Adopting Children From Ethiopia, The Bitter Truth, And 3 Tips

February 9, 2020

Adopting children from Ethiopia…It was in 2011, a story of Hana Williams, a 13 years old adoptee from Ethiopia died due to constant abuse at the home of adoptive parents in the US.

Can I adopt a child from Ethiopia? Adopting children from Ethiopia has been banned by the parliament in January of 2018. So, the answer is probably no. But I will show you the problem in Ethiopia, the reason adoption was banned and how you can continue with your options.

Children from Ethiopia have been a hot issue especially after movie personalities such as brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie adopted one from Ethiopia. Many people wanted to do that for its ease of access and affordability as well.

However, through time the whole process became a place of misuse and corruption. Many people who were connected to adoption agency said that the corruption in the local agencies creates a complicated situation. Parents pay a lot of money, often bullied by the agency, for their children to get priority for adoption. Poor families have been abused and even children were neglected in the process.

Falsified documents have been the center of the talk as well. Many children were shipped off with forged documents and falsifying about the status of their families, and their own ages to fit certain criteria. Adopting families were told, n some cases, that the children were orphans but later they found out that it was not true. Others were older than the document said they were.

Besides, the foreign adopting parents abusing children from Ethiopia was another issue.

The parliament and local institutions that work on children in related issues have been vigilantly following the complaints against abuse on adopted children from Ethiopia.

What Are the Problems of Children from Ethiopia?

The population of children in Ethiopia, from the age of 0-14 takes almost half of the population. These children have a low-quality of life and a family that could afford to send them to school or to take care of them. Due to the low financial capacity of a family, children usually end up on the streets, and in hard labor work.

Malnutrition is another big problem in the country. Unbalanced nutrition and lack of food all together puts about 38 % of children in malnutrition. Many aid institutions declare a shortage of food and medical assistance among the children from Ethiopia and among children in other parts of the third world.

Almost 5% of the children die before celebrating their 5th birthday. About 27% of the living children are estimated to be in child labor.

Related: Ethiopia life quality

The girls are taken for granted in most families. These are beings that bring endowments. Most families don’t appreciate having a girl as they would not work and bring back the money. Therefore, they would rather sell them into marriage as early as 15 years old.

Today, almost 17% of girls between the age of 15 and 19 are married. 1 in 15 of these girls who are in early marriage give birth and are forced into the responsibility of raising a child.

This figure is scary when viewed from the general country perspective. More than half of the population is illiterate. That means they can’t read or write being over the age of 15. This is also true for girls under the age of 15. About 60 percent can’t read or write either. Therefore, they have no future hope of getting independent.

The challenge of poverty in the country extends even into a lack of health care and education for the children. Most children have to talk kilometers before getting to school. Some have to take care of the family first before walking for hours to their schools.

Recently, many endeavors have been made by the government to alleviate the school and health problems, but the problem still persists. Even the lucky children who got a place at school will have other related problems such as unable to get food on time. Many students fainting in class has been reported.

Children From Ethiopia: Challenges Summary

The challenges of children from Ethiopia begins with the overall poverty of the country. The country that lives on less than 2 or fewer dollars a day, cannot afford to support the whole family. Children are expected to support the family in any way possible. Poverty forces boys into urban areas into day labor, and girls into domestic work, into urban nations and even into prostitution.

The infant mortality rate is also related to poverty as well. More than 10 percent of children die at birth for treatable diseases. 54 % of death among children is due to malnutrition.

Thousands of children from Ethiopia live on the streets as well. Recently the mayor of Addis Ababa and known people started a movement to help the street children get back to their family or get help. Many street children have been taken away from the streets into a shelter. Some studies show up to 150,000 street children exist in Ethiopian cities. Most have a dangerous addiction, sniffing petroleum to get them high and physically warm to get through the cold night.

Lack of education – Although school attendance of children between 7 and 16 is deemed mandatory since 1997, many families refrain from sending their kids to school. A cheap school payment is still too expensive for many. The necessary requirements such as uniforms and textbooks, that should be bought by the parents.
Child trafficking has been an issue for some time in Ethiopia. The country is one of the 10 highest slave-trading countries for African children. Thousands are sold away from their home, usually by their parents, with a hefty amount of money. It is a pity that they are forced into sex slaves, forced labor, or work in dangerous areas.

Child trafficking for marriage has been an accepted part of the culture for some time. This time the law is hard on such practices, and yet many girls are snatched away from the fields and streets into marriage.

Child labor- Thousands of children in the country are forced to work in hard labor, trying to support their families. Usually, the boys are sent into the city for day labor, and the girls to work in domestic housework. Children are forced into sex, usually end up with sexually prevalent diseases. Most children, for lack of maturity or for lack of information, don’t have the basic steps to protect their health. Most end up getting STDs.
Child malpractices- Genital mutilation in female children has been a widely known practice throughout the country. It has been a favored culture in many places. With countrywide work to educate society, the number dropped throughout the years.

Is there a ban against adopting children from Ethiopia?

The US department of state says there were more than 15,000 cases of adoption children from Ethiopia since 1999. The country was one of the largest international adoption places by US families, taking 20% of the total.

