Explore the Wonders of Ethiopia: From Highlands to Historic Cities
First-time visitors will relish Ethiopia’s stunning natural beauty, as well as its incredibly rich culture and history. The striking diversity of landscapes, ancient traditions and people leave a lasting impression to challenge the misleading stereotype of a land stricken by years of drought and famine.
Ethiopia can boast to being the only country in Africa that wasn’t colonised, having defeated and expelled the Italians after a mere five years of occupation. It has emerged into the present day as a fiercely independent and proud country, and one in which Islam and Christianity coexist in relative harmony.
Brimming with contrasts and extremes, Ethiopia’s attractions range from the tops of its highlands, where mountains soar over 14,100 feet (4,300 metres), to the depths of the Danakil Depression, which is situated below sea level. Discovering Abyssinian culture and traditions that date back over 3,000 years is incredibly exciting and it is possible to experience ancient Islamic folklore, as well as the fascinating rituals and sacred ceremonies of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
The capital, Addis Ababa (meaning ‘New Flower’ in Amharic) is home to the more modern problems of urban migration. Addis Ababa can be a difficult place to navigate, but anyone with a desire to learn more about Ethiopian culture would be remiss not to spend more time in this complex city.
The north of Ethiopia is the most attractive region for anyone interested in history or natural beauty. The Historic Route winds through the medieval wonders of the country, including the ancient cities of Gondar and Axum, and the breath-taking Lalibela churches, which were carved out of rock. The north also boasts the lofty Simien Mountains National Park, where visitors will find the fourth highest peak on the continent, fantastic hiking opportunities and a variety of wildlife.
Bahir Dar, situated on Lake Tana, is popular as a base from which to explore the intriguing monasteries built on the many islands scattered about the lake, as well as the Blue Nile Falls, which are arguably the most impressive falls in North Africa.
The south of Ethiopia, on the other hand, is the heartland of some of the surviving tribal cultures, with villagers living much as they have for centuries. There are fewer awe-inspiring ancient sites and the game reserves and tribal enclaves draw adventurous travellers.
Ethiopia was once overlooked as a tourist destination, but the country’s unique attractions are taking pride of place in northeast Africa. Today the oldest independent nation on the continent welcomes visitors to experience its long proud history and abundance of stunning scenery.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Amharic is the official language, although over 80 local languages are also spoken. English and Arabic are widely spoken as well as some French and Italian.
- Passport/Visa:
All visitors must obtain an eVisa or get a visa from the Ethiopian Embassy closest to their place of legal residence before travelling. E-visas can be obtained before departure online at www.evisa.gov.et/. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Ethiopia if visitors are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the Ethiopian birr (ETB), which is divided into 100 cents, and foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and authorised hotels. Only major establishments accept credit cards in Addis Ababa, and credit cards have even more limited usage outside the capital. Visitors should carry hard currency with them, preferably in US dollars. ATMs are sparse, but banks are usually open every day except Sundays from 8am to 11am and 1pm till 4pm.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are used. Even in Addis Ababa, electricity supply is irregular and blackouts are common.
Overview
There is plenty to see and do in the ancient country of Ethiopia, but getting to attractions isn’t always easy. However, many of the attractions are incredibly impressive and it’s worth negotiating the chaos for a sight of them.
Most tourists travel to the colourful capital of Addis Ababa to start their exploration. It’s worth spending at least a day here to experience the vibe of this enormous African city, with its lively markets and fascinating attractions, such as the Ethiopian National Museum, which is home to Lucy, the famous early hominid fossil.
Northern Ethiopia holds the greatest attraction for visitors, as it’s one of the country’s richest regions for culture, history, and natural splendour. The Historic Route has some breathtaking assets and is a fairly well-beaten trail on which travellers can feel safe.
With more castles, palaces, and churches than any other city in Africa, the medieval city of Gondar is a wondrous place. Not to be outdone, the city of Axum is said to contain the Ark of the Covenant, as well as the ancient capital of the Queen of Sheba.
The ancient city of Harar, fourth holiest city in the world for Islam, boasts 82 mosques within its fortified walls, but Ethiopia’s top attractions are undoubtedly the 13th-century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. They are among the most incredible manmade structures in the world, revered and renowned among Ethiopians and foreigners alike, and the venue for some of the most famous religious festivals in Ethiopia. Having taken at least 24 years to complete, the astounding churches are believed to have been created with the help of angels.
Climate in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is in the tropical zone lying between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer. There are three different climate zones in the country and weather varies substantially depending on altitude. The lowlands are generally hot and humid, while cooler temperatures characterise the Ethiopian Highlands.
Although the low-lying areas are tropical in climate due to the proximity to the equator, the mountainous regions can get chilly and the climate is more alpine. The average annual temperature in the highlands is about 61F (16C), while the lowlands average about 82F (28C).
In Addis Ababa, which ranges from 7,218 feet to 8,530 feet (2,200m to 2,600m), the maximum average temperature is 79F (26C) and the minimum is 39F (4C). May is the hottest month and August is the coolest.
There are two rainy seasons in Ethiopia: a short, mild one between February and April, and a more intense rainy season from mid-June to mid-September. Although travel is easily possible during the spring rainy season, it is generally avoided during the far wetter summer period, as road travel can become difficult. Visitors should be aware that Ethiopia can get rain year-round and that rainfall, like everything else, is dependent on region.
The best time to visit Ethiopia is in the dry season between mid-October and March, but travellers should be sure to check out the climate for the particular region they want to explore before making a decision.
