Every question, from the gate to your flight home.
36 topics. Each one starts with the short answer, then the detail.
Airport arrival and departure
What happens when I land at Bole?
You'll land at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), about 8 km from the city centre. Expect immigration, baggage claim, a customs X-ray, and then 15–30 minutes by car to most hotels.
Getting into the city
Option
Where
Good to know
Hotel shuttle or pre-booked driver
Arrivals hall
Easiest for night arrivals. Confirm the driver's name and plate in advance.
Ride-hailing app (Ride, Feres, others)
Pickup area outside arrivals
Needs mobile data. Agree the pickup point in the app. Uber does not operate in Ethiopia.
Official airport taxi
Taxi rank outside arrivals
Agree the fare before you get in.
Departure checklist
Arrive at least 3 hours before an international flight and 2 hours before a domestic one. There is a security screening at the terminal entrance, before check-in.
Keep your passport and ticket or booking reference ready at the door; staff may ask for them.
Spend or change leftover birr before you leave. Limits apply to the cash you can take out (see Currency exchange and ATMs).
Keep exchange receipts in case you're asked about currency.
Pack souvenirs that may need export papers (antiques, religious items, large crafts) with their receipts (see Customs and restricted items).
Domestic flights also leave from Bole, often from a separate domestic terminal. Check your ticket.
SIM cards and mobile internet
Which SIM card should I buy?
Buy a local SIM at the airport with your passport. Ethiopia has two networks: Ethio Telecom (state-owned, widest coverage, including rural areas) and Safaricom Ethiopia (newer, strongest in cities and along main routes). Many travellers take Safaricom's visitor bundle for a short stay and Ethio Telecom for remote regions.
Compare the providers
Ethio Telecom
Safaricom Ethiopia
Where to buy
Counter in the Bole baggage hall; Ethio Telecom shops in every town
Shop at Bole Airport; Safaricom shops in Addis and larger cities
Documents
Passport (registration at purchase)
Passport (registration at purchase)
Coverage
Widest national coverage, including rural and remote areas
Growing; best in Addis, regional cities and main roads
Visitor offer
Prepaid data packages bought in birr; ask staff for the current tourist bundle
Visitor packs paid in USD or EUR at the airport shop: 7 days $10 (20 GB) or $20 (35 GB); 30 days $30 (50 GB) or $40 (65 GB), each with call and SMS minutes (terms)
Mobile money
telebirr
M-Pesa
Recharge
Airtime cards from kiosks, shops, the telebirr app
Airtime from agents and shops, the M-PESA / Safaricom app
How to buy
Bring your passport. Some city shops also ask for a photocopy or a passport photo.
Staff register the SIM in your name and activate it. Allow 10–30 minutes.
Test it before you leave: make a call and load a web page.
Note your new number and how to check your balance.
eSIMs
International eSIM apps sell data-only plans for Ethiopia that you can install before you fly. They work for maps and messaging, but most give you no local phone number, so you can't receive local SMS codes (for example, for ride-hailing apps or telebirr). A physical local SIM is the better choice if you'll book rides or pay by phone.
Coverage tips
Expect good 4G in Addis Ababa and most regional capitals; signal drops in mountains, national parks and remote areas such as the Danakil and the Omo Valley.
Some areas of the country are out of mobile and internet coverage. Download an offline map and keep important bookings saved offline (see Electricity, charging and connectivity).
Currency exchange and ATMs
Where do I change money?
Ethiopia uses the birr (ETB, Br). Change money only at banks, hotel exchange desks and licensed forex bureaus, starting at the airport bank counters. Since the birr was allowed to float in 2024, official bank rates are close to market rates, so there is little reason to use street exchangers, which are illegal.
Airport: bank counters and ATMs in the baggage hall. Rates are the same official bank rates as in town.
Banks in the city: Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), Dashen, Awash, Abyssinia and others. Bring your passport.
Hotels: larger hotels exchange for guests, sometimes at a slightly lower rate.
Keep every receipt. You may need it to change birr back or to show where your money came from.
Bring: clean US dollars or euros printed after 2013, without tears or marks. Older or damaged notes are often refused.
ATMs
Banks in Addis Ababa and regional cities have ATMs; many accept Visa, and fewer accept Mastercard. Look for the card logos on the machine.
Use ATMs inside banks, hotels or malls, during the day.
Per-withdrawal limits are low and vary by bank; you may need several withdrawals. Your home bank will also charge fees.
ATMs can be out of cash or offline, especially outside Addis and at weekends. Bring a second card and some backup cash.
Tell your bank you're travelling to Ethiopia before you leave.
Leaving with leftover birr
You can carry only a small amount of birr in or out of Ethiopia: 3,000 ETB per trip (10,000 ETB if travelling to Djibouti), under National Bank of Ethiopia directive FXD/87/2024 (summary). Spend or change the rest before departure, and keep your original exchange receipts, as banks may ask for them.
Bringing foreign cash
You may bring in any amount of foreign currency, but amounts above USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared at customs on arrival (Boundless Ethiopia summary). Keep the declaration form: you need it to take more than USD 10,000 back out. Thresholds differ for residents and overland arrivals, so confirm with the Ethiopian Customs Commission (customs.gov.et) or your embassy if you carry large sums.
Payments and tipping
Cash, card or mobile money? Do I tip?
Carry birr in cash for most everyday spending. Cards work at larger hotels, airlines, some supermarkets and upmarket restaurants in Addis, but rarely elsewhere. Mobile money (telebirr, M-Pesa) is everywhere locally but takes some setup for visitors.
How to pay, by setting
Setting
Cash (birr)
Card
Mobile money
International hotels, airlines
Yes
Usually (Visa most common)
Sometimes
Upmarket restaurants, malls, large supermarkets
Yes
Often
Yes
Local cafés, small restaurants, shops
Yes
Rarely
Yes
Ride-hailing apps
Yes (pay driver)
Sometimes in-app
Yes
Minibus taxis, bajaj (tuk-tuk), markets
Yes, small notes
No
Sometimes
Tour operators, lodges
Yes (birr or USD)
Some, often with a surcharge
Sometimes
Outside Addis and regional cities
Yes
Very rarely
Sometimes
Payment tips
Ask before ordering whether a place takes cards, and expect some card payments to fail. Keep cash as backup.
Card surcharges of 3–5% are common at tour operators and some hotels.
Carry small notes (10, 50, 100 birr). Small sellers and taxi drivers often can't change large notes.
Prices for foreigners at hotels and some tours may be quoted in USD; you can usually pay the birr equivalent.
Mobile money: telebirr (Ethio Telecom) and M-Pesa (Safaricom) need a local SIM registered with your passport. Useful for longer stays; not essential for a short trip.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated, not compulsory. Many hotel and restaurant bills already include a 10% service charge plus 15% VAT, so check the bill before adding more.
Who
Suggested tip (approx.)
Restaurant, no service charge on the bill
5–10%
Restaurant, service charge already included
Round up or leave small change
Hotel porter
50–100 ETB per bag
Housekeeping
100–200 ETB per day
Ride-hailing or taxi driver
Round up the fare
Private driver, full day
USD 5–10 (or birr equivalent) per day
Local guide at a site
USD 5–15 per group, depending on length
Full-tour guide, multi-day
USD 10–20 per day per group
Scouts and community guides (e.g. Simien, Omo)
Agree amounts with your tour operator in advance
Customs and restricted items
What can I bring in and take home?
Normal personal belongings, phones, laptops and cameras are fine. Drones, binoculars and satellite phones need prior permission and are often held at the airport if you arrive without it. Antiques and religious objects need an export permit to leave the country.
