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Ethiopia

Overview of Ethiopia


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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.

map of Ethiopia


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.

Travel to Ethiopia

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.

Travel Advisories

Health Information for Travelers to Ethiopia

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Vaccines and Medicines

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

 

  Find Out Why Protect Yourself

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

get_vaccinated hygiene

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Ethiopia, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Ethiopia. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

get_vaccinated eat_drink

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

Cholera

Cholera is a risk in parts of Ethiopia. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information).

eat_drink
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Malaria

Talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria while traveling. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, especially if you are visiting low-altitude areas. See more detailed information about malaria in Ethiopia.

antimalarial_meds avoid_insects
Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)

CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Ethiopia located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Rabies

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Ethiopia, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to Ethiopia
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
get_vaccinated animals hygiene
Yellow Fever

Health recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Ethiopia, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas.

Country entry requirement: The government of Ethiopia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - for complete list, see Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.

For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Ethiopia. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.

get_vaccinated avoid_insects

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Ethiopia, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Ethiopia. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

eat_drink
Cholera

Cholera is a risk in parts of Ethiopia. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information).

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

antimalarial_meds avoid_insects
Malaria

Talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria while traveling. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, especially if you are visiting low-altitude areas. See more detailed information about malaria in Ethiopia.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)

CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Ethiopia located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common.

get_vaccinated animals hygiene
Rabies

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Ethiopia, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to Ethiopia
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
get_vaccinated avoid_insects
Yellow Fever

Health recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Ethiopia, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas.

Country entry requirement: The government of Ethiopia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - for complete list, see Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.

For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Ethiopia. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.

Key
  • Get vaccinated
  • Take antimalarial meds
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Prevent bug bites
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

Top

 
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Stay Healthy and Safe

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Ethiopia, so your behaviors are important.

 

Eat and drink safely

Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.

Eat
  • Food that is cooked and served hot
  • Hard-cooked eggs
  • Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
  • Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
  • Food served at room temperature
  • Food from street vendors
  • Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
  • Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
  • Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
  • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
  • Bottled water that is sealed
  • Water that has been disinfected
  • Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Hot coffee or tea
  • Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
  • Tap or well water
  • Ice made with tap or well water
  • Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
  • Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine

Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.

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Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Ethiopia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?
  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
    • DEET
    • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
    • IR3535
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.

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Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Ethiopia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
    • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Ethiopia. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

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Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

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Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
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Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
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Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Ethiopia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Ethiopia. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

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Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Walking

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Ethiopia may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Ethiopia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

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Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave
  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
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Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Ethiopia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

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Travel Health Notices

Be aware of current health issues in Ethiopia. Learn how to protect yourself.

 

Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions

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After Your Trip

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.

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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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.

Bole International Airport (ADD)
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
http://www.addisairport.com

Location: Addis Ababa The airport is situated five miles (8km) from Addis Ababa.

map of Bole International Airport

Time: GMT +3.

Transfer between terminals: The terminals are close to each other, but a free shuttle service is available.

Getting to the city: Most hotels offer shuttle services from the airport, though these should be booked in advance. Local minibuses are also available but tend to be crowded and can be uncomfortable with luggage.

Car rental: Car rental is available at the airport.

Airport Taxis: To avoid haggling and overpricing, travellers should use the yellow-coloured government taxis parked at the terminal, which are more comfortable and reliable than the unofficial blue and white cabs. Passengers should make sure to agree on a fee with the driver before starting their journey.

Facilities: Facilities include a bank and bureau de change, restaurants and bars, duty-free and gift shops, travel agents, a post office, and a tourist help desk.

Parking: Public parking is located near the entrances of each terminal.

Overview of the Attractions in Ethiopia

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.