In January 2018, Ethiopia banned all foreign adoptions, affecting more than 4.5 million orphans in the country.

Can I adopt children from Ethiopia now?

The simple answer is NO.

It was in 2011, a story of Hana Williams, a 13 years old adoptee from Ethiopia died due to constant abuse at the home of adoptive parents. The news was not only a shock to the community, but it was also a terror wake up call for the Ethiopians. Hana’s stories and other cases of abused children cases caused a big backlash on the adoption trend. Since then the number of adopted children decreases dramatically until 2018 the Ethiopian parliament blocked any was of adoption by foreigners.

A lot of stories that involved corruption in local adoption agencies and giving off children without proper data were a few of the challenges found. Some families said they gave hundreds of dollars to help their child to get adoptive parents. Others didn’t know where their children went and they have no contact since then.

These types of stories are repelling to the Ethiopian community that lives together like a family.

Those stories may have shown the good deeds of many adoptive parents in America and other countries. Many poor children from Ethiopian had an opportunity for health care and school and a better life than they would not get otherwise.

After the death of the Hana, the families were convicted of manslaughter, homicide by abuse, first-degree assault of a child.

However, the discussion continued back in Ethiopia as well.

Related: The other face of Ethiopia

Where Else Can I Adopt A Child?

Three are several countries that need adoption, due to a large level of poverty and no immediate care for children.

1-US has poor places that are hidden away from the world and even from America itself. If you see deeper there are many poor or incapable families that need immediate attention from you. Your country is a better alternative to start your adoption process.

2- China- China is another big country that needs immediate adoptive families. A large number of the population is poor yet and need assistance. The country follows the Hague convention on adoption. If you want to adopt children, you need to be between 30-50 years old and must be married for 2 years or 5 years if you are divorced. Only heterosexuals and two times divorcees are allowed.

3-Congo has similar criteria for china.

4-Ukraine has lesser requirement on the adoption, You only need to be 15 years older than the child and be married, you are good to go.

5-Asian countries such as South Korea and India also need your assistance.

See adoption policies around the world.

How can I check if I can adopt children from Ethiopia?

The US, Department of State advises not to begin any adoption process for children from Ethiopia this time. Only those who have been in the process before the enactment of the banning law are permitted to follow up to adopt children from Ethiopia. If you have questions on whether you are allowed to follow up on the process contact the office of children’s issues at [email protected] or the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa at [email protected].

If you have further questions, contact us here.

Ethiopia calendar behind the rest of the world, and 3 tips

brook

February 7, 2020

Ethiopia calendar has been a topic of discussion lately among tourists and foreigners. If you have been to Ethiopia, you already know the country has its own calendar and timing system. This system is seldom confusing for newcomers as it creates a mix-up on which calendar or time system the locals are using. I have heard stories of missed meetings and schedules due to the mixup of time and date between the locals and foreigners. Many investors, visitors and tourists get used to the whole mess after a while. They even prefer using the local timing and Ethiopia calendar while they are in the country. For beginners, the new year in Ethiopia doesn’t begin in January, it rather begins in September where the winter ends and the summer begins in the country.

The Ethiopia calendar amazingly has more in common with the Coptic calendar, which has 13 months, and 30 days in each month. This means there is not 28 days or 31 days in a month. Every month has 30 days. And the 13^th month is a leap year. The leap year becomes 5 and 6 interchangeably every other year, making 365 or 366 days of the year.

The Ethiopia calendar uses a different calendar, that is different from the Gregorian calendar. They use the incarnation era, that uses the annunciation of the birth of Christ that is 9 AD in the Julian calendar. The western system of annunciation calculates it as 8 years earlier. That is the Coptic calendar.

The Coptic and Gregorian calendars are not the only calendars in the world. Here are other at least five known calendars with their own systems. These are the Hebrew calendar, the Balinese Pawukon, the Persian calendar, the Islamic calendar, and the Chinese calendar.

There is 8 years gap between the Ethiopia(Coptic) calendar and the Gregorian calendar.

How to convert the Gregorian calendar to Ethiopia calendar

It is not that hard to convert the Ethiopia calendar to Gregorian. Most Ethiopias communicate with foreigners using the Gregorian calendar just to avoid confusion. They even indicate which calendar or which timing system they are using. If you need to convert the gregorian calendar to the Ethiopian calendar use this page.

What are important dates in the Ethiopia calendar for tourists

There are a few dates that help you decide on your tour. These dates are one of the most active, which will help you see the social dimension of Ethiopia. These dates are listed as follows

1- The Ethiopia new year

The Ethiopia new year or Enkutatash falls on September 11 in the Gregorian calendar. This day is September 1(Meskerem 1) in the Ethiopia calendar. You will know the Ethiopian new year is closer when you hear the boys go from house to house handing drawings and singing on doors in exchange for threats or money. In the next week, the girls do the same, but the tone and the atmosphere would become serious and everyone would be prepared to accept the new year.

The overall preparation includes cleaning houses, buying new clothes for children, buying books and notebooks for students who will start school in 15 days or less. Families celebrate the day at home, killing a cattle or hen and making Doro wot or Sega wot and eating together with relatives and neighbors.

