Ethiopia really is an African land like no other. The only African country that has never been colonised, Ethiopia is also unusual for its rich Orthodox Christian heritage, which was maintained even when all its neighbors embraced Islam in the seventh century. Ethiopia is famous for having the most unparalleled riches and historical legacy in Sub-Saharan Africa. Referring to the classic historic travel circuit followed to the south and east, one commonly visits 5 key destinations: Axum, Lalibela, Gondar, Bahir Dar and Harar.
The northern landscape was breathtaking; dramatic mountains and vast highland tablelands riven by deep gorges and rivers, expansive tracts of subsistence farming stretching to the horizon and on every terraced ledge that the steep hillsides would allow. As the heartland of the Ethiopian Orthodox church, the religious celebrations and architecture were like nothing we’d ever experienced; Axum, Gheralta and Lalibela are unique living shrines, true to a faith that has remained virtually unchanged since the earliest days of Christianity.
Travelling south, our days focused more on wildlife and tribal communities as we followed the huge East African Rift Valley through the lush lakes region and onto the dry low-lying plains of the South Omo Valley. As we continue visiting the various Omo tribes, observing their animist way of life and witnessing authentic customs and traditions, such as the bull-jumping and body scarification of the Hamer, the bizarre lip ornamentation of the Mursi and the incredible banana leaf architecture of the Dorze, we felt as if we had entered an African world of an earlier time, the way of life still largely untouched by outside influences
Simien National Park
A stupendous landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. Featuring 1,000m high escarpments, rugged pinnacles and towering buttresses, this park is home to the endemic Gelada Monkeys, Walia Ibex and the Ethiopian Wolf and to the World’s highest density of Lammergeyer, the huge bearded-vulture. The park is a scenic gem, the short walks are exciting and wildlife viewing is rewarding.Lake Tana / Blue NileFalls
Lake Tana is Ethiopia’s largest lake and primary source of the Blue Nile. Walk to the Blue Nile Falls where the river drops over an impressive 45m high escarpment on its way to join the White Nile.
Rift Valley and the Lakes Region
South of Addis, enter the gigantic East African Rift Valley that slices the African continent from the Red Sea to Mozambique. Enjoy the lakes – swim in Lake Langano and go boating on Lake Chama to find the hippos, gigantic crocodiles and a huge variety of birds; 800 bird species are found in Ethiopia and many of these are found in the Rift.
Amazing Historical and Cultural Heritage Axum
The oldest city in Ethiopia and the holiest city of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. According to Orthodox Christian belief, Axum is the home of the Ark of the Covenant. Visit Stelae Park and observe ancient religious rituals.
Rock Hewn Churches of Tigray
More than a hundred rock-hewn monasteries are clustered in the cliffs and promontories of the Tigray region. Climb/hike along incredible pathways to discover cliff-face rock-hewn churches and tiny chapels that are filled with medieval paintings and sacred artifacts. Some fantastic short walks are optional participation.
Lalibela
Unofficially recognized as the 8th Wonder of the Ancient World, the 12th and 13th century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are unique. Totally carved below ground level, the churches have been a focal point for the devout highland people for eight centuries and today are living Christian shrines. People come to services and prayers each day and colourful traditional ceremonies can be observed. Behind the town is Asheton Maryam Monastery at almost 4,000m, the hike takes 4 hours return, it’s a fabulous morning walk for those who make the climb as the views are stunning
Lake Tana Monasteries
The Tana islands and peninsulas are home to a host of 14th Century Ethiopian Orthodox Monasteries, where the amazing untouched murals and artifacts are a visual encyclopedia of Ethiopia’s religious heritage.
Tigray
Tigray is Ethiopia's best-kept secret. This northernmost region of the country was the birthplace of Ethiopia's Axumite Empire, and among the first regions to have embraced Christianity, a heritage still visible in the numerous rock churches that dot its rugged landscape.
Harar
Harar is an important Muslim holy city, home to no fewer than 90 mosques. Though it lacks the historic marvels of Gondar and Axum, Harar is one of Ethiopia's liveliest, most welcoming cities.
Gondar
A medieval Capital city and Royal Compound of the 17th and 18th Century kings, Gondar is often referred to as the “Camelot of Ethiopia”
Danakil Depression
Dallol in the Dannakil Desert is one of the lowest places on earth at 116 meter below sea level, where lakes of acid form colorful sulfur formations in the hottest and deepest part of the Danakil depression where salt is excavated, cut salt into slabs and loaded on to caravans of camels. Volcano Erta Ale is globally recognized as one of the most alluring and yet physically challenging natural attractions.