Mercato
Addis Ababa

The Mercato is one of the largest outdoor markets in Africa and Addis Ababa's most colourful sight. Ideal for souvenirs, there are tailors, spice merchants, and purveyors of just about every commodity under the sun, including wonderful Ethiopian coffee. Mercato is memorable but not for the faint hearted, given its wandering animals, hollering vendors, and riot of colour, aromas, and sensations. The spice market is particularly interesting, with its exotic colours and smells. The Mercato is a pick-pocketing hotspot so visitors should be careful with their valuables. It's best to wear a money belt under clothes rather than keeping cash in an accessible place. Shoppers should bargain hard as prices are enormously flexible and foreigners are routinely charged three to four times the going rate.

map of Mercato

National Museum of Ethiopia
Addis Ababa

This museum displays a varied range of exhibits across three floors, and they cover Ethiopian history from the prehistoric to the contemporary. The museum is not world-class in terms of its facilities or exhibition space, but it does contain some genuinely fascinating artefacts and gives visitors a good historical overview of Ethiopia. The most famous exhibit is the replica statue of Lucy, thought to be the oldest hominid skeleton ever found and estimated to be 3.18 million years old. Lucy was discovered in 1974 and named for the Beatles song. The fragile original skeleton is in the vaults of the building. Also of interest is the selection of celebrated Ethiopian artworks from Axum, Lalibella, and the Tana Monasteries, as well as relics from Haile Selassie's reign.

map of National Museum of Ethiopia

St George's Cathedral
Addis Ababa

St George's Cathedral was founded by the great Emperor Menelik to commemorate his 1896 victory over the invading Italian army. A relic of St George was carried into battle by the Ethiopians and the emperor built the cathedral to pay tribute to the saint that ensured his victory. The cathedral is a holy place of pilgrimage for Rastafarians. It has a traditional Ethiopian design and octagonal shape, and the outer walls of the building are covered in wonderful artwork and mosaics, including work by Afewerk Tekle, one of Ethiopia's most celebrated artists. Inside, beautiful stained-glass windows enhance the sacred atmosphere. In 1930, the church hosted the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie and he and Empress Menen are two of the famous Ethiopians buried here.

map of St George's Cathedral

Lalibela
Addis Ababa

Lalibela is one of the world's most remarkable spiritual sites and Ethiopia's greatest tourist attraction. It is home to the country's astounding rock-hewn churches and is an important pilgrimage site for Ethiopia's Orthodox Christians. There are 11 functioning churches in total, all carved from a single piece of granite. The churches were carved from the top down and some lie nearly hidden in deep trenches, while others stand in open caves. Each is unique. The churches are connected by a labyrinth of tunnels and dark narrow passageways with crypts, grottos, caverns, and galleries hewn from the red rock. They were carved between the 10th and 12th centuries in a bid to create a New Jerusalem for those unable to pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

map of Lalibela

Axum
Addis Ababa

Axum is a city in far northern Ethiopia. Its 17th-century Church of St Mary of Zion is said to house the Ark of the Covenant, which visitors aren't permitted to see. Colossal stone obelisks dating back to 300 AD are remnants of the Kingdom of Aksum and are recognised as remarkable historical artefacts by UNESCO. In 2005 one such obelisk was returned to Ethiopia with great fanfare after having been looted by Italy in the early 20th century. The largest number of these impressive sculptures is in the Northern Stelae Park, and the tallest one that remains standing is King Ezana's Stele, which is over 78 feet (24m) tall and weighs 160 tonnes. Some tombs have been excavated under the giant stele, but archaeologists have not yet explored the vast majority of this fascinating underground world, and the extent of the mysteries the obelisks guard is unknown.

map of Axum

Harar
Addis Ababa

Harar is a fascinating, exotic town of considerable interest to visitors willing to make the 320-mile (520km) journey east from Addis Ababa. Harar is the fourth holiest city in Islam and was forbidden to outsiders until 1887, when it became part of the Ethiopian Empire. Harar boasts about 82 mosques (three from the 10th century) and 102 shrines. The city is perched on the eastern wall of the Great Rift Valley, affording it a cool climate and wonderful views of the soaring mountains to the east. The main attractions are inside the Walled City, a fascinating warren of medieval mosques, houses, and markets. Another popular attraction is the nocturnal Hyena Man, who feeds wild hyenas strips of raw meat suspended from his mouth and sticks.