2- Ethiopia Christmas- Genna- January 7

The Ethiopia Genna celebrates the coming of Christ. On January 7, all Christian religious followers gather in their congregations to celebrate the day together. The day usually begins at religious places. After long church programs, the people return to their homes to pass the day with their families.

The day involves eating chicken stew made with a local method and drinking coffee.

3- Meskel

Meskel attracts many visitors into the country. By the end of September, the rain is almost gone and the land is full of sunflowers, which usually indicates the new year. Meskel, that is the discovery of the true cross, is celebrated at a place called Meskel square, in the center of Addis Ababa. The participants celebrate clothed in white, chanting and singing together and burning a huge bonfire.

4- Timkat – Ethiopia Epiphany (January 19th or 20th)

Timket celebrates the baptism of Christ. This ceremony is much famous among the orthodox Christians. The day may differ based on the leap year. The celebration begins a day before with a celebration called ketera. Tobot or replica of tablets of the law came out each church carried on the heads of the priests. It stays near water overnight. The crowd chants sing and play on drums on the way there. The Timket is much celebrated in Lalibela, Gondar and Addis Ababa. These are the best places to be on this date. Jan Meda is a famous celebration place on this day in Addis Ababa. The overall religious ceremony, the horse people, the baptism make the day attractive.

National Holidays in Ethiopia

The national holidays and celebrations in Ethiopia have a different date than the rest of the world. The Ethiopia Christmas is celebrated on December 29 every year, not on January 7. The Ethiopia Christian holidays are much influenced by Orthodox Christianity in the country. The Islamic celebrations, however, have a similar date with the rest of the world calendar.

Western Calendar	Ethiopia calendar	Ethiopia public holiday	Ethiopia holiday name
January 7	December 29	Ethiopia Christmas	Genna
January 19	January 11	Ethiopia Epiphany	Timkat
March 2	February 23	The victory of Adwa Day
March 13		Id Al Fetir
April 17		Id Al Adha
April 25		Ethiopia Good Friday
April 27		Ethiopia Easter	Fasika
July 17		Moulid
September 11	September 1	Ethiopia New Year	Enqutatash
September 27	September 17	Finding of the True Cross	Meskel

What Year Is It in Ethiopia Calendar Right Now?

Ethiopia has the Ethiopia calendar that has been influenced by the country Christianity. The Ethiopia calendar year is 8 years behind the rest of the world. If you are in 2020, the Ethiopia calendar is in 2012 or 2013. Since the Ethiopia calendar begins in September, and the gregorian begins in January 2020 in the Gregorian calendar is 2012 up to Nehase or August. Since the new year begins in September in Ethiopia, the next year from September to the end of December, the same Gregorian calendar of 2020, is 2013 in the Ethiopia calendar.

Ethiopia Month	Gregorian Month
Meskerem (the year begins year)	September
Tikimt	October
Hidar	November
Tahsas	December
Tir	January (the year begins here)
Yakatit	February
Magabit	March
Miyazya	April
Ginbot	May
Sene	June
Hamle	July
Nehasae	August
Pa’gumne (leap year, 5 or 6 days every other year)

Why does Ethiopia have 13 months?

Unlike the gregorian calendar that has various days in months, the Ethiopia calendar has consistent 30 days in a month. Then, the rest of the five days will make the 13^th month.

Which country has 13 months in a year?

When the rest of the world adopted the Gregorian calendar, that as 365 days in a year and 366 days in a leap year, Ethiopia could be the only country that accepted the Coptic calendar that has 13 months.

What is Ethiopia’s 13^th month called?

The Ethiopia 13^th month is called pagumiene. It doesn’t have an English equivalence to it. The pagumiene is usually between September 6 to September 10 in the gregorian calendar. The 13^th month is a few days before the Ethiopia new year, which is September 11 in gregorian and September 1 in Ethiopia.

The 13^th month is also the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the new summer. This is the month of preparation for the new year.

Which countries don’t use the Gregorian calendar?

Many countries in the world use the gregorian calendar as an only calendar except few countries. Afganistan and Iran use the solar Hijri calendar, Ethiopia uses the Ethiopia calendar and Nepal uses the Vikram Samvat.

Countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Israel use the gregorian calendar with their own calendar. The Isreal has a Hebrew calendar, India has an Indian national calendar and Bangladesh has Bangla calendar.

Amazingly countries like Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, and Korea use a modified version of Gregorian cleaner.

Ethiopia calendar 2020 ( Ethiopia calendar 2020 in Amharic )

source

Ethiopia calendar download

There are various Ethiopia calendar apps on google play. Here are the few that come on top.

Ethiopia Calendar (ቀን መቁጠሪያ)

This app has more than 2500 users in 2020. It is minimal and simple to use. It has past and future events tracking support. The Ethiopia and calendar Ethiopia calendar together displayed in a single calendar makes it easy ouse. The marks on each event in a month, that is visible on a single view is efficient. The app has 4.5 out of 5. It doesn’t have Ads by 2020.

Ethiopian calendar app

Ethiopia Calendar 2 – ቀን መቁጠሪያ

This app has more than 1000 users. The app contains ads. But it has a 4.7 rating out of five. It has similar features as the first Ethiopia calendar app.

