Ethiopia

Most nationalities require a visa for entry to Ethiopia. Please see this website to find your closest embassy or consulate:
https://embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-of/ethiopia

If you are flying into Addis Ababa you can obtain a visa on arrival. You’ll need two passport photos and approximately US$50. You may be asked for proof of a return ticket – please carry your tour notes as proof that you are leaving overland. If you are entering at any border other than Addis Ababa airport you MUST obtain your visa in advance.

Ethiopia is generally a safe country, and Addis Ababa a safe city. However, one should still take the normal precautions, avoiding unfamiliar areas at night and not carrying large sums of money in accessible pockets. It is advisable to beware of pick-pocketing in certain areas, skilled at identifying new arrivals. Violent robbery and mugging are very rare and generally visitors can tour the city day and night safely. In fact, safety is one of the main factors contributing to the unique atmosphere in Ethiopia.

There are many international airlines flying to and from Addis Ababa (ADD). Ethiopian Airlines has daily flights from multiple cities in Europe, U.S.A and Asia. The following airlines also fly to and from Addis Ababa, most of them also daily from Europe and U.S.A: Lufthansa, KLM, Emirates Airlines, Gulf Air, Turkish Airlines, BMI and Egypt Air.

There are many international airlines flying to and from Addis Ababa (ADD). Ethiopian Airlines has daily flights from multiple cities in Europe, U.S.A and Asia. The following airlines also fly to and from Addis Ababa, most of them also daily from Europe and U.S.A: Lufthansa, KLM, Emirates Airlines, Gulf Air, Turkish Airlines, BMI and Egypt Air.

Internal Flights

Ethiopian Airlines is the only internal flight operator. If you are travelling internationally by Ethiopian Airlines, then the internal flights are significantly cheaper. Yamral Africa Safari & Tours can organize purchase of internal flights at the cheaper price if required.

If we buy the internal flight for you then we will send you the confirmation from Ethiopian Airlines and all you need to do is present it to the check in desk with your passport.

Code Sharing

If you purchase your Ethiopian Airlines international ticket through an agency or through a non-Ethiopian Airlines office the ticket may be issued using ‘code sharing’. In this case Ethiopian Airlines will not offer discounted domestic flights.

Much of Ethiopia sits over 1,500m high; days can be mild and nights cold – especially in the fog-shrouded highlands, which soar well over 3,000m. The best time to visit Ethiopia is Sep-April, but particularly at either end of the rains – in April, when the land is dry and barren, or as it flourishes again in Sep-Oct. This green season is also best for highland wildlife. Rains replenish the Omo Valley even sooner – so travel Nov-Mar or Jun-Sep. Generally, though, the rains cause little disruption; you’ll just find lusher landscapes and fewer tourists.

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Ethiopia but is considered polite in restaurants and bars. It’s up to the individual to choose to tip or not but rounding up a bill for good service or leaving 10% of the total service cost is appreciated.

Internet cafes can be found in cities and large towns but less so in rural and remote places.

Mobile phone coverage is quite good in Ethiopia’s urban areas, but less so in rural, remote and mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your mobile phone.

Squat/pit toilets are the standard in Ethiopia, except for western-style flushable toilets that are sometimes available in large hotels and other modern buildings. Carry your own supply of soap and toilet paper, as this is rarely provided.

Cup of coffee = 10-15 ETB
Bottle of beer = 30-40 ETB
Simple lunch = 40-60 ETB
Nice dinner in a restaurant = 150-200 ETB

Tap water isn’t considered safe for tourists to drink. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Ask your leader and accommodation provider for local advice on where drinking water can be accessed. Also, avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating.

Credit cards are accepted only by a few large hotels in Addis Ababa as cash is the main mode of payment in Ethiopia. Ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.

There are a few ATMs that accept foreign cards in Ethiopia, mainly in Addis Ababa and other large cities. Withdrawing cash from ATMs can’t necessarily be relied on, so carrying foreign currency (like US dollars) is recommended.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

• 7 Jan Genna / Ethiopian Christmas
• 19 Jan Timket / Epiphany
• 2 Mar Adwa Victory Day
• 14 Apr Siklet /Ethiopian Good Friday
• 16 Apr Fasika / Ethiopian Easter
• 1 May Labour Day
• 5 May Arbegnoch Qen / Patriots’ Victory Day
• 28 May Dergue Downfall Day / National Day
• 26 Jun Id Al-Fetir / End of Ramadan
• 11 Sep Enkutatash / Ethiopian New Year
• 2 Sep Id Al-Adaha / Feast of Sacrifice
• 27 Sep Meskel / Discovery of the True Cross
• 1 Dec Mawlid / The Prophet’s Birthday

Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in Ethiopia go to: https://www.worldtravelguide.net/ethiopia/public-holidays

Yamral Africa is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It’s important to remember that what may be acceptable behavior, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.

Responsible travel tips for Ethiopia

1. Be considerate of Ethiopia’s customs, traditions, religion and culture.
2. Dress modestly and respectfully. Shoulders to knees should be covered, especially when entering places of worship.
3. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water.
4. Always dispose of litter thoughtfully, including cigarette butts.
5. When bargaining at markets, stay calm, be reasonable and keep a smile on your face. It’s meant to be fun!
6. Learn some local language and don’t be afraid to use it – simple greetings will help break the ice.
7. Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive.
8. Refrain from supporting businesses that exploit or abuse endangered animals.
9. Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.
10. When on community visits or homestays, refrain from giving gifts or money to locals.