Bring, declare, restricted
Category
Item
What to know
Bring freely
Clothes, personal items, one phone, laptop and camera for personal use
No declaration needed for normal travel quantities
Bring freely (duty-free, adults)
Up to 200 cigarettes (or 100 cigars or 250 g tobacco), 2 L of alcohol, 0.5 L of perfume
Amounts reported by travel sources; confirm with customs
Declare
Foreign cash above USD 10,000
Keep the form to take money back out
Declare
Multiple new devices, gifts or goods that look commercial
Customs may charge duty; personal vs commercial use is the officer's judgement
Bring with care
Prescription medicines
Original packaging, a copy of the prescription and a doctor's letter for controlled medicines
Permission needed
Drones
Need an import permit from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority before arrival; otherwise held at customs
Permission needed
Binoculars, satellite phones, professional radio equipment
Can be held without prior permission; leave at home if not essential
Antiques, old crosses, manuscripts, religious paintings, old Bibles
Need a certificate from the Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage
Export limits
Animal skins, hides, ivory, wildlife products
Restricted or banned; don't buy them
Export limits
Coffee over 2 kg
Needs authorisation; buy sealed retail packs and keep receipts
Taking souvenirs home
Buy from established shops and ask for a receipt that describes the item as new or a replica.
For anything that looks old, ask the shop whether it needs an export certificate before you pay.
Also check what your home country allows: many countries restrict meat, seeds, plants and animal products.
City transport and airport transfers
How do I get around Addis?
In Addis Ababa, ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to get around. RIDE, Feres and Yango all operate; Uber does not. Install one before you fly, and pay the driver in cash unless the app offers another method.
Your options in Addis
Option
Best for
How to pay
Good to know
Ride-hailing apps (RIDE, Feres, Yango)
Most trips, airport runs, evenings
Cash to driver; some in-app options
Fare shown upfront. Drivers often phone to confirm pickup.
Ride-hailing by phone
No data, or app trouble
Cash
Call RIDE on 8294, Feres on 6090, Yango on 8610
Hotel car or private driver
Day hire, airport, late nights
Cash or added to hotel bill
Agree the price and hours first
Street taxis
Short trips when no app works
Cash
Agree the fare before you get in
Minibus taxis (shared)
Cheap, fixed routes
Cash, very small notes
Busy and confusing for first-timers; watch your phone and bag
Light rail (LRT)
East–west and north–south routes
Cash ticket at station
Cheap, often crowded; limited coverage
Bajaj (tuk-tuk)
Short hops in outer areas and other towns
Cash
Not allowed in central Addis
Booking a ride: step by step
Download RIDE, Feres or Yango from your app store before you travel.
Check the driver's name, car and plate number when the car arrives.
Make sure the trip has started in the app, and share it with a friend.
Pay the amount shown. Rounding up is a kind gesture.
Pickup tips
Map pins can be imprecise. Choose a landmark (a hotel, bank or church), and ask hotel or café staff to explain the location in Amharic if the driver calls.
At the airport, go to the app's pickup point; ignore drivers who approach you inside.
Don't accept a different car or an off-app price.
Intercity travel
How do I travel between cities?
Ethiopia is big and roads are slow, so domestic flights on Ethiopian Airlines are the quickest and usually the safest way between regions. Long-distance buses are cheap but take a full day or more. The train runs from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa and Djibouti. Check current travel advice for every road journey (see Safety and places to avoid), as some regions are under government warnings.
Compare your options
Option
Best for
Booking
Good to know
Domestic flights (Ethiopian Airlines)
Long distances: Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibela, Dire Dawa, Arba Minch, Jinka, Goba and more
Ask about discounted domestic fares if you flew into Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines. Some northern airports may be closed during unrest.
Long-distance coaches (e.g. Selam Bus, Sky Bus, Golden Bus)
Budget travel on main roads
Company offices, bus terminals, or local booking apps such as Mengedegna
Most leave at dawn (5–6 am). Book a day ahead. No night travel.
Train: Addis Ababa–Dire Dawa–Djibouti
Dire Dawa, Harar, onward to Djibouti
Furi-Lebu station in Addis (bring passport), or online at bookingedr.et with local mobile payment
Runs every other day; Addis–Dire Dawa overnight. Current fares are on the official portal, bookingedr.et
Private car with driver
Flexibility, groups, the south and Rift Valley
Through a licensed tour operator or your hotel
The safest road option; the driver knows current conditions. Agree on fuel, driver's meals and lodging.
Minibuses between towns
Short regional hops
At town bus stations
Cheap, crowded, faster driving. Not recommended at night.
Indicative journey times from Addis Ababa
To
By air
By road (approx.)
Bishoftu (Debre Zeit)
No flights
1 hour
Hawassa
45 minutes
3.5–4 hours (expressway)
Bahir Dar
1 hour
9–10 hours
Gondar
1 hour 15 minutes
12+ hours
Lalibela
1 hour
2 days
Dire Dawa / Harar
1 hour
8–10 hours, or overnight train
Arba Minch
1 hour 10 minutes
7–8 hours
Bale Mountains (Goba / Robe)
1 hour
7–8 hours
Before any road trip
Read your government's latest advice for that exact route on the day you travel.
Travel only in daylight.
Carry your passport; expect police checkpoints.
Some areas have no mobile coverage, so download an offline map and save tickets and contacts offline before you set off.
Tell your hotel your route and expected arrival time.
Accommodation
Where should I stay?
Addis Ababa has everything from simple guesthouses to international five-star hotels. Outside Addis, choose between town hotels and a smaller number of lodges near parks and lakes. For a first visit, Bole is the easiest base: close to the airport, restaurants and ride-hailing.
Where to stay, by traveller type
You are…
Good fit
Area to look at (Addis)
First-time visitor, short stay
Mid-range hotel with airport pickup
Bole, Bole Medhanialem, Kazanchis
Business traveller
International chain or business hotel
Bole, Kazanchis, near the African Union and UNECA
Budget or backpacker
Guesthouse or simple hotel
Piassa, Arat Kilo, Bole side streets
Family
Apartment hotel or hotel with a pool and garden
Bole, CMC, Old Airport
Longer stay
Serviced apartment
Bole, Old Airport, CMC, Sarbet
Culture and history focus
Small hotel near the old city
Piassa, Arat Kilo, Sidist Kilo
Indicative price bands (per room, per night)
Level
Addis Ababa (approx.)
Regional towns (approx.)
Budget guesthouse
USD 20–45
USD 10–30
Mid-range hotel
USD 50–130
USD 35–90
Upmarket and international
USD 150–400+
Lodges USD 80–250
Prices are indicative and change with season and demand. They rise sharply around Timkat (January), Meskel (September), Ethiopian Christmas (7 January) and major conferences.
How to book
International booking sites list many Addis hotels. For regional lodges, booking direct or through a tour operator is often more reliable.
Confirm by email or WhatsApp a few days before arrival, and get the airport pickup confirmed in writing.
Foreigners are often quoted in USD. Ask whether you can pay in birr, and whether the price includes the 10% service charge and 15% VAT.
Check before you book
Backup generator and reliable hot water (power cuts happen).
Wi-Fi in rooms, not only the lobby.
Airport pickup and price.
Lift access and stairs, if mobility matters.
Street noise: rooms facing busy roads or bars can be loud at night.
Safe in the room.
Addis Ababa neighbourhoods
Which neighbourhood suits me?
Most visitors base themselves in Bole for convenience, Kazanchis for business, or Piassa and Arat Kilo for history. Addis is spread out and hilly, so pick a base close to what you'll do most, and plan to use ride-hailing between areas.
10–15 min from the airport; easiest area for ride-hailing
Kazanchis
Business and diplomatic
Business travellers, conferences
UNECA, international hotels, Meskel Square nearby
Central; short rides to Bole and Piassa
Piassa
Old town, Italian-era buildings
History lovers, budget travellers
St George's Cathedral, Taitu Hotel, jewellery and gold shops, Merkato nearby
Busy streets; keep valuables close
Arat Kilo and Sidist Kilo
University and museums
Culture, museums
National Museum (Lucy), Holy Trinity Cathedral, Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University
Central, walkable between sights
Meskel Square and Mexico
Central hub
Transit, events
Meskel Square (festivals), Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum, Addis Ababa Museum
LRT stations; heavy traffic
Old Airport and Sarbet
Quiet, residential, leafy
Families, longer stays
Embassies, international schools, quieter restaurants
Ride-hailing needed for most trips
CMC and Ayat
Newer residential suburbs
Families, apartment stays
Malls, supermarkets, compounds
Far from the old centre; 30–45 min to Piassa
Merkato
Huge open-air market
A guided visit, not a stay
One of Africa's largest markets
Very crowded; go with a guide, leave valuables behind
Entoto (north hills)
Forested hills above the city
Half-day outing
Entoto Park, Entoto Maryam Church, viewpoints
30–45 min by car; cool and higher altitude
Attractions and must-visit places
What should I see?
