African Safari Tour Holiday Vacations

Category: Ethiopia

  • Interesting Facts about Ethiopia

    Interesting Facts about Ethiopia

    This are interesting facts you need to know before going on an Ethiopia safari tour.

    Geography

    Do’s and Don’ts in Ethiopia

    • The area of Ethiopia is 1,104,300 sq. km, which makes it approximately as big as France and Spain combined.
    • The capital of Ethiopia is Addis Ababa, which means “new flower” in Amharic.  The altitude is 2,355m (7,726 ft), making it the 3rd highest capital city in the world.  It is also the diplomatic capital of Africa.
    • More than 70% of Africa’s mountains are found in Ethiopia.  Probably due to the high altitude in the country, Ethiopians are famous for being great long distance runners.
    • Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile River, which meets the White Nile River in Sudan to form the Great Nile River. Lake Tana supplies 85% of the water to the Great Nile River.
    • The Danakil Depression is home to one of the lowest points on the African continent – Dallol, at 116m below sea level – and one of the only lava lakes in the world – at Erta Ale volcano.
    • The Great Rift Valley, the most significant physical detail on the planet that is visible from space, cuts through Ethiopia from the northeast to the south of the country

    Culture

    Interesting Facts about Ethiopia

    • There are more than 80 different ethnic groups in Ethiopia with just as many languages and over 200 dialects are spoken throughout the country.
    • Ethiopia is the only country in Africa with its own unique script.
    • Ethiopia claims to hold the Ark of the Covenant as well as a piece of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified.
    • Ethiopia is known as the Cradle of Mankind, with some of the earliest ancestors found buried in the soil.  Lucy (3.5 million years old), the most famous fossils found, were unearthed in Hadar.
    • Ethiopia remains one of the only nations in Africa never to be colonized.  It was occupied briefly by the Italians from 1936 to 1941.
    • Ethiopia is home to 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than any other country in Africa.

    Time

    • Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar consisting of 12 months of 30 days each and a 13th month of 5 or 6 days.  It is roughly 7 and half years behind the Gregorian calendar.
    • The Ethiopian fiscal year begins on 8 July and the Ethiopian New Year begins on 11 September (12 September in leap years).  Ethiopians will ring in the year 2005 on 11 September, 2012.
    • As with many equatorial countries, the sun dictates time in Ethiopia.  The sunrise marks the beginning of the day and the sunset marks the end of the day.  What most of the world would call 7:00, Ethiopians would call 1:00.  Both noon and midnight are 6:00 in Ethiopia.

    Food & Drink

    • Coffee, one of the world’s most popular beverages, was discovered in Ethiopia, in the region of Kaffa.
    • Ethiopia has the largest per capital density of cattle in Africa and the 10th largest in the world.
    • Teff, the grain used to make the Ethiopian staple injera, is an ancient grain believed to have originated in Ethiopia between 4000BC and 1000BC.  It is the smallest grain in the world and is rich in calcium, phosphorous, iron, copper, aluminum, barium and thiamine and is a good source of protein, amino acids, carbohydrates and fiber.  It is a great gluten-free option.

    Religion

    • Ethiopia is the home of the Black Jews, known as the Falashas, or Beta Israel.
    • Ethiopia adopted Christianity in the 4th century, making it one of the oldest Christian nations in the world.
    • Islam also appeared early in Ethiopia, during the time of Mohammed, when his followers fled persecution in Arabia and sought refuge in Ethiopia.
    • Emperor Haile Selassie, the last emperor of Ethiopia, is worshipped by Rastafarians as a devine being.  In fact, their name comes from Haile Selassie’s birth name, Ras Tafari, which means “Prince Tafari”.

    Nature

    • There are 279 species of mammals found in Ethiopia, of which 5 are critically endangered, 8 are endangered, 27 are vulnerable and 12 are near-threatened.  There are 31 endemic mammal species found in Ethiopia.
    • There are 924 species of birds found in Ethiopia, making Ethiopia a bird-watchers paradise.  Of these, 23 species are endemic to Ethiopia.
    • There are 175 species of fish found in Ethiopia, 40 of which are endemic.
    • The gelada baboon is, in fact, not a baboon, but an old world monkey often classified in its own genus.  They are the last surviving species of ancient grazing primates that were once widespread.  They have a complex social system where women are dominant.  The patch of skin on their chest becomes bright red on females when they are most fertile.  Young males form bachelor groups and older males serve as grandfatherly figures, looking after the young. They can be found in large groups, sometimes up to 800 or more, particularly when there is food to be found.