The South Omo Valley
The Omo Valley is home to a dozen or so animist tribes whose striking body adornments and traditional lifestyle scarcely acknowledge that the modern world exists. This region is a living anthropological museum, where the tribes still practice body scarring and body painting and create amazing ochre-coated hairstyles. To visit the Mursi, Hamer, Konso, Ari, Karo and Dorze people in their traditional villages, is a true once–in-a-lifetime experience
Daily Schedule
Please be aware that most days involve around 8/9hrs on-the-go including sights/visits and activities, comfort and lunch breaks, photo stops and drive-time, however on one or two days this will extend out to 10+hrs.Days will generally start between 7:30 - 8:30 and reach or return to our hotel between 16:00 - 17:00. However, the passing scene is always riveting, with varied scenery and sites, and lots of animals and people going about their daily lives.
Transport:
We will use a private bus charter for the northern loop Addis to Lalibela , a domestic flight as stated in the itinerary and 4WD Land Cruisers for the offroads. Roads can be tar sealed or shingle (dusty), sometimes bumpy and slow due to road works and/or rain damage, although most of the time a reasonable pace can be maintained. Both 4WDs and the bus will be air-conditioned.
Luggage:
A medium sized wheelie bag (no more than 65/70ltrs capacity, measuring 130/132 linear cm) works well, but for ease of handling please keep baggage as light as possible (12 -14kg).
Accommodation:
Hotels/Lodges - Twin/double rooms the norm. Hotels / Lodges anticipated are essentially Star**/***/****/(*****in Addis)/. In some remote places hotels is basic and simplistic.
Meals
The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.
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Lunch price
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Dinner price
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Beer price
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Water price
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~$3 - 5
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~$6 - 10
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~$0.5
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~$0.5
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Weather
– Anticipate sunshine most days, generally all day, with comfortably warm temperatures in the north, but in the South it can get rather hot (30s+), especially for the 2 to 3 days when we are in the south. Nights can be cool in the north, even cold in a couple of places, so a jacket and set of thermals should be taken.
The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest places on Earth so please come prepared. Our trips to the Danakil run from Oct – Feb as this is the cooler time of year but this can still mean daytime temperatures up to and around 40C. Night time temperatures in the Danakil are in the 20s (C) and rainfall is very rare. Harar and Mekele will be cooler, but the vast majority of this trip is likely to be very hot.
Daytime temperatures are mainly warm and comfortable but early morning and evenings in the highlands can be cold. We recommend layers and a thick jumper or fleece, plus a lightweight wind/waterproof jacket. A hat is essential. Take swimwear if you plan to use the hotel's pools. Comfortable, good walking shoes with ankle support are strongly recommended as well as comfortable sandals.
Clothing
Visitors should take light, summer clothes for the day time and something warm for the evenings, like a sweater or jacket. The temperature drops quite rapidly towards sunset. Simian or Bale Mountains trekkers should bring warm clothes and water proofs for unexpected seasonal rains.
Dress is conservative – Women should not show bare knees or shoulders, so no singlets/sleeveless tops or pants/skirts shorter than mid-calf. Men, no bare chests and as wearing shorts is considered odd, stick to longs and ¾ pants or long shorts at the very least. Generally light weight pants/skirts and t-shirts are the order of the day, with a set of warm layer-up clothing and jacket for the cooler mountain locations.
Walks and Hikes
While most walks are not difficult, a couple are only suitable for those who enjoy scrambling and have a good head for heights. When there are longer more technical walks we try offer an alternative activity as well.
Foreign Exchange
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Local currency
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Ethiopian Birr ETB
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Travellers Cheques
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Very difficult to exchange and are not recommended.
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Credit Card Acceptance
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Accepted in most of the hotels in major towns. Limited in the banks
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ATM Availability
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Available in most of the major towns. In the remote areas it is very Limited. Ask your tour guide the availability
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Where To Exchange
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Your Tour guide will advise you. All banks give exchange service
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Recommended Currency For Exchange
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It is advisable to take your spending money in Sterling, Euros or US Dollars cash (high denomination notes usually get better exchange rates). Please note that any pre- 1999 or torn US Dollar bills will not be accepted in Ethiopia. Please keep any receipts as you may be able to change back any unused local currency.
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Equipment
A hat and sun cream are essential throughout the trip. A torch can be useful in the case of power outages.
For the walking in the Simien Mountains and Lalibela, a pair of good walking shoes/boots are essential and walking pole(s) if you use these regularly.
