Ethiopia – Travel Guide
Explore Ethiopia, a land of ancient wonders and diverse landscapes, from the historic city of Lalibela to the breathtaking Simien Mountains. Delight in authentic cuisine, savoring traditional dishes like injera and doro wat, rich in spices and flavors. Immerse yourself in history in the ancient city of Axum, home to towering obelisks and ancient ruins. Marvel at the natural beauty of the Blue Nile Falls and the Danakil Depression, a surreal landscape of salt flats and volcanic formations. Experience the cultural richness of Ethiopia in the bustling markets of Addis Ababa and the vibrant festivals of the Omo Valley. Ethiopia invites you to discover its fascinating history and natural wonders, promising an unforgettable journey through the Horn of Africa.
All about Ethiopia
Ethiopia FAQ
What is Ethiopia known for?
Renowned as the land of origins, Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, where the enchanting aroma and deep-rooted coffee culture thrive. The country boasts ancient civilizations, including the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the historical treasures of Axum. Ethiopia’s breathtaking landscapes range from the rugged peaks of the Simien Mountains to the otherworldly beauty of the Danakil Depression. The Ethiopian people take pride in their long-standing traditions, such as the unique Ethiopian Orthodox Christian practices and the colorful celebrations of cultural festivals like Timkat and Meskel. Ethiopia’s rich heritage and natural wonders make it a captivating destination for explorers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
What are the best places to visit in Ethiopia?
Among the must-visit places is Lalibela, famous for its awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches carved out of solid stone, showcasing remarkable architectural craftsmanship. Another notable site is Axum, home to ancient obelisks, archaeological ruins, and the legendary Ark of the Covenant. The Simien Mountains National Park entices with its dramatic landscapes, jagged peaks, and rare wildlife, including the endemic Gelada baboons.
The Danakil Depression presents a surreal landscape of salt flats, volcanic formations, and colorful sulfur lakes, creating an otherworldly experience. Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, offers a blend of modernity and tradition, with its bustling markets, intriguing museums, and vibrant cultural scene. The historic city of Gondar stands out for its well-preserved castles and palaces, reflecting Ethiopia’s royal past. Lastly, the Omo Valley beckons with its rich tribal culture, providing an opportunity to meet indigenous communities and witness their unique traditions. These remarkable destinations showcase Ethiopia’s diverse heritage and natural beauty, ensuring a truly memorable travel experience.
How many days should I spend in Ethiopia?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Ethiopia?
By Bus: Buses are a popular mode of transportation in Ethiopia, connecting major cities and towns. They vary in comfort and speed, with both private and public bus companies operating throughout the country.
Minibuses and Shared Taxis: Minibuses, locally known as “blue donkeys,” and shared taxis are commonly used for shorter distances and within cities. They can be crowded but offer a more flexible and affordable means of transport.
Private Taxis: Private taxis, often identified by their yellow color, are available in urban areas. Negotiating fares in advance is recommended.
Car Rental: Renting a car provides flexibility and allows you to explore remote areas at your own pace. However, driving conditions in Ethiopia can be challenging, and it’s essential to have experience with driving in similar environments.
Train: Ethiopia has recently introduced a new railway system, with the Addis Ababa-Djibouti line being the main route. It offers a comfortable and scenic way to travel.
What is the currency of Ethiopia?
The unit of currency in Seychelles is the Seychelles rupee (Rs). US dollars are not accepted, but Euros are used widely across the islands. The main banks on Seychelles are Barclays Bank, Seychelles Savings Bank, and Mauritius Commercial Bank with branches found on Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue. ATMs can be found on these islands and at the airport. Tipping in Seychelles is not generally practiced, some high-end hotels and restaurants sometimes add a service charge between 10-15%.
Do people speak English in Ethiopia?
The official language spoken in Seychelles is Seychellois Creole, English and French. English is widely spoken by people working in the service and tourism industries. We recommend you get a good English-Seychelles guidebook and familiarize yourself with a few common phrases, such as hello, goodbye, please and thank you, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit Ethiopia
Ethiopia is an ecologically diverse country; you can therefore expect several climate zones ranging from tropical savanna in the west to warm desert climate in the east. Most of the country is highland with many of its tourist destinations like Lalibela and Gondar are at an elevation of 6,561 ft. These places enjoy a considerably cooler climate year-round.
