Travel guide – ethiopia

ethiopia
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Overview

First time visitors to Ethiopia are generally amazed by the stunning natural beauty of a country that is also incredibly rich in culture and history. The striking diversity of landscapes, ancient traditions and people leaves a lasting impression to challenge the frequent portrayal of a land stricken by years of drought and famine, AIDS and foreign aid.

Brimming with contrasts and extremes, Ethiopia beckons visitors to explore from the tops of its highlands, where mountains soar to around 14,108ft (4,300m), to the depths of the Danakil Depression situated below sea level; to discover Abyssinian culture and traditions that date back over 3,000 years; to experience ancient Islamic folklore as well as the fascinating rituals and sacred ceremonies of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Ethiopia is also described as the Cradle of Humanity, home to the oldest human remains in the world, while at the same time its capital Addis Ababa, meaning 'New Flower' in Amharic, is home to the more modern problems of urban migration, where homeless people roam the streets in search of food, money and a better life.

Northern Ethiopia holds the greatest attraction for visitors as one of the country's richest regions for culture, history and natural splendour. The Historic Route takes in the medieval city of Gondar, with more castles, palaces and churches than any other city in Africa; and the ancient capital of the Queen of Sheba and Ethiopia's holiest city, Axum, where the original Ark of the Covenant containing the Ten Commandments is said to rest. Ethiopia's top attraction, the 13th century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, are among the most incredible man-made creations in the world, revered and renowned among Ethiopians and foreigners alike and the venue for some of the most famous religious festivals in Ethiopia. Taking 24 years to complete, the astounding rock churches are believed to have been created with the help of angels.

The north also boasts the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park, encompassing the fourth highest peak on the continent, and providing fantastic hiking opportunities and a variety of wildlife. Bahar Dar, situated on Lake Tana, is popular as a base from which to explore the intriguing monasteries built on the many islands scattered about the lake, as well as the Blue Nile Falls, or 'Smoke of Fire', which are the most impressive falls in northern Africa.

Ethiopia is set among a contrasting environment of natural beauty and the signs of poverty, where lakes, mountains and wildlife reserves compete for the attention of the poor and hungry. Ethiopia is used to being overlooked as a tourist destination, but the country's unique attractions are slowly taking pride of place in North East Africa, and today the oldest independent nation on the continent welcomes visitors to experience her mosaic of ethnicity, a long and proud history, and an abundance of stunning scenery.

Climate

There are two main seasons in Ethiopia, but temperatures depend on the altitude. The lowlands are generally hot and humid, with cooler temperatures in the Ethiopian Highlands. The dry season runs from October to May and is the most pleasant time to visit, while June to September is the rainy season.

Health

Travellers to Ethiopia are recommended to have vaccines for polio, yellow fever, typhoid, Hepatitis A and cholera. There are frequent outbreaks of meningococcal disease, HIV/Aids is widespread, and malaria is prevalent in the lowlands (below 6,562ft/2,000m); a resistance to chloroquine has been reported. Mosquitoes also carry dengue fever. Waterborne diseases are prevalent and travellers are advised to drink bottled or treated water. The high altitude of the Highlands region may also affect travellers; Addis Ababa sits at 9,186ft (2,800m), and adjusting may take a few days. Other health risks include rabies and bilharzia. Medical facilities are poor outside of Addis Ababa, where hospitals are available, and medical supplies are erratic; visitors should bring their own regular medications with them and arrange comprehensive medical insurance before travel.

The basics

Time

Local time is GMT +3.

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are used.

Language

Amharic is the official language, although over 80 local languages are also spoken. English is understood in most major towns, as well as some French and Italian.

Tipping

Tourist hotels and restaurants usually add a 10% service charge to the bill. Otherwise tipping is fairly common, but only small amounts are customary.

Safety

There were violent demonstrations in Addis Ababa as well as other towns across the country in early November 2005, and visitors are cautioned to avoid all public demonstrations and large crowds, and to keep a low profile in public places as the situation is still tense and unstable; further violence could flare up at any time, as indicated by the explosions in the capital on 7 March 2006. Travel to the Gambella region near the southern Sudanese border, as well as to within 12 miles (20km) of the Eritrean border in the Tigray and Afar regions (military zones), should be avoided due to violent unrest and an unstable security situation. The border between Eritrea and Ethiopia is closed. Travelling to Somalia by road should also be avoided, as well as all travel east of Harar. Overland travel to Sudan or Kenya is dangerous due to armed bandits, and should only be attempted in a convoy. There is a high threat from local terrorism in the country, and although not directed at foreigners, visitors need to be cautious in public places.

Customs

The Ethiopian Highlands are mainly Orthodox Christian and restaurants only serve vegetarian dishes on Wednesdays, Fridays and during Lent. Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar, which consists of 13 months (12 months of 30 days, the thirteenth month has five or six days), and in 2006 the year is 1998. There is a six-hour difference between Ethiopian time and Western time, so 3am in Western time will be 9am Ethiopian time (add six hours to the time). Homosexuality is illegal. Shoes should be removed before entering mosques and churches. Photographs should not be taken of military buildings and airports, and permission should be asked before photographing religious festivals and people.

Communications

The international dialling code for Ethiopia is +251. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Telephone, fax and postal facilities are available in most main towns. IDD is available. There are Internet cafes in Addis Ababa and Internet services may be available in top-end hotels in other areas. A GSM 900 network is provided, but coverage is limited to Addis Ababa and a few other parts of the country.

Duty Free

Travellers to Ethiopia over the age of 18 years do not have to pay customs duty on 100 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227g of tobacco; 1 litre of alcoholic beverages; 2 bottles or 500ml of perfume; and gifts to the value of 10 Birr.

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