Ethiopia ~ Travel pictures & Travel information
Addis to the Highlands to Aksum - Ethiopian travel tips
I traveled to Ethiopia to join friends (see Travel in Ethiopia) who had been living and working there. We flew from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar on Lake Tana,, where we hired a Land Cruiser with driver, and hiked to the Blue Nile Falls.
From Bahir Dar, we went by road to Gonder and the Simien Mountains National Park and Debark, where we saw fields of gelada baboons, and stayed in a hostel. We then drove north to Aksum (Axum) to see the Aksum stele then flew back to Addis Ababa, where we were treated to an Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
During our travels, we encountered fleas, roaches and bed bugs, were covered in copious amounts of fine red dust, panted at times from the high altitude (8,700 feet or 2,400 metres), and bundled up on chilly nights and sweltered during the hot days.
Despite the challenges, my trip to Ethiopia will remain one of my most memorable - for the scenery, the food, and the friendly people. Check here for Ethiopia hotels or find specific hotel information on the page for that area.
.
.
Ethiopia Travel Information & Tips
What Language do they speak in Ethiopia? The Official language is Amharic; hotel staff at larger hotels will speak some English. If you don't speak Amharic, I recommend you join one of the many organized Ethiopia tours. Or perhaps hire a guide and driver, and set your own itinerary. You can get an Amharic phrasebook
Airline in Ethiopia Check Ethiopian Airlines for domestic flight schedules (This page address seems to change often, but the codes are currently listed here, and contact numbers, or ask your travel agent). Connect through Europe gateways and all major carriers. Check also British Airways and other European carriers. Emirates Airlines connects via Dubai.
If you are planning to travel to Ethiopia in December and early January, reserve your flights (including domestic flights), well in advance. December is prime time for tourists as well as holiday homecoming for Ethiopians living abroad. At Bole Internatinal Airport, in Addis Ababa, where international flights arrive, the security, staff and expansive hours of operation were commendable. I was able to change travellers checks when I arrived at 3 a.m. from London Heathrow, and the coffee shop opened around 6 a.m.
Just so you know: With a lack of good roads, great distance between towns, and the rugged terrain, the best way for Ethiopians to travel within their own country is by air, and the government subsidizes the costs of flights for residents.
Public Holidays in Ethiopia Ethiopian residents are charged lower fees for admission to museums, parks, etc., as well as for airline flights, so try to avoid traveling over public holidays if possible, for that's when flights are full, or people are off work and shops closed. In January, during Timket, all the churches hold mass marches in the streets carrying crosses and Arks. In our year 2007, Ethiopia marked its Year 2000, on September 12. Many Ethiopians living abroad come home for this special New Year. See list of Ethiopia's public holidays.
What money do they use in Ethiopia? The Currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB)1 ETB, and the exchange rate is about 1 ETB = 11 US cents OR $1USD = 9 ETB. Credit cards are not widely used except at hotels in Addis Ababa and Aksum. For the other cities, we paid in birr. Local banks changed travelers checks, U.S. dollars, GBP pounds and euros into birr. There's a money change desk at the airport in Addis. See travel currency tips page.
Travel Health Consult a travel health clinic for current information. Ethiopia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter the country. Malaria can be a concern around Lake Tana and Bahir Dar, and in the lowlands. Schistosomiasis is prevalent. Hotels can refer you to or contact a doctor who speaks English. See also Travel packing medications tips page and travel documents tips
Do need a Visa for Ethiopia? Yes -- See Visa forms and fees for Ethiopia visa for Canadians and Ethiopia visa for other countries web sites and email information listed by embassy and city.
Ethiopia Books, Travel Guides An Ethiopia travel guide book is a good idea -- see Lonely Planet Ethiopia and Eritrea
What should I wear in Ethiopia? Expect much dust when it's dry, and mud when it's wet, so consider packing clothes that won't show dirt. At night, it can get quite chilly in the Highlands, and you'll want a jacket. During the day, the sun will have you sweltering, so plan travel clothes that you can layer. I found that my basic travel wardrobe worked well. Note Ethiopia actively practices its religions, chiefly Christianity and Islam, and ladies should dress modestly, including covering shoulders. We were told that ladies wearing pants were frowned upon, but this proved to be incorrect.
Can I drink the water? No. Buy bottled water. Beer and wine are available, too, and the coffee is generally very good. TIP If you want milk in your coffee, ask for it hot (so it's scalded first), and served in a separate pitcher. Be careful around bodies of water, too, like on boat rides, swimming, etc. Fresh water can have a wealth of 'bugs' like schistosomiasis and parasites, so try not to get any splashed into your mouth.
Current Ethiopia News A good site with current information is Ethiomedia
Keep a diary of your trip Get an Ethiopia themed journal (Highlands or Lake Tana).
.
.
More Ethiopia Travel Pictures and Travel Information
Addis Ababa (Addis Abeba) Pictures of Meskel Square, Hilton Hotel grounds, Coptic church
Bahir Dar (Bahar Dar) On the shores of Lake Tana, fishermen in papyrus boats
Blue Nile Falls (Tis Isat) Near Bahir Dar on market day
Gonder Ethiopia Between Bahir Dar and Debark, farmers harvest grain
- Simien Mountains and Debark Beautiful vistas, great trekking, gelada baboons
Axum (Aksum) Near the Ethiopia Eritrea border, Queen of Sheba baths
Axum Stele (Aksum) Stele fields in and around Axum
Ethiopian coffee Ceremony Ethiopia gave the world coffee, and they do it proud!
Travel in Ethiopia Canadians Bob and Sue Black making a difference in Ethiopia
Add A Comment
Thanks Julia!
hi this julia and cool pics!