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Generally, the best time to visit Ethiopia is between November and February when clear, sunny days bring regular average temperatures in the mid to high 70’sF. This period is considered the dry season as rainfall is at its lowest. This is also a prime time for bird watching. If you’re heading to the countryside, the period between September to October is a great time to visit as the landscapes are lush after the rainfalls.
The peak travel season in Ethiopia is from December to February, with January being the height of visiting travelers. Conditions in January are perfect for traveling, and you can experience some of the festivals in Ethiopia – it’s truly a magical time to visit.
The Northern Circuit Region
Generally speaking, the historic north circuit in Ethiopia comprises the following destinations:
– Addis Ababa
– Bahir Dar
– Gonder
– Simien Mountains National Park
– Lalibela
– Axum
– Gheralta Mountains
All of these regions are highland areas, and they follow the usual annual weather patterns with a rainy season from June to September, and mild and pleasant temperatures throughout the year. The best time to visit these destinations is between October and March, but you can often get away with much of April and even the beginning of May before the rains really come in.
If you plan to visit the northern circuit during the rainy season be prepared for rains and cloudier skies, and hiking in the Simien Mountains is more limited. Note: Limalimo Lodge is closed from July 15th to August 31st.
The Riftt Valley and Bale Mountains
The Rift Valley in Ethiopia is a series of lakes that run south of Addis, flanked by the Bale Mountains to the east and the Omo Valley to the south.
The main rift valley lakes are:
– Lake Langano
– Lake Abijatta and Shalla
– Lake Chamo
– Lake Awassa
– Lake Ziway
The rift valley follows similar seasonality to the northern circuit, with a long rainy season from June to early September. The Bale Mountains to the east of the rift valley are the largest highland region south of Addis Ababa. The rains here are more extreme than in the rift valley, and more similar to what you’ll find in the Simien Mountains in the north of the country.
The Extreme North and South
The Omo Valley in the far south of Ethiopia experiences a slightly different climate to the rest of the country. Here, the rains come slightly earlier, kicking off in April and running through to May. From June to September, when the north of the country is experiencing the rains, temperatures are high in the Omo Valley, and it is one of the best times to visit the region. Check out our page on when to visit the Omo Valley for more information.
The Danakil Depression is unlike any other region in Ethiopia and has a completely different climate. It’s one of the most arid, hot, and extreme destinations on the planet. Temperatures here are soaring year-round, averaging around 95°F. In the months of June to September, while the rest of the north is experiencing lower temperatures and more rains, the Danakil is at its hottest – spiking to 105°F+.
Tipping in Ethiopia
This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Birr?
The currency of Ethiopia is the Ethiopian Birr, US dollars are not accepted. Ethiopia operates a mostly cash economy. Domestic credit cards are non-existent, and international cards are accepted in very few locations. Outside of Addis Ababa, credit cards are not accepted in most establishments, so it’s better to carry enough cash to last for a few days.
You can easily change your foreign currency to birr at any of the Ethiopian banks. However, if you plan to change the Ethiopian birr back to a foreign currency at the end of your trip, you should keep the receipt of your foreign currency exchange. The banks want to make sure you actually brought foreign currency into Ethiopia and will want to see the receipt as proof. For this reason, we suggest you only change funds that you are confident you will spend during your time in Ethiopia. If you late need more birr, banks are in all towns and cities.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
Tipping waiters is not customary in local eateries, but it has become so in restaurants used to tourists. A 10% tip of the bill would be a fair to generous amount to tip. Some restaurants will include a service charge, but normally a small tip is appropriate.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Porters: $2 per piece of luggage is a good average. a tip is a great way to show your appreciation for the service at your hotel, but normally a small tip is appropriate.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Tipping taxis is not necessary. Always agree on a price for their service before entering the taxi. If you are especially pleased with the job they’ve done, you may give them a tip although it is not expected.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
For drivers and tour guides a tip is expected, especially if you are hiring them for a whole day or longer. The drivers and guides will generally work very hard to make sure your tour goes as smoothly as possible. A tip is a great way to show your appreciation for their efforts. We suggest for the driver $8 – $10 per day, but feel free to fix the amount of tipping depending on the group size and satisfaction.
Top Cities in Ethiopia
What to expect while traveling