Ethiopia calendar

Ethiopia calendar 3

This calendar has a bit less than 2000 uses. This third Ethiopia calendar app does not have Ads. The explanation pages and the event page is a plus. Besides, it has a similar feature to others.

Ethiopia calendar app

Final words

The Ethiopia calendar follows the Coptic calendar and this makes it different from the rest of the world. Ethiopia also uses the Gregorian calendar as an alternative calendar, especially in communication with foreigners. Since English is also a working language in the country, the overall communications should be easy for foreigners.

The leap year came from the collection dates from each month, as the Ethiopia months have only 30 days. The 13^th month has 5 or 6 days every other year.

However, it is always good to confirm if the time and date of your schedule is in local time or if the calendar is Ethiopia or Gregorian. This will avoid confusion.

It is also good to communicate in the Gregorian calendar in Ethiopia, and you can add which calender you are quoting, just to make sure.

The celebrations such as the new year and Christmas differ from the gregorian calendar. This means you may have tow prepare for two holidays.

You need to adjust your visiting time based on the local event.

Addis Ababa Airport, 26 tips that save you from frustration

brook

February 5, 2020

Addis Ababa airport has been a story of a crash that killed 157 people, but it is one of the top airlines in Africa. The Addis Ababa bole International airport is located inside the city of Addis Ababa, in the Bole sub-city. The Airport is one of the busiest in the world and has nonstop service to various continents including Europe, Asia, and north and south America. It has two terminals: domestic and international. More than 400 passengers use the airport every day.

Ethiopian Airlines voted the best airline in Africa, has good accommodations and services in a small space. It joined the start alliance network and is working with international airlines and on more routes.

The airline was founded in 1945 and in march 2019 it had about 111 planes and 127 destinations. In a year’s time, more than 10million passengers used the airline, the Addis Ababa airport.

Here is the most necessary information about Addis Ababa airport and your travel and transit through Addis Ababa.

Basic

1. What is the Addis Ababa Airport Code?

ADD – Addis Ababa Airport

2. Location of airport Addis Ababa

The airport is located in Bole sub-city, 8 km or 5 miles southeast of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa’s quality of life and how much it costs in Addis Ababa?

Arrival and departure

3. Addis Ababa Airport Arrivals

Upon your arrival, the first things you will be looking for will be a taxi to take you to a hotel. The airport doesn’t have its own taxi, but you will find a taxi outside, at a parking spot waiting for arrival. These taxis could cost up to 10 dollars based on distance traveled. You can always book through tour operators, for which case they should wait for you at the exit. People are not allowed into the airport building, only travelers, therefore, they should be outside the building.

The best option is to ask the hotel you booked to provide you a pickup. Most hotels in Addis Ababa have that option in their packages.

See arrivals here.

4. Addis Ababa Airport Departures

See departures here.

Terminal

You can travel through from terminal 1 to 2 or from terminal 2 to 1 using a passage provided. There is a free shuttle service as well. Addis Ababa airport terminal 2 is a three-story building. It has 28 check-in counters and 7 airline gates. It also accommodates shopping post office, bathroom, telephone, VIP lounge and more. (read about lounges in terminal 2 below to learn about the lounges)

5. Addis Ababa Airport Terminal 1 To Terminal 2

There is a bus shuttle to take you from terminal 1 to terminal 2, or you can walk through the building to arrive at your desired terminal.

6. Addis Ababa Airport Map

It is rather hard to find the Addis Ababa airport map. However, the airport is small and easy to navigate even for first-time travelers.

Map: Addis Ababa Airport Terminal Map

Accommodation

7. Terminal facilities

The Addis Ababa airport terminal has various basic facilities. At your arrival at the airport Addis Ababa, you can look for a money change desk, on your way out. The change is usually more expensive than the banks, some have noticed. But that is the best way to stay your journey into the city. You can always change the rest of the city banks. They will be happy to take your dollar or Euro.

While you are at the airport, you have an option to enjoy a duty-free shop. These have no newspapers or magazines. However, you can find drinks to clothing to souvenirs.

There are food courts where you can enjoy local and international cuisines.

Look at lost found section, if you miss your luggage.

Addis Ababa Airport, 26 tips that save you from frustration
How far is from Gondar to Bahir Dar, to Debre Tabor, From Addis Ababa, from Lalibela?

You will also find a telephone in the airport Addis Ababa and the post office is also available.

Based on the request before traveling, the disabled facilities could be provided to you.

8. Addis Ababa airport new terminal

The new 363-million-dollar terminal was opened at the end of 2019. The new terminal is believed to double the airport capacity to 22 million annual passengers.

The new terminal has new lounges, shops, dining places.

9. Addis Ababa Airport Hotel (Addis Ababa Airport Transit Hotel)

The Addis Ababa airport hotel was opened in 2019. The hotel has 373 rooms and is called the Ethiopian skylight hotel. The property is financed by China and it is not surprising to find the biggest Chinese restaurant Africa, inside the hotel. It also has a sports facility, shops, food court, and a swimming pool and a conference hall.

