Located in the horn of Africa, Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. it features a rich history and culture, known for its ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and unique wildlife, including the famous Gelada baboons, making it a fascinating destination for travelers interested in culture, history, and natural beauty.

Why Visit

LANDSCAPES & NATURE

Ethiopia is blessed with a variety of landscapes that will captivate your sight, a land of diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains and deep canyons to vast deserts and fertile highlands. It is home to stunning natural wonders such as the Simien Mountains, the Blue Nile Falls, and the Danakil Depression.

COFFEE

Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia, hosting the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a social event where the coffee beans are roasted and boiled in a vessel; mainly for the purpose of getting together with relatives, neighbors, or other visitors. Its coffee is considered to be some of the best in the world thanks to its high altitude growing conditions and diverse coffee grain, an important part of their culture. 

GASTRONOMY 

Thanks to its diversity and mix of cultures, Ethiopia offers a wide range of flavorful dishes to delight your palate, highlighting its variety of stews and vegetables (often spicy) always accompanied by Injera (a spongy sourdough flatbread ). Some of the popular dishes include injera (a sourdough flatbread), doro wat (spicy chicken stew), and kitfo (raw minced beef or lamb served with spices).

ARCHITECTURE & HISTORY

Ethiopia’s history dates back to the paleolithic age, being one of the oldest countries of the world and the place where the origin of mankind might have begun. Skeletons of early humans have been found in here, which confirms this theory. Ethiopia’s architecture and history are closely intertwined, with ancient rock-hewn churches like Lalibela, medieval castles in Gondar, and the historic city of Harar, which is considered one of Islam’s holy cities and is known for its unique architecture and walled old town.

CULTURE & TRIBES

Ethiopia is a melting pot of cultures, home to over 80 different ethnic tribes, with different traditions, cultures and languages. As it is almost the only African country that was never colonized (along with Liberia), they were able to maintain their customs and cultures. The Omo Valley has the biggest variety of cultures in the world (for such a small place). 

ethiopia postcards

Located in the horn of Africa, Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. it features a rich history and culture, known for its ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and unique wildlife, including the famous Gelada baboons, making it a fascinating destination for travelers interested in culture, history, and natural beauty.

ethiopia postcards

Why Visit

LANDSCAPES & NATURE

Ethiopia is blessed with a variety of landscapes that will captivate your sight, a land of diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains and deep canyons to vast deserts and fertile highlands. It is home to stunning natural wonders such as the Simien Mountains, the Blue Nile Falls, and the Danakil Depression.

COFFEE

Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia, hosting the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a social event where the coffee beans are roasted and boiled in a vessel; mainly for the purpose of getting together with relatives, neighbors, or other visitors. Its coffee is considered to be some of the best in the world thanks to its high altitude growing conditions and diverse coffee grain, an important part of their culture. 

GASTRONOMY 

Thanks to its diversity and mix of cultures, Ethiopia offers a wide range of flavorful dishes to delight your palate, highlighting its variety of stews and vegetables (often spicy) always accompanied by Injera (a spongy sourdough flatbread ). Some of the popular dishes include injera (a sourdough flatbread), doro wat (spicy chicken stew), and kitfo (raw minced beef or lamb served with spices).

ARCHITECTURE & HISTORY

Ethiopia’s history dates back to the paleolithic age, being one of the oldest countries of the world and the place where the origin of mankind might have begun. Skeletons of early humans have been found in here, which confirms this theory. Ethiopia’s architecture and history are closely intertwined, with ancient rock-hewn churches like Lalibela, medieval castles in Gondar, and the historic city of Harar, which is considered one of Islam’s holy cities and is known for its unique architecture and walled old town.

CULTURE & TRIBES

Ethiopia is a melting pot of cultures, home to over 80 different ethnic tribes, with different traditions, cultures and languages. As it is almost the only African country that was never colonized (along with Liberia), they were able to maintain their customs and cultures. The Omo Valley has the biggest variety of cultures in the world (for such a small place). 

  • Name: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
  • Capital: Addis Ababa
  • Official Languages: Amharic
  • Currency: Birr
  • Time Zone: UTC+3
  • Name: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
  • Capital: Addis Ababa
  • Official Languages: Amharic
  • Currency: Birr
  • Time Zone: UTC+3

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What to expect

LANGUAGE

Amharic is the official national language of Ethiopia, however the country has 83 different languages with up to 200 different dialects spoken. English, Arabic, Italian and French are widely spoken by many Ethiopians. 

ELECTRICITY

In Ethiopia the standard voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. That’s the standard voltage (220-240V) in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa; If you are traveling from the US you will need an adaptor

CURRENCY

The Ethiopian Birr is the currency of Ethiopia. Other foreign currencies, like dollars and euros, might be accepted in some tourist places and hotels but won’t be accepted in smaller establishments. You could withdraw Ethiopian Birr directly from the ATM. Credit cards are accepted but cash is recommended for remote areas and small establishments. 1 USD equals 549 birrs (as of 2023)

CLIMATE

Ethiopia’s weather is largely influenced by its high altitude and diverse topography, resulting in a range of climates from tropical to arid, with temperatures varying greatly depending on the region and season. Average daily temperatures often exceed 85°F (30°C). Most parts of the country experience two main climate seasons – a dry season (October – May) and a rainy season (June – August).

SAFETY

While Ethiopia is generally considered safe for tourists, there are certain areas that should be avoided due to political unrest and occasional incidents of crime, and it is advisable to take the necessary precautions such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding displaying wealth, and keeping important documents and belongings secure.

How to get around

In Ethiopia, there are several ways to get around, depending on the distance, budget, and comfort level. Here are some of the transportation options available:

  1. Plane: Ethiopian Airlines offers domestic flights to several cities in Ethiopia, and there are a few other smaller airlines as well. This is the quickest and most comfortable way to travel long distances, but it can be quite expensive.
  2. Bus: Buses are the most common way to get around Ethiopia, and there are several options available, ranging from basic minibusses to larger coaches. They operate on set routes and schedules, and you can usually buy tickets at the bus station or through a travel agency.
  3. Minibus/Taxi: Minibusses and taxis are a popular way to get around cities and towns in Ethiopia. They are shared with other passengers, and the fare is usually negotiated with the driver. These are usually cheap, but they can be quite crowded and uncomfortable.
  4. Train: The train is a great way to see the countryside in Ethiopia. There is a new railway line that runs from Addis Ababa to Djibouti, with stops at several towns along the way. It is a comfortable and scenic way to travel, but it can be expensive.
  5. Car Rental: If you want to explore Ethiopia independently, you can rent a car. There are several car rental companies in Addis Ababa, and prices vary depending on the type of car and the length of the rental. However, be aware that driving in Ethiopia can be challenging, and it’s best to hire a driver as well.
  6. Motorcycle: Motorcycles are a popular way to get around Ethiopia, especially in rural areas. You can rent a motorcycle in larger towns and cities, or hire a driver to take you around. However, be aware that the roads can be rough and hazardous, and it’s essential to wear a helmet and other protective gear.

Visa Policy

Citizens of Djibouti and Kenya do not require a visa to visit Ethiopia.

Holders of the following 92 countries will require a visa on arrival, valid for up to three months: Citizens from European Union, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central african Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kuwait, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Russia, Rwanda, Sao tome and Principe, Seychelles, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, UK, US, Western Sahara, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

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