For those seeking something different, here’s my Ethiopia travel guide that will hopefully help you plan your own trip there.

To most of the world, Ethiopia is practically synonymous to famine and drought.

A series of famine that plagued the country between 1970s and 80s killed over a million people. It was one of the worst disasters in the world and millions of dollars were poured in from other countries and non-profit organisations in the form of aid and relief.

But that was more than 30 years ago and Ethiopia has long recovered from the disaster. Today, Ethiopia still experiences drought in some parts of the country, but it no longer results in food shortages or famine.

The country, especially the capital city of Addis Ababa, has developed tremendously along with the modern world. It has become one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and it’s welcoming tourists again. There is still dissatisfaction with the government, which has caused rebellions and civil unrest especially in recent years, but it is relatively safe to visit these days.

Why You Should Visit Ethiopia

One thing is for sure, Ethiopia is truly unique — culturally, historically and scenically. I’ve traveled to 18 countries in Africa and can safely say this country is unlike any other on the continent.

Ethiopia is an extremely mountainous country and boasts highlands rather than the vast savannahs that are often associated with Africa. Ethiopians adorn the white cotton shemma cloth instead of the colourful vitenge that most East Africans wear; and let’s not forget that a large percentage of Ethiopians are Orthodox Christians while most Africans tend to be secular Christians or animists.

Ethiopians like to think they are different from the rest because they’re the only country in Africa to have successfully fought off colonisation. It’s true that they have retained a strong sense of identity and traditions, which have made them very proud and patriotic people.

Safety and Ease of Travel in Ethiopia

Safety is often the biggest concern for those thinking of heading to Ethiopia. It’s true that the country has been plagued by civil unrest and unpredictable anti-government protests since November 2015. My friend who came along on this trip with me was even warned by an Ethiopian friend to avoid going there now because of the potential danger. The US travel advisory warns its citizens against traveling there — while that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit Ethiopia, I would recommend exercising caution when visiting.

That said, during my visit (in Jan 2017), I felt completely safe everywhere I went and there was no hint of instability. I did however travel with a local tour operator, Aone Ethiopia Travel, and was accompanied by a guide most of the time. While in towns like Lalibela and Gonder, my friend and I (both females) didn’t feel any sort of danger — we were only hassled by street kids in Lalibela and that was about the only negative experience we had. Nonetheless, I recommend keeping yourself informed and updated on their latest situation before booking your trip.

Ethiopia’s poorly developed infrastructure and remote mountainous attractions make any trip here an adventure. Traveling independently in Ethiopia can be very challenging and only recommended for those who have experience traveling in less-trodden parts of Africa. Roads in Ethiopia are usually in poor conditions and public transport can be unreliable and limited. Most cities and towns are accessible by public bus, but expect to spend hours getting anywhere in this country. Flying domestically is a great way to save time and get around the country comfortably (Read more about ‘Getting Around Ethiopia’.)

When to Travel Ethiopia

Ethiopia can be visited all year round — but the best time to visit is from mid-October to January, when the rains have subsided and the countryside is still lush and green. It’s best to avoid the rainy season, which falls in the summer months (June to August). During this period, roads in the mountains can get flooded and hiking trails may become too slippery.

Many people (including myself) time their trips to coincide with religious festivals. Here are the biggest festivals of the year, in order of importance in Ethiopia:

Genna — The biggest festival of the year is equivalent to the Ethiopian Christmas, which falls on 7th January. It marks the end of a 40-day fast, and is celebrated by feasting with the family. You’ll find the biggest celebrations in Lalibela.
Timkat — The Ethiopian Epiphany is the second biggest festival and it falls on 19th January. The tablot (replica of Ark of Covenant) is removed from every church in town and paraded around by priests dressed in colourful robes. Pilgrims also reenact the baptism of Jesus Christ by splashing of water. The biggest celebrations are found in Gonder (Read about my experience celebrating Timkat in Gonder).

Meskel — This is the country’s most colorful festival, and it falls on 27 September. It’s celebrated by massive cross-topped bonfires and elaborately dressed clergy.
ethiopia travel guide

How to Get to Ethiopia

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is a major hub in Africa, and the national carrier (Ethiopian Airlines) flies direct from many major destinations around the world including London, Singapore and Washington D.C.

Flights from most major cities in Europe to Addis Ababa cost from around 400euros return. They’re at their lowest these days, and the cheapest flights are offered by Turkish Airlines. I flew from Malaga, Spain via Istanbul to Addis on Turkish Airlines for 440 euros return.

Getting into Ethiopia — Visas

In recent years, it’s become increasingly easy for visitors to enter Ethiopia on a tourism visa. Visas for Ethiopia are required by all nationalities except Djiboutians and Kenyans, but over 40 nationalities can get their visa upon arrival; they include Canadians, Americans, British and most Europeans. Check the full list of nationalities. The visa fee depends on your nationality, but they are around US$50 for a 30-day single entry visa. Remember to bring two passport photos with you.

For those whose nationalities aren’t on this list, I would strongly recommend getting a visa before hand. My embassy confirmed there were cases of people who were denied entry into the country as they weren’t qualified for a visa on arrival. I had to go through lengths to get my Ethiopian visa in advance (as I needed my passports for trips prior to this) and it cost me a bomb to courier my passport home. I advise checking your visa requirement and applying for it as soon as you can.

Getting Around Ethiopia

It comes as a surprise to many that Ethiopia is an extremely mountainous country. Many of its major sights lie on the central plateau and getting anywhere in the region can be a challenging task on its less-than-desirable roads or unpaved mountain dirt tracks. While the Chinese government is building new roads at lightning speed in Ethiopia, many of its roads remain in terrible conditions.

The easiest (and most comfortable) way to get around Ethiopia is by plane. Ethiopian Airlines operate domestic flights all over the country, flying to interesting destinations like Lalibela, Gonder, Bahir Dar and Arba Minch (Omo Valley). Flights are usually quite affordable (less than US$100 each way), especially if you book them only when you arrive in Ethiopia from a local agent or Ethiopian Airlines office. You’ll also get a considerable discount on domestic flights if you flew Ethiopian Airlines from your home country to Ethiopia.

Where to Stay in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa — Hotel Lobelia (US$70/night) was the best place we stayed at in Ethiopia. It’s located just a 5-minute drive from the airport, in the up-and-coming Bole district that’s packed with restaurants. The hotel has comfortable and spacious rooms, and great WiFi.

Source: https://www.wildjunket.com/ethiopia-travel-guide/