map of Harar

Bahir Dar
Addis Ababa

Bahir Dar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ethiopia. Known for its palm-lined avenues, it sits at the southern edge of Lake Tana, which is the source of the Blue Nile. The town is the main base for visiting Tissisat Falls and the lake's 37 islands with their ancient churches and monasteries. Unfortunately, many of these churches deny access to women but there are exceptions. The lake is enormous and it will probably take half a day just to visit two or three of the monasteries. The scenery is beautiful, though, and visitors may even spot some local fishermen in traditional papyrus canoes or groups of hippo. The most beautiful of the monasteries on Lake Tana are Debre Kebran Gabriel, which dates from the 14th century, and Ura Kidane Mehret, which has exceptional frescoes.

map of Bahir Dar

Gondar
Addis Ababa

Gondar is a city like no other, scattered with ancient castles and churches, magnificent mountain scenery, and a pleasantly cool climate. Situated 460 miles (748km) north of Addis Ababa, this is the next clockwise step after Bahir Dar on the official Historic Route through Ethiopia. Founded by Emperor Fasilides around the year 1635, Gondar grew as an agricultural centre and market town. The city was the capital of Ethiopia for hundreds of years, which accounts for the abundant imperial architecture, most densely concentrated in the Royal Enclosure, which contains numerous castles. The oldest and most architecturally interesting is the Castle of Fasilides, which has Axumite, Portuguese, and Indian elements. Near the edge of Gondar is the Church of Debre Birhan Selassie, which was built in the 17th century and contains the country's most celebrated ceiling murals. Gondar is also a natural base for treks into the Simien Mountains and many tour companies tout their services in the city.

map of Gondar

Hiking in the Simien Mountains

Forming part of one of the major mountain ranges in Africa, the Simien Mountains rise to their highest point in Ethiopia at Mount Ras Dashen (15,157ft/4,620m). The range boasts several other peaks above 13,123ft (4,000m). The Simien Mountains National Park is known for its dramatic landscapes and spectacular scenery comprising deep canyons, escarpments, dizzying precipices, and jagged spires and pinnacles formed by millions of years of erosion. There are a variety of trekking options, ranging from one-day hikes to treks lasting 10 days; most routes will pass through the small villages and cultivated fields dotted about the lower valleys before reaching the plateaux and high altitude areas, from where the views are breath-taking.

The park is home to a variety of rare endemic wildlife, including the walia ibex (a type of mountain goat), the Simien fox, and troops of red-chested gelada baboons that live in the cliffs. The gelada baboons are highly entertaining and surprisingly unbothered by humans, peacefully grazing alongside watching travellers. Large birds of prey, such as the lammergeyer, can also be seen.

The small town of Debark is a good base for hiking into the Simien Mountains, and the National Park Office is the place to organise guided treks. All visitors must be accompanied by an official armed ranger due to the lawless nature of some areas of the Simien range following years of civil war. Apart from organising the obligatory escort, travellers should bear in mind that the high altitude in the Simien range can be a challenge.

Birding in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has emerged as one of the foremost birding destinations on the African continent, boasting more than 850 known species, of which at least 23 are endemic to Ethiopia. Habitats supporting the best bird life include the Rift Valley lakes, the highland massif, forests, and the lowlands.

The Rift Valley is scattered with lakes that offer an enormous diversity of bird life; more than half of all Ethiopia's species have been recorded at both Awash National Park and Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park. Lake Langano and Nechisar National Park are also excellent birding sites and commonly seen birds include kingfishers, storks, pelicans, flamingos and fish eagles.

The highland escarpments form the most typical of Ethiopian habitats for birds and offer a number of species not found elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa, such as the Golden Eagle, Red-billed Chough, and Ruddy Shelduck; other endemics include Rouget's Rail and the Spot-breasted Lapwing. More than 50 species of birds inhabit the Simien Mountains National Park, including the impressive Bearded Vulture, or Lammergeyer, with its 10-foot (3m) wingspan. Bale Mountains National Park in the highlands is another popular birdwatchers paradise.

The south of the country also affords superb birding opportunities with sought after endemics such as the Prince Ruspoli's Turaco, Degodi Larks and Stresemann's Bush Crow.

Various tour operators offer birdwatching adventures in Ethiopia. Travellers should do some research into reputable tour companies and good guides as the quality of tours varies, though by all accounts the best guides are truly wonderful. October to December is generally considered the best time to go on birdwatching adventures in Ethiopia, but there is some variation according to region.

