Ethiopia travel information
Getting There
Ethiopia has two international airports, Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa. There are domestic airports and airfields that connect major towns and safari destinations. The national airline is Ethiopian Airlines. Depending on your arrival time, you may require a night in Addis Ababa.
Passport and Visas
You need a current passport with 6 months validity from the date you return home and two blank pages, a return air ticket, and a tourist visa. Visas are available on arrival or in advance (for those entering through ADD airport) online here https://www.evisa.gov.et/#/home
Weather and Climate
Ethiopia is in the tropical zone laying between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer. It has three different climate zones depending on the elevation. Kolla (tropical zone) is below 1,830 metres in elevation with annual average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius with annual rainfall about 510 millimetres. The mountains do get cold and if you go close to the Danakil Depression, it will get extremely hot, sometimes up to 50 degrees Celsius. June to August is the summer season, and heavy rain falls in these three months. September to November is the spring season sometime known as the harvest season. December to February is the dry season with frost in morning specially in January. March to May is the autumn season with occasional showers. May is the hottest month in Ethiopia.
Getting Around
Most of our itineraries involve road transfer with a private guide and 4×4 vehicle or light aircraft flights between places. Keep in mind that road conditions can slow you down.
Health
Consult your GP or a travel doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel. You may be required or recommended to get vaccinations for Yellow Fever, Typhoid and Hepatitis A & B, among others. Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required for those entering Ethiopia, so please carry your certificate with you and present to immigration. Malaria is present in Ethiopia, so malaria prophylactics are recommended.
Currency
The local currency is Birr which is not easily purchased outside the country, and US dollars are also accepted at many places. Credit Cards (Mastercard and Diners Club) are accepted only a few places.
Language
Amharic is the official language in Ethiopia. It belongs to the Afro-Asiatic language family, which includes Arabic and Hebrew. English is spoken in tourism areas.
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