Frequently Asked Questions

If you do not find the answer to your questions about your future trip to Ethiopia below, you can ask any question directly using the contact form.

Why flight are not included in the trip ?

We thought it was more interesting for travelers to book their flights themselves to enable them to define themselves the budget to spend for their tickets .

Several Airlines serve Ethiopia :

– Direct Flight : Ethiopian Airlines , it takes between 750 and 900 € outbound and return according to the period.

– Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Egyptair and many others Star Alliance members whose prices are often lower than a direct flight but may comprise one or even two stops.

How to prepare your luggage ?

Caution: If you lose your papers, we recommend keeping a copy of your passport in a different location from the original.

Check the number of kilo authorized by the Airline you are traveling with .

– A small backpack will hold your personal belongings in the day

– A warm enough equipment for nights at altitude

– A sweater (or sweatshirt), pijamas (or tracksuit)

– Hat, sunglasses very filter lenses , excellent solar protection (lips and skin) – linen pants (or jeans ) , T-shirts cotton

– A flashlight with batteries and bulbs

– Shoes rising stem and non-slip soles

– Lightweight shoes

– A gourd (optional)

– Towels and toiletries little bulky

– Swimsuit (optional)

– Toilet paper and briquette

– A raincoat ( Foncton the date of your trip )

Your camera and vidéo ?

The use of cameras and video equipment can particularly generated an additional cost on some sites. These very small fee is charged to the traveler.

Provide a budget for photographing ethnic groups . Indeed, each photo is paying between 10 and 50 Birr per photo depending on the number of people in the photo. These prices are not fixed it’s depend of each tribe. Attention, very careful control is operated by members of the tribe.

Do not forget to take pictures and film movies before departure. Ask permission before photographing people. It is strictly forbidden to photograph military or considered sensitive buildings : barracks , military bases, residences of officials of the state or government.

How are managed tips ?

Each participant is of course wanted to tip based on the service received. Generally, we can advise about 3 to 4 € per person and per day for driver and 6 to 7 € per person and per day for guide. Tips depend also of number of day you stay in Ethiopia.

What you want to know about security in Ethiopia ?

Visit of the Quai d’ Orsay regularly updated  www.diplomatie.gouv.fr go under « travel tips ».

You can also visit the following websites in English www.travel.state.gov/travel (« travel warming) www.fco.gov.uk (« Travel advice » and « Travel advice by country ») www.smartraveller.gov.au(« Travel advisories »)

The same rules apply to Addis Ababa as for all cities . Be careful and take the usual precautions for you and your property. Street crime exist, such as theft or non-violent snatching handbags or gold neck chains and earrings draws. Avoid walking the streets at night, take a taxi.

We advise you not to arouse envy and leave your valuable jewelry at home or in the hotel safe , not a night out with large sums of money. Do not leave valuables in your hotel room, use the safe.

Which telephone code ?

International : 00 + 251

What about jet lag ?

+ 1 hour in summer + 2 hours in winter.

What about the electric current ?

220 Volts and 50 Hertz. There are two types of Ethiopia taken : A three-input -shaped or a triangle with two inputs . It is advisable to take an adapter to fit your camera , camera, etc.

Your budget and currencies ?

The official currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB ). The euro is accepted throughout the country as the dollar. 1 euro is equal to about 23 to 24 birr.

ATMs are available in major cities. monnaie officielle est le Birr éthiopien (ETB).

There are special conditions for festivals ?

Periods of festivals are moments of great affluence throughout the country and especially in Addis Ababa, Bhirdar, Gondar, Lalibela, Axum.

As we draw your attention to the need to book your trip minimum four months before the said festival including Timket, Meskel and Gena.

For the record, the timing of these festivals :

19 January, the Ethiopian Christians celebrate the baptism of Christ at the Timkat . During this festival , which takes place over three days, the priests of the churches go in procession with  » Tabots  » wood , like the Ark of the Covenant.

11 September, Enkutatash the Ethiopian New Year , which is also the feast of Saint John. Bonfires , singing and dancing are presented at this spring festival where children dancing in the streets and distribute flowers and miniature paintings .

27 September, another Christian holiday, Maskal commemorates the discovery of the True Cross on which Christ was crucified. Village squares are decorated with crosses covered with bouquets of daisies and ignited at daybreak .

7 January, according to the Christian Orthodox calendar , Christmas is celebrated Gena.

How are provided transport during circuits ?

Circuits are provided either by coaster, minibus or 4×4. Vehicles are insured and experienced drivers.

Should we take insurance ?

You must take out cancellation and repatriation insurance to participate in our trips.