  • Best Time To Go To Ethiopia

    When is the best time to go to Ethiopia? To get to know when the best time to go to Ethiopia is, you need to know where Ethiopia is located.

    Do’s and Don’ts in Ethiopia

    Ethiopia is located not far from the equator, that most areas are a year-round destination with slight weather variations. It is therefore important to know the best time to go to Ethiopia. This is because the climatic variations offer both advantages and disadvantages to travelers.

    As in most Eastern Africa countries, the best time to go to Ethiopia is the drier season, which spans from about September to May in most parts of the country.

    The rainy season lasts from June through October in most of the country. The bulk of the rainfall occurs in July and August in short downpours that quit promptly, making travel even during these months possible. Rarely do travelers have to cancel their plans due to a full day of rain, and only on occasion in certain areas do the roads start to flood making them impassable.

    The greater factor in climate changes is attributable to the varying topography of the country. The central highlands have a more temperate climate. The lower parts in the east and south have more of a hot and dry climate year-round. The western lowlands are more hot and wet, making this the more ‘tropical’ part of the country. 

    Perhaps one of the best, and certainly most colorful, times to travel in Ethiopia are during one of their well-known festivals. Hotels do fill up far in advance during these times as well as guides are booked up. We do recommend if you plan to travel during these times to book your trip further in advance

    Much of Ethiopia sits over 1,500m high; days can be mild and nights cold – especially in the fog-shrouded highlands, which soar well over 3,000m.

    The best time to visit Ethiopia is Sep-April, but particularly at either end of the rains – in April, when the land is dry and barren, or as it flourishes again in Sep-Oct. This green season is also best for highland wildlife.

    Rains replenish the Omo Valley even sooner – so travel Nov-Mar or Jun-Sep. Generally, though, the rains cause little disruption; you’ll just find lusher landscapes and fewer tourists.

    Climate across Ethiopia

    The majority of its top tourist sites, including Addis Ababa, the main points along the northern circuit and Harar, have highland locations. Here daytime temperatures usually peak between 22˚C and 28˚C, and evenings are often as cool as to justify pulling on a jumper or sweatshirt.

    At higher altitudes such as the Bale or Simien mountains, you may need thicker clothes. The lower-lying southern Rift Valley and South Omo are warmer, but only by a few degrees, and it is only in the northern Rift Valley – in cities such as Dire Dawa – that year-round temperatures can get seriously hot.

    In addition, far from being unusually dry, Ethiopia typically has a relatively moist climate, with Addis Ababa, for instance, receiving about double the annual rainfall of London.

     Most of this precipitation is highly seasonal, however, with most places receiving at least seventy percent of their annual allotment in the space of three to four months. In Addis Ababa and the northern and central highlands, this rainy season falls between June and late September, with the wettest months by far being July and August.

    Further south, the rainy season tends to start and end a few weeks earlier, and South Omo is wettest between March and June – a period when the region’s rough and muddy roads can be seriously affected and travel is best avoided.

    The Dry Season

    From October to May, Ethiopia has its dry season. This is the best time to go to Ethiopia. At this time most travelers choose to come to Ethiopia and hence can be classified as its ‘peak season’. Occasionally there is some rainy weather, although this is usually nothing more than the odd light shower.

    The period from December to February can be classified as Ethiopia’s ‘winter’ season when the overall climate is a little cooler than during the rest of the year. From March to May, temperatures are on the rise again. In Addis Ababa, May can often be the hottest month.

    The Rainy Season

    During the period from June to August, Ethiopia enjoys its summer monsoon season, when rainfall is at its heaviest and thunderstorms often occur. Whilst it is quite cloudy at this time of year, visitors can usually enjoy at least a couple of hours of sunshine each day, mostly in the morning.

