Africa Travel Centre understands that traveling in Africa can be a daunting experience, but rest assured that when we plan your trip, every step is organized and seamless, from the moment you enter the airport arrivals hall to when you depart.
There will be someone to greet you with a signboard and your name on it at each airport/hotel/lodge/camp and you will be transferred in comfort and safety - you basically don’t have to think at all from when you arrive.
We provide you with a comprehensive itinerary that details each day’s plan, what time you need to be where, who the provider is and their contact details.
In addition, our team on the ground is available 24/7 so that if there is a hiccup, we can fix it straight away.
In addition to planning your safari, Africa Travel Centre is deeply committed to preserving the natural resources in Africa. We support a number of local, regional and international conservation programs.
Travel Insurance: Africa Travel Centre recommends comprehensive or medical evacuation insurance for all party members for the duration of your trip. Your itinerary and operator(s) for this itinerary may require comprehensive travel insurance. We will provide travel protection information with your pre-departure package, but you may attain the protection from the company of your choice. For certain trips, proof of coverage will be required before final documents are sent.
We recommend AIG: https://tinyurl.com/yc8vz9qj/
Situated in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia boasts extraordinary natural features, a vast range of wildlife, and a captivating historical and cultural heritage. An increasing number of visitors frequent this treasure trove filled with unique attractions. Popular attractions include the medieval castles of Gondar, the walled city of Harar, and Lalibela, a pilgrimage site known for its ancient monolithic churches hewn into the area’s steep rocky hillsides. Ethiopia’s stunning natural landscapes are the real tourist drawcard. From the lush Simien Mountains to the sulphur vents of the Danakil Depression, the country’s outstanding natural environment is unforgettable. Bahir Dar, located on Lake Tana, is popular as a base to explore the fascinating monasteries on the numerous islands dotted around the lake and the Blue Nile Falls, which are arguably the most spectacular falls in North Africa.
Entry Requirements
Kenya - Entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Kenya embassy to verify the information below is current.
- A passport is required for all foreign visitors and must be valid for at least six months.
- Passports must have a clean and a full visa page for endorsement.
- Citizens of most countries require a visa. A list of countries that don’t need a visa is available from the Kenya Immigration Department.
- Visas can be obtained in advance from Kenyan embassies or high commissions
- You can also apply through the online visa-application portal, the official website of the Kenyan Department of Immigration Services.
- A visa can also be obtained on arrival for which you pay cash (new notes only).
- When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
Banking and Currency
Currency:
Local currency: Ethiopian Birr
Symbol: Br
ISO code: ETB
Subunit: santim
Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 birr
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 santim; 1 birr
Banking:
Card Transactions:
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes/No
Diner’s club: Yes/No
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 08:00-17:30
Weekends: 08:00-16:00
Public Holidays:
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Ethiopian Airlines
International Airports: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Road:
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: No
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: No
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes/No
Water taxis: Yes/No
Leisure cruises: Yes/No
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, if peeled and cooked
Ice: No
Meat: Yes, if well-cooked
Street food: No
Local cuisine: Ethiopian cuisine is renowned for its injera, a sourdough flatbread paired with spicy stews like doro wat, a chicken dish, and misir wat, a lentil stew. Meals are often shared from a communal plate, emphasizing a social dining experience. Spices such as berbere add distinctive flavours.
Drinks:
Ethiopean coffee
Areke – Clear alcoholic beverage
Tej - Honey wine
Tipping: 10%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 850.14 mm
Average temperature: 24°C
Summer:
Average Highs: 25°C
Average Lows: 15°C
Winter:
Average Highs: 23°C
Average Lows: 11°C
Best time to visit: The best time to travel to Ethiopia is the dry season between October and June, when the highlands are green and lush, ideal for hiking.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: No
Cafes: No
Shopping malls: No
Public parks: Yes, in Addis Ababa.
Libraries: No
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: C, E, F, G and L
Voltage (V): 220 V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 V
*A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