Public Holidays in Ethiopia

  2023 2024
Ethiopian Christmas Day Sun. January 7 Sun. January 7
Ethiopian Epiphany Sat. January 6 Sat. January 6
Adwa Victory Day Sat. March 2 Sat. March 2
Ethiopian Good Friday Sun. April 14 Fri. May 3
Ethiopian Easter Sunday Tue. April 16 Sun. May 5
Labour Day Wed. May 1 Wed. May 1
Patriot's Victory Day Sun. May 5 Sun. May 5
Derg Downfall Day Tue. May 28 Tue. May 28
Eid-al-Fitr Sun. April 21 to Mon. April 22 Tue. April 9 to Wed. April 10
Ethiopian New Year Thu. September 12 Wed. September 11
Eid al-Adha Fri. June 28 to Sat. June 29 Sun. June 16 to Mon. June 17
The Prophet's Birthday Fri. September 27 Mon. September 16

News about Ethiopia

Stunning Photos of a New African Wonder
Legend has it that the dramatic rock-hewn churches of Lalibela were created with the help of a team of angels. Buried deep into the rock in the highlands of northern Ethiopia, the 11 monolithic churches were built in the late 12th and early 13th Centuries by King
BBC Travel
Friday August 18, 2023
Visit These Affordable South American Destinations In 2023
Elshaday Kebede is a San Francisco Bay Area-based Black solo female traveler and content creator that enjoys traveling to affordable destinations. Having grown up in Ethiopia, travel is her biggest passion, and also one she does not take for granted. Following her becoming a U.S. citizen in 2019
Travel Noire
Friday January 27, 2023
Ethiopian Airlines Preparing To Resume Boeing 737 MAX Operations
At the end of 2021, about one month ago, Ethiopian Airlines revealed that it was planning to bring the Boeing 737 MAX back into service in February 2022. The day appears to be fast approaching, as the airline took to Twitter on
Simple Flying
Monday January 24, 2022
The hotel I can't wait to (hopefully) visit next year
Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I had big travel plans for 2020. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and explore parts of the world I’ve never been to before. At the top of the list were Ethiopia and Tanzania.
The Points Guy
Tuesday September 15, 2020
It’s one of the harshest places on Earth — and travelers love it
It’s been called one of the most alien places on earth — a “gateway to hell” and, in the words of British explorer Wilfred Thesiger, a veritable “land of death.” The sulfurous hot springs, acid pools, steaming fissures and salt mountains of the Danakil Depression resemble scenes from a science fiction movie. But the area is very real — and it’s one of Ethiopia’s top attractions. One of the hottest
CNBC
Thursday April 09, 2020
The travel 'ache' you can't translate
Every time I feel like I’ve reached the most remote place I’ve ever travelled, I hear “Guten tag”, and see a German rounding the corner, nonchalantly strolling by like he or she went for a walk around in their Munich or Hamburg neighbourhood, got pleasantly lost, and somehow ended up here in the wilds of western Ethiopia or below the peaks the Bolivian Andes. The more I traverse the globe, the more I realise that
BBC
Tuesday March 24, 2020
Marcus Samuelsson: Traveling to Japan and Singapore “Was My College”
Over the past few decades, Marcus Samuelsson has made a name for himself by weaving together the immigrant cuisines of America, first at his Harlem restaurant Red Rooster and now in various locations around the globe. The Ethiopian-Swedish chef also loves to travel, and his PBS show No Passport Required, now in its second season, takes him around the country to meet different communities and celebrate
Conde Nast Traveler
Tuesday February 11, 2020
Traveling To Kenya? Here Is A 7 Day Safari Guide
Kenya is ranked as one of the best Africa safari destinations. The land of the Masai is located at the far east of Africa neighboring the Indian Ocean in the East, Uganda in the West, Tanzania in the South and in the North, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia. Kenya receives more than 2 million travelers, but tourism, like taking a safari in Kenya make up the largest number of international arrivals in Kenya. The
Forbes
Thursday February 06, 2020
Ethiopian Airlines Announces Plans to Build Africa’s Largest Airport
Ethiopian Airlines is spending an estimated $5 billion to build the largest airport in Africa. It could also become Africa's busiest airport, capable of handling more passengers than the current busiest hub in Johannesburg, South Africa. In an interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said that the airline completed its 2025 goals seven years ahead of schedule