    Travel seasons in Ethiopia

    Ethiopia’s peak tourist season, runs from the last week of September to January. There are festivals such as Meskel and Timkat that take place over the season being particularly. During the period, both visitors and the hotels are full and there is a spike in prices for the occasion.

    Best Time To Go To Ethiopia

    This is also a great time to visit Ethiopia weather-wise. There is pleasant temperatures, blue skies and low rainfall in most parts of the country.

    In practice, however, unless you plan on doing a lot of hiking, the upper slopes of the Bale or Simien mountains can be rather unpleasant in the rain. There is little obstacle to visiting Addis Ababa, the northern highlands and the Rift Valley at any time of year.

    Even in July and August, rain tends to fall in short, dramatic storms that interfere with day-to-day travel less than might be expected. Also, at this time of year the countryside is magnificently green, popular sites such as Lalibela are far less busy with other tourists, and most hotels are willing to negotiate generous rates for walk-in clients.

    Perhaps the optimum time to explore the northern circuit is September, when the rain has abated slightly, the tourist season has yet to kick off properly, and the green slopes are enhanced with blankets of yellow Meskel flowers.

    Wildlife viewing is consistent throughout the year, but resident birds tend to be most colorful during the breeding season, which usually coincides with the rains, while the European winter months attract flocks of migrants from the north.

    Best Time to Go to Ethiopia Month by Month

    Ethiopia’s annual Christian celebration, Timkat, takes place around the middle of January. Although crowded with tourists and known for large gatherings, this is an amazing event to witness firsthand especially with the relatively mild temperatures.

    If you’re planning on visiting Ethiopia any time over their winter period, which runs until February, you need to be aware that it can get cold in the highlands, especially at night.

    The Simien Mountains and northern areas, around towns like Lalibela, start to get a little warmer from March and trekkers will find ideal conditions with the occasional shower never too problematic.

    Regions around the Omo Valley in the southwest of Ethiopia are the first to experience the shorter belg rains in April. The wetter weather moves eastwards into Bale Mountains National Park and the Rift Valley Lakes during May and June.

    The heavier and more permanent rains of the kiremt season really start to kick in around Simiens and Bale in July and August. It’s probably advisable to give them a miss around this time of year and opt for Omo and Mago National Parks instead.

    Ethiopia’s rainy season can stretch into September although around October you’ll find the best time to visit Ethiopia tothe central highlands and northern circuit. You will find lush green landscapes featuring carpets of yellow meskel flowers as well as easier travelling conditions.

    One of the best times to visit the South Omo Valley and the Danakil Depression on the Eritrean border are the months of November and December as temperatures are lower with little or no rainfall.

    In general, avoid the rainy season from June to August and bear in mind lower temperatures the higher the altitude and hotter conditions the lower you go and the further east you travel.

    Festivals and Events In Ethiopia

    Timkat

    Lalibela, Addis Ababa and Gondar are the hotspots for this 1,000-year-old epiphany celebration. During this, religious processions carry replicas of the Ark of the Covenant. There is lively music, dancing and colourful robes – followed by feasting and a ceremonial bathing to mark Jesus’ baptism.

    Many tours incorporate Timkat, which takes place from 19-21 January. If you’d prefer to travel in September, Meskel – which commemorates the finding of the True Cross – is a two-day celebration with bonfires and feasts. You will need to book well in advance for both.

    Choosing The Best Time to Go to Ethiopia By Activity

    Choosing the best month to travel may vary more by which particular destination you plan to visit on your Ethiopia safari tour. See below a brief summary by travel destinations to help you plan your trip.


    Best time to tour the Historic Route

    Best Time To Go To Ethiopia

    In general it is best to travel here in the months directly after the rainy season. So from October to March most people will visit these areas.

    Some advantages to traveling here during the rainy season are encountering fewer tourists at the main sights (particularly in Lalibela) as well as seeing the landscapes when they are green and more impressive.

    Traveling during rainy season will also give you discounts and most days you will do just fine with an umbrella in hand.

    Best time to trek in the Simien Mountains

    The best months to trek here are from September through November. The rainy season ends slightly sooner here than in the north and central parts of the country. The trekking views are stunning when everything is still green. Wildflowers are in full bloom in October and the area is still relatively dust free due to the moist grounds. 

