Ethiopia is situated in North Eastern Africa and borders Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya. The country is home to nearly a hundred different tribes, each with its own language and religion, and a vast array of wildlife.
Travelers booking flights to Ethiopia will be awestruck by the country’s natural beauty and landscape. Lake Tana is Ethiopia's largest lake and the source of the Nile River. The Simien Mountains National Park is located in Northern Ethiopia and offers amazing hiking and wildlife adventures for outdoor enthusiasts. The medieval city of Gondar welcomes tourists to a land of castles, palaces and churches. Travelers on a spiritual mission will find Ethiopia flights to the ancient city of Axum, where the original Ark of the Covenant containing the Ten Commandments is presumably located. The churches of Lalibela are among the top tourist destinations in the world and are the sight of many of Ethiopia’s religious festivals.
Ethiopia is indeed a country of contrasts. Despite its lush landscape Ethiopia is home to some of the poorest people in the world. Many travelers today book flights to Ethiopia for special survival missions, bringing much needed medicine and nutrients to the country’s homeless and hungry. Regardless of its poor conditions, the people of Ethiopia remain determined to live longer and healthy lives, and the country’s tourism helps support this reverie.
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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.
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Peak Season:
October through May is the dry season and is most popular with visitors booking flights to Ethiopia.
Off season:
June – September is when the country receives the most rain, however, this can still be a good time to visit as there is plenty of sunshine and cheap flights to Ethiopia can be found.
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Ethiopian Airlines has an excellent network, with domestic Ethiopia flights to more than 40 destinations in the country. Prices are reasonable. Ethiopia is a big country and this is by far the quickest way to travel. Be aware that there is a $10 tax on departure for each Ethiopia flight.
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- Addis Ababa is a fascinating, and huge, city. There is plenty here to see: the National Museum tells the history of the country, Africa Hall is the seat of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and Trinity Church is the largest in the country. However, a particular favorite with tourists is the huge mercacto – the largest outdoor market in the whole of Africa. The market is so large it is extremely easy to get lost inside; if you want to make sure you don’t miss anything – and that you get back out again – you may want to take a guide.
- The Royal Enclosure, with picturesque ruins from the time of the Emperors, is the first place most tourists visit in Gondar. Fasilades Bath is a focal point during Timkat, the festival of epiphany, in January. This is a very important festival in Ethiopia and is celebrated throughout the country. In Gondar, the Fasilades Bath is filled with water and the people of the town jump in, symbolizing Christ’s baptism.
- When visiting the churches at Lalibela, make sure you remove your shoes before entering. If you’re worried about keeping them safe – or simply feeling lazy – you can pay a small amount to one the “shoe watchers” who will arrive. Not only will they keep an eye on your shoes, they will also carry them to the next church for you if it’s easier than putting them back on your feet.
- There are two drinks of importance in Ethiopia: coffee, called buna, and tej. After every meal a big ritual occurs around the preparation of the coffee. The ceremony can last a few hours and an invitation to join is a sign of respect. The coffee itself is always taken black, though with plenty of sugar. Tej is an alcoholic drink, like a honey wine. It is drunk from a glass flask and is served in tejbetis (tej houses). Locals, especially older men, often gather round these tejbetis in the evening.
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Addis Ababa (ADD) (Bole International) is 5 miles southeast of the city.
Dire Dawa (DIR) (Aba Tenna D Yilma International Airport) also deals with a few international flights, mostly from small airlines of Arab countries, including Air Djibouti.
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A return or further destination ticket, and sufficient funds ($50 per day) to cover intended period of stay, are required by all visitors. Entry into Ethiopia is allowed only from Addis Ababa International Airport, unless permission has been granted by the Government. Visitors eligible to obtain a visa on arrival require two passport photos and a maximum of $40; fees vary according to nationality.
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U.S. citizens require a passport and a visa for travel to Ethiopia. Tourist visas can be obtained on arrival and are valid for three months; in some cases a business visa can also be obtained on arrival, but it is best to organize this in advance.
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