Tips for a Conscious Travel into Ethiopia....

                               

As Wednesday approaches and sometimes even as early as Tuesday my imagination itches at the thought of finding a suitable destination that currently speaks to me. Sipping a perfect macchiato, the first of the day, at one of the endless supply of café’s in Addis (One can have as many as 3 perfect macchiato a day in all corners of Addis), I venture into an inner dialogue as the African sun relaxes my muscles.

An idea, a feeling, an itch, a desire, gradually translates itself into action, while to the procrastinator it ends as just an idea. As an avid traveler, addicted to the unknown, adventure, challenge, relaxation and at times inner quest, we tend to pounder on basic questions that can ease the itch to transform the feeling to contempt, not satisfaction. Furthermore it’s the research, anticipation, journey, discovery and not just the destination that fuels our passion and refuels our hunger to travel more.

Spreading the massive map of Ethiopia, which had been harder to get than hiking Simien Mountains, I look to all areas of Ethiopia. Should I head west to discover Ethiopia's uniqueness, North to experience the cradle of mankind, South to cross paths with rich human diversity or East where nature gracefully co-habits with man? How far did I want to travel?  What risks am I willing to take? How intense and thrill seeking do I want the adventure to be? Who was I willing to share my travel time with? Is it a spiritual, physical, emotional or explorative quest? Am I on strict financial budget, or do I feel like splurging? What mode of transportation was I willing to take i.e. private, public, sharing? Emmm…..how I love the research stage.

Addis Ababa at the Heart of Ethiopia, with an average altitude of 2,500 meters can at times feel a bit suffocating as well as intensely majestic. Home to more than 4 million people, with the vast number of Industries & business’s, explosive & creative night life, endless variations of cafe’s & boutiques, plenty of sun & noise, as well as pollution & waste discovering their way into natural, Addis has become the hub of Eastern Africa. Addis Abeba meaning “New Flower”, was named the capital city of the country after Ankober in Shewa, by Emperor Menelik II in 1896. Addis has in a little over a 100 years seen a dramatic increase in the population, industrialization, expansion & pollution of its environment, which if left to the developers would have serious consequences to its inhabitants. Whenever I find my way back to Addis after travelling, and the plane hovers above the city surrounded by mountains such as Entoto & Yeka, its overwhelmingly makes one appreciate how our forefathers found their bearings into locating a new flower with rivers, hot spring, mountains, plants & animals, as well as land that is giving birth to a city that engulfs the diversity of Ethiopia into it & releases Addis Ababans.

Addis as glamorous and busing itself with the latest gossip, fashion, politics and economic stability can at times stress ones physical and emotional well being. Luckily Ethiopia has one of the most diverse landscape, topography, climate, people, ethnicity, language as well as breath taking & unique mountains, which can be accessed easily from every direction of Addis.

In anticipation of fresher air, nature, adventure and to have ample time to handle any unforeseen circumstances I woke up at 6am on a Saturday to pack the few items onto my backpack. As one travels out of Addis for a day or more it is best to pack most of the items one needs in the city, as the availability of shops to purchase medical supplies, sanitary items, camera & other technology accessories, or food choices can be limited.

While heading North, East, West or Southern Ethiopia Items that one should include in their backpack are toiletry, travel mixes such as Kolo(trailer mix)/Quanta (Beef Jerky)/Peanuts, fruits, water & such that can be found at most groceries, Camera batteries, first Aid Kit, torches, converters, adaptors and any electronic items you need are found in Electronic shops in Addis, mainly in Piassa, Bole, Kazanchis, or Merkato area where one can find reliable products, as the mistake in getting the items you need may result in unpleasant start to ones journey in Ethiopia, and we don’t want that.

While packing for your trip make sure to include at least 2 choices of light clothing, underwear, swimming gear, sport gear, cap, bottled water, lemon pr tenadam sticks, sunscreen lotion, glasses and flip-flops. The choice of carrying Red Cross emergency kit as well as vehicle spare parts & the like is solely left to the level of risk aversion of the person who is travelling, and where in Ethiopia you are travelling to. Like in most places in Ethiopia its best either to take malaria pills or to the more risk taker incorporate insect prevention methods such as using repellants, avoiding any strong odor, making sure to use mosquito nets, use a branch from a tree with plenty leaves to chase the flees, and such can go a long way in securing ones health.

                                                                       

Travel tips 

Safety :

Having travelled most of Northern, Eastern & Southern Africa, I would say Ethiopia is the safest country in Africa for men and woman as mentioned in most embassy press release, and as experienced traveling alone. The combination of the rich culture, religion and the overall respect it has for travelers in general be it local or Ferengis (foreigners) makes the people hospitable, tolerant, giving and helpful. As an ancient culture, having never been colonized, emerged in its unique independence on its own, and currently being landlocked, one doesn’t see as much tourism or foreigners as its neighboring countries. Thus your curiosity about the country is matched by a similar curiosity about you the traveler by the locals that observe your every move so use that as an opportunity to acknowledge and share.

As anywhere in the world when traveling :-
- Be respectful of the culture, tradition and religion of those different from you; 
-  Stay alert but not paranoid; make sure your attire is modest and non-reviling especially in religious palaces; 
-  Avoid walking or travelling after dark; 
- As a woman especially around Southern & Eastern Ethiopia make sure you have a male traveler with you; 
- When hiking or trekking notify others where you are; make sure all your belongings are with you at all times, and don’t carry expensive items with you; 
- Secure your money, credit cards, travelers check with you and not in your rooms or tent.