    Best time to visit Omo Valley

    The Omo Valley follows a rainy season pattern that is slightly earlier than the rest of the nation from April through June. It has a short second rainy season in October as well. The best times to visit this area are August to October, as well as from December to January. 

    Best time to visit Danakil Depression

    Best Time To Go To Ethiopia

    The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest places on Earth, with temperatures averaging up around 120 F most of the year. The ‘coolest’ time to visit the area is from November to early January. Any other time of year and you are likely to see temperatures above 120 F. 

  • Do’s and Don’ts in Ethiopia

    Each society has a set of rules that they follow. It is around the sets that we have the dos and Donts in Ethiopia. It is important to note these if and when on safari in Ethiopia.

    Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa, bordering Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, Eritrea and Djibouti. The country has the second biggest population in Africa, with over 50% of people being under 25 years of age.

    Do’s and Don’ts in Ethiopia

    Due to the vast size of the population, it is important to recognize that descriptions of Ethiopian cultural customs can vary significantly. There are many distinct cultural practices that are specific to people’s region, ethnicity or religion.

    Despite this diversity, Ethiopians are generally united by their patriotism and pride in the country’s overarching cultural identity.

    Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa, once ruled as a dynasty by a series of monarchs. It is distinct from most other African nations as it is one of the only countries that successfully resisted European colonization.

    It also has a historical connection to Christianity, with the region adopting the religion before many Western nations were exposed to it. This legacy of the country’s independence and the Ethiopian ‘Tewahedo’ Orthodox Church are very important to Ethiopians’ sense of national pride.

    Do’s and Don’ts in Ethiopia

    Their sense of morality and cultural refinement are shaped by centuries of practice, and continue to inform how they see themselves in the contemporary setting. Generally speaking, Ethiopians are renowned for being welcoming, considerate, cooperative and non-confrontational people.

    DO’S IN ETHIOPIA

    • Check the type of visa that you need before coming.
    • Bring a credit card if you have one.
    • Get proper vaccination and insurance before coming.
    • Have some emergency numbers always ready with you.
    • Try to learn some basic Amharic; they’ll love it and you too.
    • Try to visit the countryside and see the rural side of Ethiopia.
    • Unblock your phone at the airport upon arrival and get an Ethiopian SIM card at Ethio Telecom.
    • Bring comfortable shoes and clothes (check the weather of the season/place you are coming).
    • Use safe ways of transport, especially avoiding drivers who chew “khat” and night rides outside the city.
    • Wash your hands always, before and after meals.
    • Eat properly cooked food and drink bottled water.
    • Bargain in souvenir shops. They inflate the price double, triple or four times the real price.
    • Negotiate with taxi drivers that don’t have a meter system.
    • Ask always if the appointments’ time is in Ethiopian time or international time.
    • Offer food to people around while you are eating.
    • Try to come to one of the big holidays; they are very colorful.
    • Get some leather, coffee and cotton (Ethiopia made, please).
    • Be careful with street dogs; they may transmit rabies.
    • Respect different cultural aspects when different than yours.
    • Be aware of your impact as a tourist and try not to leave a footprint that can damage them in the future.
    • Be nice and polite to people all the time.
    • Take it easy when things are going wrong. Try to act calm and serene. People will normally try to help you when you claim for help.

    DON’TS IN ETHIOPIA

    • Don’t bargain in local food and grocery stores; they have fixed prices.
    • Don’t give alms to kids. They are not going to school, pressed by family members or mafias. If you give them money or goods, you are perpetuating this exploitation.
    • Don’t take pictures of government buildings, embassies and similar; it is forbidden.
    • Don’t take portraits of people without asking first; it’s a robbery.
    • Don’t openly criticize the government. Be careful with politics.
    • Don’t drink tap water, uncooked food, salads, etc.
    • Don’t leave your things unattended.
    • Don’t accuse anybody of stealing without proof.
    • Don’t expose homosexual activity; it is punished by law.
    • Don’t swim in most of the lakes (except Langano)
    • Don’t hire unaccredited tourist guides.
    • Don’t go to religious service without covering your head, shoulders, and knees (women).
    • Don’t contraband illegal items/drugs into the country.
    • Don’t work under any circumstance on a tourist visa.
    • Don’t volunteer under any circumstance on a tourist visa.
    • Don’t share non-fasting food with fasting people.
    • Don’t leave trash behind (even if you see locals do it)
    • Don’t feel the need to answer to every person talking/insulting you on the street.

