In Ethiopia, a handshake greeting is customary, with a pleasant discussion on personal matters before getting down to business. After a close personal relationship has been established, people of the opposite sex may kiss three times on the cheeks. Greetings should never be rushed and it is appropriate to inquire about the person’s family, health, job, etc. The offer of tea and coffee is very common and provides a setting to discuss and understand Ethiopia through the lens of the local people. Smoking is not popular outside of the major cities and it may be perceived as insulting to smoke in front of priests or the elderly. 

As a guest of Ethiopia, we highly encourage our visitors to respect the cultures and customs of the indigenous people. We also want to highlight that trip members should respect the privacy of individuals (especially when taking photographs) and not make promises unless they fully intend to fulfill their obligation. In the same vein, bargaining is a serious matter in most countries and it is really not fair to bargain unless there is a genuine interest to buy. For example, if you are not interested in buying something then simply say “no” because in many places “maybe” means “yes”.

There are many great national and local holidays and celebrations throughout the year, which are observed all over the country. These may share origins with Christian, Muslim and tribal festivals elsewhere in the world, but have unique indigenous characteristics in Ethiopia. 

• January 7 – Ethiopian Christmas
• January 19 – Timket (Epiphany)
• March 2 – Adwa Victory day
• April 17 – Id Al Adha (Arefa)
• April 14 – Ethiopian Good Friday (date varies)
• April 16 – Ethiopian Easter (date varies)
• May 1 – International Labor Day
• May 5 – Ethiopian Patriots’ Victory Day
• May 28 – Downfall of the Derg
• June 26 – Eid al-Fitr (date varies)
• September 2 – Eid al-Adha
• September 11 – Ethiopian New Year
• September 27 or 28 – Meskel (Finding of the True Cross)
• December 01 – Birth of the Prophet Mohammed (date varies)

Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual state. There are over 83 languages spoken in the country, with 200 dialects. Amharic is the working language in Ethiopia. Other major languages include Oromigna, Somali and Tigrigna. English is also widely spoken.

The Semitic languages are mostly spoken in the northern and central parts of the country. The principal Semitic language is Amharic. The Cushitic languages are found mainly in the East, West, and South. Of this group, Oromiffa is the predominant language. The Omotic languages, on the other hand, are spoken in the Southwest part of the country, near the Omo River. Finally, the Nilo-Saharan languages are spoken in regions along the Sudan frontier. Some of the written languages use the Ge’ez alphabet – the language of the ancient Axumite kingdom. In fact, Ge’ez is the only indigenous written language in all of Africa. 

Why not learn a few words of Amharic (Amarigna)? It is said that knowing  another language allows one to cross rivers! The locals will appreciate your effort. The following link should prove useful in this regard:  https://wikitravel.org/en/Amharic_phrasebook

You can also search on your mobile app store – there are some fantastic apps that can be downloaded.

The predominant religions in Ethiopia are Ethiopian Orthodox and Islam. The peaceful existence of Christianity and Islam, the two major religions in Ethiopia, which entered the country near their times of founding, demonstrates the tolerance and co-existence of the various groups in the country. Christianity is more common in the northern and central parts of Ethiopia, while Islam is more dominant in the lowlands.

Ethiopian Saint Yared devised a musical notation in the 6th century for his stupendous repertoire of sacred music, with finely choreographed sacred dance to go with it. To this day, highland Ethiopian secular music and dances are based on St Yared’s legacy. The most common folk dance, the esskista, has basic elements running through the traditional dances of all the various highland peoples. Mostly based on shaking shoulders, its combination of the religious, fetish and sensuous is as confusing as it is fascinating. The somersaults of the Welaita and the coquettish theatrics of the Omo people are in sharp contrast to this.

Remember to pack a  small flashlight with extra batteries, binoculars, ear-plugs (for noisy planes or roommates), reading materials, converter and adaptor plugs for electronics, and travelers checks and credit cards. If you are traveling to Bahir Dar or the South, remember to pack mosquito repellant. A high SPF sunscreen and hat are also recommended, as well as a first aid kit.

Personal effects are admitted free and a duty-free allowance of 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes and 0.5 liters of perfume is permitted. If you have a computer, video camera or major electrical equipment you will need to declare them. You will be expected to have this equipment with you when you leave.

While clothing will depend on the time of the year, it is prudent to note that Ethiopians are fairly conservative in their dress. In the capital city of Addis Ababa, however, most people wear western fashion. For tourists, light cotton clothing with sunglasses and a hat is advised in the warm lowlands, while in the highlands light or medium-weight clothing is appropriate. During the rainy season a light raincoat and umbrella are essential, and a sweater is best for chilly evenings. The sun can be very strong in high altitude locations, so we recommend that you pack a high SPF sunscreen. Outside of the rainy season, pack light clothes for the daytime and a jacket or sweater for the evenings. A good pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Pack a few pairs of socks, as shoes must always be removed before entering churches and mosques. See Cultural Sensitivities

All modern forms of communication i.e. telephone, mobile, fax and internet are available and relatively reliable in Ethiopia. Airtime cards are sold at most shops and hotels. The country code for Ethiopia is 251 and Addis Ababa’s area code is 11 (or 011 if calling from within the country). Reliable internet cafes are located throughout Addis Ababa and major cities outside of the capital. Elsewhere in the country, however, internet usage and access is rare and slow. Wi-Fi is available in all major hotels, although the network reception is often a problem. 

For courier services, DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT, and EMS have offices in Addis Ababa. Standard mail between Addis Ababa and most of Europe takes about one week, but it can take longer (two  weeks to a month) to reach elsewhere in the world.