Start in Addis Ababa: the National Museum (home of "Lucy"), Unity Park, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Entoto and Merkato fill two to three good days. Beyond the capital, Ethiopia's best-known sites are Lalibela, Gondar, Lake Tana, Axum, the Simien and Bale Mountains, Harar, the Rift Valley lakes and the Omo Valley. Several northern sites are currently in areas under government "do not travel" warnings, so check Safety and places to avoid before planning.
In Addis Ababa
Attraction
Why go
Typical visit
Practical notes
National Museum of Ethiopia
Fossil of "Lucy" (Dinknesh) and early human history, royal and cultural collections
1–2 hours
Arat Kilo. Small foreigner fee. Closed on some holidays.
Tue–Sun, tickets 9 am–4 pm, closed Mondays. Foreigners USD 20 regular, USD 50 with guide and palace (official site)
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Ethiopia's most important Orthodox cathedral; Emperor Haile Selassie's tomb
1 hour
Dress modestly; remove shoes where asked
Ethnological Museum
Ethiopian cultures in Haile Selassie's former palace
1–2 hours
Addis Ababa University, Sidist Kilo
Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum
Moving history of the Derg era
1 hour
Near Meskel Square. Donations welcome.
St George's Cathedral
Octagonal church and museum
45 minutes
Piassa
Entoto Park and Entoto Maryam
Forested hills, views, cafés, walking trails, Menelik's old capital
Half day
30–45 minutes north; cooler, bring a layer
Merkato
One of Africa's largest open-air markets
2 hours with a guide
Go with a local guide; leave valuables behind
Friendship Park and Addis riverside projects
New green spaces and walking paths
1–2 hours
Good for families
Beyond Addis
Destination
Highlights
How to get there
Current status
Bishoftu (Debre Zeit)
Crater lakes, resorts, weekend escape
1 hour by road
Generally accessible; check advice
Bale Mountains National Park
Ethiopian wolf, Sanetti Plateau, Harenna forest
Fly to Goba or Robe, or 7–8 hours by road
Accessible area within Oromia; check the route
Harar
Walled old city (UNESCO), hyena feeding, coffee
Fly to Dire Dawa, then 1 hour by road; or train
Check advice for the road from Dire Dawa
Hawassa and Rift Valley lakes
Lakes, fish market, birdlife
3.5–4 hours by expressway, or fly
Check advice for the route
Arba Minch and Nech Sar
Lakes Chamo and Abaya, crocodiles, Dorze village
Fly, or 7–8 hours by road
Some nearby zones (e.g. Konso) under warnings
Omo Valley
Traditional communities and markets
Fly to Jinka, then a guided tour
Go only with a licensed operator
Lalibela
11 rock-hewn churches (UNESCO)
Fly, 1 hour
Under "do not travel" warnings (Amhara)
Gondar, Bahir Dar and Lake Tana
Castles, island monasteries, Blue Nile Falls
Fly, about 1 hour
Under warnings (Amhara)
Simien Mountains
Gelada monkeys, dramatic escarpments, trekking
Via Gondar
Under warnings (Amhara)
Axum
Stelae, ancient kingdom, Church of St Mary of Zion
Fly
Under warnings (Tigray); airport flights suspended in Oct 2026
Danakil Depression
Volcanic and salt landscapes
Via Mekele or Semera
Under warnings (Afar, Tigray)
Before you go: checklist for any attraction
Check opening days: many sites close on Mondays or on major holidays.
Carry small cash for entry fees, guides and parking. Foreigner prices are often set in USD.
Ask before photographing inside churches and museums; some charge a camera or video fee.
Hire licensed guides at the entrance or through your hotel.
Suggested itineraries
How should I plan my days?
With a day or a weekend, stay in and around Addis. With a week or more, add one region and fly rather than drive where you can. As of October 2026, the US and UK governments warn against travel to large parts of the country, including many roads between Addis and the regions, so treat Routes C–F as "check first" and confirm each one with your government's advice and a licensed operator the week you travel.
Assumptions: private car or ride-hailing in Addis, flights for long distances, daylight road travel only, a relaxed pace with time for coffee and meals.
Route A: Addis in a day (stopover or transit)
Morning: National Museum (Lucy), then Holy Trinity Cathedral (Arat Kilo area).
Lunch: traditional Ethiopian meal near Piassa or Arat Kilo.
Afternoon: Unity Park (closed Mondays) or the Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum.
Evening: coffee ceremony and a cultural dinner show in Bole.
Time: 8–10 hours. Swap Unity Park for Entoto on a Monday.
Route B: Addis weekend (2 days)
Day 1: Route A.
Day 2 morning: Entoto Park and Entoto Maryam Church; walk and coffee with a view.
Day 2 afternoon: Merkato with a guide, or the Ethnological Museum; shopping on Shiro Meda for woven textiles.
Route C: Addis and the Rift Valley (4–5 days)
Days 1–2: Addis (Routes A and B).
Day 3: Fly to Hawassa (45 minutes). Evening by the lake. (The expressway via Adama passes through East Shewa, which is under UK and US warnings at the time of writing.)
Day 4: Hawassa fish market at dawn, Amora Gedel park, boat on the lake.
Day 5: Fly back to Addis. Optional: a night in Bishoftu's crater-lake resorts (1 hour from Addis) instead.
Route D: Highlands and wildlife: Bale Mountains (5–6 days)
Day 1: Fly Addis to Goba/Robe (about 1 hour). The road passes through Arsi zones under warnings.
Days 2–4: Sanetti Plateau for the Ethiopian wolf, Harenna forest, birding and short treks with a park guide.
Day 5: Fly back to Addis.
Route E: East: Harar and Dire Dawa (3–4 days)
Day 1: Fly to Dire Dawa (1 hour). Explore the railway quarter and Kefira market.
Day 2: Transfer to Harar (1 hour) with a trusted driver, after checking advice for the road. Old walled city (Jugol) with a guide; hyena feeding at dusk.
Day 3: Harar museums, coffee and baskets; return to Dire Dawa.
Day 4: Fly back to Addis.
Route F: South: Arba Minch and the Omo Valley (7–8 days, with an operator)
Day 1: Fly to Arba Minch; Lake Chamo boat trip.
Day 2: Dorze village in the Gughe hills.
Days 3–6: Guided Omo Valley circuit timed around weekly markets (Jinka, Key Afer, Turmi), with a licensed operator.
Day 7: Fly from Jinka to Addis.
Some zones on this route are under warnings; your operator should confirm the route the week you travel.
Classic Historic Route (on hold)
The famous northern loop (Bahir Dar, Gondar, the Simien Mountains, Lalibela and Axum) is currently inside areas covered by government "do not travel" warnings. We'll restore this itinerary when advisories change.
Seasons, festivals and best times to visit
When is the best time to come?
The main dry season, October to May, is the most comfortable time to travel, and October–November is especially green after the rains. The big rains (kiremt) fall from mid-June to mid-September, mostly as afternoon downpours in the highlands. The most spectacular festivals are Timkat (January) and Meskel (September). Good weather and festival dates don't change whether a region is currently safe to visit; check Safety and places to avoid separately.