10. Addis Ababa Airport Wifi and inflight wifi– is there wifi?

Free Wifi Addis Ababa Airport is available at the airport. However, the current Addis Ababa airport Wifi is not reliable. Many costumers complain about the airport Wifi on many rating platforms. However, the Addis Ababa airport is working towards solving this issue. The issue of unreliable internet is a county-wide problem, and we hope will improve with the progress of the country’s economy.

All A350 flights have wifi. You need to purchase vouchers at the Ethiopians airline customer service office or from the cabin crew in the plane or even online.

11. Addis Ababa Airport Lounge Shower

The shower in Addis Ababa airport is still lacking. The weather, however, in Addis Ababa is optimal as the city is above 2300 meters altitude. You don’t need AC in buildings, in the city. So, you should be fine. If you have a long layover, then it is better to look for showers outside of airport Addis Ababa.

12. Cloud Nine Lounge

A lounge at the departure hall of terminal 2 in Addis Ababa airport is exclusively for cloud nine passengers. The plus side of the lounge area, the better comfort than other lounges in the Addis Ababa airport. Besides the variety of refreshments and snacks, the customer service agents will come and announce departure time for your flight.

13. Star Alliance Gold Lounge

Located at Departure Hall of Terminal 2, the star alliance gold lounge is only for ShebaMiles Gold and Star Alliance Gold members.

14. ShebaMIles Silver Lounge

Located at further away from other lounges, ShebaMiles Silver lounge is for members with silver membership cards.

Check-in

15. Ethiopian Airlines Check In

The Addis Ababa airport online check-in works between 2 hours and up to 36 hours before departure. You can use the online checking to reserve a seat or confirm attendance. This is probably the easiest way to the airport at peak traffic hours.

The Addis Ababa airport check-in usually opens three hours before departure time and stays open to one hour before departure. You need to visit the check-in desk.

It is always advisable to arrive three hours before departure for your check-in.

Ticket

16. Ethiopian Airlines Ticket Office

Global Call Center- Ethiopia airlines phone number

Address: Ethiopian Airlines Head Office

Phone no. no.: +251 116 179 900 (6787 to be used within Ethiopia)

Working hours: 24/7 throughout the year

Main City Ticket office- Ethiopia airlines phone number

Address: Churchill Road

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1755, Addis Ababa

Phone no. no.: +251 115 154036

Working hours: 07:00 – 19:30 Monday to Sunday including Public Holidays

Hilton Ticket Office – Ethiopia airlines phone number

Address: Inside Hilton Hotel

Phone no. no.: +251 115 511540

Working hours: 07:00 – 21:00 – Monday to Saturday

Sunday and Public Holidays 07:00 – 17:00

Bole Ticket Office- Ethiopia airlines phone number

Address: Adika Building, In front of the Friendship Hotel

Phone no. no.: +251 11663 3162/63

Working hours: 07:00 – 19:00 – Monday to Saturday

Sunday and Public Holidays 07:00 – 17:00

Addis Ababa Sales Office- Ethiopia airlines phone number

Address: Ethiopian Airport Enterprise Building, Ground Floor

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1755, Addis Ababa

Phone no. no.: +251 11 637030

Working hours: Monday to Friday 07:00 -17:00

Addis Ababa Airport, 26 tips that save you from frustration
How far is from Gondar to Bahir Dar, to Debre Tabor, From Addis Ababa, from Lalibela?

17. Ethiopian Airlines Flight Schedule

Find our Ethiopian airlines flight schedule here.

18. Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Allowance

Free baggage allowance on international and local Ethiopian airline routes is available based on the weight and size of your goods. The maximum weight for single baggage is –

-32 kg of single baggage for business class, max. the dimension of 158 cm (62 inches)

-23 kg for single baggage for economy class, max. the dimension of 158 cm (62 inches)

More weight per baggage won’t be accepted for check-in.

Find detail info here.

Tourist Visa and Transit Visa

19. Visa

A tourist visa to Ethiopia is an electronic single-entry visa issued by the stage for tourism or other non-business-related purposes. Any applicant from any country who has a recent passport size photo and passport with more than 6 months left before expiration is eligible for a visa.

The visa process could take up to 3 days, therefore you may need to submit an application 3 days before arrival. If the arrival date changed, you need to contact the e-visa team [email protected]. You need to pay 52 USD for 30 days single entry and 72 USD for 90 days single entry.

Apply online for a visa into Ethiopia.

20. Addis Ababa Airport Transit Visa

As long as they say in a permitted transit area and depart in 12 hours, you don’t need Addis Ababa airport transit visa. You only need a visa if you stay longer for 8 hours or if you want to leave the airport. You can obtain a transit visa from the Addis Ababa bole airport or from the Ethiopian embassy or consulate. Everyone who enters the country except Kenya and Djibouti, need a visa to enter Ethiopia.

Transit visas could cost from 27 dollars for 12 hours to 63 dollars for 72 hours.

Layover and Transit

21. Transiting Through Addis Ababa Airport

What to do in Addis Ababa airport for a 20-hour connection?

Many people who are in a layover in Addis Ababa ask if they would be bored or would get basic accommodations in the city. It is always good to have in mind that Addis Ababa is not a bad city for visitors. With various service costs and a peaceful environment, you will surely enjoy your layover on a budget.

