Often people refer to Ethiopia as to a “different” Africa. Unless you are specifically interested in rare species as the Gelada Monkeys or the Abyssinian wolf, Ethiopia is definitely not a safari destination. Ethiopia is about cultural and architectural heritage, with some of Africa finest landscapes as background. From its ethnic groups still living uncontaminated traditional lives in the south (despite a growing commodification of their cultures to visitors), to the fascinating and alive XII century Orthodox Copts rock hewn churches in the north, Ethiopia is about meeting distant cultures. If you are an avid curious traveller Ethiopia will definitely amaze you. … and for the most adventuresome, the Danikal depression is one of the most incredible places on earth!!!

Let us try to answer some of the questions you might have before choosing Namibia as your next destination. If you are not satisfied or have further doubts, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Will I be safe

In general Ethiopia’s people are friendly and welcoming foreigners. Our direct contact with people living in the country will ensure that we will be able to advise whether it is safe or not to visit it. Safe in terms of social stability:

The current political situation in the country has forced us to stop momentarily all travels to Ethiopia.

Safe in terms of medical assistance: In all locations other than the capital city health care infrastructure are basic, hence personal medicines should be carried from home, and extra care be placed to avoid health issues and physical injuries. Addis Abeba does offer some private clinics of medium-good standards. For serious conditions it might be advisable to be Med Evac to Middle East or Europe, so make sure your travel insurance does cover for that. Safe in terms of hygiene: no compulsory vaccination is required to enter Ethiopia, unless you arrive from countries where yellow fever is endemic. Generally speaking malaria prevention tablets are advisable only if you travel to the south. The historic route in the north enjoys the advantage of passing through the Ethiopian highlands where due to their altitude malaria does not occur. Food hygiene is of medium level, so always make sure you ask your guide for advise. Drink only bottled or purified water. Please remember that the best hygiene passes through keeping your hands clean, especially after handling local money or shaking hands, and especially if you then have to eat with your hands. Safe in terms of quality of transportation: both the aviation industry and ground transports are generally speaking safe in Ethiopia.

Where will I sleep
A general note: in Ethiopia the only 5 star hotel is in the capital city Addis Abeba. Anywhere else you will find sometimes cozy, but medium level accommodation. Hard to rate them, but 2-3 star hotels/lodges. All hotel rooms will be en-suite and reasonably clean. Nowadays not so often anymore, but at times water interruption might occur for up to a few hours.

What will I eat
Ethiopia has a strong cultural heritage, and with that comes also a very typical cuisine. This said, even the simple hotels catering for tourists have standard western dishes. Injera, the most typical local dish is a sour fermented flatbread with a slightly spongy texture, traditionally made out of teff flour, and it is eaten by hands. Please remember that the best hygiene passes through keeping your hands clean, especially after handling local money or shaking hands, and especially if you then have to eat with your hands. Other than 4-5 star hotels in Addis Abeba, all other hotels might not be able to arrange special dietary requirements as vegans, gluten free etc…

Should I take my kids along
There is no restriction in hotels for kids of any age. But you should keep in mind that the main focus of every day will be the local culture and monuments, so might not be entertaining for young kids.

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