Practical Travel Information
- Arrival
As the airport has strict access restrictions preventing the greeters from entering the arrival hall, after baggage claim and customs, please exit the airport, cross the road, go down the ramp, and reach the parking lot. Our friendly Wubit Ethiopia representative will welcome you there with your name sign.
- Airports
Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport (ADD) is Ethiopia’s main international gateway and a hub for domestic travel, connecting you to main tourists destinations across the country. Ethiopian Airlines (www.ethiopianairlines.com), Africa’s oldest and a leading carrier with an excellent safety record, operates extensive intra-African and international routes from ADD. All international flights arrive and depart here.
- Hotels
Hotel standards vary in Ethiopia, with accommodation in the north generally superior to that in the south. While camping is essential in the Dallol, Omo, Mago regions, reasonably clean rooms with private bathrooms are usually available elsewhere.
Confirmation of the double-twin room does not imply accommodation with a double bed, but rather a room for two people. The double bed, even if indicated as a preference, can never be guaranteed.
- Food
Ethiopian dining is a communal experience, sharing from a central platter. Wash your hands before eating with your right hand. Injera, a spongy, iron-rich teff flatbread, is the national staple—tear off pieces to scoop up flavorful stews (wats). Vegetarians will delight in the diverse “fasting food” (vegan stews and salads). Must-tries include Doro Wat (chicken stew) and Beyaynetu (a sampler of stews and sides on injera). Embrace this unique culinary adventure!
- Drink
Beyond delicious Ethiopian cuisine, try Tej (honey wine) or T’ella (local beer). Ethiopia also produces wines like Dukam and Gouder (dry reds), Crystal (dry white), and Axumite (sweet red). Stick to bottled water (widely available). Coffee lovers rejoice! Ethiopia, coffee’s birthplace, offers rich, sweet bunna (espresso). Fresh fruit juices (banana, avocado, papaya) are popular. Soft drinks are readily available and inexpensive. Tej can be potent, and t’ella is a local brew. Popular bottled lagers include Habesha, Ghiorgis and others. Local wines are affordable.
- Climate
Ethiopia’s diverse climate, driven by altitude, ranges from temperate highlands (6-26°C/43-79°F) to scorching lowlands (up to 60°C/140°F). Even in the highlands, including Addis Ababa (15°C/59°F average), the equatorial sun demands a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. While the main dry season runs from October to May and the rainy season from June to September, the south and Omo region have a shorter rainy period (March-May) with year-round potential for rain. Sunshine is common even during the rainy season.
- Weather
Ethiopia has a diverse climate, as mentioned above. It’s crucial to research the specific regions you will be visiting to understand the typical weather conditions and pack accordingly. Generally, the dry season (October to May) is considered the best time to visit for trekking and wildlife viewing.
- What to Pack
Ethiopia’s diverse landscapes call for versatile attire. Pack light cotton clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for the lowlands. Highlands require light to medium-weight attire but respectful of local customs. Evenings, especially October-December and during rainstorms, call for a light jacket. A raincoat is essential during the rainy season. When visiting religious sites (churches, monasteries, mosques), remember respectful attire is key: shorts are not appropriate, and women should cover their heads. Shoes are always removed before entering, so pack an extra pair of socks (airline socks are ideal) specifically for these visits—you can even discard them afterward for convenience.
- Cell Phones & WiFi
While international roaming (GSM 900) allows use of your own phone, connectivity can be unreliable. For consistent service, we recommend purchasing an Ethiopian SIM card from Ethio Telecom (passport photo/copy required). Local SIM cards and 3G/4G data packages are available for unlocked, GSM-compatible phones. Ethiopian telecommunications are generally good, but network interruptions can occur. The country code is +251.
Internet access is common in major hotels and tourist areas (Addis Ababa, North, Rift Valley, Harar & Dire Dawa), but limited or unavailable in very remote locations (some parts of Omo Valley, West Ethiopia and Danakil). Connection speeds vary and are often slower than in Europe. WiFi is available in most major hotels, but can be slow and unreliable. Consider using apps like WhatsApp or Skype for calls and messaging where WiFi is available.
- ATM / Debit or Credit Card
Note: ATMs are available in major cities, but it’s wise to carry some cash as ATMs can be unreliable. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay) are mainly accepted in Addis Ababa’s larger hotels and some malls, and at select banks. Forex ATMs are available at some hotels, malls, and Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) branches. Cash is generally recommended, exchanged as needed. Wubit Ethiopia Travels & Tours is unable to receive payments by credit card, so please make sure you pay by cash or bank transfer.
- Water & Electric Power
Tap water is unsafe; drink bottled water. The electricity supply in the country is 220 volts AC, at 50 cycles. The power sockets are of type C,E F and L. Power outages are common, especially outside Addis Ababa. Bring flashlight or headlamp, extra batteries and portable power bank.