A filter water bottle is very useful on this trip to ensure you have access to clean drinking water at all times.
Food
The Ethiopian national dish consists of Enjera, a flat, circular pancake of fermented made from an endemic grain seed called teff, served with different kinds of cooked meats, vegetables and different sauce, The sauces are generally spiced with berbere, a blend of herbs and spices (including hot peppers) that gives Ethiopian food its characteristic taste. Vegetarians should try "fasting food" (for devout Ethiopian Orthodox Christians fast days make up more than half the year), a colorful spread of salads and vegetables devoid of all meat and animal products.
Usually One eats national dishes with the right hand (water for washing is usually brought to the table before the food is served).
Addis Ababa now boasts of a wide variety of restaurants traditional, Italian, Far East and western, and at hotels in tourist sites European style foods are always available. If you are travelling to remote areas and camping, such as the Omo Valley and parts of southern Ethiopia, our company provide professional cook with first class cooking materials it is also advisable to inform your interest of food during booking.
1- Check availability
Go online to check availability, you can get this on the 'Trip Status' in the Price section above or contact us by phone or email.
2- Complete your booking
When you're ready to book, complete the online booking form or send an email stating which program you choose.
3- Deposit
Once you send your confirmation of the tour by email or online form, we will send you the invoice and detailed information for payment.
Please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in your home country
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Flexible booking conditions, guaranteed refund option, COVID-19 refund promise
Hotels in Addis Ababa
Hilton Addis Ababa
Location. Hilton Addis Ababa is located in Addis Ababa, close to ECA Conference Center, Menelik II's...
Harmony Hotel
Location. Located in central Addis Ababa, Harmony Hotel is near the airport and close to Medhane Alem...
Sheraton Addis
Location. Sheraton Addis is located in Addis Ababa, close to Menelik II's Palace, Addis Ababa Stadium,...
Intercontinental Hotel Addis
Location. Intercontinental Hotel is located in central Addis Ababa, close to ECA Conference...
Radisson Blu Hotel, Addis Ababa
Location. Radisson Blu Hotel is located in central Addis Ababa, close to ECA Conference
Saro-Maria hotel Addis Ababa 4 stared hotel- Bole Medhanealem
Hotels Out Side Addis Ababa
Paradise Lodge-Arbaminch
Paradise Lodge is located in Arba Minch which, in Amharic, means “forty springs”. The hotel enjoys a spectacular
hilltop setting overlooking Rift Valley basin. The location makes an ideal base from which to explore, and is the gateway to the remote villages and unspoiled cultures of the magnificent Omo Valley.
Jinka Eco-Lodge -Jinka
A new eco-lodge located on the outskirts of Jinka town across the Neri River, one of the tributaries to the great
Omo River and near the Arie village, one of the main tribes of Jinka. The lodge offers horse back riding,
trekking in the beautiful mountains surrounding Jinka, home-cooked meals from their own garden, plus eco-friendly tented cabins with great views.
Buska Lodge
Turmi, Ethiopia
Buska Lodge overlooks the plains of Buska Mountain and has been constructed to blend beautifully in to the natural surroundings.
Goha Hotel
Gondar
The best hotel in Gondar with spacious rooms
Abay Minch Lodge
Bahar Dar, Ethiopia
Abay Minch Lodge is situated in the outskirts of Bahar Dar, close to Lake Tana. The rooms are in small bungalows
and the garden is well kept and peaceful.
Tukul Village Lodge
Lalibela, Ethiopia Tukul Village is a new hotel with attractive views of Lalibela and its surroundings. It is within walking distance of many of the ancient churches, including the Church of St George.
Sabana Resort
Langano, Ethiopia
The best resort on the shores of Lake Langano. Bungalows are situated on a cliff top, each having their own
distinctive view over the expansive Lake Langano with the Arsi Mountains in the background and are built with
local materials and simple designs. Surrounded by green grass, acacia and palm trees, local flowers and a sandy
beach area.
Awassa- Haile Resort is the best hotel in town
Yared Zema hotel
Axum
Overlooking Axum’s exceptional northern Stelae field, and the Queen of Sheba’s bathing pool, Consular boasts the best location in Axum.
Kanta Lodge
Konso, Ethiopia
A new eco-lodge with solar-heated water and Ethiopian style bungalows located on a hillside with lovely views.