There are a few things you have to understand. First, if you are traveling both flights on Ethiopian airlines, and if your connecting flight is over 8 hours to 24 hours, then you surely will have a free hotel accommodation outside of the airport. You may have to ask on your first check-in. You will get a boarding pass and hotel voucher.

Second, with your passport, you may not enter the country. You may need a visa. Therefore, purchase one before your flight or request one at your arrival. It should serve you for a month. The hotel is very close and a bus shuttle will take you and bring you back on your flight schedule. At that time, you can visit the city with a tour bus or private tour.

How much do things cost? Breakfast would cost up from 2 dollars to 5 dollars depending on where you have it. Lunch and dinner also fall between these costs. Between entrance fees to museums and tourist destinations, and for a taxi you will pay up to 30 dollars. (of course, that is a lot if you know what to do you can save more than half)

Option 2 is to take a voucher to your hotel and take a taxi directly to local cultural restaurants. There you will experience the local food and local culture. A 4 dollars taxi will get you there.

22. 5 Hour Layover in Addis Ababa, can I get leave the airport Addis Ababa?

As discussed above only above 8 hours layovers get a visa. You can still enjoy the lounges. (See Tourist Visa and Transit Visa #25 and #26 section for more)

Addis Ababa’s quality of life and how much it costs in Addis Ababa?

Destinations

23. Local and international destinations

Ethiopian Airlines fly to 23 cities in the country. These include Addis Ababa, Arba Minch, Assosa, Axum, Bahar Dar, Bale Robe, Dembidollo

Dire Dawa, Gambella, Gonder, Gode, Hawassa

Humera, Jijiga, Jimma, Jinka, Kabri Dar, Kombolcha, Lalibela

Mekelle, Semera, Shire , and Shilavo.

The airlines fly to 61 cities in Africa, 20 cities in Europe and north and south America and 25 cities in the Gulf, Middle East, and Asia.

Africa – 61 Cities (including Ethiopian cities)

Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Addis Ababa,Antananarivo ,Asmara,Bahir dar,

Bamako, Blantyre, Brazzaville, Bujumbura,

Cairo, Cape Town,Comoros, Conakry, Cotonou,

Dakar, Dar-Es-Salaam, Dire dawa, Djibouti, Douala, Durban,

Entebbe, Enugu, Gaborone, Goma, Harare, Hargeisa,Johannesburg,Juba,

Kaduna,Kano, Khartoum, Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Kinshasa,Kisangani

Lagos, Libreville, Lilongwe, Lomé, Luanda, Lubumbashi, Lusaka

Malabo, Maputo, Mbuji-Mayi, Mekele, Mombasa

N’Djamena, Nairobi, Ndola, Niamey, Nosy Be

Ouagadougou, Pointe-Noire, Seychelles, Victoria Falls

Windhoek, Yaoundé, Zanzibar.

Europe, North and South America

Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Manchester, Madrid, Rome, Milan, Oslo, Paris, Stockholm, Vienna, Paris, Chicago, Washington DC, Newark, Canada, Buenos Aires, Rio De Janeiro.

Gulf, Middle East & Asia

Bahrain, Bangkok, Beijing, Beirut

Chengdu

Dammam, Delhi, Doha, Dubai

Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Jeddah

Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait

Manila, Moscow, Mumbai, Muscat

Riyadh, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Tel Aviv, Tokyo.

Addis Ababa’s quality of life and how much it costs in Addis Ababa?

Accident

24. Ethiopian Airlines Crash

An Ethiopian airline passage flight from Addis Ababa to Nairobi crashed killing 157 people on board in March 2019. The eight were crew members. The ET302 only flew 6 minutes before it crashed in a town in Bishoftu. Passengers from Kenya, china, the united states, and Canada lost their lives.

According To a flight tracking platform flight radar24, based in Sweden, claimed that the vertical speed of the plane was unstable after take-off. Sadly, the same aircraft Boeing 737 Max has been crashed in Jakarta, a year prior.

Necessary Gadgets

25. Ethiopian Airlines App

Ethiopian airline’s app has few features. The first is a booking. You can book your flight, choose your meal-type and seat and even pay and purchase a ticket. The Sheba miles option is integrated as well. You will also see your past trip summary. You can check-in using the app and even see the flight status. The airline’s app is a great tool for traveling.

Find the free app here.

26. Ethiopian Airlines Contact Number and address

-Ethiopian Airlines Official website

-Ethiopian Airlines Online Check-in

-Check Ethiopian Airlines flight status

Airport Offices- Ethiopia airlines phone number

Address: Bole International Airport

Phone no. no.: +251115178320/455

Working hours: 24/7 throughout the year

-Manager of Corporate Communications

Tel: (+251-11) 517 8407 / 8907 / 8165 / 8529/8913

Fax: (+251-11) 661 1474

E-mail: [email protected]

-Baggage Service- Ethiopia airlines phone number

Phone no. no.: +251 11 5178306/+251-11-6650304

-Airport check-in counter

Phone no. no.: 251-11- 5178455/955

-General Mailing address-

P.O. Box 1755, Addis Ababa

Final words

In Addis Ababa or even the whole of Ethiopia, it is always better to ask questions if you are lost or if you need any help. The workers in the airlines are eager to help you.

