9 Days Omo Valley Tribes of Ethiopia

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.

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 
 

Ethiopian Airlines is reasonably priced and has fairly comprehensive domestic services. Flights are often overbooked, so it is essential to reconfirm your tickets at least a day in advance and show up at the airport on time. If you forget to reconfirm, they may assume you aren't going to show up and give away your seats.

Tip: Booking tickets for Ethiopian Airlines on-line works out to be very expensive compared to booking at their office in Addis Ababa. Even better: If you have booked your international trip to Ethiopia via Ethiopian Airlines's webpages you will get a 50% discount on domestic flights.

Ethiopian buses fit into one of the following categories: the ubiquitous minibuses or matatus (typically Toyota vans that carry up to 14 people) that operate throughout the region; small to large sized passenger buses called "Higer bus" (named after the manufacturer) that often travel between regions ("1st level" to "3rd level" indicating the class); luxury buses (Korean modern standard buses) going between the main cities, and the large (often double-jointed) red Addis Ababa city buses.

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% 

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. 

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 cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: No 
Cafes: No 
Shopping malls: No 
Public parks: Yes, in Addis Ababa. 
Libraries: No 

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.