Essential Travel Tips to Ethiopia

When one mentioned East Africa, the thoughts of visiting Safari in Kenya, Tanzania comes to mind. However, do you know Ethiopia also known as East Africa’s Emerging Giant has a lot to be discovered too.  Being a major power in the Horn of Africa, one of the best way to capture the essence of Africa is to explore Ethiopia and this time, I had the privilege to dive deeper into Southern Ethiopia. From hunting wildlife to sipping top grade Arabian coffee to interacting with the local community coupled with breath taking scenery, the explorations are endless.  Here is some useful travel tips to bring with you when embarking a trip to Ethiopia!

Travel Tip #1: Take required vaccination 

The most common vaccination required on entry into African countries is Yellow Fever vaccination. Not all countries required you to take this jab and it depends on which African countries you are travelling to. For instance, if you are residing or planning to go back to countries such as Singapore, India, Taiwan, then you will be required to undergo  Yellow Fever vaccination. More often than not, it is better to have this vaccination done once your trip to mainly East Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania) are confirmed. Reason being, some people will fall sick usually 4 days after the jab as the body may face slight rejection to the vaccine. Light symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite , headache. You do not want this to take place during your trip. Moreover, having this vaccine last for a lifetime and is on your record. One will be issued a booklet once this jab is done and unless you lose this booklet, then you will not need another dose of vaccine anymore in your life!

Travel Tip #2: Get the Ethiopian VISA ready 

One may simply apply for an E-Visa into Ethiopia ,simply by paying a fee of approximately USD82 online and submit a passport size of your photo and your scan passport copy.  I get mine done within 10 minutes through online submission. Do note there are many websites offering such service, but it is best to do via the official website:

Surprisingly, I received my E-Visa approval copy within the next 3 working days. Let’s say if you did not apply or managed to get the E-Visa on time, one can still do so via arrival into Addis Ababa International Airport, the gateway into Ethiopia. Simply head to the “VISA on Arrival ” queue and pay to get one on the spot, remember to bring a passport size photo in case the authority needs it!

Travel Tip #3: Food & drinks selection 

There is no shortage of food for overseas travellers coming into Ethiopia. In fact, in the capital of Addis Ababa, one will be spoilt for choices when it comes to food selection. Usually, the food caters more to the western cuisine with choices of Pizza or Pasta being the main selections. There were quite a lot of Chinese cuisine as well due to the fact that many China businessmen are in town dealing and working on the development in Africa. I would say <<Injera>> is seen as the national dish. Made with a fermented batter of teff flour, water, and yeast, it’s known for its unique texture and slightly sour taste.

When it comes to water, be mindful that drinking from bottles of mineral water is recommended. I was told the tap water is still relatively safe and locals do drink from it. However, it may not be suitable for overseas guests as the water contains high mineral content and our body may not able to take it. Normal brushing of teeth thou is still bearable with small amount of water.

Travel Tip #4: Be wary of using “Bush Toilet” 

In Ethiopia, very often required long distance driving due to road conditions (heavy traffic at major towns, sandy conditions that requires vehicle to travel at lower speed) and it does mean spending long times (up to 6 hours daily) on the road.  So here comes the essential travel tip, drink water moderately and ask the guide how far is the next toilet stop. Whenever available at hotels, restaurants, it is recommended to empty your bowel before continuing the road trip. Otherwise, as what the locals would say, head to ” Bush Toilet” that is available freely along the way. One thing I would comment is despite it being bush toilet, settling our needs right in the field, the way leading to the bushes are usually easy to walk.  Carpet grass looking and there will be tall bush in the field for one to “settle” it.  So it is not all no privacy yet the ease of doing it is bearable.

Travel Tip #5: Language and Greetings 

Most people in the country speak Afroasiatic languages among themselves. However, people working in the tourism industry within Ethiopia, English is commonly spoken and understood.  Perhaps, if you want to create good first impression upon meeting Ethiopians, you might try simple greetings such as “Tena Yistilin” (May God give you health), or simply the word “Salam” which mean hello.

Around 31% of the  population belongs are Muslims with Christian being the majority at 67%.  Hence, Muslims may prefer not to embrace members of the opposite gender unless they are a close family member. Therefore, men should wait until a woman extends her hand first before extending his own hand for a handshake.  The most common form of greeting is a handshake with direct eye contact.

Travel Tip #6: Fly Ethiopian Airlines 

Do you know Ethiopia Airlines has won many awards such as  << The Best Airlines in Africa>>  from SKYTRAX World Airline Awards for the last 6 years in a row. In addition, the airline is known to be the Gateway into Africa , simply the fact that they fly to over 155 destinations round the world. One can simply fly from Asia, Europe and USA region. In fact, it is the airline to go if you want to travel domestically within Ethiopia with it serving up to 22 routes.

Travel Tip #7:  Get Ethiopia Coffee! 

The #1 national export product or rather as the local said, the greatest gift to the world that their country produces is Coffee! Arabian top grade coffee is the must buy when in Ethiopia. However, do note that each foreign tourist is only subjected to maximum purchase of 4kg (Kilogram) of coffee only. Made a wise choice of which coffee brand to buy first.

Categories: Africa Region, Travel Tips