Travel Tips
1. Safety:
Your wellbeing on our trips is our most important factor, and we have lots of measures in place to ensure comfortability and safety. Even so, it is worth reading your country’s travel information before arrival. UK government information can be found here and is a good read for any travellers.
2. Visas:
Foreign visitors must have entry visas. Entry visas can be obtained from Ethiopian Diplomatic and consular missions abroad. Arrangements can be made in advance for a visa to be available at the airport.
3. Health:
Visitors must have vaccination certificates against Yellow Fever.
Water-borne diseases are common. Drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.
We strongly recommend getting a cholera vaccine before arrival. There is an ongoing outbreak of cholera in the south of Ethiopia, and new cases have been reported in the north west of the country.
Full vaccine advice can be found here.
4. Money:
The Ethiopian currency is Birr. Exchange information can be found here.
5. Clothing:
Visitors should take light, summer clothes for the day time and something warm for the evenings, like a sweater or jacket. The temperature drops quite rapidly towards sunset. Simien or Bale Mountains trekkers should bring warm clothes and water proofs for un seasonal rains. Throughout most of the country there are two seasons: the dry season prevails from October through May; the wet season runs from June to September. Temperate in the highlands; hot in the lowlands.
6. Food and Drink:
Ethiopian cuisine is always a highlight of any trip, both for the food itself and the custom of sitting down together and sharing one large plate. This communal aspect is such an important part of Ethiopian hospitality and not something you want to miss out on. The beer is also a must-have, espcially the ever popular Tella. For more advice on food and drinks please reach out to us for first hand recommendations!