Adwa Victory Day (2 Mar); Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in some years
Pleasant; short rains (belg) may start
April
Short rains, warm
Orthodox Easter (Fasika) in some years, after a 55-day fast
Many restaurants serve fasting (vegan) food in Lent
May
Warm, some showers
Fasika in some years
Hot in the lowlands; quiet season
June
Rains begin
None
Lower prices; green landscapes
July
Heavy rain, cool
None
Some rural roads difficult; city trips fine
August
Heavy rain, cool
Ashenda / Shadey girls' festival (north)
Rainiest month; mountain views often clouded
September
Rains ease, very green
Enkutatash (New Year, 11 Sep), Meskel (27 Sep)
Meskel bonfire at Meskel Square, Addis
October
Dry, green, flowers
Irreecha (Oromo thanksgiving, early October)
Excellent month to visit
November
Dry, clear
Hidar Tsion (Axum, 30 Nov)
Excellent month to visit
December
Dry, cool nights
None
Busy late December with diaspora visitors
Key festival dates (next 12 months)
Festival
Date
Where to see it
Genna (Ethiopian Christmas)
7 January 2027
Churches nationwide; all-night services
Timkat (Epiphany)
19 January 2027 (eve on 18 January)
Jan Meda in Addis; Gondar and Lalibela (check advisories)
Adwa Victory Day
2 March 2027
Addis Ababa: public holiday, celebrations
Eid al-Fitr
about 10 March 2027 (moon-sighting)
Mosques nationwide; Harar
Fasika (Orthodox Easter)
2 May 2027
Churches nationwide; Holy Week before
Eid al-Adha
about 16–17 May 2027 (moon-sighting)
Mosques nationwide
Enkutatash (New Year)
12 September 2027 (leap year)
Nationwide
Meskel (Finding of the True Cross)
28 September 2027 (eve on 27 September)
Meskel Square, Addis Ababa
Irreecha
Early October 2027 (date set annually)
Lake Hora Arsadi, Bishoftu; Addis
Regional differences
Highlands (Addis, Bale, Simien): mild days, cold nights all year.
Rift Valley and south (Hawassa, Arba Minch, Omo): warmer; two rainy periods (March–May and October–November) in parts of the south.
East (Dire Dawa, Harar): hot, especially April–June.
Danakil Depression: one of the hottest places on Earth; visits run only November–March.
Tour guides and travel agents
Do I need a guide or tour operator?
For anything beyond Addis, book through a licensed tour operator: they handle vehicles, drivers, permits and local guides, and they track security conditions daily. At individual sites, hire the official local guides who work at the entrance. Ethiopia's Ministry of Tourism promotes destinations at Visit Ethiopia, and many established operators belong to the Ethiopian Tour Operators Association (ETOA).
Types of help
Type
What they do
Typical use
Tour operator
Full trips: vehicle, driver, hotels, guides, park fees, flights
Multi-day trips outside Addis, Omo Valley, trekking
Travel agent
Flights, hotels, visas, transfers
Domestic flights and bookings
City guide
Walking and driving tours of Addis
Day tours, Merkato, museums
Site guide (official)
Guiding at a church, museum, park or old town
Unity Park, Harar, national parks
Park scout
Armed or unarmed scouts required in some parks
Trekking in national parks
Driver-guide
Driver who also explains sights
Smaller budgets, flexible trips
How to choose an operator
Ask for its trade licence from the Ministry of Tourism and whether it is an ETOA member.
Get a written quote showing what's included: vehicle, fuel, driver's costs, guide, entry fees, scouts, meals and accommodation.
Ask how they monitor security and what happens if a route closes.
Check recent independent reviews, and ask for the guide's languages.
Pay a deposit by bank transfer or card to the company, not to an individual's personal account.
Directory
We're building a verified list of tour operators. Each listing will show services, regions, languages, contact details, licence status and a "last checked" date.
What our "Verified" label means: we called or emailed the business, confirmed it is operating, saw its trade licence or association membership, and checked its contact details on the date shown. It is not a guarantee of service quality.
Food and local dishes
What should I eat?
Ethiopian food is served on injera, a large, soft, slightly sour flatbread made from teff, which you tear with your right hand to scoop up stews (wat) and vegetables. On Wednesdays, Fridays and during Orthodox fasting seasons, most restaurants serve fasting food (tsom), which is fully vegan: good news for plant-based travellers.
Dishes to try
Dish
What it is
Main ingredients
Dietary notes
Injera
Spongy fermented flatbread
Teff flour (sometimes mixed with wheat or barley)
Vegan. Pure teff injera is gluten-free; ask if it's mixed.
Tej (honey wine) and tella (home-brewed beer), plus local lagers.
Indicative prices (Addis Ababa, approx.)
Item
Local restaurant
Mid-range or hotel
Coffee or macchiato
40–80 ETB
120–250 ETB
Shiro or beyaynetu
250–500 ETB
600–1,200 ETB
Meat dish (tibs, doro wat)
500–1,000 ETB
1,000–2,500 ETB
Fresh juice
100–200 ETB
250–450 ETB
Dining customs
Wash your hands before eating; many restaurants bring water and a basin to the table.
Eat with your right hand from your side of the shared platter.
Gursha: a friend may feed you a bite by hand as a sign of affection. Accepting is polite.
Ask for a fork if you want one; most places have them.
Ordering phrases
You want to say
Amharic (approx. pronunciation)
I don't eat meat
Sega albelam
Fasting food, please
Ye-tsom migib, ebakih (to a man) / ebakish (to a woman)
Not spicy, please
Yale berbere, ebakih / ebakish
Water, please
Wuha, ebakih / ebakish
The bill, please
Hisab, ebakih / ebakish
Delicious!
Betam tafach!
Drinking water and food hygiene
Is the water safe to drink?
Don't drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water (widely sold, including local brands such as Highland, Aqua Addis and Abyssinia Springs) or water you have boiled or filtered. Eat food that is freshly cooked and served hot, and be cautious with raw meat, salads and unpeeled fruit, especially early in your trip.
Water
Buy bottled water with the seal intact. Hotels often provide free bottles in rooms.
Use bottled or treated water to brush your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.
Ice: fine in good hotels and restaurants that make it from treated water; skip it at street stalls.
Refill: a filter bottle or purification tablets reduce plastic waste and are useful on treks.
Food
Generally lower risk
Take more care
Freshly cooked, steaming-hot dishes (wat, tibs)
Raw beef dishes (kitfo, gored gored), which carry a risk of tapeworm and other infections
Injera from busy restaurants
Salads washed in tap water
Fruit you peel yourself (bananas, mangoes, oranges)
Pre-cut fruit and fresh juices made with tap water or ice
Hot drinks (coffee, tea)
Unpasteurised milk and fresh cheese (ayib) from unknown sources
Bottled and canned drinks
Food that has been sitting out at room temperature
Practical precautions
Wash your hands or use sanitiser before eating, especially when eating with your hands.
Choose busy restaurants with high turnover.
Carry oral rehydration salts and any stomach medicine your doctor recommends.
Addis Ababa is at about 2,350 m. Altitude, dryness and strong sun can cause headaches; drink plenty of water and take it easy on alcohol for the first day or two.
See a doctor if you have a high fever, blood in your stool, or diarrhoea lasting more than two or three days (see Healthcare and pharmacies).
Before you travel
Check vaccines and malaria advice with your doctor or a travel clinic at least 8 weeks before departure. The UK's health guidance notes malaria in areas below about 2,000 m (Addis Ababa itself is higher, but many tourist areas are lower) (FCDO health advice).
Daily travel budget
How much will a day cost?
In Addis Ababa, plan on roughly USD 30–65 a day on a budget, USD 90–190 mid-range, and USD 240+ for higher-end travel, per person sharing a room. Guided trips outside Addis cost more because of vehicles, drivers, guides and park fees.
Example daily costs in Addis Ababa (per person, USD, approx.)
Item
Budget
Mid-range
Higher-end
Accommodation (half a double room)
12–25
40–80
100–250
Food and drinks
8–15
20–40
50–100
Local transport (ride-hailing, taxis)
4–8
10–20
30–60 (private car)
Sights and entry fees
3–10
10–25
20–50
Guide or tour (shared)
0–5
10–25
40–100
SIM and data (per day, averaged)
1–2
1–2
1–2
Daily total
about 30–65
about 90–190
about 240–560
Beyond Addis (indicative add-ons)
Item
Approx. cost
Domestic flight, one way
USD 70–200 (lower fares often available if you flew in on Ethiopian Airlines)
4x4 with driver, per day
USD 100–200 plus fuel arrangements, depending on operator
Licensed guide, per day
USD 30–80 per group
National park entry, per day
USD 10–20 per person, plus scouts and vehicle fees
Lodge near a park, per night
USD 80–250
Assumptions and exclusions
Prices are indicative ranges researched in October 2026 at about 160 ETB per USD. They are not quotes.