Debark- Semien Lodge
Location and size
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is situated in the Northern east of Africa customary known as the horn of Africa. so called because of the horn, shaped tip of the continent and it is about twice the size of France, has an area of 1,112,000 square kilometers, About 65 percent is presently cultivated. Ethiopia Shares its boundaries with Eritrea north and north east, Djibouti Easter part, Somalia south east and south, Kenya south and Sudan in the western side.
Capital
The capital of Ethiopia is Addis Ababa which mean (NEW FLOWER), founded in 1886 by Empress Taytu as Addis Ababa, currently the population of Addis Ababa is estimated to be 6(six) millions, Addis Ababa also known as the capital of Africa by hosting many international organization headquarters, UN for Africa (ECA), the AU (African union) and other Diplomatic mission for Africa.
Climate
Throughout most of the country there are two major seasons: the dry season prevails from October through May; the wet season runs from June to mid of September.
Language
Amharic is the official language, but there are 80 other local language which is dialectic to some 200. English and Arabic are wildly used and Italian and French is spoken.
Religion
Ethiopian Christian churches both the Ethiopian Orthodox and Protestant churches are dominan which cover almost 62 % of the population, Islam will cover 33% mainly in the east and south.
Currency
The Local currency is an Ethiopian Birr, made up of 100 Cents, Visitors may import an unlimited amount of foreign currency, but they need decoration to the customs authority upon arrival.
Time and calendar
Ethiopia is in GMT +3 hours’ time Zone, and follows the unique Julian calendar which is seven years and eight months behind the Gorgonian calendar, consists of thirteen month, the twelve months consists of 30 days each and the last (13th Month) will have 5 or 6 days during leap year, The New Year fall on the 11th of September.
When to come
Ethiopia can be visited all round the year, but for some special route like the south west Ethiopia and Danakil (Dallol) depression contact us to know the detail.
Accommodation
Addis Ababa has two 5 stat hotels- the Hilton and the Sheraton (Luxury collection) and a growing number of tourist class hotels. Standards vary outside the capital, but apart from some remote areas where camping is unavoidable it is generally possible to get relatively clean rooms with en suite toilet and shower.
Communication
Telephone, Tele fax, Internet, e-mail and postal facilities are available in the country. Internet services are available in major cities and towns.The international dialing code for Ethiopia is +251.
Customs
Duty-free import are permitted for up to:
200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars or 1/2 lb of tobacco
1 liter of alcoholic beverages
1/2 liter, or two bottles of perfumes
Visitors may export souvenirs with a value not exceeding Birr 500, although some articles (such as animal skins and antiques) require an export permit.
Economy
About 90 per cent of the population earn their living from the land, mainly as subsistence agriculture, Agriculture is the backbone of the national economy and the principal exports from this sector are coffee, oil seeds, flowers, vegetables, sugar and foodstuffs for animals. There is also a thriving livestock sector, Annual growth rate: 10%.
Courier and Money Transfer Services
Money transfers can be made through Western Union and Money Gram. Both have representative branches in Addis Ababa and outside in some of the major towns and make their services available from private and national banks. For courier services, DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT, and EMS have offices in Addis Ababa.
Visa
visa is required for all visitors to Ethiopia and they can get from Ethiopian Diplomatic Mission abroad ,Visitors from the countries listed below can obtain visa on arrival at Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa): Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Kuwait, Luxemburg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, and US.
People
Ethiopia’s population is estimated around 110 million, that makes second highest population in the continent. Ethiopia is composed of about 83 ethnic groups. Based on the linguistic they speak, they can be divided into Semitic, Cushitic, Omotic and Nilotic Saharan.
Transportation
Surface Transpiration: There is asphalt road which will connect the whole tourist destination except the southern Omo Valley, for this route you need to have (4 X 4); the road is a grave and dry weather road. Air Transportation: The National carrier is Ethiopian Airlines www.ethiopianairlines.com which has extensive domestic flight network flying to several destinations including the popular tourist destination Axum, Lalibela, Gonder, Bahir Dar, Mekelle, Dere Dawa, Arba Minch, Jimma.
Heath requirement
A visitor should have a valid health certificate for yellow fever, vaccination against cholera is also required for any person who has visited or transited a cholera-infected area within six days of arriving in Ethiopia.
Banking Hours
Banking hours are usually from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday and from 8:00 am - 11:00 am on Saturdays. Closing times may be an hour longer in some private banks. Most banks work through lunchtime including foreign exchanges services.
Energy
Ethiopia uses 220 volts and 50HZ, it is best to bring your own round, two-prong adapter and transfer if necessary.
