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Uncover the Essentials for Your Epic Journey!

Prepare yourself for an adventure like no other in Ethiopia! Learning about local customs, language, and essential travel tips can significantly enhance your travel experience. From packing essentials to ensuring your safety, we’ve gathered all the must-know insights to guarantee an unforgettable journey. Connect with the locals, embrace the culture, and let each step unfold into a beautiful story. Get ready, your Ethiopian adventure awaits!

Your packing list varies based on your adventure—whether trekking or exploring the Danakil Depression. Yet, some essentials apply universally. Once your itinerary is set, we’re here to offer tailored packing tips. We’ll also inform you of any baggage restrictions, like those for domestic flights.

  • Passport & Visa: Essential for international travel; ensure you apply for your Ethiopian visa in advance if necessary. Get your eVisa before your trip to save time on immigration

    Travel Insurance: Protects against unforeseen events like illness or trip cancellations. It’s always good to have peace of mind.

    Vaccination Certificates: Keeping a copy of your yellow fever vaccination certificate is crucial,  if you’re traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever.

If your binoculars are of these magnifications: 7 x 50; 8 x 32 – 8 x 56; 10 x 25 – 10 x 56; 12 x 30 & 12 x 42 we will need a permit. Any higher magnification is not allowed, any lower is allowed without a permit. Several years ago, during the conflict, a state of emergency was imposed, and as part of that a whole list of equipment was listed as not allowed to be carried into the country (and around the country). The relevant ones for tourism are binoculars, handheld GPS devises (watches do not seem to be an issue), drones, telescopes, and compasses! If any of these is a critical part of your trip, we can try to obtain permission for you to bring them, but this is a time-consuming and challenging process. We may need to make a charge for this too.

Even though Ethiopia is a mostly Christian country, wearing super short hot pants and tiny tops is definitely not appreciated by the locals. 

Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics: Ethiopia can get quite warm, especially in the lowlands, so materials like cotton are great.

Long Pants and Sleeves: For sun protection and to guard against insect bites, particularly in rural regions.

Warm Layers: At higher elevations like Lalibela or Simien Mountains, temperatures can drop significantly at night.

Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for exploring cities and rural areas and mountains; make sure they’re broken in to avoid blisters.

Sandals/Flip-Flops: Perfect for casual wear or when staying in lodges.

Rain Jacket: If you’re traveling during the rainy season (June to September), a light, packable rain jacket is key.

No matter where and no matter how the temperatures are –  always pack flip-flops. In some parts of Ethiopia, the showers and bathrooms aren’t quite so cool and will be tough showering barefoot. Additionally, packed comfy sneakers and sandals as well.

In addition to the usuals such as toothbrush, shower gel, etc. you should also bring the following items with you to Ethiopia:

Personal Medications: Bring enough prescription medicines, as pharmacies in rural areas may be limited.

First-Aid Kit: Pack essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary over-the-counter medications.

Insect Repellent:

Choose one with DEET to effectively keep insects away.

Sun screen:

The sun can be intense, especially at higher altitudes; a high SPF will help protect your skin.

Hand Sanitizer:

Helpful when soap and water aren’t available, especially when traveling.

Phone & Charger:

A smartphone will help to communicate. Consider a local SIM card with data. Which helps you to get quick information and to send photos directly on the spot to the loved one at home.

Camera:

 To capture the stunning landscapes and cultural experiences. Bring extra memory cards and batteries.

Power Adapter:

 Ethiopia primarily uses type C and E sockets; check your devices to ensure compatibility.

Notebook and Pen:

 Great for journaling or remembering tips and experiences.

Snacks:

Energy bars, nuts, or dried fruits are perfect for long travel days or hikes.

books for long bus rides, waiting times and evenings

cash in Euro or US dollars (300-500 each)
debit card – deactivate GeoControl (for Europeans!)

For Ethiopia, we advise you to travel with a backpack, because the roads and sidewalks are so bumpy that you would even have to carry your suitcase.

In the mountains, running water and electricity is scarce. It always advisable to keep a Travel towel with you.

Different rules apply here in this lowland plain where water and electricity are scarce.

  • 1 x short pants
  • 1 x bathing suit for a dip in the salt lake
  • Flashlight or a power bank for your smartphone
  • travel towel

Professional video cameras need a permit from the Government Communication Affairs Office. Small modern consumer camcorders are usually not targeted but some older bigger models might be questioned. When needed we can assist you in obtaining a permit.

Visitors are allowed to import an unlimited amount of foreign currency but they have to declare foreign currency in excess of 3,000 USD, or equivalent. To export foreign currency more than 3,000 USD, or equivalent, the customs declaration of foreign currency has to be produced. Any traveler entering or exiting Ethiopia is only allowed to carry a maximum of 200 birr.

Duty-free imports are permitted for up to:
• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 250 gram of tobacco;
• 2 liters of alcoholic beverages;
• 1/2 liter of perfume.
Visitors may export goods obtained in Ethiopia, up to a value 500 birr. For the export of skins and hides and any kind of antique artifacts (e.g. crosses, paintings, bibles, etc.) an export certificate is required.

Small items from home (like school supplies, clothing, or simple toys) can be very appreciated and can foster goodwill.

Modest Clothing:

Be mindful of cultural expectations regarding dress codes, especially when visiting religious sites.

Local Languag Phrasebook:

 Knowing a few phrases in Amharic can greatly enhance your interactions with locals.

Simeh man nwe= what is your name?

Amesiginalew= thanks.

Yikirta= sorry.

Yihe sint nwe= how much is this?

Yihie medin new= what is this.

Konijo new= that is nice:

Chow=goodbye.