    Don’t try to get a “logical” explanation to everything that happens in Ethiopia. There may not be one                     

  • 10 Top Things to do in Ethiopia

    Every country has its outstanding and special attractions that cannot be missed Ethiopia is not an exception. There are many things to do in Ethiopia but first let us put things to context.

     Sitting landlocked on the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is blessed with incredible natural beauty and abundant rare wildlife. It has also nurtured its own diverse cultures and protected its tribal heritage.

    All of which means this beautiful country is packed with opportunities to make lifelong memories and enjoy experiences that will take your breath away.

    The climate is conducive to exploration and adventures any month of the year, though keep in mind that in the summer the North Eastern area of Ethiopia is officially the hottest place on the planet! Daytime temperatures can reach a mighty 50 degrees C.

    One of the joys of having a safari in Ethiopia with ASTHO Vacations is the chance to immerse yourself in all that your destination has to offer. This is certainly true when visiting Ethiopia, where the colorful environment and warm local welcome make this ‘once in a lifetime trip’ something you will yearn to repeat.

    Top Things to do in Ethiopia

    ASTHO Vacations has selected its top 10 things to do in Ethiopia not in any particular order for you to enjoy on your visit to this destination.

    Trek to the Erta Ale Volcano

    A trek to the Erta Ale volcano is moderately challenging, though keep in mind the need for local guides (this is an active volcano) and make proper preparation to face those year-round high temperatures and summer heat peaks in this part of Ethiopia.

    Soak Yourself in the Heat at the Danakil Depression

    The Northeastern part of Ethiopia is home to the hottest place on Earth. In this place daytime temperatures soar to sweltering 50°C in Summer.

    In the heart of the depression lies a place called Dallol that features salt mines and magnificent multicolored landscapes that give you the impression of a carefully painted art book.

    The Danakil depression is also home to one of the world’s oldest active volcano called Erta Ale to mean a smoking mountain in the local language.

    After looking at the bubbling lava from the volcano and the unbearable heat, you can see why the Afar people in the area call this place the gateway to hell.

    Feed Hyenas in Harar

    10 Top Things to do in Ethiopia

    Harar is the fourth holiest city of Islam, the city of Harar in the Eastern part of Ethiopia is home to 82 mosques. Three of the mosques date from the 10th century, and 102 shrines.

    Harar city is a UNESCO world heritage site, is enclosed by a wall built in the 13th and 16th century. The wall that stands four meters tall with five entry gates was built to protect the city from an ongoing war at the time.

    This is a far more contemporary offering. Who is the Harar Hyena Man? He’s a local character in the Eastern city of Harar, who calls nightly to attract these wild creatures. He then feeds the hyenas, to the joy of fascinated onlookers.

    Harar is a fabulous place to visit, famed for its iconic walls and gates, the maze of alleys, and traditional African homes including colorful hanging baskets.

    Be Wowed by the Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela

    Dubbed the “New Jerusalem,” Lalibela town in the Northern part of Ethiopia, is a place of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians. The town is home to 11 ancient monolithic churches carved entirely out of a single rock with hammers and chisels.

    Standing at 40 feet high, Bete Giorgis (Saint George’s), is the most impressive of these churches with a roof that has the shape of a cross. Bete Medhani Alem church which you can find across the main road from St. George, is the largest monolithic church in the world.

    King Lalibela is credited for these spectacular buildings which have been registered by UNESCO as world heritages. Lalibela is famous for its churches cut out of rock. These churches carved from within the earth play an important part in the history of rock-cut architecture.

    It is thought these Ethiopian Orthodox Christian churches were first built in the 12th and 13th Centuries AD. They first came to be discovered by Europeans in the 16th Century. The churches have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and consist of 11 churches assembled in four groups scattered around the town of Lalibela.

    Hike the Simiens Mountains

    The Simiens is ideal for travelers seeking a trekking experience and have cliffs that tower as high as 1,500 meters. Ras Dashen, the highest point in Ethiopia, is also found here.