• Air: Ethiopian Airlines offers domestic services to the major towns in Ethiopia. The cheapest and quickest way to get around Ethiopia’s historic sites in the north is by air. Most of Ethiopia’s major towns and sites of interest are accessible by air, and fares are cheap by international standards. Baggage weight allowance on domestic flights is 20 kg per person including camera equipment and hand luggage. Flights to more remote areas, such as Gambella, may impose a 10 kg limit depending on the plane being used. Ethiopian Airlines does perform luggage and body searches. If you are carrying anything that could be perceived as an antiquity, it will be confiscated, unless you produce a receipt. 

• Road: The best way to experience the variety of scenery that Ethiopia has to offer is travelling by road. But road conditions in Ethiopia can be poor and given the nature of the terrain a road journey to Axum, for example, takes three days, while the flight from Addis Ababa takes two hours. The scenery by road is, of course, incomparable, but some travelers may lack time. Vehicle hire in Ethiopia is relatively expensive when compared to other countries. Cheaper, less comfortable alternatives are public and private buses running between most towns.

A strict luggage restriction of 20kg per person, and hand luggage, applies to all light aircraft flights within Ethiopia. It is important that you carry soft-sided or “barrel” bags, as hard-sided suitcases (Samsonite-style) cannot be fitted into the small holds of light aircraft, if you use charter flights. Excess baggage may be stored at your hotel in Addis Ababa.

Drivers in Ethiopia use the right lane. A valid international license is required to drive and it is  important that you observe the maximum speed limit within the city, which is 60km/hr.

Helicopter and charter flights are available by prior booking. Helicopters can seat five people, each with a luggage restriction of 10-15kg per person (not negotiable). Charter flights are offered on nine-seater and 12-seater planes. A 20kg lugguage restriction applies. 

Tipping is done at your discretion, for good service. If you have booked a transfer through us, your guide will tip the porters at your hotel. We ask you not to give money, candy or gifts indiscriminately to children as this encourages begging. If you wish to do something for the children you meet, we suggest you bring pencils, pens, crayons, erasers, simple English books, “magic slates” etc. and give them to your guide to distribute to local schools, where they will be much appreciated and of greater overall benefit to the community.

While doctors and dentists are available throughout the country, the major hospitals are located in the large cities. We advise that you bring a first aid pack and sufficient supplies of any drugs that you may need regularly. 

In many tourist sites malaria is not a problem due to high elevation. This is true for Axum, Gondar and Lalibela. In Bahir Dar, however, there is a relatively high incidence of malaria, particularly at the end of the rainy season and after unseasonable rains. Chloroquine resistant strains have been identified in some areas, so you should consult with your doctor before departure if you intend to take prescribed medication. Alternatively, you can keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay with mosquito nets and repellent creams and sprays. If travelling to the Omo Valley, it is highly recommended to take both the yellow fever innoculation and malaria prophylaxis.

It is also worth taking some precautions in regards to food and drinks to avoid any potential health problems. Drinking tap water is not advisable and in certain local places, it is best to drink from the bottles instead of glasses. It is also recommended to eat well cooked food. Eating vegetables and fruit is not a problem provided that you are certain of the cleanliness.

The Ethiopian national dish, injera, is prepared using a grain called Teff. Originally, Teff used to grow only in Ethiopia, but recently it has gained worldwide attention due to its high nutritional value; also that it is gluten and cholesterol free. Once teff is fermented, it is cooked as a flatbread (similar to a pancake) known as injera. The injera forms the base for most local fare including a range of meat dishes, vegetables and sauces. The sauces are generally spiced with berbere – a warm, aromatic blend of herbs and spices (including hot peppers), which gives the cuisine its distinct Ethiopian flavour. 

Ethiopian food is particularly popular with vegetarians, with an extensive selection of tasty vegetable and pulse dishes on offer.  These dishes are devoid of meat, dairy and all other animal products.

Strictly vegetarian dishes accommodate the diets of devout Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, who observe 196 fasting days in a year, during which they abstain from consuming all animal products. Meat lovers will not be disappointed, however, as several beef, lamb and chicken dishes are widely available. Doro Wat, a rich chicken stew, is a dish that is traditionally served on special occasions. 

Along with the traditional Ethiopian meal, it is a customary to drink either t’ej – a type of honey wine, or a local beer called t’ella. Ethiopia also produces its own wines. Dukam and Gouder are dry red wines, while Axumite is sweet red wine. Crystal is dry white wine. Bottled beers are also sold throughout Ethiopia. Brands include Dashen, Habesha, Castel, Bedele, St. George, Harar & Heineken.

In medium to large towns, you will find stationery shops, good pharmacies, music and fashion shops and general convenience stores. Even in small towns you will find convenience stores selling items such as batteries, pens, paper, toiltetries, biscuits and bottled drinks. Most towns and villages have markets. In larger towns these will be open daily, but the main market day throughout the country is Saturday. Supporting local markets  puts money directly into the hands of the local community. 

Many antiquities cannot be exported and may be confiscated if found in airport searches. The National Museum in Addis Ababa can issue a clearance certificate. 

When it comes to shopping for rare gift articles and genuine souvenirs from Ethiopia there is an amazing selection of religious icons, crosses, antique jewelry of various metals, gold and silver jewelery, leather goods of all kinds and pure cotton textiles to choose from.

Drinking tap water is not recommended. Bottled spring and purified water is widely available in most shops, hotels, and restaurants throughout the country. You may use any brand of bottled water as all are safe and reliable.