Many hotel and restaurant bills add 10% service charge and 15% VAT.
Not included: international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, tips (see Payments and tipping), alcohol, souvenirs.
Prices rise around major festivals (January and September) and big conferences.
Inflation is high; review this page every 6 months.
Culture and etiquette
What customs should I know?
Ethiopians are proud, hospitable and generally formal with strangers. Greet people warmly, dress modestly (especially at religious sites), accept coffee when it's offered, use your right hand, and ask before taking photos. Ethiopia is home to more than 80 ethnic groups, so customs vary by region; when in doubt, follow your hosts' lead.
Greetings
A handshake is standard, often with the left hand touching your right forearm as a sign of respect.
Friends of the same gender often greet with a shoulder bump or three kisses on the cheeks. Wait for the other person to start.
Some Muslim men and women prefer not to shake hands with the opposite sex. Wait to see if a hand is offered.
Use titles: Ato (Mr), Weyzero (Mrs), Weyzerit (Miss), followed by the first name. Ethiopians generally don't use family surnames as Westerners do.
Take time for greetings: asking about health and family before business is polite.
Hospitality and dining
If you're invited to a coffee ceremony, try to stay for at least the first round; three rounds is traditional.
Eat with your right hand from the part of the platter in front of you.
It's polite to refuse a second helping once before accepting.
If you're invited to a home, a small gift (sweets, fruit, coffee) is appreciated.
Dress
Setting
What to wear
City streets, restaurants
Casual and neat; Addis is relaxed, but very short shorts and low-cut tops draw attention
Churches and monasteries
Shoulders and knees covered; women cover their hair with a scarf; remove shoes
Mosques
Long sleeves and trousers or a long skirt; women cover their hair; remove shoes
Rural areas
More conservative than Addis; long trousers or skirts
Respectful conduct
Public displays of affection are uncommon; keep them low-key.
Same-sex relations are illegal in Ethiopia; LGBTQ+ travellers should be discreet in public.
Avoid open criticism of religion, ethnic groups or politics with people you've just met.
Pass and receive things with your right hand, or both hands to show extra respect.
Don't point the soles of your feet at people.
During fasting periods, be considerate about eating openly in front of people who are fasting, especially in rural areas.
Time is relaxed socially, but be punctual for business and tours.
Children and requests for money
In tourist areas, children may ask for pens, money or sweets. Giving encourages children to skip school; if you want to help, support a local school or registered charity instead (see Responsible tourism).
Basic language
Which words should I learn?
Amharic is the federal working language and is spoken widely in Addis. Afaan Oromo is the most widely spoken mother tongue, and Tigrinya, Somali, Sidama and many others are used regionally. English is common in hotels, among younger people and in business. A few Amharic words go a long way.
Amharic uses its own script, Fidel (ፊደል). Many words change slightly depending on whether you speak to a man (m) or a woman (f).
Greetings and courtesy
English
Amharic script
Pronunciation
Hello (general)
ሰላም
Selam
Hello / How are you?
ጤና ይስጥልኝ
Tena yistilign
How are you? (m / f)
እንዴት ነህ / ነሽ
Indet neh? / Indet nesh?
I'm fine, thanks to God
ደህና ነኝ፣ እግዚአብሔር ይመስገን
Dehna negn, egziabher yimesgen
Thank you
አመሰግናለሁ
Ameseginalehu
Please (m / f)
እባክህ / እባክሽ
Ebakih / Ebakish
Yes / No
አዎ / አይ
Awo / Ay
Excuse me, sorry
ይቅርታ
Yikirta
Goodbye
ቻው / ደህና ሁን
Ciao / Dehna hun
Getting around
English
Pronunciation
Where is…?
…yet new?
Stop here
Iziih aqum
Straight on
Qetta
Left / Right
Gra / Qegn
Hotel
Hotel
Airport
Awroplan marefiya
Toilet
Shint bet
Shopping and paying
English
Pronunciation
How much is it?
Sint new?
Too expensive
Wid new
Reduce it a little, please
Tinish qanis, ebakih / ebakish
Money
Genzeb
Change (coins / small notes)
Zirzir
Numbers
1
2
3
4
5
10
20
50
100
1,000
and
hulet
sost
arat
amist
asir
haya
hamsa
meto
shi
When you need help
English
Pronunciation
Help!
Irdugn!
I need a doctor
Hakim yasfeligegnal
Call the police
Polis tirru
I don't understand
Algebagnim
Do you speak English? (m / f)
Englizigna tichilaleh? / tichiyalesh?
Local time, calendar and business hours
Why is the time and date different?
Ethiopia uses its own calendar (about 7–8 years behind the Western one) and often a 12-hour clock that starts at sunrise, so "3 o'clock" in Amharic can mean 9 am. Hotels, airlines and most businesses that deal with visitors use international dates and times. When you arrange anything, confirm whether a time is "Ethiopian" or "international" time.
The Ethiopian clock
The day starts at about 6 am (international time), which is 12 o'clock Ethiopian time. To convert, add or subtract 6 hours.
International time
Ethiopian time (said in Amharic)
7:00 am
1 o'clock in the morning
9:00 am
3 o'clock in the morning
12:00 noon
6 o'clock in the day
3:00 pm
9 o'clock in the day
6:00 pm
12 o'clock (evening)
9:00 pm
3 o'clock at night
Time zone: East Africa Time, UTC+3, with no daylight saving.
The Ethiopian calendar
12 months of 30 days, plus a 13th month (Pagume) of 5 or 6 days.
New Year (Enkutatash) falls on 11 September (12 September in the year before a Western leap year).
From 11 September 2026 to 10 September 2027, the Ethiopian year is 2019.
Local documents, receipts and some event posters use Ethiopian dates.
How to avoid missing an appointment
Ask: "Is that ferenji (foreign) time or habesha (Ethiopian) time?"
Confirm by message with the date written in international format, e.g. "Tuesday 3 Nov, 9:00 am (international time)".
Use the 24-hour clock in written messages when possible.
Your phone shows international time; local settings can display the Ethiopian calendar too.
Typical business hours
Place
Typical hours
Government offices
Mon–Fri about 8:30 am–12:30 pm and 1:30–5:30 pm; Friday lunch break is longer for prayers
Banks
Mon–Fri about 8 am–5 pm; Saturday mornings; some branches open longer
Shops and supermarkets
About 8 am–8 pm, often 7 days
Restaurants
Lunch 12–3 pm; dinner from 6:30 pm; cafés from early morning
Museums
Often 8:30 am–5 pm; some close Mondays
Nightlife (Addis)
Bars busy from 9–10 pm; clubs late
On public and religious holidays, banks and offices close and some restaurants serve only fasting food. Check the festival calendar in Seasons, festivals and best times to visit.
Religion and places of worship
Can I visit churches and mosques?
Ethiopia is a deeply religious country. Most people are Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christians or Muslims, with a large and growing Protestant (P'ent'ay) community and smaller Catholic and other groups. Visitors are welcome at most churches and mosques outside service times if they dress modestly and behave respectfully. Always confirm service times directly.
