Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions About Ethiopia!

The best time to visit Ethiopia is during the dry season from September to June when the weather is pleasant for trekking and exploring historical sites. The rainy season runs from June to September, which can make travel somewhat challenging.

Ethiopia is generally safe for tourists, but it’s essential to stay updated on current events and follow your Tour guide advice . Some areas may have travel advisories, so check with your government’s travel website before going.

     – The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.

     – The ancient city of Axum.

     – The Simien Mountains National Park for hiking and incredible views.

     – The Danakil Depression for its unique landscapes.

     – The cultural heritage in Gondar.

The currency used in Ethiopia is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). It’s advisable to keep some local currency for small purchases, as card acceptance can vary.

Ethiopian cuisine is known for its unique flavor and communal eating style. Popular dishes include injera (a type of sourdough flatbread), doro wat (spicy chicken stew), and various lentil and vegetable dishes. Don’t forget to try some traditional coffee!

Yes, most travelers need a visa to enter Ethiopia, which can be obtained online or upon arrival, depending on your nationality. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your country.

 The official language is Amharic, but there are over 80 languages spoken throughout the country, including Oromo, Tigrinya, and Somali. English is commonly used in tourist areas.

Pack for a range of climates, including lightweight clothing for warm days and warmer layers for the cooler evenings, especially in the highlands. Don’t forget comfortable hiking shoes if you plan on trekking, and a good camera for stunning landscapes!

– Ethiopia has several vibrant festivals:

 – Timkat (Epiphany) in January celebrates the baptism of Jesus with colorful processions.

– Fasika (Easter) is celebrated with feasting and festivities.

-Gena(Ethiopia Christmas)

In Ethiopia, Christmas is celebrated on the 7th of January, and is a quiet time of sharing and celebrating in groups of friends and family.

– Enkutatash (New Year) falls in September and is marked by music and dance.

A year in Ethiopian calendar is 13 months long, with 12 months of 30 days each. The last month has 5 days in a common year and 6 days during leap year.

The main point of difference lies in the calculation of the birth of Jesus, which means that the Ethiopian calendar is 7 to 8 years behind the Gregorian calendar.

Ethiopia is home to unique wildlife, including the Gelada baboon found in the Simien Mountains, the Ethiopian wolf in the Bale Mountains, and a variety of bird species, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. If you’re satisfied with a service (like in restaurants or tour guides), a tip of about 10% is a good guideline.

Ethiopia is often considered the birthplace of coffee. The traditional coffee ceremony is an important ritual involving roasting green beans, grinding them, and brewing coffee. It’s a social event that invites conversation and community.

Yes, it is respectful to dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites. Women may prefer knee-length skirts or dresses, and men can wear long pants and shirts with sleeves.

Greeting with a handshake or a slight bow is common. When visiting someone’s home, it’s polite to remove your shoes. Also, eating with your hands is customary, especially when sharing injera.

It’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider about vaccinations and medications, especially for malaria and other diseases. Drinking bottled water is recommended as tap water may not be safe to consume.

 

Ethiopia offers a range of markets and artisan shops where you can buy handicrafts, jewelry, traditional clothes (like woven scarves or blankets), art galleries in Addis for contemporary paintings and coffee. Mercato in Addis Ababa is one of the largest open-air markets in Africa.

The country had a diverse climate and landscape, Ranging from equatorial rainforest with high rainfall and humidity in the south and southwest, to the Afro-Alpine on the summits of the Simien, Bale and Abune- Yosef mountains, to desert-like conditions in the north-east, east and south-east lowlands.

Visitors must buy an entrance ticket at the site. It’s advisable to hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the churches.

It’s recommended to have vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may be required if coming from certain countries.

Ethio Telecom is the main provider offering prepaid SIM cards. You will need to present an ID for registration. Coverage is generally good in urban areas but may be limited in remote regions.

Participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, explore a local market, or attend a traditional dance performance. Visiting local tribes in the Omo Valley offers a unique insight into Ethiopia’s diverse cultures.

Ethiopia is a vast country and its road infrastructure though great improvement in recent years, is still rudimentary by most standards. Many visitors prefer to travel with an tour operator that provides a 4×4 and driver/ guide. Terrestrial public transport leaves much much to desired and is recommended only to adventurous travelers who are prepared to explore Ethiopia at its own erratic pace.

– Some of the most popular trails include:

– Ras Dashen: Ethiopia’s highest peak in the Simien Mountains.

 – Bale Mountains National Park: Offers scenic views and diverse wildlife.

 – Lalibela-mount Abune Yosef area: Several trails connecting rock-hewn churches, ideal for cultural trekking.

It’s polite to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Avoid discussing politics or sensitive topics, and always seek permission before taking photos of individuals.

Tourists can find traditional woven baskets, intricate jewelry, painted pottery, and items made from Ethiopian cotton, like scarves and clothes. Each region has its distinct styles and crafts.

After coffee, tea (often spiced with cinnamon and other flavors) is quite popular. The traditional drink called “Tej,” a honey wine, is also a favorite among locals.

It’s best to avoid tap water. Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth, and be cautious with ice in drinks, especially in rural areas.

Pack sturdy trekking shoes, warm layers (as temperatures can drop), a good quality backpack, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water bottles or hydration packs.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian denominations, with deep historical roots. It plays a vital role in Ethiopia’s culture, traditions, and festivals, and is known for its unique practices and ancient manuscripts.