Travel+Leisure
Wednesday February 05, 2020
In 2020, Have Boeing’s Problems Just Begun?
The date on the calendar may have changed, but in 2020 Boeing is facing the same problem: when, and if, the 737 MAX aircraft grounded worldwide will be deemed safe enough to fly. The last crash of a Boeing 737 MAX, in March of 2019, was the deadliest aircraft accident of that year. The 156 killed in the Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX crash accounted for more than
Forbes
Monday January 06, 2020
Ethiopia opens its secretive Imperial Palace
For more than a century, the secretive imperial palace complex has stood over Ethiopia's capital city of Addis Ababa, closed off to everyone but the country's leaders and the troops who protected them. Almost hidden from view on a wooded bluff, its forbidding 40-acre compound was unknown even to some of those living beneath it. Behind its walls, plots were hatched, conquests planned and
CNN
Friday October 18, 2019
The Boeing 737 Max grounding is going on so long it will disrupt holiday air travel
Southwest became the first U.S. airline to pull the 737 Max from its schedules until next year. Cancellations are set to climb because the carrier expected to have more new planes delivered during 2019. The 737 Max planes have been grounded since mid-March after a fatal crash in Ethiopia, five months after another in
CNBC
Monday July 29, 2019
American Airlines Cancels Boeing 737 Max Flights Until November
American Airlines joined United in canceling flights onboard the 737 Max through at least November, the airline announced Sunday. The decision will likely cause a ripple effect of delayed travel for months to come. In mid-March, airline companies grounded the worldwide fleet of Boeing 737 Max planes following two deadly crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia. Since the Ethiopian crash, experts from Boeing
Travel+Leisure
Tuesday July 16, 2019
American Airlines extends cancellation timeline for Boeing 737 Max to November
American Airlines announced on Sunday it will be extending cancellations of the Boeing 737 Max from its flight schedule through November 2 — much longer than expected. The Boeing 737 Max has been grounded worldwide since March. The Boeing 737 was grounded worldwide following the deadly crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 in October and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March. Boeing has
CBS News
Monday July 15, 2019
Chicago-based gay tour company’s trip to Ethiopia in doubt after threats
Rogers Park-based Toto Tours offers its mostly gay clientele trips to far-flung locales all across the globe: Sumatra, Bhutan, Macedonia — just to name a few. But a “Treasures of Ethiopia” trip planned for late October is now in doubt after religious groups in the notoriously anti-gay East African country recently got wind of it, sparking a firestorm on social media. “I’m
Chicago Sun-Times
Thursday June 06, 2019
See plans for Virgin Hotels New Orleans set to open in 2021
Billionaire Sir Richard Branson was in New Orleans Thursday (May 23) to break ground on a new $80 million Virgin Hotel, which will go up on a former surface parking lot in the Warehouse District. The hotel is expected to open in 2021. Branson, who had flown in from Ethiopia Thursday morning, stood alongside Mayor LaToya Cantrell and project leaders in a parking
NOLA.com
Friday May 24, 2019
The 'sacred forests' of northern Ethiopia
A group of children were listening to a story beneath the shade of an African juniper tree in a small church forest near Debre Tabor in northern Ethiopia. Three women walked along a path, the sound of their chatting permeating the dense trees as our group of 12 people, clearly foreigners, approached. When the children spotted us at the
BBC
Tuesday May 21, 2019
Did the Dutch 'steal' this African food?
In the early 1980s, images of starving children in drought-stricken landscapes were beamed into lounge rooms around the world as aid organisations made appeals to help the millions of Ethiopians impacted by famine. So powerful were the pictures that many people would still find it hard to believe the country is home to what is widely touted in the Western
BBC
Thursday May 09, 2019
A Tour of Eritrea: The Tiny African Nation You Never Thought You'd Visit