Check subscribed guarantees and triggering process , take with you the phone number of your insurance. A copy will be send with your registration form.

Which health précautions should I take ?

For Ethiopia :

When traveling at high altitude, a visit to the dentist is recommended.

1 . vaccination

Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory to enter the country for travelers from countries where it is endemic . Make sure that you update the following vaccinations : diphtheria, tetanus, polio , typhoid, hepatitis A and B, meningitis. Consult your doctor.

2 . Anti- malarial treatment

The  » malaria  » is a serious disease against which there is no 100% effective drug. It is the result of parasite transmission by the female Anopheles mosquito. Ethiopia is in zone 3 in malaria : the northern highlands and the Simien Mountains are less affected , but it is imperative to protect themselves against the risk of malaria risk is high in the south. Given the rapid evolution of resistance to certain preventive treatments, it is essential to consult before starting an agency specializing in the treatment and the correct dosage . In addition to medical treatment , try to avoid as much as possible all contact with mosquitoes using repellents on exposed body parts and clothing and avoid going out in the open, at night . Finally, if you develop a fever when you return , tell your doctor immediately as you return East Africa .

Before your departure, we recommend that you consult your doctor , who alone can provide reliable information about your general health and provide an update of your regular and recommended vaccinations for your destination vaccinations.

On the following sites you will find tips to follow before you go :

Most hospitals have a department of infectious and tropical diseases. For more information , contact your nearest home center.

Responsibility Aisha Tours Ethiopia can not be engaged in case you need to return to France because of non- compliance with these obligations health .

We recommend you take your usual medications in sufficient quantities, alcohol compresses bags , antiseptic ointment , an antihistamine, an intestinal antiseptic, oral broad-spectrum antibiotic , laxative , analgesic , anti- inflammatory eye drops , an anti -diarrheal , adhesive bandages, wound healing cream , Vitamin C , sunscreen …

Interring in Ethiopia by road ?

For travelers entering the country by road, Galafin Djibouti, Moyale (Kenya), Humera and Metema (Sudan) are the points of entry into Ethiopia. All arrivals are subject to checks by customs and immigration.

What are the formalities has to be completed before your departure ?

A valid passport and valid 6 months after your return is essential. It is your responsibility to put you in compliance with your passport before you leave.

If you are traveling with minors, you must check the exit formalities planning to do with the city Administration of your home.

To obtain a visa :

  • – Among the embassy or consulate in your country of residence
  • – On-site upon arrival at Addis Abeba airport.

Visas for more than a month to go to the Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. The validity of the passport must be greater than that of the requested visa .

Due to the regulations can change, obtaining a tourist visa at the international airport in Addis Ababa is not guaranteed. Therefore, it is recommended that travelers apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate of Ethiopia before departure.

Prior to registration foreign participants should inquire about the formalities and documents to submit for visa .

Visas are required for all visitors but nationals are given visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport:

Argentina, Australia, Austria , Belgium, Brazil , Canada, China, Check Republic , Denmark, France , Finland, Germany , A Greece, Ireland , Israel, Italy A, Japan , Kuwait, the Republic of Korea , Luxembourg, Mexico , New Zealand , Norway , Netherlands , Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain , Sweden, Switzerland , Taiwan, United Kingdom and United States.

In any case , Aisha Tours Ethiopia can not be held responsible for failure to obtain a visa .

Ethiopian Embassy in France

35 Avenue Charles Floquet
75007 Paris
Tel: 01 47 83 83 95
Fax: 01 43 06 52 14
www.embeth.free.fr

Ethiopian Embassy in Belgium – Brussels

Tel. : + 32-2-2-7713294/0032-2-7719845 / 0032-7720898
Fax: + 32-2-3749262
RO.Box 1150 Brussels
Email: etebriu@brutele.be
www.ethiopianembassy.be

Ethiopian Embassy in Germany – Berlin

Tel. : +
4930/77206-0 Fax: 4930 / 77206-24/26
Email: @ Ernb.ethiopia -online.de
Consulate of Ethiopia in Germany – Frankfurt
Tel. : + 496 997 2696 0
Fax: + 496 997 2696 33

Ethiopian Embassy in Italy – Rome

Tel. : + 39/06/441616370
Fax: + 39/06/4403676
Email: embethrm@rdn.lt

Ethiopian Embassy in the UK – London

Tel. : + 44 0207 838 3888 / 5897212
Fax: + 44 0207 584 7054
www.ehioembassy.org.uk

Ethiopian Embassy in the United States of America – Washington

Tel. : 011/202/364-1200
Fax: 011/202/5870195
RO . Box 3506 International Drive NW Washington DC 2008
www.ethiopianembassy.org

Consulate of Ethiopia to the United States of America – Los Angeles

Tel: 231 365-6651
Fax: 231 365-6670

Permanent Mission to the United States of America – New York

Tel. : + 1212421-1830/212754-0360
Email: ethiopia@un.int

Swiss Permanent Bureau in Switzerland – Geneva

Tel: 4122/9197010116
Fax: 41-22/919-7029 – P.O. Box 338

What about population ?