As a woman travelling alone I have backpacked, driven alone, taken public transport, group overland travel as well as trekked & hiked around Ethiopia in the day time and sometimes at night and I have never encountered severe issues with random strangers. 

A smile can go a long way in time of need, involve elders when an issue arises. There are local kebeles, police, as well as federal police that are always looking out for tourist so approach them if you are being harassed. The occasional young people being interested in your clothes, color, appearance, and where you come from can be met with a similar curiosity about them from you, which can be a beginning of awareness of another world different from you.


What to Wear:

Ethiopia is known for its "13 months of sunshine" as well as its diverse terrains. Don't let that Marketing fool you. As diverse as the people so is its weather, depending on the season, time of day and area you are travelling to Ethiopia's weather can change dramatically. No Africa is not just sunny weather, Addis alone has an average altitude of 2,500 meters so make sure you have the necessary clothing. Although a set of light shirts, trousers, slippers and swimming gear is always in season.

Summer months: Ethiopian has 13 months of sunshine, yes a bit off the norm of 12 months a year, but in Ethiopia all months are 30 days & the extra month Pagume has only 5 days.  Almost everywhere in Ethiopia most times of the year the sun comes out. Especially in the lowland areas of Ethiopia, whether in the Danakil Depression, lower Rift valley, and the Ogaden it gets pretty warm so make sure to bring sunscreen, lightweight clothing, flip-flops, a hat, UV protected sun glass’s. Although Ethiopia is landlocked, from the great blue Nile in the North, the Omo river in the South, the Awash river that pierces throughout the lowlands, and the vast number of lakes and rivers in Ethiopia its best to have your swimming gears with you for the dare devils that want more adventure.

Winter months: Its interesting to note that there is a misconception about Africa being a dessert, it rains plenty. Especially Northern and Central Ethiopian Highlands at an average elevation of 2,000 meters it gets cold and misty at nights throughout the year. This includes the capital City Addis Abeba. So make sure to bring warmer clothing, pajamas or overalls, Sweaters, a light coat or jacket for the cool evenings, snow hats, raincoat, gloves and such if you are traveling at that time.

More advice - 
-  Modesty in clothing to be observed.
-   Women should cover their arms when visiting churches and mosques. 
-  Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing.
-   Hiking shoes if trekking and Hiking
-    Sunglasses, hats and swimming gear
-   Women should bring slacks and one evening dress for nightclubs. Men should bring one dinner jacket.
-   Drink plenty of water at all times:
- Please tip those that assist you modestly, here is your chance to give back in person, considering the exchange rate, your travel to Ethiopia is a bargain. Anyone that is assisting you is surely supporting a family or two.

Electricity :

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Electrical adaptors, batteries, chargers are required if you wish to take along Digital cameras, Video Camera, Laptops, phone, players, etc. Most hotels will supply 220 volts but bring your own converters that can be used in East Africa. Some places out of Addis might not have electricity or there may even be shortage of electricity in places including Addis so bring plenty of spare batteries. Check with Addis local electronic store before heading out of Addis to purchase necessary adapters, batteries and the like for such appliances. Make sure to take a torch/flash light as one never knows about the electricity availability in rural areas.

Banking:

The Ethiopian Banking Sector is one of the major economic sectors, which has benefited from the more market-oriented economic policies. Within only the last 10 years Ethiopian Financial Sector has resulted in the establishment of a meaningful number of private banks, insurance companies and micro-finance institutions owned by Ethipians, providing branches throughout Ethiopia. The government owned bank Commercial Bank of Ethiopia has branches throughout Ethiopia, inefficient in its banking technology advancement but does all the basic banking which includes am international banking unit for foreign exchange. Some private banks have Atm’s in Addis and other major town in Ethiopia, and branches in some parts of the country. So its best to try to do most of your banking in Addis, or major towns such as Gonder, Bahre Dar, Axum & Mekelle in the North, Dire Dawa in the East, Awassa and Arba Minch in the South, as well as Ambo and Jimma in West.

The operation hours for banks in major Towns are Mon – Friday 9-4:00pm and Saturdays 9-12:00pm. Please don’t go to get service at lunch times most managers and certain departments are closed during lunch hours. Service is casual especially in small towns, so enjoy your breakfast or lunch, be in a zen moment when dealing with bankers, it’s a bankers world there. The local Currency in Ethiopia is the Ethiopia Birr (Birr) 1Birr =100Cantim. Credit cards are not used in most Hotels & Restaurants out of Addis. There are on average no ATM’s outside of Addis

Passports & Visas:

All passengers traveling in Ethiopia require a Passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond the conclusion of their trip, and with appropriate visas. As an Ethiopian and  non-Ethiopian it is advisable to carry a valid ID and Passport respectably when traveling outside of Addis.

Driving in Ethiopia:

It’s not advisable to drive out of Addis on your own unless you are familiar with the roads, or have someone with you that does. Most car rental companies will only rent the car with the driver, which is a great package. Maps are not accurate, some GPS work and some don’t, there are a lot of road construction going on throughout Ethiopia, thus hard to determine road routes or how long trips take. Especially if you don’t speak the language it would be on your best interest to bring a native with you on your trip, or have plenty of time between travel.

As an Ethiopian and non-Ethiopian it is advisable to carry a valid ID and Passport respectably when traveling outside of Addis. If you are driving there are random check up so be prepared with a valid drivers license.

Be respectful, stay alert, ask plenty of questions and remember to Buckle up!

Melkam Guzo/Happy Travels!!

By: Dutchess @ deldeyoch

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