Ethiopia Travel Guide
Season • Note
Are November and December good months to visit Ethiopia?
November
High
season
December
High
season
Did you know?
The population of Ethiopia is around 114.96 mil., which puts the country in 12. place in terms of population (out of 231 countries and dependent territories).
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Addis Ababa (ET) and Washington D.C. (US) is 7162 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Addis Ababa click here
Country Comparison
Compare Ethiopia to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Ethiopia
| Miles | Addis Ababa | Lalibela | Axum | Bahir Dar | Mekele | Hawassa | Bale Mountains National Park | Awash National Park |
| Addis Ababa | - | 210 | 353 | 201 | 313 | 137 | 165 | 87 |
| Lalibela | 210 | - | 146 | 116 | 105 | 347 | 364 | 226 |
| Axum | 353 | 146 | - | 197 | 67 | 489 | 510 | 371 |
| Bahir Dar | 201 | 116 | 197 | - | 192 | 323 | 366 | 258 |
| Mekele | 313 | 105 | 67 | 192 | - | 450 | 462 | 318 |
| Hawassa | 137 | 347 | 489 | 323 | 450 | - | 84 | 167 |
| Bale Mountains National Park | 165 | 364 | 510 | 366 | 462 | 84 | - | 148 |
| Awash National Park | 87 | 226 | 371 | 258 | 318 | 167 | 148 | - |
A Brief History of Ethiopia
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
> 4.4 Million Years Ago
HominidsHominids, early ancestors of humans, live in what is now eastern Ethiopia. It is one of their earliest known locations.
400 B.C.
Kingdom of AksumThe Kingdom of Aksum, in northern Ethiopia, is born. It evolves into a rich trading nation by the first century A.D.
300s A.D.
ChristianityChristianity becomes the official religion of the Kingdom of Aksum.
1150 - 1270
Zagwe DynastyThe Zagwe Dynasty rules over the northern highlands. The kings introduce a sense of unity and stability.
1300s
Kebra NegastThe Ethiopian holy book, the Kebra Negast (Glory of the Kings), is published. It describes the legendary Queen of Sheba's visit to the court of King Solomon in Jerusalem in the 10th century B.C.
1888 - 1892
Evil DaysThe Kefu Qan (Evil Days), one of Ethiopia's most severe famines, is triggered by a cattle plague and drought.
1896
Battle of AdwaEthiopians defeat Italy in the Battle of Adwa. It is the first time Africans defeat a European power's attempt to conquer land.
1930
Land of coffeeHaile Selassie is crowned emperor. During his reign, slavery is abolished and Ethiopia begins to modernize. Coffee becomes a major crop and export.
1936 - 1941
Italian occupationItaly occupies Ethiopia. Haile Selassie forms an alliance with Britain. In 1941, Ethiopian and British forces drive Italian forces out of Addis Ababa.
1974
Socialist stateThe military pushes Haile Selassie out and ends the monarchy. A harsh socialist state is established.
1998 - 2000
War with EritreaA border war between Ethiopia and Eritrea costs over 70,000 lives. A peace agreement is eventually reached.
2011
Border tensionThe Ethiopia-Eritrea border remains closed.
Best Ways to Experience Ethiopia
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreEthiopian Birr (ETB)
- ETB
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- ETB
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Ethiopia.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Cholera
Cholera is a disease of the digestive tract caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.The most common infection occurs through the ingestion, mainly through water contaminated with human faeces, and also through food (mainly fruit, seafood). Less often by contact with the sick person and their environment.Prevention
- Eat and drink safely
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Ethiopia
Areas with malaria
Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)
Meningococcal disease is any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.Infection occurs through droplets - through contact with the secretion of the patient or the host, e.g. when coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing cutlery or dishes.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Ethiopia for tourism
A visa is required, but can be obtained through the relevant website.
- Allowed stay: up to 90 days
- Visitors are fingerprinted
- Visa on arrival is obtainable only at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. eVisa holders must arrive via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. eVisas are available for 30 or 90 days.
Electricity
220V (50 Hz)
In Ethiopia the standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C, F sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type C
Type FFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 12 / 231 Ranking | 114 963 588 Oromo 34.4%, Amhara (Amara) 27%, Somali (Somalie) 6.2%, Tigray (Tigrinya) 6.1%, Sidama 4%, Gurage 2.5%, Welaita 2.3%, Hadiya 1.7%, Afar (Affar) 1.7%, Gamo 1.5%, Gedeo 1.3%, Silte 1.3%, Kefficho 1.2% |
Area | 28 / 230 Ranking | 426.4 thous. mi² It is approximately 12% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 154 / 196 Ranking | 67.9 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 65.8women 70.1 |
Median age | 23 / 157 Ranking | 19.8 Average age of population expressed in years.men 19.6women 20.1 |
Population growth | 21 / 172 Ranking | 2.5% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 118 / 131 Ranking | 51.8% Ability to read, write and count.men 57.2%women 44.4% |
GDP | 173 / 194 Ranking | 2 422 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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