Visiting etiquette
Orthodox churches
Mosques
Protestant and Catholic churches
Dress
Shoulders and knees covered; women cover hair with a scarf (netela)
Long sleeves, long trousers or skirt; women cover hair
Modest, smart-casual
Shoes
Remove at the entrance of the inner church
Remove before entering
Usually keep on
Seating
Men and women often stand on separate sides
Separate areas for men and women
Mixed
Photos
Ask first; often a camera fee; no flash; never photograph people praying without permission
Ask first; avoid prayer times
Ask first
Visitor fee
Common at historic churches and museums
Rare
Rare
Other
Women who are menstruating are traditionally asked not to enter some Orthodox churches
Avoid visiting during Friday midday prayers unless attending
English services available in some churches
Selected places of worship in Addis Ababa
Place
Tradition
Area
Visitor notes
Holy Trinity Cathedral (Kidist Selassie)
Ethiopian Orthodox
Arat Kilo
Major landmark; visitor fee; Haile Selassie's tomb
St George's Cathedral
Ethiopian Orthodox
Piassa
Museum on site
Bole Medhane Alem Cathedral
Ethiopian Orthodox
Bole
One of the largest churches in Africa
Entoto Maryam Church
Ethiopian Orthodox
Entoto hills
Historic; museum nearby
Grand Anwar Mosque
Islam
Merkato
Addis's largest mosque; visit outside prayer times
Mekane Yesus churches
Evangelical Lutheran
Several in Addis
Some services in English
International Evangelical Church
Protestant, English-language
Bole area
Popular with expatriates
Catholic churches
Roman Catholic
Several in Addis
Ask your hotel for the nearest English Mass
Fasting periods
Orthodox Christians fast (no animal products) on most Wednesdays and Fridays and during longer seasons, especially the 55 days before Easter. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during Ramadan. Restaurants stay open, but be considerate about eating in front of people who are fasting, especially in rural areas.
Communities and social activities
How do I meet people?
Addis Ababa has an active social scene built around running, music, art, hiking and its large international community. The easiest ways in are a weekend group run or hike, a jazz night, a gallery opening, or a language exchange. Most groups organise through Facebook, Telegram, Instagram or WhatsApp, so check their channels for the latest schedule before you go.
By interest
Interest
What's on offer
How to join
Running
Early-morning group runs at Entoto and on Addis's running tracks; Ethiopia is a distance-running nation. The Great Ethiopian Run 10 km is on Sunday 22 November 2026 at Meskel Square, with international registration open until 11 November (official site).
Hotel or running-club social channels; local coaches offer Entoto sessions
Social running and walking
Hash House Harriers-style runs and expat walking groups at weekends
Expat community groups on Facebook and Telegram
Hiking
Day hikes on Entoto, Wechecha and Menagesha forest; weekend group trips
Hiking clubs and tour operators that run scheduled group trips
Music
Ethio-jazz nights, traditional azmari music, open-mic nights; e.g. Fendika's KAYN LAB jazz on most Mondays (Fendika)
For runs and hikes at altitude, start slowly: Addis is about 2,350 m and Entoto is higher.
Meet in public places and tell someone where you're going.
Entertainment and nightlife
What's on at night?
Addis Ababa's nights are lively, friendly and musical. Highlights are traditional azmari bet music houses, cultural dinner shows with dances from across Ethiopia, and Ethio-jazz. Bole is the centre of bars and clubs. Programmes change often, so check venues' social media before you go.
By experience
Experience
What to expect
Where
Tips
Cultural dinner show
Traditional food with music and dance from different regions
Several large cultural restaurants in Bole and around the city
Book ahead for groups; shows usually start about 7:30–8 pm
Azmari bet
Small music houses where singers improvise witty verses, often teasing guests
Tip the singer if they sing about you; nightly music
Ethio-jazz and live bands
Jazz, fusion and Ethio-groove bands
Hotel jazz bars, lounges and cultural centres
Many venues have regular weekly jazz nights
Bars and lounges
Rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, craft beer
Bole, Bole Atlas, Kazanchis
Busy from 9–10 pm
Clubs
Ethiopian, Afrobeats and international music
Bole
Late nights; dress smart-casual
Cinema
Hollywood and Amharic films
Malls in Bole and city cinemas
Check if films are subtitled
Theatre and concerts
Amharic theatre, classical and cultural performances
National Theatre, Hager Fikir Theatre, city halls
Mostly in Amharic
Festivals
Annual jazz, music and art festivals
Various
Check event listings for dates
Staying safe at night
Use ride-hailing apps rather than walking, even short distances.
Agree on drinks prices if there's no menu, and keep an eye on your drink.
Some bars have "hostesses" who expect drinks to be bought; be clear about what you're paying for.
Carry a copy of your passport and only the cash you need.
Shopping and souvenirs
What souvenirs should I buy?
Bring home Ethiopian coffee, hand-woven cotton scarves and shawls (netela, gabi), silver and brass crosses (new, not antique), baskets and spices such as berbere. In Addis, Shiro Meda (textiles), the Piassa jewellers, the Merkato market and craft shops in Bole cover most needs. Remember: anything old or religious may need an export permit (see Customs and restricted items).
What to buy
Product
Where to look
Approx. price
Notes
Coffee beans
Supermarkets, specialty roasters, the airport
500–1,500 ETB per 500 g
Sealed retail packs; more than 2 kg needs authorisation
Spices (berbere, mitmita)
Supermarkets, Merkato spice section
200–600 ETB per pack
Buy sealed packs for customs at home
Netela, gabi, woven scarves
Shiro Meda market; craft shops
600–4,000 ETB
Hand-woven pieces cost more; feel the weight and finish
Habesha kemis (traditional dress)
Shiro Meda; tailors
3,000–20,000+ ETB
Prices vary greatly with embroidery
Crosses and jewellery
Piassa jewellers, craft shops
300 ETB (small brass) to much more (silver)
Ask for a receipt saying "new" or "replica"
Baskets (mesob, Harar baskets)
Craft shops; Harar
500–5,000 ETB
Pack carefully
Leather goods
Leather shops in Bole and Piassa
1,500–10,000 ETB
Ethiopia makes good-quality leather
Jebena (clay coffee pot) and cups
Markets, craft shops
200–1,000 ETB
Fragile; wrap well
Paintings and icons
Galleries, craft shops
Varies
Icons on old wood or parchment need checking for export
Honey
Supermarkets, markets
400–1,200 ETB per jar
Check your home country's food rules
Where to shop
Shiro Meda (north Addis): rows of weavers' shops for scarves, dresses and fabric.
Piassa: gold and silver jewellers, older shops.
Merkato: huge and chaotic; go with a guide.
Bole and hotel arcades: fixed-price craft shops, often with export receipts.
Fair-trade and social-enterprise shops: products that support local artisans and women's cooperatives.
Bargaining
Bargaining is normal in markets and small shops, not in supermarkets or fixed-price stores. Start friendly, offer about two-thirds of the asking price, and settle somewhere in between. Walk away politely if the price doesn't suit you.
Don't buy
Ivory, animal skins, shells, coral, wildlife products, or genuine antique manuscripts and church items. They may be illegal to export and take from Ethiopia's heritage.
Everyday essentials
Where do I buy everyday things?
Addis Ababa has supermarkets, malls and pharmacies for most everyday needs, concentrated in Bole, Kazanchis, CMC and around Meskel Square. Imported brands cost more than at home. Outside Addis, choice is limited, so bring any specific products you rely on.
Where to get what
You need
Where to go
Tips
Groceries and snacks
Supermarket chains (e.g. Shoa, Queens, Fantu) and mall supermarkets
Imported items are expensive; local brands are good value
Toiletries and sunscreen
Supermarkets and pharmacies
Sunscreen and specialist products are pricey; bring your own
Medicines
Pharmacies (ፋርማሲ / farmasi), many open late; Kenema pharmacies (city-run)
Bole has several malls with supermarkets, cafés, phone shops and cinemas, including Friendship Mall and Morning Star Mall. Hotels can direct you to the nearest supermarket and pharmacy.
Electricity, charging and connectivity
What plugs and power will I find?
Ethiopia uses 220 V, 50 Hz, with Type C, E, F and L plugs (two round pins; Type L has three in a row). Bring a universal adapter. Power cuts happen, so carry a power bank, and download what you need before leaving the hotel Wi-Fi.
Plugs and voltage
Detail
Voltage
220 V, 50 Hz
Plug types
C and F (Europe-style, most common), E, L (Italian three-pin); some hotels have UK-style (G) sockets
Do I need a converter?
Not for phones, laptops and camera chargers (check "100–240 V" on the label). Yes for 110 V-only devices like some hair dryers.
What to pack
Universal travel adapter (ideally two)
Power bank, 10,000–20,000 mAh
Short extension strip or multi-USB charger
Car charger if you'll be on long drives
Head torch for power cuts and rural lodges
Wi-Fi and internet
Most hotels, cafés and malls in Addis have Wi-Fi; speeds vary and it can drop during power cuts.
