Health
Prior to entry, visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also required for any person who has visited or transited a cholera- infected area within six days prior to his/her arrival in Ethiopia. Harlem Tours and Car Rental clients won’t be worried as our guides and drivers take care of them while on tour. While camping we serve fresh and well cooked meals.
Best Time to Visit
Ethiopia can be visited any time of the year as it provides you with 13 months of sunshine or any kind of weather you like, depending on the region that you want to visit and/or the activities you want to engage in.
Food and Drinks
The food and drink of Ethiopia reflects the many different cultures. A typical dish is wot, a hot spicy stew of meat or vegetables, seasoned with a blend of Berbere (chili powder). It is made with Doro (chicken), and normally served with Injera, the traditional spongy pancake made from a fermented Teff Flour batter. Ethiopia produces its own wines: Dukam and Gouder are fine reds, while Axumite is sweeter. Crystals is a dry white wine. The famous honey wine or Tej is found all over the country as is Tela, a local beer, and Katikala distillated liquor.
Religion
Christianity and Islam are the two main religions in Ethiopia making up 90% of the population each with other religions making up the rest. Most of the Christians belong to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. While visiting churches, shoes must be removed before entering the building. One should never smoke anywhere near a church. Only priests are allowed to step into the Holy of Holies where the ‘TABOT’ replica of the Ark of the Covenant is kept.
Hotels
Addis Ababa has hotels that cater for all pockets, from the luxurious Sheraton, Intercontinental and Hilton hotels to the tourist class hotels. Outside Addis, mainly in the ‘Historic Route’ good standard hotels are available. However, to visit the remote and the people of the wilderness, our camping equipments are of a high standard.
Climate
There are two seasons: the dry season prevails from October through May; the wet season runs from June to September.
Visas
Passport, Visa & Health Requirements
Passport, visa and health requirements vary from country to country. Contact your travel agent or the nearest Ethiopian ticket office for current passport, visa and health requirements of the countries you are planning to travel to.
Many countries require proof of return/onward and sufficient funds for your stay. Please contact the nearest Consulate of the country to which you are traveling to for additional information.
Passengers traveling on Ethiopian Airlines between Vienna and Stockholm who require entry visa to Schengen countries must have a valid multiple Schengen visa.Passengers holding a single country Schengen visa to enter Sweden or another Schengen country cannot travel on Ethiopian Airlines flight between Stockholm and Vienna. A multiple Schengen visa is required.
This is because the flight is operated as transit flight carrying international passengers beyond European airports.
Passengers traveling on Ethiopian Airlines between Rome and Stockholm who require entry visa to Schengen countries must have a valid multiple Schengen visa. Passengers holding a single country Schengen visa to enter Sweden or another Schengen country cannot travel on Ethiopian Airlines flight between Stockholm and Rome. A multiple Schengen visa is required.
This is because the flight is operated as transit flight carrying international passengers beyond European airports.
Identification Cards (ID)
Please remember to have your government-issued picture ID card available at all times. Note also that you may be required to present proof of age (such as a birth certificate) at the airport for children who may be traveling with you.
Customs
Customs regulations and procedures that apply to travelers entering or exiting vary from country to country and are changed frequently. Contact your travel agent or the nearest Ethiopian ticket office for current customs regulations of countries you are planning to travel to.
Duty-free imports are permitted for up to:
• 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars or ½ Ib of tobacco
• 1 liter of alcoholic Beverages
• ½ liter, or two bottles of perfumes
Visitors may export souvenirs with a value not exceeding Birr 500, although some articles (such as animal skins and antiques) require an export permit.
Suggested Arrival Times
To make your trip as enjoyable as possible, please allow enough time for check-in, security screening and boarding.
Due to some lengthy security checkpoint waiting times, earlier arrivals are recommended. We recommend that you check in at least 3 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart.
Tips for a Comfortable Flight
• For your own comfort try and travel light.
• Wear loose clothing and elasticized stockings made of natural fiber.
• Increase your normal intake of water and only if need be drink alcohol but in moderation.
• Use moisturizing cream to keep your skin from drying out.
• Take off shoes in the plane to prevent your feet from swelling up or wear shoes that will cope with expanding ankles.
• Avoid heavy meals during the flight.
• Short walks once every two hours are excellent for circulation.
• Try to touch your toes when waiting in the aisle to stretch your hamstrings.
• On arrival at your destination, have a hot shower or a relaxing bath.
• On arrival a quick jog, brisk walk, or a vigorous scrub will help stimulate your circulation.
Time
Ethiopia is in the GMT + 3 hours time zone.
Ethiopian calendar: Ethiopia still retains the Julian calendar, in which the year is divided into 12 months of 30 days each, and a 13th month of five days and six days during the leap year. The Ethiopian Calendar is almost eight years behind the Gregorian calendar.
Topography
Ethiopia has an elevated central plateau varying in height between 2,000 and 3,000 meters. In the north and in the center of the country, there are some 25 mountains whose peaks rise over 4000 meters.
Electric Supply
Ethiopia uses 220 volts 50 cycles AC.
People
The population is estimated to be over 72 million with 50% of those under 20 years old. The average number of inhabitants per square kilometer is 49.
Language
Ethiopia a multi-ethnic state with a great variety of languages spoken in the country. There are 83 with 200 dialects. The main three languages are Amharic (the national language of the country). Tigrigna and Oromigna. English is also widely spoken.
Disclaimer
These pages are for informative purposes only and do not form a contract. As such, any information contained within this site is subjected to change with or without notice. Zelalem tour and car rental assumes no liability for these changes. ZTC also reserves the right to interpret and apply these policies and procedures. In each case,ZTC’s interpretations and applications shall be final and conclusive.