The silent Grundig wireless sets, empty wine bottles and tired musical instruments made for diverting lunch decor in Ghibabo. Young men and women at a neighbouring table chat, taking in the eccentricity of this restaurant and pizzeria in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea. “Ethiopian people,” says a nearby diner, pointing at a nearby group. “Tourists.”
The Independent
Thursday December 06, 2018
This is What It's Like to Stay at the World's Most Remote Hotel in Greenland
Scenery doesn’t usually make me weep. I’ve been to Botswanan bush camps, Cambodian beaches and Ethiopian lakes, and rarely have I found myself reaching for the tissues. But the mauve light that floods Greenland’s snow-drenched landscape in late autumn is so dramatically beautiful that my eyes welled with tears. Although it doesn’t pay to be
The Independent
Wednesday November 28, 2018
The National Park in Ethiopia Where Wolves and Honey Badgers Rule the Roost
At first it's a speck on the landscape, a barely tangible tangerine blur beyond tufts of alpine shrubs. I try not to get too excited. My first wolf sighting turned out to be a rock flecked with ginger moss - the perfect camouflage for the world's rarest canid. This time, however, it seems to be the real deal. It's moving, at least.
The Independent
Thursday March 15, 2018
Addis Ababa: 10 Best Things to Do in Ethiopia's Capital
Addis Ababa keeps visitors on their toes -- in a fun way. Find out the 10 best things to do in Ethiopia's spirited capital
CNN
Monday February 05, 2018
Ethiopia: Ancient Churches, Mysterious Towers and Lucy
The country’s mythology included serving as keepers of the Ark of the Covenant (the legendary chest containing the Ten Commandments) and the biblical story of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba
The Washington Post
Wednesday January 10, 2018
Ethiopian Airlines Operates First All-Female Flight Crew In Africa
The flight from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia to Lagos in Nigeria was (wo)manned entirely by women, from pilots to cabin crew, check-in staff to flight dispatchers on the ground, reports This Is Africa
The Independent
Thursday December 28, 2017
Navigating Sometimes Chaotic, Always Fascinating Addis Ababa
Not only can the Ethiopian capital be done inexpensively, you will also find fascinating cultural landmarks, wonderful food and an almost unparalleled coffee culture
New York Times
Tuesday October 17, 2017
The Best Way To See The Best Of Africa? Ethiopian Holidays
Let the tour division of the continent's #1 airline, Ethiopian Airlines, be your guide on your next African adventure
Travel Research Online
Wednesday September 27, 2017
Hotel review: Limalimo Lodge, Ethiopia
New openings in the Ethiopian Highlands are rare. When it comes to the Simien Mountains National Park, one of the richest wildlife areas in the country, visitors could previously stay either in the nearby town of Debark or, if keen to be inside the park’s borders, the decade-old Simien Lodge
The Independent
Tuesday September 13, 2016
Ethiopia: Next big thing in Africa travel?
In the late 1950s, Ethiopian Airlines launched an advertising campaign in the Western media that touted the ancient kingdom as Africa's "newest travel adventure." More than half a century later, the huge East African nation has yet to live up to that lofty billing. But it might not be much longer
CNN
Wednesday July 27, 2016
A traditional village stay in Ethiopia's Simien Mountains
Selam, an assistant guide who doubled as chief cook, set a plate in front of me, a mountain of spaghetti topped with what would prove to be a delicious tomato sauce. I started to tell her that even after our six-hour walk it was much more than I needed, but she didn’t understand, and I didn’t want to offend her. So I lifted my fork and spoon and ate the lot. I didn’t want to waste food, not in Ethiopia
Telegraph (London)
Thursday July 07, 2016
Ethiopia: From Lion of Judah to economic lion
If there was ever a country that embodied the optimism of the "Africa Rising" narrative, it would be Ethiopia
CNN
Wednesday October 21, 2015
Ethiopia tipped for tourism surge
Annual report lists Ethiopia among emerging destinations, while bookings for Cuba rise and trips to Malaysia prove less popular
Telegraph (London)
Tuesday February 10, 2015
In Ethiopia’s Capital, a Resurgent Jazz Scene
Several venues featuring different jazz styles have sprung up in Addis Ababa in recent years, more than two decades after an evening curfew was lifted