There is sometimes high traffic, therefore, you may get off the plane to finish processing. The new terminal surely will help alleviate this problem soon.

You need to obtain a visa only if you are a tourist or if your layover is more than 8 hours and you need to leave the airport. A transit passenger doesn’t need a visa. If you stay at the airport (although you have above 8 hours layover, then you may not need a visa.

Addis Ababa Airport, 26 tips that save you from frustration
How far is from Gondar to Bahir Dar, to Debre Tabor, From Addis Ababa, from Lalibela?

The best way to experience Addis Ababa with your few hours of transit visa is to catch a taxi to a local cultural restaurant and have the food and have fun with the ceremony. Don’t drink too much.

If you have more time, then go wild in the city. Take a metered taxi and go around the city and visit tourist destinations.

Using the Ethiopian airline’s app is the best way of booking and following your track record and even to follow your flight.

Although the airline had an accident recently, thought is a fault of the plane manufacturer, not the airline, the airline is growing each year. The new terminal will provide better service for its users.

Image source: “Bole Road, Addis Abeba” by Samuel Santos is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

27 Things You Wish You Knew Before Visiting Addis Ababa

brook

February 3, 2020

Addis Ababa is a very diverse city, with various religious and ethnic groups and socioeconomic groups. It is a dramatic scene for many visitors and a new context. We don’t usually see a gap in communication but there are some things that tourists miss or don’t understand when they come to Addis Ababa.

Here, I will briefly tell you everything you need to know before coming to Addis Ababa.

1. The Climate

Addis Ababa is not a desert or a hot balloon as you may have heard. The city, unlike many African cities, has optimal temperature throughout the year that is better than many American and European countries. It is not called the land of 13 months of sunshine for no reason. The land really gets sunshine all the months and gets a shower of rain at least for 3 and 4 months.

The rain doesn’t persist all day either and comes and goes within hours, either in the morning or in the afternoon. The city’s location that is around the equator makes the weather constant. In January the temperature ranges from a high of 68°F (20°C) to a low of 53°F (12°C). Source

The day is sunny from January to May, sometimes hotter. Recently the rapid construction seems to have increased the city’s temperature. The open spaces are disappearing following these activities.

Tip: choose clothes based on the month you visit

2. Geography of Addis Ababa

The city is a land in-between mountains, Entoto is located in the north at the highest point of 2440 meters and 8000 feet altitude. Yerer mountain is on the east and Mount Wochecha is located on the west.

Addis Ababa as a ring road, constructed to alleviate the traffic flow. And the east wet road takes traffic from the Tor Hailoch area to the CMC area. That is a good reference for studying the city’s map.

Tip: visit Entoto to understand Addis Ababa

3. The population of Addis Ababa

Since Addis Ababa is a capital, many people from the nearby town migrate for work. The city had residents of 3.4 million people in 2007. The population is growing at 3.8 percent annually and the 2007 estimation is expected to double in the near future. The city has 527 square kilometers and about 5000 people per square kilometer lives. The center of the city is probably one of the densities settlements in the country.

4. Language

Ethiopians have never been under colonialism. You will not see much European influence, except for some Italian like buildings and Italian names.

Hollywood seems to have a grip on the social life of the society. English is widely spoken in the city. Most of the education has English courses in them and students are expected to learn with English after the sixth grade. However, many people have a poor command of the language.

You can always use English to ask for directions or communicate with locals.

Tip: English could be bad, but many people understand and respond to English. The shops and directions use English as a second language as well.

5. History

Addis Ababa was founded in 1887, by Menelik the second. Before settling at the present-day area, the king moved around various encampments, finding a place with sustainable firewood and security. There was no other place with optimal temperature and with an abundance of eucalyptus trees (that was originally imported from Australia) and with higher altitudes such as Entoto for security issues.

After settling on the mount Entoto, later legend says that the empress was attracted to the area, especially to the hot springs in the Fil Wuha area. Later, she called the area, Addis Abeba which is translated as ‘New Flower’.

Tips: visit museums and monuments to understand the history of the city

6. Colonization

Ethiopia has never been colonized, therefore, has no European influence in the country. However, the city fell under the Italian army for 4 years in 1936 where the capital was captured. This led the emperor Haile Selassie into exile. The Italian army used prohibited gas in the fight and about 5000 Ethiopian fighters lost their lives, and 1537 Italians died in the action. The Italians, on the other hand, estimated that 16,000 Ethiopians and 2700 Italians died in the battle.

In May 1937, to stop resistance against the Italian army, the Italians began a rampage of murder throughout Addis Ababa and killed more than 5000 people. Many leaders and church people were killed throughout the country.

With infrastructure development and buildings, the Italians also left their footprint in Addis abba. They built a road between Addis Ababa and Massawa, Addis Ababa Mogadishu and Addis Ababa Assab roads, and the railway to Djibouti. They also created an airport and started a flight to Rome.

In 1941, Haile Selassie returned to Addis Ababa to reclaim his throne. with the British assistance, the Italians left Ethiopia.

Tips: Ethiopians are proud people. Treat them like one.