Health Notes when travelling to Ethiopia
Travellers to Ethiopia are recommended to have hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcus, and cholera vaccinations. There is a risk of yellow fever in Ethiopia, and proof of vaccination is required if visitors are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.
Malaria is prevalent in the lowlands and altitude sickness may affect travellers to the highland areas, including Addis Ababa. Bilharzia is present in many of the lakes in Ethiopia and travellers are advised to drink boiled or bottled water, as waterborne diseases are prevalent. A rabies vaccination is recommended for anyone who will be spending a lot of time in wilderness areas or around animals, and a polio booster is recommended for adults who had the vaccine as children.
Medical facilities are poor outside of Addis Ababa, while in the capital, hospitals are available but medical supplies are erratic. Visitors should bring their own regular medications with them and arrange comprehensive travel insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to Ethiopia
The vast majority of trips to Ethiopia are trouble free, but safety precautions are recommended. Visitors are cautioned to avoid all public demonstrations and large crowds, particularly in Addis Ababa, and to keep a low profile in public places. Valuables should not be displayed, as petty theft is a concern, and visitors should only use buses or taxis from the airport that have been organised by their hotel or travel company.
Most of Ethiopia can be explored in relative safety, but there are travel warnings in place for some areas, and travellers are advised to check travel warnings on reputable government websites before planning their itineraries. Caution should generally be exercised in all border areas and the British FCDO advises against all travel to within six miles (10km) of the borders with Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan and Kenya, though there are a few exceptions to this rule made for prime tourist hotspots and main roads.
Travel warnings are also in place for parts of the Somali region, parts of the Danakil desert, and parts of the Gambella region. Overland travel to Sudan or Kenya is dangerous due to armed bandits, and should only be attempted in a convoy.
Flooding often affects Ethiopia between June and September each year, with flash floods sometimes killing hundreds of people in low-lying areas.
Customs in Ethiopia
The Ethiopian Highlands are mainly Orthodox Christian and restaurants do not serve meat dishes on Wednesdays, Fridays, and during Lent. The Ethiopian calendar, which is similar to the Julian calendar, consists of 13 months (12 months of 30 days, and a thirteenth month of five or six days). Homosexuality is illegal in Ethiopia, and carry penalties of between 1 and 15 years imprisonment. Shoes should be removed before entering mosques and churches; photographs should not be taken of military buildings and airports, and permission should be asked before photographing religious festivals and people.
Duty Free in Ethiopia
Travellers to Ethiopia over the age of 18 years do not have to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco; 2 litre of alcoholic beverages; 2 bottles or 600ml of perfume.
Doing Business in Ethiopia
Etiquette is very important in Ethiopia, both socially and in business. Formal attire is expected of men and women; greetings are very important and the shaking of hands is the norm for first meetings. Ethiopians like to establish good relations with one another and personal relationships are the cornerstone of business.
Businessmen in Addis Ababa understand some English, and perhaps some French and Italian. Ethiopians also respect their elders, so visitors should show the same courtesy. Business hours are generally 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, with an hour taken at lunch, though this may vary from business to business.
Communication in Ethiopia
The international dialling code for Ethiopia is +251 and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Internet services are increasingly available and travellers can purchase prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Ethiopia
Tourist hotels and restaurants usually add a 10 percent service charge to the bill, but tipping is still fairly common, though only small amounts are customary.
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors must obtain an eVisa or get a visa from the Ethiopian Embassy closest to their place of legal residence before travelling. E-visas can be obtained before departure online at www.evisa.gov.et/. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Ethiopia if visitors are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Ethiopia. A visa is required and can be obtained online or on arrival in the country for those travelling as tourists and arriving at Addis Ababa.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Ethiopia. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival in the country for those travelling as tourists and arriving at Addis Ababa.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens require a passport that is valid upon arrival in Ethiopia. A visa is required, and can be obtained online or on arrival in the country for those travelling as tourists and arriving at one of the main airports. Holders of British passports with endorsements other than ‘British Citizen’ should check with the embassy to confirm their entry requirements.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Ethiopia. A visa is required, and can be obtained online or on arrival in the country for those travelling as tourists and arriving at Addis Ababa.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Ethiopia. A visa is required, and can be obtained online or on arrival in the country for those travelling as tourists and arriving at Addis Ababa.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Ethiopia. A visa is required, and can be obtained online on arrival in the country for those travelling as tourists and arriving at Addis Ababa.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Ethiopia. A visa is required, and can be obtained online or on arrival in the country for those travelling as tourists and arriving at Addis Ababa.
Tourist Offices
Ethiopian Tourism Organisation: http://www.ethiopia.travel/
Ethiopia Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of Ethiopia, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 364 1200.
- In Canada:
Embassy of Ethiopia, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 565 6637.
- In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of Ethiopia, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7589 7212.
- In Australia:
Embassy of Ethiopia, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6295 9984.
- In Ireland:
Embassy of Ethiopia, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 678 7062.
- In South Africa:
Embassy of Ethiopia, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 346 4067.
Foreign Embassies in Ethiopia
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Addis Ababa: +251 1 130 6000.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Addis Ababa: +251 11 317 0000.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Addis Ababa: +251 11 617 0100.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Addis Ababa: +251 11 667 2678.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Addis Ababa: +251 1 518 0500.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Addis Ababa: +251 11 515 1269.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Addis Ababa: +251 11 371 1002.
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