    This is home to the endemic Semien Fox, the Ethiopian Wolf, the Walia Ibex, and the Gelada Baboon. These mountains live up to your expectations of a UNESCO world heritage site.

    The jagged mountains also boast three endemic plant species and 180 bird species of which five are indigenous. The endangered Lammergeyer, a vulture with a wing of 2 metres and with a different diet of bone marrow, also roams the skies of this part of Ethiopia.

    Immerse yourself in Royalty at the Gondar Castles

    A visit to the Gondar city in the Northern Ethiopia, will guarantee you have a royal day. Founded by King Fasiledes in the seventeenth century, Gondar has been the capital of Ethiopia for almost 200 years.

    You will see the emperor’s castle, a two-story structure, built of hewn brown basalt stones held together with mortar and has panoramic views of Lake Tana.

    You should also visit Mentewab’s Castle and the Palaces of Emperor Iyasus and Dawit. There are the famous mural paintings on the ceiling, Debre Birhan Selassie or ‘Light of the Trinity’ church is also worth a visit.

    Soak Yourself in the Cultural Pot in the Omo Valley

    10 Top Things to do in Ethiopia

    Untouched by the outside world, the tribes of the Omo valley withtheir chalk painted bodies and unique attires are some of Africa’s most traditional tribes. Residing in the South-western Ethiopia, these tribes have ancient cultural practices such as the cattle jumping ritual of the Hamer tribe which turns a boy into a man.

    The area is also known for its contribution to paleontology. In 1980, the Lower Omo Valley was registered by UNESCO as a world heritage site after discoveries of human skeletons that have lived over 3 million years ago. While you are here, you can also visit the Omo River.

    Tribal traditions are strong here. The indigenous people are warm, welcoming and accepting of visitor curiosity despite their remoteness and a fierce adherence to an ageless way of life.

    Visit local markets to trade, camp by outlying villages and sit by riverbanks or around campfires as tribes-people dance, drum and celebrate their unique African stories.

    Size Up to the Mighty Monoliths of Axum

    Spending time exploring Axum is highly recommended for anyone travelling to this archaeologically rich African nation.

    Axum is a city in the northern part of Ethiopia and was the original capital of the Kingdom of Axum that ruled from around 400 BC to the 10th Century AD.

    The major attractions in Axum on an Ethiopia vacation are obelisks which are around 1700 years old. Most of them are situated in the Northern Stelae Park with the largest being 33 metres/108 feet long and 2.35 metres/7.4 feet deep weighing 52,000 kilograms/520 tons.

     The obelisks, which have architectural designs, are believed to mark where graves were located. Also of interest in Axum is the old and new Churches of Our Lady Mary of Zion which stand next to each other.

    10 Top Things to do in Ethiopia

    The old one was originally built in 1665 and is said to have housed the Ark of the Covenant (wooden chest containing the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments).

    Other attractions in Axum include the archaeological and ethnographic museums and the Ezana Stone written in a similar manner to the Rosetta Stone.

    The huge monoliths (stelae) are elaborate tombstones for glorious rulers in Ethiopia’s past. The largest (Remhai’s stele) is an incredible feat of ancient engineering, and would have stood 33m high, weighing 500 tons, when first erected!

    Discover the Hidden Beauties of Bahir Dar

    Bahir Dar is one of the main tourist destinations on an Ethiopia safari tour. It is characterized by wide avenues lined with palm trees and colorful flowers and attractive gardens. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful and well-planned cities.

    It is located on the southern shore of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. The Blue Nile Falls are located about 30 kilometres/18 miles to the south. Emperor Haile Selassie had a small modest palace in Bahir Dar which can be visited.

    Other attractions are the city’s two markets, the general market which has everything from colorful woven cloth to food and beverages and the roadside market which specializes in baskets. Bahir Dar is home to a number of universities and colleges, the most prominent being Bahir Dar University.

    Marvel at Natures Handy work at Sof Omar Caves

    Sof Omar is the longest cave in Ethiopia at a little over 15 kilometers. It was formed by the Weib River, is where you can admire nature’s unique architecture skills. With 40 main entrances and exits, it’s also the longest cave system in Africa.

