Frequently asked questions on our Ethiopian Adventure Tours

 

1.     Is Ethiopia safe to visit?

This question is for travellers to answer for themselves. For legal reasons, we cannot make a definitive statement but offer links to independent information for you to consider.

The USA and UK governments both have a very significant and long standing diplomatic presence in Ethiopia. By contrast, the NZ embassy occupies Apartment 381 at The Hilton Hotel. The NZ government travel advisory has remained largely unchanged and very conservative for many years. 

The USA rates Ethiopia at 2 out of 4. Level 2 means Exercise Increased Caution. This is the same rating the USA government gives the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and other popular African destinations such as Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya and Morocco.

India, Indonesia, Brazil, Peru, Russia and China are also level 2.

Ethiopian Adventure Tours only go to the green shaded areas on this map from the UK government. The following statement appears in the UK travel advisory:

“Around 20,000 British nationals visit Ethiopia every year. Most visits are trouble free but there are a number of issues you should be aware of.”

We do not go within 10 km of any international border with Ethiopia’s neighbours.

 

2.     Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Unfortunately, a traveller without travel insurance cannot be accepted as a client by Ethiopian Adventure Tours.

 

3.     Will my mobile phone and SIM card work in Ethiopia?

It is unlikely your mobile phone will work in Ethiopia. Sam will have an Ethiopian Telecom 3G SIM card in his phone so can facilitate phone calls when we are away from a hotel Wi-Fi zone.

 

4.     What does the tour cost include?

Domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines

All land transport costs in a late model air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced Ethiopian driver

Accommodation

3 Meals per day

Bottled drinking water and soft drinks

All gratuities (except for the tour driver)

All historic sites, museums and national park entrance fees

All professional local guides and National Park scout fees

 

5.     What is NOT included?

International airfares

Accommodation in Addis Ababa earlier than the night before Day 1 but this can be booked for you.

Accommodation between short tours.

Travel insurance

Personal spending money – bring US$ cash to change in a local bank

Cost of tourist visa

Single supplement costs

Alcohol

Souvenir purchases

Tip for the tour driver at the end of the tour

Vaccinations as advised by your doctor

 

6.     What do you suggest I bring with me?

Sunglasses

Hat or small umbrella for sunshade

Sunblock – as Ethiopia is just north of the equator, the sun’s UV rays are not as intense as in some countries but it’s good to be prepared.

Hand sanitizer

Personal bug repellent

Comfortable walking shoes

Head scarf for women for some sacred site visits. This is optional and a matter of personal choice. I’ve never heard of a woman being barred from a sacred site due to lack of a head covering.

 

7.     Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccination?

Yes, it is mandatory for obtaining a visa. Your travel insurance would probably be void if you got yellow fever not having had the mandatory vaccination. Please note we cannot accept clients without personal travel insurance.

 

8.     What vaccinations do I need?

Please see your doctor as this depends on what you have previously had and what your doctor advises for Ethiopia.

 

9.     Will we be travelling in mosquito country?

There is little malaria and few mosquitos in the mountainous areas but there are in the lowlands. In these areas, hotels have mosquito nets hanging from the ceiling above the beds. There are no mosquitos in the Afar Desert.

 

10.  How do I get a tourist visa for Ethiopia?

There are two methods:

A.     Pay US$ cash on arrival at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa (Intl Code: ADD).

B.     Apply for an eVisa online at Ethiopiaevisa.com .

The fees are the same either way:

30 days – US$ 52

90 days – US$ 72

Please note, it is your responsibility to check how many days you will be in Ethiopia when selecting your visa duration.

 

11.  How much cash can I bring into Ethiopia?

Ethiopian law permits you to bring any foreign currency cash up to the value of US$ 3,000.

 

12.  If I book more than 1 tour with you, what about my accommodation between tours?

Ethiopian Adventure Tours can advise and help you book accommodation to suit all budgets in Addis Ababa between tours.

 

13.  How do I receive my domestic flight rebate if I arrive in Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines International?

The rebate will be transferred directly to your bank account using online banking as soon as is practical after your exact amount of rebate is known. This will be known when Ethiopian Adventure Tours books and pays for your domestic flights.