Ethiopia : General Information
Ethiopia is a land of enormous ethnic diversity, with people of Semitic, Hamitic, Nilotic and Omotic stock. There are more than 80 ethnic groups and as many languages. In terms of religion, Christians and Muslims make up approximately 40% of the population each (Christians being slightly more preponderant), the remaining 20% animists and others.
Ethiopia is just about the only country in Africa never to have been colonised, and its people have a proud tradition of fighting for their independence. The pride is justified. Ethiopia is home not only to nearly a hundred different tribes, each with its own language, and also to an astonishing array of animal and bird life, much of it unique to this wonderful country.
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Madagascar: General Information for travellers
LOCAL TIME
Madagascar is 3 hours ahead of GMT
VISAS & IMMIGRATION
All visitors must have visas, except citizens of some African countries. Proof of return ticket is required. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from departure date. If you are arriving from the African continent you must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
MONEY
Official Currency: Malagasy franc
Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and most the large hotels. Credit cards are accepted at the major hotels. It is advisable to take with you foreign currency in US Dollar as generally air travel
Ethiopia : History
There is a growing consensus among archeologists and anthropologists that the human species originated in Ethiopia. In 1994 the oldest human remains ever discovered, the 4.4 million old bones of Homo Ramidus Afarensis, were found in Ethiopia’s Afar region - the previous record was held by "Lucy" or "Dinkinish" (Amharic for "wonderful"), who at 3.4 million years was a relative youngster.
Ethiopia has extensive historic sites, particularly in the north of the country, where the visitor can see constructions dating from the first millennium BC, the stelae and tombs of the Axumite kings, rock hewn churches dating from
Shopping in Ethiopia
It is better to check with government authorities or the National Museum before purchasing antiques (including Ethiopian crosses) or animal skins. Amber, biblical-story pictures, wood carvings, silver, coffee, original uniforms of Haile Selassie's army, tribal daggers, leather shields and local handicrafts. You can visit the Ethiopian Handicraft School in Addis to see craftsmen making handicrafts. Beware of some old coins: Millions of Austrian Maria Theresa thalers, all minted with a date of 1780, were produced by the Italians for use during their occupation of Ethiopia between 1935 and 1937 - the 1780 date was never changed because
Ethiopia Travel Tips
Do take along a coat and tie, as they may be needed for the good restaurants. Address people by using Mr. Mrs. or Miss preceding their first name. Don't take pictures of military installations, airports, bridges, etc. and ask permission before taking photographs of people. Don't give money to beggars; the local children may quit school to earn. You can expect beggars to thrust their hands inside your taxi if a window is open. There's not much you can do about it, however: Beggars have already removed the hand cranks used to raise and lower windows on most
Cameroon : General Travel information
Passport/Visa Requirements: Passports, visas, proof of onward passage and sufficient funds are required of Australian, Canadian, U.K. and U.S. citizens. Reconfirm travel document requirements with your carrier before departing.
Capital: Yaounde.
Languages: English, French, indigenous languages.
Predominant Religions: Animist, Christian, Islamic.
Time Zone: 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+1 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Voltage Requirements: 220 volts.
Telephone Codes: 237, country code.
Weather and climate
Because of Cameroon's varied topography, no one time is perfect for visiting the whole country. We prefer December-March, because that period is generally the driest nationwide and most of the game parks are open
