights of any African carrier including direct flights from America, Europe, Australasia, and other African countries. You get additional discounts on internal domestic flights if you travel by the Ethiopian Airlines.

Via Bus
Public transport is provided by the publicly-owned Anbassa City Bus Enterprise that also plies minibus (matatus) and midibuses and taxis.

Via Rail
A few railway links options that you could consider are Kenya's standard gauge line to the railroad that links Addis Ababa to the port of Djibouti. The LRT has fast trains to cross the Ethiopian capital. However, due to poverty and economic hardship, there are not many railway networks available.

Via Road
The Addis Ababa- Adama Expressway and the Awasa - Mojo Expressway are good roads to travel on. However, Ethiopia has the highest road accidents per vehicle in the world, and road safety is suspect.

Via Water
Due to the country being landlocked there are no cruises on offer for travel.

Learn a few Amharic words such as `ishee` for Yes or OK that you will hear a lot.

Be wary of hotels overcharging you as you are a `Farangi` or foreigner.

Kids and adults constantly are begging as it is a poor country, give a small bar of soap rather than candy.

Try and spend all your ETB before you leave the country as exchanging the currency to USD is very hard.

Do not rely on credit cards and use ATM for cash.

The internet is bad so buy credit for phone calls that are very reasonable.

Put on your funny hat or else the constant barrage will soon bother you.

Do not rely on touts at bus stations and it is advisable to do your own research on pricing and book in advance.

Ethiopian restaurants near me could include the popular ones in the capital such as Abucci Restaurant, Gusto Restaurant, Dashen Traditional Restaurant to name a few.

Plumbing is very poor in most of Africa, so always put your toilet paper in the bin.

Do not forget to avail of your discount on local air travel by the national carrier Ethiopian Airlines if you used the carrier for your international travel.

For long-distance, use the Salem Bus.

Travel along with a good travel guidebook.

Always bargain with the vendors for a good price.

Make prior reservations required in many popular western hotels.

Safety Tips

Make a copy of your passport and a hotel card before exiting the hotel.

Stay safe from pickpocketing and read the pickpocketing avoidance instructions.

Do not drink tap water.

Avoid small fights and do not believe the locals when they ask for signatures.

Road safety is a must, so be aware that your driver drives safely.

Do not drink and eat unfamiliar names of foods as many local restaurants do not have menus. Carry a food guide with you.

Stay safe at night and do not mingle in a crowded procession.

Health Tips

Travel with a first aid kit in your baggage.

Check the travel advisory of your country's government before travel.

Take along travel health insurance.

Prior to travel, consult your doctor for vaccinations required for travel to Ethiopia.

Carry along with anti-malarial medication.

Pack a mosquito and insect repellent cream.

Be wary of food poisoning and always eat well-cooked food and peeled fruits.

Do not swim in rivers and still waters to keep diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera at bay.

The CDC and WHO have a list of recommended vaccinations that you can go with before traveling to Ethiopia.

What to Pack?

Long Sleeves Tops, Sweaters, Windproof Jacket, T-Shirts, Trousers

Undergarments

Ankle-Length Socks

Swimwear

Wide-Brimmed Hat

Scarves

Sunglasses

Sandals, Walking Shoes

Insect Repellent

First Aid Kit

Hiking Boots

Cash

Travel Document

Health Insurance Documents

Sunscreen

Hiking Wear

Leggings

Dress Code & Etiquette

Men are not recommended to go shirtless or wear shorts.

Ethiopians pay importance to social greetings.

The dress is conservative with men wearing long trousers and shirts to cover the shoulders.

Handshaking and bowing their torso and touching shoulders are customary between men.

Women greet loudly with no physical contact.

When eating, the elder first takes a handful of food.

The left hand is used for ablutions and it is rude to use the left hand for greetings.

Tipping is allowed especially to genuine guides.

Women must wear a scarf and cover their body and hair before entering a church.

The country retains several Judaic rituals.

Shoes must be removed before entering a church.

Eritrea (675 km distance)
Eritrea is a neighboring country with many attractions such as the Imperial Palace, Camel Market, ruins of Qohaito, Opera House, and more. Get a chance to also visit the Tank Graveyard and other historical buildings in Asmara

Djibouti (556 km distance)
Travel to Djibouti to witness top attractions such as Lake Assal, Day Forest National Park, Place Menelik, Khor Ambado Beach, and other outdoor activities. The country is rich in wildlife, scenic spots, and culture with some of the best sightseeing spots here.

Somalia (1313 km distance)
Be enamored by the beautiful beaches, cave paintings of Las Geel, Grandeur of Mogadishu, and the unique Hargeisas War Memorial. Somalia is influenced by prehistoric mythology and the traditions include artistic pottery, architecture and wood carvings.

Sudan (1194 km distance)
Famous for its many attractions, Khartoum in Sudan offers for you to visit the Omdurman camel market, archaeological sites like Naga, Nuri, Bajrawiya. The Red Sea coastline is the top attraction here.

Kenya (1419 km distance)
Visit Kenya to explore the savanna safari and enjoy the open plains, colorful tribal culture, coral reefs, and beautiful freshwater lakes. Visit Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli National Park, Mount Kenya and more.

The new year is celebrated in Ethiopia on September 11.

Ethiopia founded in 980 BC is one of the oldest nations in the world.

Ethiopia was home to the earliest hominid population.

The country is described as the `museum of peoples` because of its diverse culture.

The Great Rift Valley cuts through Ethiopia from North East to the South.

Coffee was discovered in the Kaffa region from where the word coffee was derived.

Ethiopia is ranked as the fifth poorest country in the world.

The country is home to the Blue Nile.

Children take the father's first name as the last name.

There are over 82 languages and 200 dialects spoken in the country.

Raw meat is considered a delicacy.

One in every five European girls marries before the age of 15.

Ethiopian calendar has 13 months and the 13th month has only 5 days.

People in Ethiopia have one of the lowest life expectancies in the world.

EXPLORE THE LOVE AND CULTURE OF ETHIOPIA, A LAND THAT NURTURES 13 MONTHS OF SUNSHINE

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