Keep a photo of your passport and visa on your phone and in cloud storage
Download music, podcasts and films for long drives and flights
Useful apps and websites
Which apps should I download?
Before you land, install a ride-hailing app (RIDE, Feres or Yango), the Ethiopian Airlines app, an offline map, a translation app with Amharic, and Telegram or WhatsApp. Ethiopians use Telegram very widely, including for businesses and groups.
Addis Ababa sits at about 2,350 m, so it's mild by day (about 18–25 °C) and cool at night (about 5–12 °C) all year. Pack layers, a light rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Lowland areas are hot, and mountain areas get cold. Bring modest clothing for church and mosque visits.
Layers, light jacket or fleece, long trousers, comfortable shoes, rain jacket or umbrella in the rainy season
Mountains (Bale, Simien, Entoto)
0–15 °C; freezing at night above 3,500 m
Warm fleece or down jacket, hat, gloves, waterproof hiking boots, thermal layer
Hot lowlands (Dire Dawa, Afar, Omo, Rift Valley)
30–45 °C
Light, loose, long-sleeved cotton or linen; wide-brimmed hat; sandals
Outdoor activities
Sun, dust, sudden rain
Sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, refillable bottle, insect repellent, small backpack
Religious visits
Modest dress required
Scarf or shawl (women cover hair), clothes covering shoulders and knees, shoes easy to slip off
Evenings out in Addis
Cool; smart-casual venues
A smart outfit and a warm layer
Everyday items worth bringing
Sunscreen and lip balm (high altitude means strong UV)
Insect repellent for lowlands
Hand sanitiser and tissues
Any medicines you need, with prescriptions
A small daypack and a money belt or zip pocket
A scarf: useful for sun, dust, cold evenings and church visits
Day trips and outdoor activities
Where can I go for a day?
The easiest outdoor escapes are in and right around Addis: Entoto's forested hills and the crater lakes of Bishoftu, an hour away. Classic day trips into the surrounding countryside (Debre Libanos, Menagesha forest, Wenchi crater, Adadi Mariam, Tiya) are beautiful, but as of October 2026 most lie in zones under US or UK travel warnings. Check current advice and go with a licensed operator.
Lakes Hora, Bishoftu and Babogaya; lakeside resorts; birdwatching; boat trips
Easy road on the expressway; good weekend escape
Excepted from US "do not travel" for Oromia; check before going
Mount Zuqualla monastery and crater
2 hours
Full day
Moderate hike
Crater lake, monastery, views
4x4 recommended; go with a guide
East Shewa: UK advises against all but essential travel
Menagesha Suba forest
1 hour
Full day
Moderate
Ancient juniper forest, hiking, birds
Hire a park guide
Check advisories for the route
Debre Libanos and Portuguese Bridge
2 hours
Full day
Easy
Monastery, gorge, gelada monkeys
Combined with the Jemma valley
North Shewa: under UK and US warnings
Wenchi crater lake
3 hours
Long day or overnight
Moderate
Crater lake, horse rides, boat to island monastery
Local guides and horse handlers at the site
South West Shewa: under US warnings
Adadi Mariam and Tiya stelae
1.5–2 hours
Full day
Easy
Rock-hewn church; UNESCO stelae field
Combine with Melka Kunture
Zones under US warnings
Equipment and requirements
Comfortable boots, layers, rain jacket, sun hat and sunscreen.
2+ litres of water per person and snacks.
Cash for entry fees, local guides, horses and parking.
Your passport or a copy for checkpoints.
For trips with an operator: confirm the vehicle, driver, guide, fees and return time in writing.
Safety and places to avoid
Is it safe? Where should I avoid?
Addis Ababa is visited by many travellers without problems, but parts of Ethiopia are affected by armed conflict and unrest, and conditions change quickly. As of 27 October 2026, the US rates Ethiopia overall at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, and both the US and UK warn against all travel to the Amhara (including Lalibela, Gondar and Bahir Dar), Tigray and Gambela regions, and to many other zones and border areas. Always read your own government's latest advice before booking and again before each journey.
Level 3 overall. Level 4 "Do not travel": Tigray, Amhara, Gambella, Benishangul Gumuz, most of Oromia (except Bishoftu and Bale Mountains National Park), parts of Afar, Somali, Central, South and Southwest Ethiopia regions, and border areas. Flights to Axum and Shire suspended.
Advises against all travel to Tigray, Amhara and Gambela, parts of Afar, Oromia, Somali, Benishangul-Gumuz and border areas; against all but essential travel to other parts of Afar, Oromia (including most of East Shewa), Somali and Benishangul-Gumuz.
Our editorial guidance
This is our practical advice, separate from government warnings:
Fly, don't drive, between regions where possible. Avoid road travel after dark.
Expect checkpoints; carry your passport.
Avoid demonstrations, large crowds and military sites.
Some areas of the country are out of mobile coverage. Download an offline map before you go and agree a check-in plan with someone at home.
Check that your travel insurance covers the regions you'll visit; many policies exclude areas under "do not travel" warnings.
Use licensed tour operators who monitor conditions daily, and follow their advice if a route is closed.
Watch for misinformation on social media; check several reliable sources.
In Addis Ababa
The main risks are petty crime and traffic (see Scams, theft and tourist pitfalls). Use ride-hailing at night, keep valuables out of sight, and be careful crossing busy roads.
Scams, theft and tourist pitfalls
Which scams should I watch for?
Most visitors meet only kindness, but petty theft and a handful of well-known scams do target tourists, especially in busy parts of Addis (Merkato, Piassa, Meskel Square, Bole Road). Keep your phone and wallet secured, agree prices up front, and be polite but firm with uninvited "helpers".
Situation
Warning signs
What to do
Pickpocketing and phone snatching
Crowds, minibuses, someone bumping you or a group surrounding you; phones snatched from hands on the street or in car windows
Keep phones away from the kerb and car windows; zip bags; front pockets; minimal cash
"Friendly student" or "guide"
A friendly stranger offers to show you around, then takes you to a shop or bar
Decline politely; book guides through your hotel or an operator
Coffee or bar overcharge
A new friend invites you for coffee or drinks; a huge bill arrives
Only go where prices are shown; agree before ordering
"Charity" or school sponsorship
A sad story and a request for money or school fees
Give through registered organisations only
Taxi overcharging
No agreed fare; "meter broken"
Use ride-hailing apps or agree the fare first
Airport touts
People offering taxis, SIMs or exchange inside the terminal
Use official counters and your pre-booked transfer or app pickup
Cheap tours or hotels asking for deposits to personal accounts or by mobile money
Pay companies, not individuals; check reviews and licences
"Distraction" tricks
Someone spills something on you or points out "dirt" on your clothes
Hold your bag and walk away
Pricing misunderstandings
"Foreigner price" quoted in USD; price differs at the end
Confirm currency and total before agreeing
If something goes wrong
Move to a safe place (hotel, café, bank).
Report theft to the nearest police station and get a written report for insurance (see pages 32–33).
Block cards and phones immediately.
Healthcare and pharmacies
Where do I go if I'm sick?
For anything more than a minor problem, go to a private hospital or clinic in Addis Ababa; outside the capital, facilities are basic. Private hospitals usually ask for payment up front, so carry a card or cash and contact your travel insurer early. Pharmacies are common in cities and sell many medicines without a prescription.
Emergency vs routine care
Situation
Where to go
Life-threatening emergency
Call an ambulance (907, or private Tebita Ambulance on 8035) or take a ride directly to a private hospital emergency department; then call your insurer
Illness or injury that needs a doctor today
Private hospital or medical centre (list below)
Minor illness, travel stomach, prescriptions
Pharmacy or private clinic
Dental or eye problems
Specialist private clinics in Addis
Altitude, sun and mild stomach issues
Rest, fluids, oral rehydration; see a doctor if it doesn't improve
Look for "Pharmacy" / ፋርማሲ signs; many are open late, and some 24 hours in Bole.
Bring enough of your own medication for the whole trip, in original packaging, with a copy of the prescription.