Ethiopia is a Federal Republic Democratique. The official language is Amharic . Its capital is Addis Ababa. The total land area is 1,127,127 km2 or twice as large as France.

The population of Ethiopia ( 2015 estimate ) is about 100,2 Millions inhabitants , giving an overall density of 92 inhabitants per square kilometer.

Amhara and Tigréenss , which are both people of high plateaux of Semitic origin , constitute about 30.2 % and 4.2% of the total population respectively . They occupy the Ethiopian highlands of the north-west and the area north of Addis Ababa. Oromos live mainly on agriculture at the center and southwest of the country, representing about 32 % of the population. Somalis living in the east and southeast including the Ogaden region accounts for 4% , Afar living in semi- desert plain in the east and in the Danakil represent 7 %. The Gurages 4.3% , the Sidama 3.4% or 2% Welaytas and other smaller groups .

Ethiopia is also populated by Yemenis , Indians, Armenians and Greeks.

About topografy ?

A volcanically formed central plateau, isolated on three sides by low- lying desert dominates the Ethiopian landscape. The central plateau, often referred to as the Ethiopian highlands, has an average altitude of above 2,000m and includes 20 peaks of 4,000m or higher. The Ethiopia highlands are dramatically mountainous, no more than where hey are bisected by the Rift valley, which starts at the Red sea, then continues through the Denakil depression and through southern Ethiopia to Mozambique in Southern Africa.

The part of the Rift valley, south of Addis Ababa, is notable for its string of eight lakes. The most extensive mountain ranges on the highlands are the Semien, which lie directly north of Gondar, and Bale, which lies in the southern highlands to the east of the Rift Valley. Mount Ras Dashen in the Semien is at 4,620m, the fourth highest peak in Africa. The highlands also form the source of four major river systems. The nest known of these is the Blue Nile or Abbay, which starts at Lake Tana in the northwest and supplies nine- tenths of the Nile’s water, which eventually reaches Egypt’s Nile valley.

With an area of 114 million square kilometres, Ethiopia is as large as France and Spain combined and is five times the size of the UK.

 

Weather in Ethiopia ?

Taking into consideration the geographical position of Ethiopia, the country should enjoy a tropical climate. However, due to its diversified relief, climate varies from one zone to another. Generally, it is mild and extreme temperatures are not common.

There are three climate zones in the country: the cool area (at altitudes above 2500 meters where the average temperature is around 16 degrees Celsius), the temperate area (between 1500 meters and 2500 meters altitude temperatures can reach 30 degrees Celsius) and the hot area (tropical and arid climate with temperatures that often reach 40 degrees Celsius).

There are two seasons in the Ethiopia. The rainy one only lasts from the middle of June to the end of September. In the rest of the year, the weather is usually dry. The country looks incredibly beautiful after the rainy season ends and the vegetation is green and abundant.

 

Weather

Tourism in Ethiopia ?

Ethiopia is mostly known as a poor African country, tormented by war and famine, but few people are aware of the fact that it has a huge touristic potential. The tourism industry is becoming more and more developed in Ethiopia and those who choose to visit it will be mesmerized by the unique character of this country. Ethiopia has one of the most amazing landscapes on the African territory. Both the highlands and the lower areas are fabulous and spectacular.

Ethiopia is also a cultural destination. The country is supposed to be impressively old and it developed a unique culture. Its people are also very religious and there are many attractions that can be visited. The archeological heritage is just as rich as the cultural one.

Best time to visit Ethiopia ?

The perfect time to visit a new place or even revisit a new one ultimately depends on your preference. But surely you would want to be in such time that the place would be at its best. And it pays to know the kind of climate and even the general weather conditions of the place. And in no exception, you can make the most out of your visit to Ethiopia too by making yourself aware of its daily weather.

Generally however, most people would want to visit Ethiopia in its dry season on the months of October to May. But the weather can peak to the hottest in Danakil Depression in Northern Ethiopia. The country does not follow the tropical weather pattern despite its location near the equatorial region. Its rainy season starts from the months of June until October where you can feel the greenery and flowery countryside during the later months of this period.