Clothing
Visitors should take light, summer clothes for the day time and something warm for the evenings, like a sweater or jacket. The temperature drops quite rapidly towards sunset. Simian or bale Mountains trekkers should bring warm clothes and water proofs for unexpected seasonal rains. Shoes must always be removed before entering churches and mosques, foe more information in clothing please contact us.
Safety
Ethiopia is generally a safe country, and Addis Ababa a safe capital city, but one should still take the normal precautions, avoiding unfamiliar areas at night and not carrying large sums of money in accessible pockets. It is advisable to beware of pickpockets operating in certain areas, skilled at identifying new arrivals, other than that violent robbery and muggings are rare and generally visitors can tour the city day and night in safety. Safety is one of the main factors that are considered while stunning Ethiopia Tour organizes its trips.
Brief Historical and geographical information
Ethiopia (formerly known as Abyssinia) is located in the east of Africa, commonly known as the Horn of Africa. It covers an area of 1, 1 12,000kmq, twice the area of France, and according to the recent census has an estimated population of 82 million inhabitants with 80 ethnic groups. It is bounded on the northeast by Eritrea and Djibouti, on the east and southeast by Somalia, on the south by Kenya and on the west by Sudan. The Ethiopian landscape is dominated by a volcanic plateau with an average altitude of 2000 meter above sea level, which decreases towards the country's borders on three sides. The Great Rift Valley which begins at Jordan, Red Sea and traverses long distance all the way the Danakil depression (which contains the lowest point on the earth 120 meter below sea levels) continuing towards the south of Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and finally Mozambique. Ethiopia known as cradle of human kind, it is almost certain that human beings and their hominid ancestors evolved in the eastern zone of the Rift Valley: Lucy, our most distant ancestor, who lived 3.2 million years ago, was found in the rift Valley region a place called Hadar.Ethiopia has a very strong cultural identity, which has been preserved thanks to a long period of independence, lasting practically until present times.
Food
The Ethiopian national dish consists of Enjera, a flat, circular pancake of fermented made from an endemic grain seed called teff, served with different kinds of cooked meats, vegetables and different sauce, The sauces are generally spiced with berbere, a blend of herbs and spices (including hot peppers) that gives Ethiopian food its characteristic taste. Vegetarians should try "fasting food" (for devout Ethiopian Orthodox Christians fast days make up more than half the year), a colorful spread of salads and vegetables devoid of all meat and animal products.
Usually One eats national dishes with the right hand (water for washing is usually brought to the table before the food is served).
Addis Ababa now boasts of a wide variety of restaurants traditional, Italian, Far East and western, and at hotels in tourist sites European style foods are always available. If you are travelling to remote areas and camping, such as the Omo Valley and parts of southern Ethiopia, our company provide professional cook with first class cooking materials it is also advisable to inform your interest of food during booking.
Tipping
In most hotels and restaurants, a 10 per cent service charge is added to the bill. Tipping is a fairly frequent custom, but amounts are depending on the service quality differ.
Government
The Ethiopia is an independent republic operating under the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The president is the head of state, while the prime minister is the head of government.
Ethiopian Holidays
Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) 11 September
Meskel (The find of the true cross) 27 September
Genna Ethiopian Christmas: birth of Christ) 7 January
Timkat Ethiopian Epiphany: baptism of Christ) 19 January
Adwa Day (commemorates the victory by Menelik II over Italy in 1896) 2 March
Patriots' Day (celebrates end of Italian occupation in 1941) 6 April
International Labour Day 1 May
Ethiopian Good Friday May (variable)
Fasika (Ethiopian Easter Sunday) May or April (variable)
Idd al Fitr (end of month of fasting for Ramadan) May (variable)
Idd al Adha August (variable)
Entry points
Travelers using rail ways on the Djibouti border is the only point of entry to Ethiopia and those driving to Ethiopia via surface, Moyale (in Kenya), Humera and Metema (in Sudan), and again Galafi in Djibouti are the available means of entries. All arrivals undergo full customs and immigration checks.
For the major part of travelers accessing via flight, the Bole International Airport is the only terminal available in the Capital Addis Ababa though there are other domestic airports and airstrips serving domestic needs.
Driving
Drivers require a valid International Driving License, which can be obtained by exchanging their local license at the Transport and Road Authority office in Addis Ababa. Visitors can recover their original license a day or so prior to departure. Those with their own Vehicle will require a permit from the ministry of Transport and communication. Driving is on the right.
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES
Ethiopian Airlines International destinations
Services to: 66 International and 17 Domestic destinations
Flexible booking conditions, guaranteed refund option, COVID-19 refund promise