Check expiry dates and packaging; buy from established pharmacies, not street sellers.
Bring a small first-aid kit, especially for trips outside Addis.
Payment and insurance
Most private hospitals require payment or a deposit before treatment; few bill insurers directly.
Keep all receipts and medical reports for your claim.
Make sure your policy includes medical evacuation; serious cases are often flown to Nairobi or further.
Emergency contacts and assistance
Who do I call in an emergency?
Save these numbers in your phone now. Response times can be slow, especially outside Addis, so for medical emergencies it's often faster to go directly to a private hospital by car.
Emergency numbers
Service
Number
Notes
Police
991
The UK government lists 911 for police and emergencies; try both
Ambulance (Addis Ababa)
907
Ethiopian Red Cross ambulance
Private ambulance
8035
Tebita Ambulance; paid service
Fire
939
Traffic police
945
Road accidents in Addis
Embassies
Your embassy can help with lost passports, arrests, serious illness, deaths and evacuations. It cannot pay your bills or intervene in legal cases.
Embassy
Phone
Notes
United States
+251 11 130 6000; emergency for US citizens +251 11 130 7900
Emergency operators may speak limited English; ask a local to help.
Ambulances may be slow or unavailable outside Addis.
Lost documents and belongings
What if I lose my passport or phone?
Act fast, get a police report (you'll need it for your embassy, airline and insurer), and contact the right organisation for each item. Before you travel, keep photos of your passport, visa, cards and insurance in secure cloud storage.
Lost or stolen passport
Report it at the nearest police station and ask for a written report.
Contact your embassy in Addis Ababa for an emergency travel document (bring passport photos, a copy of your passport if you have one, and the police report).
Your visa or entry stamp was in the old passport, so you will also need to sort out an exit permit with the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa. Your embassy will explain the steps.
Allow several working days. Tell your airline and hotel.
Lost or stolen bank cards
Block the card immediately in your banking app or by calling your bank's international number (save it before you travel).
Report the theft to the police for your insurer.
Use your backup card, or arrange an international money transfer to a bank or money-transfer agent in Addis.
Lost or stolen phone
Lock or erase it remotely (Find My iPhone / Find My Device).
Ask your home mobile operator to block your SIM, and change key passwords (email, banking, messaging).
For a local SIM, visit an Ethio Telecom or Safaricom shop with your passport to block it and get a replacement with the same number.
Get a police report for insurance.
Missing or damaged baggage
Before leaving the baggage hall, report it at the airline's baggage desk and get a written reference (Property Irregularity Report).
Keep your boarding pass and baggage tags.
Ethiopian Airlines aims to deliver delayed bags within 24 hours, and offers a one-time interim payment (USD 100 economy, USD 150 business) on international itineraries if the bag misses the next day's flight (Ethiopian Airlines).
Keep receipts for essentials you buy; claim from the airline and your insurer.
Left something in a taxi or hotel
Ride-hailing: use the app's "lost item" option or call the company's hotline (RIDE 8294, Feres 6090, Yango 8610).
Hotels, restaurants: call as soon as possible; staff often hold items.
Before you travel
Photograph your passport, visa, cards (front only) and insurance policy
Note your bank's and insurer's international emergency numbers
Carry a passport copy day to day and keep the original in the hotel safe
Bring two spare passport photos
Photography, filming and local rules
Can I take photos and fly a drone?
Photograph landscapes, markets and city life freely, but always ask before photographing people, never photograph military, police, government buildings, airports or bridges, and expect camera fees at many churches, museums and parks. Drones need prior permission and are usually held at customs without it. Professional filming needs a permit.
Three kinds of rules
Type
What it covers
Examples
Etiquette (be respectful)
Photographing people, ceremonies and worship
Ask first; respect a "no"; don't photograph people praying or mourning without permission
Site rules (set by each site)
Churches, museums, parks, monasteries
Camera or video fees; no flash; no photos in some inner sanctuaries; some areas forbid women or men
Legal requirements (national law)
Security sites, drones, professional media
No photos of military, police, checkpoints, airports, bridges, palaces, government offices; drone import and flight permits; filming and press permits
Photographing people
Ask with a smile and a gesture, or say "Photo yichalal?" (Can I take a photo?).
In some areas, especially the Omo Valley, people ask for a fee per photo. Agree the amount first through your guide, and pay the person photographed.
Avoid photographing children without a parent's permission.
Show people the photo; it's often appreciated.
Drones
You need a permit from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority before bringing a drone; without one it will likely be held at customs until you leave.
Flying near airports, military areas, government buildings and in many parks is prohibited.
Professional filming and journalism
Commercial filming, documentaries and journalism need accreditation from the Ethiopian Media Authority, and some locations need extra permits.
Professional camera and sound equipment may need customs clearance.
Start the process weeks in advance, usually through a local fixer or production company.
If an official asks you to stop
Stop, stay calm and polite, and delete the photo if asked. Arguing can lead to equipment being confiscated.
Accessibility and family travel
Travelling with kids or limited mobility?
Ethiopia is welcoming to children and families, but travel can be physically demanding: high altitude, uneven pavements, steep steps at historic sites, long drives and limited accessible facilities. Families with young children and travellers with mobility needs will do best with a slower pace, a private vehicle and accommodation confirmed in detail before booking.
What to expect
Area
Honest overview
Altitude
Addis is about 2,350 m. Some people, including children, feel tired, breathless or get headaches for the first days. Build in rest.
Pavements and streets
Often uneven, with open drains, kerbs and construction; difficult for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Historic sites
Many involve steep steps, rough ground, dark interiors and barefoot entry (churches)
Newer attractions
Some newer parks in Addis (e.g. Unity Park, Friendship Park) have paved paths; confirm specific facilities
Transport
Few accessible vehicles; private cars with drivers are most practical; car seats are rarely available unless you bring one
Hotels
International hotels may have lifts and accessible rooms; smaller hotels often don't. Power cuts can stop lifts.
Toilets
Western-style in hotels and restaurants; squat toilets are common elsewhere
Children are warmly welcomed; strangers may want to greet or hold babies.
Baby supplies (nappies, formula) are available in Addis supermarkets, but bring specific brands and medicines.
Hotels with gardens or pools make good bases; Bishoftu's resorts are popular with families.
Keep children well hydrated and protected from the sun.
Plan short travel days and use flights for long distances.
Confirmation checklist (ask before you book)
Step-free access from the entrance to the room?
Lift, and does it run on backup power?
Door widths, bathroom layout, roll-in shower or grab rails?
Ground-floor rooms available?
Can the operator provide a vehicle suited to a wheelchair or folding scooter?
Car seats and cots available?
Nearest private hospital or clinic?
How many steps and how much walking at each site on the itinerary?
Responsible tourism
How can I travel responsibly?
Travel slowly, spend locally, ask before you photograph, dress and behave respectfully at religious sites, leave no trace in nature, and give through established organisations rather than to children in the street.
Our visitor code
Do
Don't
Hire local guides, drivers and community scouts
Book with unlicensed operators who don't pay fair wages
Buy crafts directly from artisans and cooperatives
Buy antiques, ivory, skins or wildlife products
Ask before taking photos and respect a "no"
Treat people as photo subjects or bargain hard over photo fees
Dress modestly at churches, mosques and in rural areas
Wear revealing clothes in sacred places
Learn a few words of Amharic or the local language
Assume everyone speaks English
Use a refillable bottle with filter or purification tablets
Leave plastic bottles and litter, especially in parks
Eat or drink openly in front of people who are fasting in rural areas
Visiting communities (for example, the Omo Valley)
Go with a local guide from the community, who can explain customs and how fees are shared.
Spend time, not just take photos: visit markets, buy local goods, ask questions.
Avoid staged "performances" put on only for tourists.
Respect privacy around homes, ceremonies and burial sites.
Volunteering
Short-term volunteering with children, especially in orphanages, can do more harm than good. If you'd like to help, donate to well-run local organisations, or volunteer only through programmes that need your professional skills.
Support the local economy
Eat in local restaurants and try Ethiopian coffee houses.