Travel to Ethiopia
Travel to ethiopia, the only African nation that was never colonized and the only African nation that can boast 17 centuries of Christian tradition. A country so rich in history that four destinations in northern Ethiopia have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Nine in total).
Imaging a place where ancient empires, dramatic landscapes and deeply rooted traditions meet. That’s Ethiopia. Ethiopia isn’t just about history, it’s also a land of extremes: soaring peaks like the Simien Mountains, the otherworldly depths of the Danakil Depression, and lush national parks.
And behind these natural wonders lie a mosaic of more than 80 ethnic groups, languages and religious traditions. Whether you wander ancient rock-hewn churches in the north, meet tribal communities in the south or glimpse rare wildlife in remote wilderness every step feels like a journey through time, culture and nature all at once.
History
Ethiopia and its history is the story of Africa at its inception. Archeologists and anthropologists commonly count Ethiopia as the origin of man. In 1994 the oldest human remains ever were discovered here. The 4.4 million old bones of Homo Ramidus Afarensis, were found in Ethiopia’s Afar region – the previous record was held by “Lucy” or “Dinkinish” (Amharic for “wonderful”), who at 3.4 million years was a relative youngster.
Ethiopia has extensive historic sites, particularly in the north of the country, where the tourists can view buildings dating from the first millennium BC, the stelae and tombs of the Axumite kings, rock hewn churches like Abuna Yemat Guh dating from the 4th century, the monasteries of Lake Tana and the 13th century monolithic rock hewn churches of King Lalibela in Wollo.
In the east, the 1000 year old city of Harrar, with its more than 99 mosques, is considered as the fourth holiest place in Islam, after Mecca, Median and Jerusalem. South of Addis Ababa, there are a number of Neolithic sites, including the 1.5-1.8 million year old site at MelkaKunture (Oromia Region) and the 400 stelae at Dilla in Sidamo (Southern Region). Elsewhere in the southern region there are remote, medieval monasteries and in Jimma, in Oromia, there is the recently restored palace of Abba Jiffar, the last independent king of the area.
Country
Ethiopia is a land of great variety, from the high peaks of the Simien Mountains in Amhara to the below sea-level Danakil Depression in the Afar region, tropical forests, lakes, savannah and deserts. In Bale National Park in Oromia, home of many endemic mammals and birds, visitors can see unique alpine fauna and flora, volcanic lakes and trout filled streams. For big game safaris, there are the Omo and Mago National Parks in the Southern Region, with their fascinating Mursi and Hamer villages.
People
It’s also known for its enormous ethnic diversity, with people of Semitic, Hamitic, Nilotic and Omotic stock. There are more than 80 ethnic groups and as many languages. In terms of religion, Christians and Muslims make up approximately 40% of the population each (Christians being slightly more preponderant), the remaining 20% animists and others. What unites Ethiopia’s many people is primarily their shared independent existence.
Ethiopia never fell under colonial rule. When Mussolini’s Fascists occupied the country from 1935 to 1941, the Ethiopian people mounted a continuous, spirited, vigorous resistance. Unlike most former colonies which still echo the culture of their former rulers, Ethiopia has remained authentically Ethiopian. From the moment a visitor arrives in Addis Ababa, that distinct identity reveals itself. Across the country, people prize courtesy and hospitality. With its combination of history and culture, ethnic diversity, stunning and varied scenery, wildlife and birdlife (there are more than 850 species recorded, with 29 endemics), Ethiopia is truly unique in Africa.
Securty
Despite its location in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is a very safe country to visit, and Addis Ababa is still one of the safest capitals in Africa. There is little incidence of personal crimes such as assault and robbery, and the country’s security forces have taken great measures to prevent terrorists from instigating violence that could arm the safety of residents and visitors and disrupt the business community, which has registered 8 years of significant growth.
Visitors should, of course take the usual precautions. Do not carry large amounts of money and leave particularly valuable items locked away. Both men and women should be careful to keep handbags and personal property at hand in crowded places like Mercato.
Like everywhere else, pickpockets like to create some kind of diversion before making their move, so visitors should walk purposefully and be cautious about sudden introductions in the street. In Addis Ababa, such incidents as do occur tend to happen in the city center, in a circle linking the Ghion, Ethiopian and Ras Hotels.
VISAS
Nationals from Kenya, Djibouti, and Sudan can apply for Visa upon arrival at the airport. Nationals from other countries should apply and receive their tourist visa at Ethiopian Embassies and consulates in their respective home countries. The cost is $50 for a 30-day, one-time entry.
Health and Precautions
Ethiopia requires all visitors to have an up-to-date Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Generally, for their own protection, visitors should be immunized or have received a booster shot against hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, Typhoid and Polio. In regard to malaria, visitors on the Historic Route (Axum, Gondar, Bahar Dar and Lalibela) need not worry about malaria, but should bring insect repellent cream, gel or spray for mosquitoes.
The area directly south of Addis Ababa lies in a malaria-free zone. Before you travel, check online malaria-zone maps such as those from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the UK-based FitForTravel website. Chloroquine does not work against malaria in Ethiopia.
For visitors sensitive to insect bites, it is advisable to bring antihistamine cream or tablets. Some old buildings and old churches on the Historic Route are prone to flea infestation. It is worth carrying some antiseptic cream, for minor cuts. Carry anti-diarrhea tablets as a precaution if you suffer stomach upset, you may face a long stretch before finding the next toilet, and either tablet will help. But note: these pills only relieve symptoms, and they won’t treat the underlying cause. For anything more serious than a simple stomach upset, seek medical care. Most tourist-visited areas have government hospitals nearby.
Climate
The temperatures in the highlands (on the Historic Route) are moderate, rarely exceeding 30ºC even at the hottest times of the year. However, the sun is strong and visitors coming from cooler climates should get a high protection grade (15) UV barrier cream, particularly for the face. For the arms and legs, a lower protection grade would be sufficient.
With the dry weather, we recommend carrying lip balm. If you plan to take the boat trip on Lake Tana or even longer mule trips around Axum or Lalibela, you should wear a hat. We advise all visitors to obtain standard holiday insurance covering health emergencies in their home country.
