Africa

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 Ethiopias 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 the 4th century, the monasteries of Lake Tana and the 13th century monolithic rock hewn churches of King Lalibella in Wollo. In the east, the 1000 year old city of Harer, with its 99 mosques, is the fourth holiest place in Islam, after Mecca, Median and Jerusalem. South of Addis Ababa there are a number of Neolithic sites, including the 1.5-1.8 million year old site at Melka Kunture (Oromia Region) and the 400 stelae at Dilla in Sidamo (Southern Region). Elsewhere in the southern region there are remote, medieval monasteries and in Jimma, in Oromia, there is the recently resorted palace of Abba Jiffar, the last independent king of the area.

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.

Ethiopia : Information For Tavellers

MONEY

Official Currency: 1 birr=100 cents
Current Exchange Rate: Today’s Exchange Rate

Travellers cheques are best taken in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling and cash is best taken in US Dollars. Some major credit cards are accepted at major hotels.

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banks: Monday to Thursday 0800-1200 and 1300-1700 Friday 0830-1130 and 1300-1700

Shops: Monday to Friday: 0800-4230 and 1530-1930 Saturday: 0900-1300 and 1500-1900

LOCAL TIME

Ethiopia is three hours ahead of GMT

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND
Air:
International:
Ethiopian Airlines from Asia, Europe, USA and Africa

Domestic:
probably the best way of getting round the country is the good domestic flight service offered by Ethiopian Airlines between the major towns and prices are reasonable.
Train:There is only one route running from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa and conditions can be overcrowded.
Bus:The bus service is run by the government and is extremely slow and unreliable. Fuel shortages often means there is no form of public transport available and this will also have an affect on those who want to hitch.

Self Drive / Car Hire:

Driving is on the right hand side and a valid British licence is acceptable. Although if you intend to drive you should obtain a temporary Ethiopian driving licence. Car are available for hire in Addis Ababa.

Due to the nature of the terrain, road conditions in Ethiopia are poor. Consequently, travel by road can be time consuming and a four-wheel drive can be an advantage.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Jan 7thEthiopian Christmas
Jan 19th Epiphany
Mar 2ndBattle of Adowa
April 6th Victory Day
May 6thMay Day
Sept 11thNew Year’s Day
plus moveable Muslim holidays

ELECTRICAL POWER
Electric Power is 220V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Round pins with ground – view
Round pins with round grounding pin (offset) – view
Round pins with round grounding pin (in-line) – view

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Ethiopia, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country’s local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Apart from nationals of Kenya all visitors to Ethiopia are required to have an entry visa and if you arrive by air it is expected for you to show an onward ticket. Obtaining a single entry tourist visa is not a problem but multiple entry visas are only issued to business travellers.

Ethiopian immigration issues visa upon arrival for the following countries:- Argentina Austria Australia Belgium Brazil Canada China Denmark France Germany Finland Greece Ireland Israel Italy Japan Korea Luxemburg Mexico Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Russia South Africa Sweden Switzerland Taiwan UK USA

We recommend you check your local Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate for the latest visa requirements.

Listing of tourist offices and Embassies located round the world

Weather and climate

The best time to visit the highlands (Addis Ababa) is October-June. From July-September, it’s hotter by about 10 F/5 C and can rain in strong (though infrequent) downpours (called “the big rains”). Around Addis, it can also rain a bit February-June (“the little rains”). Temperatures range 77-59 F/25-15 C. Because of the elevation of most of the country, it’s advisable to bring a sweater year-round.

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 of the taxis in Addis Ababa. Be careful to be accurate when completing your currency declaration forms, and don’t import or export more than US$100 in the local currency.

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 Ethiopians would not accept coins with even minor changes. These are generally worth less than US$10.

Shopping Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am-12:30 pm and 3:30-7:30 pm. Local variations are likely.