Travelling Tips

Ethiopia uses 220 volts 50 cycles AC. Plugs are European two-pin, electric supply is mostly stable in Addis Abeba and regional capital cities. In case of blackouts, there are usually generators in hotels. For rural locations we recommend carrying extra batteries for cameras as electric supply may be irregular.

The units of currency are the birr (ETB) and cents. Notes are 200,100, 50, 10 and 5. Exchange of currency is done very easily at either the airport on arrival or at one of many authorized banks or in 4/5 star hotels. ATM (automatic Teller Machines) are found in major Addis Abeba hotels, shopping malls and at the bole international airport and also it is available in most regional capital cities. There is no limitation on the amount of foreign currency visitors can import into the country but it must be declared on the currency declaration form.US dollars are generally the best currency to bring

Ethiopia is one of the safest countries in Africa. One can freely walk around on the main streets with relative ease and sense of security.

One can get easily Wi-Fi service in the hotels and there are also many internet cafes in the capital city Addis Abeba and other major capital cities. But in the southern parts of the country particularly in the lower Omo valley this service is very limited.

Ethiopia, although almost on the equator, experiences a temperate climate and sometimes temperatures below freezing (in the Siemen Mountains) due to its high altitude. Throughout the highlands, the climate is moderate and daytime temperatures rarely exceeds 25 degree C. particularly in December and January, the temperature drops at night to around 10 degree C. The hottest months are April and May, just before the main rain season. In Ethiopia there are two rainy seasons a year: the irregular short rains from late January to early march and the long rains that stretch from June until mid-September. But in the omo valley, the rainy season is from March- May. In the highlands, especially on the escarpment, you must also be prepared for quite strong winds and the temperature can even get to around zero.

One of the most ideal times to visit Ethiopia is between October and January, when the rains have ceased and most of the plants are green from having received a large amount of moisture. NB: Visitors should take light, summer clothes for the day time and something warm for the evenings, like a sweater or jacket. The temperature drops quite rapidly towards sunset. But Simien or Bale Mountains trekkers should bring warm clothes and water proofs for unseasonal rains and the very cold temprature.

Domestic flights are available to various regions of the country. The Historic route has daily flights from Addis Ababa, in the sites as Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela, Axum and Dire Dawa South (Arbaminch & Jinka, South-west some cities are also connected Jimma, and Gambella). If you are flying with Ethiopian airlines on your international flights you would get a big discount more than 50% on the domestic flights

If in any case something unexpected happens in your traveling and you want to cancel, there is no penalty and a full refund for cancellations made more than a week in advance will be done. For cancellations made 7 days to 72 hours in advance, we will refund 50%. There are no refunds for cancellations made less than 72 hours in advance.

If in any case something unexpected happens in your traveling and you want to cancel, there is no penalty and a full refund for cancellations made more than a week in advance will be done. For cancellations made 7 days to 72 hours in advance, we will refund 50%. There are no refunds for cancellations made less than 72 hours in advance.

January 7th Ethiopian Christmas (lidet)
Janury 19th Ethiopian epiphany (timket)
Palm Sunday (hosanna)
Ethiopian Good Friday (siklet)
Ethiopian Easter (fasika)
NB:palm Sunday,good Friday, and easter dates change every year
September 11th Ethiopian new year
September 26th meskel (Demera)

• Bahir Dar – to see the monasteries on the islands of Lake Tana, the Blue Nile Falls, and a visit to the local market day, where bartering for trade is more common than paying with money. • Gondar – to see an incredible series of 17th century castles in excellent shape. • The simien mountains national park with its scenic views • Aksum (Axum) home to ancient tombs, obelisks, and where the Ethiopian Orthodox Christians believe the Queen of Sheba lived and the Arc of the Covenant is stored. • The Tigray rock churches and their paintings • The Danakil depression and the active magma of erta ellie very adventurous and nice experience • Lalibela – to see the awe inspiring 11 rock hewn churches built in the 12th century

• Harar- a walled city from the 16th century with its Muslim relic • Addis Ababa– to visit the National museum, home to Lucy. The Ethnological Museum occupies Haile Selassie’s former palace and is part the Addis Ababa University – both essential stops. A visit to Mercato, the main market is a highlight and is reputed to be the largest market in Africa (take your guide along, as you will have a far better experience, more interaction and a great understanding of what you are seeing). • The Omo Valley – a very little visited area in the south that is home to some of the most vibrant and fascinating tribes in all of Africa. The Mursi tribe is one of only three left in Africa in which women traditionally wear wooden or clay lip plates