Conscious Travel into Ethiopia....

As Wednesday approaches, and sometimes even as early as Tuesday, my imagination tingles with the prospect of discovering a destination that speaks to me. With my first perfect macchiato of the day in hand, one of the endless supply at Addis Ababa’s many cafés (where one can enjoy up to three perfect macchiatos a day), I find myself lost in thought under the relaxing African sun.

An idea, a feeling, an itch, a desire—these gradually transform into action, while for the procrastinator, they remain just ideas. As an avid traveler, addicted to the unknown, adventure, challenge, relaxation, and at times, inner quests, we often ponder fundamental questions that can ease this itch, transforming feelings into contentment, if not satisfaction. It’s the research, anticipation, journey, and discovery—not just the destination—that fuels our passion and rekindles our hunger for travel.

Spreading out a massive map of Ethiopia—more challenging to obtain than hiking the Simien Mountains—I contemplate every corner of the country. Should I venture west to explore Ethiopia's unique offerings, north to experience the cradle of humankind, south to encounter rich human diversity, or east where nature gracefully coexists with man? How far do I wish to travel? What risks am I willing to take? How intense and thrilling do I want this adventure to be? Who am I willing to share my travel time with? Is it a spiritual, physical, emotional, or exploratory quest? Am I on a strict budget, or do I feel like splurging? What mode of transportation am I willing to take: private, public, or shared? Oh, how I love the research stage.

Addis Ababa, the heart of Ethiopia, with its average altitude of 2,500 meters, can feel both suffocating and majestically intense. Home to over 4 million people, with numerous industries and businesses, a vibrant and creative nightlife, countless cafes and boutiques, abundant sunshine and noise, as well as pollution and waste making their way into nature, Addis has become the hub of Eastern Africa. Named “New Flower” by Emperor Menelik II in 1896 after replacing Ankober in Shewa as the capital, Addis has witnessed dramatic growth in population, industrialization, expansion, and environmental pollution in just over a century. When I return to Addis after traveling, and the plane hovers above the city surrounded by mountains like Entoto and Yeka, it’s overwhelming to appreciate how our forefathers chose this new flower, with rivers, hot springs, mountains, plants, and animals, as the land that would birth a city embracing Ethiopia’s diversity and releasing Addis Ababans.

Addis, with its glamour and bustling with the latest gossip, fashion, politics, and economic stability, can sometimes stress one's physical and emotional well-being. Fortunately, Ethiopia boasts one of the most diverse landscapes, topographies, climates, peoples, ethnicities, and languages, as well as breathtaking and unique mountains, all easily accessible from Addis in every direction.

In anticipation of fresh air, nature, adventure, and ample time to handle any unforeseen circumstances, I woke up at 6 am on a Saturday to pack a few items into my backpack. When traveling out of Addis for a day or more, it’s best to pack everything needed in the city, as shops for medical supplies, sanitary items, camera and technology accessories, and food choices can be limited outside the city.

When heading north, east, west, or south in Ethiopia, items to include in the backpack are toiletries, travel mixes like kolo (trail mix), quanta (beef jerky), peanuts, fruits, water (all available at most groceries), camera batteries, a first aid kit, torches, converters, adaptors, and any electronic items found in electronic shops in Addis (mainly in Piassa, Bole, Kazanchis, or Merkato areas, where one can find reliable products). Mistakes in obtaining essential items can result in an unpleasant start to one’s journey in Ethiopia, and we don’t want that.

While packing, make sure to include at least two choices of light clothing, underwear, swimming gear, sports gear, a cap, bottled water, lemon or tenadam sticks, sunscreen lotion, glasses, and flip-flops. The choice of carrying a Red Cross emergency kit, vehicle spare parts, and other such items depends on the traveler’s risk aversion and the specific Ethiopian destination. As in most places in Ethiopia, it’s best to either take malaria pills or, for the more risk-tolerant, incorporate insect prevention methods such as using repellents, avoiding strong odors, using mosquito nets, or using a leafy branch to chase away pests. These measures can go a long way in ensuring one’s health.                                                                       

Travel tips 

Here are some traveling tips for visiting Ethiopia:

1. Research the country and its culture before you go. Understanding the customs and traditions of Ethiopia will help you navigate the country more easily.

2. Pack appropriate clothing for the weather and cultural norms. Ethiopia can be hot during the day and cool at night, so bring layers. Modest clothing is also recommended, especially in rural areas and religious sites.

3. Stay hydrated and avoid drinking tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water to prevent illness.

4. Be prepared for the altitude if you are planning to visit the highlands. Addis Ababa, the capital city, is located at a high altitude of about 2,400 meters (7,900 feet).

5. Try the local cuisine, including injera (a sourdough flatbread) and wot (a spicy stew). Ethiopian food is flavorful and diverse, so don't be afraid to sample different dishes.

6. Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Remove your shoes before entering a church or mosque, and dress modestly.

7. Be cautious of petty theft and scams in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help.

8. Hire a local guide to enhance your experience and learn more about the history and culture of Ethiopia.

9. Exchange currency at official exchange offices or banks for the best rates. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major cities, so carry cash.

10. Lastly, be open-minded and embrace the unique experiences and beauty that Ethiopia has to offer. Enjoy your trip!

Safety :

Having travelled most of Ethiopia, I would say Ethiopia is  a safes country in Africa for men and woman. 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.

Traveling consciously in Ethiopia, as in any country, involves being mindful of cultural, environmental, and ethical considerations. Here are some tips to help you travel consciously:

1. Learn About the Culture and Language:

   - Familiarize yourself with local customs, traditions, and basic phrases in Amharic or other regional languages. This shows respect and can enhance your interactions.

2. Respect Local Customs and Traditions:

   - Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites. 

   - Be aware of social norms, such as the importance of greetings and showing respect to elders.

3. Environmental Awareness:

   - Minimize waste by avoiding single-use plastics and participating in recycling initiatives.

   - Conserve water and energy, as resources in certain areas can be limited.

4. Support Local Economies:

   - Buy local products and crafts directly from artisans instead of relying on imported goods.

   - Choose locally-owned accommodations and restaurants to support the community.

5. Travel Responsibly:

   - Use public transportation when possible and consider eco-friendly travel options to reduce your carbon footprint.

   - Stay on designated trails when exploring natural sites to avoid damaging the environment.

6. Engage Responsibly with Wildlife:

   - Keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid activities that may harm animals or their habitats.

   - Visit wildlife sanctuaries or reserves that prioritize conservation.

7. Volunteer with Caution:

   - If volunteering, select reputable organizations that have sustainable, long-term impacts. Avoid “voluntourism” projects that might not benefit the local community.

8. Photography Etiquette:

   - Always ask for permission before photographing people. Be particularly sensitive in religious and cultural settings.

9. Educate Yourself on Local Issues:

   - Be aware of socio-political contexts and sensitive to potential challenges faced by local communities.

10. Leave No Trace:

    - Ensure you leave places as you found them or better. Dispose of waste properly and minimize your environmental impact.

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 for a conscious traveller- 

• 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 :

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