    10 Top Things to do in Ethiopia

    This underground cavern is located in the Southeastern Ethiopia. It’s a sacred place to Islam named after Shiek Sof Omar who used the cave as a mosque along with his followers in the 12th century.

    The breathtakingly beautiful cavern which features stones as high as 20 meters can be explored on foot with local guides.

  • Is Ethiopia Safe for Tourists

    Is Ethiopia Safe for tourists? In Africa, Ethiopia is one of the safe tourist destination that compared to other countries. This Eastern Africa country is free from crimes and it has been a politically stable country free from political unrests.

    It is also important to note that the government of Ethiopia has deployed a lot of forces in the tourism destinations to ensure that all travelers are safe from the time they enter the country until the end of their trip in Ethiopia.

    On the other hand, we advise travelers to organize their safari trip with a genuine safari expert who will ensure their safety and security until the end of their Ethiopia safari tour.

    Travelers as well ought to follow all the instructions given by the guide to avoid bad reports about their security because of being careless. Safari experts will ensure that they book and organize safe safari accommodation lodges and will endeavor to organize a safe tour.

    Is Ethiopia Safe for Tourist: Places in Ethiopia to be Careful About

    Merkato has the worst reputation for pickpockets abound and they not only targeting faranjis or the white foreigners but Ethiopians as well. It is advisable to leave hand luggage and jewelry in your hotel if you plan on visiting Merkato.

    Other spots where you should be vigilant include Piazza, where many foreigners get pick pocketed or mugged; Meskal Sq; minibus stands; outside larger hotels; and Churchill Ave, where adult gangs have been known to hang around the National Theatre.

    Common gang ploys are to feign a fight or argument and, when one man appeals to you for help, the other helps himself to your pockets.

    Is Ethiopia Safe for Tourists

    Don’t let any of this scare you, though – Addis is very safe compared with many other African capitals.

    Common Scams in Ethiopia

    One scam that still seems to be snagging tourists is the ‘siren scam’. It takes various forms, including offering you a ‘cultural show’ or a traditional coffee ceremony.

     Approaches are made to couples or groups, as well as to single males. Most commonly, the person approaching you is a young, well-dressed Ethiopian male, often claiming to be a student.

    The venue is usually somebody’s living room, where a hostess will promptly dish out copious quantities of tej (honey wine) and, perhaps, traditional dancers and musicians will perform. Suddenly the ‘entertainment’ comes to an end and an amount upwards of Birr1500 is demanded.

    If you end up in a situation like this, offer to pay for anything you’ve consumed.  A litre of quality tej shouldn’t be more than Birr 65, and if it’s not accepted, threaten to call the police. The area around the hotels in the Piazza and Churchill Ave seem to be prime hunting grounds for potential victims.

    An old ploy at the Merkato is for someone to step blindly into you, while another gently lifts your belongings in the subsequent confusion. A less subtle tactic now being used involves one person diving at your feet and holding your legs while another pilfers your pockets.

    Another increasingly popular scam involves the delightful technique of a passer-by ‘accidentally’ spitting on you. He then makes a big fuss trying to wipe it off and in the process he (or an accomplice) relieves you of your wallet.

    Another one involves someone waving a packet of tissues in your face pretending to sell it to you. As you’re distracted the accomplices pilfer the contents of your pocket or bag. Still, at least you’ll have some tissues with which to wipe off the spit!

    Do Tourists Get Harassed in Ethiopia?

    So, as much as it is safe to travel around Ethiopia, you need to realize that sometimes not-so-nice situations may happen – as they can and do happen in any city in the world. Just be ready for them, so you’re not disappointed. Some people are very desperate for money and they will try to get it from you by all means.

    Is Ethiopia Safe for Tourists

    Ethiopia has had some terrorist attacks over the last few years. Travelers should take extra precautions especially in the Oromia and Amhara regions.

    Be cautious of areas with large gatherings. If you think a protest may be forming try to leave the area as a precaution.

    Remain alert and cautious if traveling near bordering countries of Ethiopia. There is a high threat of landmines along the western border and tensions are high due to ethnic conflicts.

    Stay alert, take your surroundings into consideration, plan your trips ahead of time, and make sure you have everything you need.

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