Frequently Asked Questions
Know what to expect before you go.
Our all-inclusive travel tips guide will prepare you with everything you need to know about travelling in Ethiopia.
When should I travel to ethiopia?
You can come to Ethiopia any time of year.
The rainy season usually spans from June to August, and though treks in the Simien Mountains National Park are not recommended in the rainy months, shorter trips (1-3 days) are still possible.
January to March is a great time to come if you are looking to catch some ofEthiopia's most exciting festivals like Timkat and Leddet, or are looking to see wildlife during your trip.
Visit Our Tours page to find the best time of year to visit specific Ethiopian attractions and sites.
Are your tour guides experienced and professional?
Yes, all of my guides are experienced, professional, and friendly. Learn more about my team here.
What is your reservation and cancellation policy?
I am happy to accommadate your trip reservations at anytime before you arrive.
Usually, I recommend booking trips and tours about two months before you arrive. You are required to down pay 20% of the total trip price upon confirmation. The total price is settled on the starting day of the tour.
For special events and festivals, I recommend booking four months before you arrive. You are required to down pay 20% percent of the total trip price upon confirmation. The total price is settled on the starting day of the tour.
Cancellations made 30 days before departure are 100% refunded, 80% refunded with 20 days notice, and 70% refunded with less than 20 days given notice. Postponing your trip may be negotiated for no charge.
how many people can i bring on my tRip, and are there any age restrictions?
We love to host groups from 1 to 15 people. We are also happy to accommadate groups over 15 people, please contact us for more details.
We welcome children on all other tours when accompanied by a family memeber.
For solo trips, we accept all travellers above 17 years old.
We do not generally recommend trekkking the Simien Mountains for those over 78 years old, unless travelling with a family group. For all mountain trekking, we require minimum age of 18 years old.
Please note that some monasteries and holy sites of Ethiopia do not allow women on the premises.
what quality are the hotels and accommodations in ethiopia?
IS THERE WI-FI access in Ethiopia?
There are some hotels and hotspots that do provide Wi-Fi in Ethiopia, but be aware that it may not always be available.
Can I use my cell phone while in ethiopia?
Local SIM cards can be easily purchased in Ethiopia so you can use your phone. Cell phone service varys across the country but is best in the larger cities like Addis Ababa
DO I NEED A VISA to visit ethiopia?
Travelers from most countries can obtain a Visa upon arriving at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. The cost is approximately US$50. If you are travelling by land to Ethiopia, you have to obtain your visa in advance.
IS ETHIOPIA SAFE?
Yes – Ethiopia is very safe. Crime is rare, especially against travelers. Use common sense, and basic precautions that you would when travelling to any new country and keep your valuables secured.
We take extra care to curate your travel and pre-hire all guides.
When in doubt, ask any member of our team for assistance and we will be happy to help.
The following government websites offer travel advisories and information for travelers:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (www.smartraveller.gov.au)
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade (www.voyage.gc.ca)
French Ministère des Affaires Étrangères et Européennes (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs)
Italian Ministero degli Affari Esteri (www.viaggiaresicuri.mae.aci.it)
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (www.safetravel.govt.nz)
UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice)
US Department of State (www.travel.state.gov)
WHAT IF I HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY?
We strongly recommend you purchase travel medical insurance before you arrive. Familiarize yourself with your policy and make sure it covers the activities you wish to partake in during your visit.
For example, sometimes trekking may be excluded from your insurance policy. It is also important to know whether your policy will reimburse you for your expenses later, or will reimburse the providers immediately.
Your insurance should also cover emergency transport to get you to a hospital in a major city or home.
Do I have to BE VACCINATED to visit ethiopia?
You must provide proof of yellow-fever vaccination for travel to Ethiopia.
It is recommended that you obtain vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal meningitis, rabies and typhoid, and boosters for tetanus, cholera, diphtheria and measles.
WILL YOU MEET ME AT THE AIRPORT?
Absolutely! We would be delighted to pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel.
WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN IN ETHIOPIA?
Amharic, Tigrinya, Oromo, Somali, Afar, Arabic and French
WILL I BE ABLE TO USE MY CELL PHONE?
Local SIM cards are widely available and can be used in most international mobile phones. Coverage is extensive but service unreliable.
Do you have more questions?
We have answers and are happy to assist you in any way we can. Please use the contact form below to send us your questions and we will get back to you as soon as possible.