Travel Tips

Safety: Ethiopia is a safe destination; nevertheless, when traveling in any developing country, common sense is a traveler's best friend. Safety is one of the main factors that are considered while Equatorial Tours organizes its trips.

Visa and immigration requirements: Visa applications may be obtained at Ethiopia’s diplomatic missions overseas. However, national of 33 countries are now allowed to receive their tourist visas on arrival in Ethiopia at the regular charge. The list includes Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greek, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Citizens of United Kingdom and United States. For China including passports issued in Hong Kong (SAR China) and MACAO (SAR China), Visa is available on arrival.

Climate: Ethiopia has two main seasons, the dry season from October through May and the rainy season from June through September. In the southwest, the rainy season is April & May. Temperatures vary according to altitude, but are commonly on the mild side.

Time: Ethiopia is in the GMT + 3 hrs time zone and follows the Julian calendar which consists of 12 months of 30 days each plus a 13th month of 5 or 6 days.

Health Requirements: Prior to entry, visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Immunization against Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus & Typhoid is recommending. Malaria precautions should be taken before visiting the lowlands. Consult your doctor.

Currency Regulations: There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency imported to Ethiopia, but it must be declared on the currency declaration form obtained on arrival. Foreign currency may be exchanged only at authorized banks and hotels. The declaration form must be retained as this may be required at customs on departure. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside the major establishments in the cities. US Travelers checks are recommended. The official currency is Ethiopian Birr.

Customs at Arrival: Cameras, computers and major electrical items may need to be declared on arrival.

Communications: Telephone is available in most main towns. Fax & e-mail are available in Addis. The IDD code for Ethiopia is +251.

Electricity: Electric supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC

Photography: In the smaller towns the locals may expect a small payment in return for being photographed. Video photography in famous tourist attractions occasionally carries a small charge. Photography may be prohibited on the bridge and near military camps.

Topography: Ethiopia has an elevated central plateau varying in height between 2,000 and 3,000 meters. In the north and center of the country there are some mountains whose peaks rise over 4,000 meters. The most famous Ethiopian river is the Blue Nile (or Abbay), which runs a distance of 1,450 kilometers from its source in Lake Tana, to join the White Nile at Khartoum.

People & Language: Ethiopia’s population is estimated around 81 million (2007). Ethiopia is composed of about 83 ethnic groups with its 200 dialects. Based on the language they speak, they can be divided into Semitic, Cushitic, Nilotic and Omotic stocks. Amharic with its unique alphabet is the official language of Ethiopia; however English, Italian, French and Arabic are widely spoken.

Airport: The main Airport is Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. It has various international connections. Domestic flights are also available to various regions of the country. The Historic route has daily flights from Addis Ababa, in the sites as Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela, Axum and Dire Dawa South (Arbaminch and Jinka and South-west some cities are also connected (Jimma, and Gambella).There is USD 20 departure tax for international flights and 10 birr embarkation fee for domestic flight in each airport

Souvenir Shopping: Some items may require export permits issued by museum authorities in Addis that must be secured prior to international departure. Clearance procedures can take as much as a day or two to complete. Our company will be happy to help with this process if time allows. Crosses are particularly scrutinized for authenticity as antiquities and caution must be taken when making these purchases, especially at destinations along the Northern route from unreliable vendors.

Religion: Three of the world’s major religions Judaism, Christianity and Islam have had their followers here since they were founded and thus have grown with indigenous expressions and protected in Ethiopia before anywhere else.

Religions (est.): Ethiopian Orthodox Christian 40%, Sunni Muslim 45-50%, Protestant 5%, remainder indigenous beliefs. Today, almost 99 % of Ethiopians are adherents of one of these three main religions with the rest followers of animist traditional sprit or ancestral worship of one kind or another.

What to Wear: Light cotton clothing is suggested in the warm lowlands, while in the highlands medium weight clothing with a warm jacket, hat and gloves is appropriate. A fleece works best. A light, hooded raincoat for sudden showers and walking shoes that have a good grip on loose dirt or slippery rock. The sun is very strong in high altitudes so sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap are important.

Special Equipment: It is recommended to bring a flashlight and extra batteries (useful in churches at Lalibela,) binoculars, a personal water container and a medical kit that contains anti-diarrhea tablets, broad-spectrum antibiotic and antiseptic cream. Repellants for mosquito, fly & flea protection is useful. Bringing a mosquito net is up to personal preference. Special snacks brought from home make long roads shorter.