Fast Facts About Ethiopia

• Ethiopia power voltage is 220V 50Hz;  Plug C, E, F & L
• Ethiopian currency is the Ethiopian birr and is around 52.8 ETB to 1 USD
• Proof of an onward or return ticket is frequently asked for upon arrival in Ethiopia.
• If you are planning to enter Ethiopia by land, you will need a tourist visa in advance from your local Ethiopian Embassy.
• A yellow fever vaccination is not obligatory in order to enter Ethiopia, but if you have recently traveled to a country where it is present then you will need proof of immunization.
• Avoid travel to the border with Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Eritrea due to lack of security and a threat of violence and kidnapping
• Several vaccinations are highly recommended including Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Meningitis.
• The water is not potable; drink only bottled water.
• SIM Cards: If you are planning on staying in Ethiopia for longer than a week, bring a cell phone to confirm flights, book tickets, call taxis, etc.
• Only select stores sell SIM cards but you can buy refill cards almost anywhere!
• SIM Cards: You can get a local sim card from Vodafone or Orange in Cairo. We suggest getting a SIM card at the airport when you arrive.

Things To See And Do In Ethiopia

1. Erta Ale: Come see the most active volcano in Ethiopia. Famed for its persistent lava lake in the crater, it makes a great sight for those ready for the adventure up the volcano.
2. Blue Nile Falls: One of the most popular places in Ethiopia, take a short hike through the countryside to see this magnificent waterfall. Standing at 138 feet, fans of nature will love this. You might get lucky and also see a rainbow.
3. See where the Blue and White Nile Meet
4. Lalibela Churches: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit these historical 11 churches. Made from a single rock 900 years ago, these churches are a stunning sight, as well as culturally significant for members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. 
5. National Museum of Ethiopia: Learn more about Ethiopia by visiting this museum. Featuring exhibits, Ethiopian art, and fossils from extinct creatures, the museum also includes “Lucy”, a partial skeleton of a human who lived 3 million years ago.
6. Simien Mountains National Park: Featuring rare Gelada baboons and Walia ibex, spend a day at this park. Activities include the Jinbar Waterfall, Ras Dashen (the highest mountain in Ethiopia), and hiking through Mount Bwahit.
7. Fasil Ghebbi: Head to Gondar to see these impressive ruins from a 17^th-century fortress city. Once home to Ethiopian emperor Fasilides, it is now a unique journey into the past.

Budgeting

Accommodation

Budget: You can find budget guest houses and hotels for 325-700 ETB per night. These places come with simple rooms, a lounge area, free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and a hotel restaurant and bar.

Mid-Range: You can find mid-range hotels for 1,175-1,825 ETB per night. Enjoy private rooms and suites with minibars and tea/coffee, a hotel restaurant and bar, a gym, an indoor or outdoor pool, room service, and an airport shuttle. 

High-End: You can find five-star hotels in the price range of 2,940- 8,250 ETB per night. Amenities include private suites with living rooms, free breakfast, multiple hotel restaurants, a cocktail bar, spa services, a gym, a swimming pool, and hot tub, and room service.

Food

Spicy meat and vegetables are a staple of Ethiopian cuisine. At the same time, members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church abstain from eating animal products every Wednesday and Friday, so there are many vegetarian dishes/alternatives available as well.

The national dish is Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew). Other popular meals include Tibs (sautéed meat strips), Shiro be Kibbe (legume stew), and Wat (a stew made from meat, vegetables, spices, and clarified butter). You can also look for Injera, a sour flatbread that’s very popular.

There are sit-down restaurants where you can sample more of Ethiopia’s cuisine. In total, you can expect to pay 1030 ETB per day in major cities like Addis Ababa or 450 ETB for smaller cities.

The Best Ways To Get Around Ethiopia

Getting to Ethiopia:

Flights:  Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, located 3.7 miles from the city center of Addis Ababa, is the main airport to fly into. You can check for the best flights to Ethiopia on Skyscanner.

Transportation:

Buses: Buses are a cheap way to get around. Minibusses are best for traveling throughout towns, though you can also take them to go between cities.

A trip on a minibus from Gondar to Bahir Dar, for example, will cost about 20 ETB. You can also look for luxury buses that are air-conditioned and travel between cities. Take a luxury bus from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar for 340 ETB. Tickets for luxury buses should be booked at least a day in advance. 

Taxis: You can find two types of taxis—shared and private. Shared taxis will follow certain routes and include multiple passengers in a cab (similar to a bus), while private taxis do not have fixed destinations. It is best to negotiate the fare at the start of the trip and check around to make sure you are being given a fair price. 

Car Rental: You can find car rentals that come with an experienced driver. Self-driving is not possible in Ethiopia due to the conditions of the roads. Prices start at 3,530 ETB per day. 

Uber: No Uber, but there is Ride, Feres, ZayRide, etc, a taxi app similar to Uber.