Ethiopia 2020

A few hints to Ethiopia

Organize your excursions

I recommend to organize excursions upon arrival in Ethiopia. Hotels might have inhouse travel agencies. Trustful taxi drivers and guides may give you contacts. You pay far less than if you'd prebooked in your country and the money remains in Ethiopia.

Getting around

Foreigners usually take the plane to move from one place to the other. Taxis are only available in Addis Abeba. Short distances can be covered by bajajs (tuk-tuks or 3-wheelers). Two people and their baggage fit in such a vehicle. Long distance coaches are an economic and ecologic alternative to the air-plane. The coaches are modern. Standing in the alleys is forbidden. Tickets can be booked one or two days ahead. Busses leave very early in the morning. Short distance busses are usually overloaded and not recommended for travellers with luggage. Book a private car to travel short distances up to 4 hours. Taxi drivers or hotel personnel might provide contacts.

Car

To get around independently renting a car with driver is the best option. An SUV costs btw. 100 and 150 USD per day including driver's expenses, fuel and insurances.

Money

Best to bring US dollars which can be changed at hotels. Local guides and small hotels do not accept credit cards. ATMs are only available in bigger cities. A maximum amount of about 150 USD can be withdrawn at once.

Health

Stomach problems are not uncommon. Fresh fruit juices are tasty but you better keep your fingers away if you are not sure they are prepared with boiled water.

Food

Injera is a sourdough-risen flatbread with a slightly spongy texture. It's the Ethiopians main side dish. Either you like it or you detest it.

Crime

Foreigners are save during daytime in general. We used to stay in the hotel after dark or were accompagnied by the hotel guard to get to a nearby restaurant.

Highlights

Lalibela: Rock-churches. A full day and a half is enough.
Gondar: Palaces of the Gemp, moated castle and Debre Berhan Selassie church.
Bair Dar: Blue Nile falls and boat trip on lake Tana to spot hippos and visit church Ura Kidane Meheret at peninsula Zeghie.
Rift valley lakes: Flamingos, marabus, pelicans and fishermen.
Dorze village: Asymmetrical houses and bake and taste bread of false banana tree leaves.
Konso village: Thatched roundhouses in clusters surrounded by stone-walls.

Missed

Hike in the Tigray mountains and visit the rock-churches.
Danakil Depression.
Omo valley tribes and women with lip plates: ....however quite a voyeuristic venture.
Axum.