7. African Capital

Addis Ababa’s diplomatic and pollical position throughout history. The African Union is located in Addis Ababa. The new building is also a tourist attraction.

Tip: You may see traffic disturbance in the meeting days.

8. Slum

They say 80 percent of Addis Ababa is categorized as a slum. A slum is a place not good for living. Most places have a constant upgrade but stayed low quality and without the proper amenities. The new condominium housing ventures have stayed short due to financial reasons. Even these are in the suburbs where there is no infrastructure and increasing commuting time, creating more problems.

It is nice to visit slums to have a glimpse of the urban poor. But do not enter into the neighborhoods and limit your activities on the street for your own safety. (It is to be careful. But most neighborhoods are peaceful)

Tips: visit the slums, safety first

9. Budget stay

Budgeting in Addis Ababa seems impossible since the price is not fixed in many places. But it is still possible to have a great stay on a budget. Therefore, you may need to identify economical services. For example, you will find places to stay from a 20 dollars nice hotel to 30 dollars per night Air BNB to 50 dollars high-end hotels.

The food also differs based on locations. The food quality in many places seems to be similar. However, prices differ based on the quality of the restaurants, not the food. Many restaurants and hotels have hidden costs for extra services such as WIFI and plumbing.

Only a few have really trained chefs and world-class services. If you are sure that the cafes and restaurants are neat and the places are alive and comfortable, you can always stick to that place.

I would also advise you not to pay for long days, instead, pay for a few days and see if you like the place you rented. You can always talk to the front desk for any uncomfortable situations.

Tips: find your stay based on your budget, there are lots of options

10. Transport

The Ethiopian airlines have two terminals, domestic and international. A new international building started working only recently, to ease the high need. The flight time from Addis Ababa to London is usually about 8 hours long, depending on the route. Travel to most European counties is five hours or sometimes more. Travel to America is up to 14 or more hours long.

For visitors, traveling in Addis Ababa on a bus or minibus taxis seems a bad idea. Many tourists complain about the delay in public transport including local air travel. You will surely be disappointed if you expect a world-class public transport service. The overall service lacks quality and doesn’t even oblige the basic demand.

Instead, using a contract blue taxi or the recent Uber type drives would be the best option. Especially the Uber type drives have an app where you will call for a taxi and even know the distance and rate you traveled. An average distance could cost up to 150 birrs or less, that is about 5 dollars, for a long-distance trip.

If you travel from Addis Ababa to another city, air transport is still the best option. You will find ticket offices everywhere inside the city. If you used Ethiopian airlines to travel internationally, then you would have a big discount on your local flights. You need to take a flight to the Bole airport in the domestic section.

Long-distance buses are also an option for a trip to another city. Ethiopia is a vast nation and travel would be tedious, and you may need to travel through various altitudes and temperate regions. This could mean you need a bit more resistance to rapid weather changes. Traveling from Addis Ababa to Axum could take more than a day and you may need to rest on the way. Most direct route roads are asphalt paved; therefore, you don’t worry about discomfort. The buses are also standard and are comfortable. You may need to purchase a ticket a day before and know the departure location and be on time.

However, some buses, especially that you take from a small city to another may not be as comfortable. You would have to seat on old chairs, and with people standing next to you. You may need to get prepared as you would be traveling with rural residents, and smell from working clothes and stuff they carry would be obvious and sometimes hard even for the urban residents in Ethiopia.

Most buses begin at stations in the city, at Autobus Tera, near Merkato or Akaki Kality station or other similar stations at the exit of the city. Some start at Meskel Square. You may need to make sure where to take them before your departure date.

Tip: Avoid public transport in Addis Ababa, instead use Ride, a Uber type app.

11. Vegan

A year before while engaging with some Americans and European visitors, I noticed how they were amazed at how slim Ethiopians are. Everyone was cheerful and wondered how it happened. They saw the Ethiopians were eating a lot, even more than some of the visitors, but they stayed fit. The secret probably is the injera that has low calories.

But the main one could be the religious celebration of fasting twice a week, that discourages eating animal products. On these days, the followers of religion avoid dairy or meat and only consume vegetables and crops.

This would continue once a month for a few more days. This may seem trivial for some, but this simple way of life has a huge impact on the daily life of the people.

For this, the foods such as Beyaynet ( Injera with vegetables on a single plate), Suf Fitfit (injera immersed in a sunflower seed sauce) became top choices.

For non-veggies, you can always have tibs, meat Firfir, Kitfo (may be hard for some new eaters as the raw meat is immersed in locally made butter) and Doro wot (stewed chicken with the local way of cooking). These foods are eaten with butter (locally made), Ayieb( local cottage cheese).

Tips: Don’t eat much of some traditional foods at a time. Start small.

12. Shop

Shopping in Addis? Yes, it right. You can always shop in Addis Ababa and surely, you would find great choices that you won’t regret. Besides the choices, that are from China, you will find amazing locally made garments and cloths and artifacts in the city. Merkato would not be the best choice to go alone. Even if you do, you probably get lost than buying anything worth. Instead, visit Shiro Meda, a locally made clothes market, near the US embassy. The place has shops full of Ethiopian clothing and artifacts. If you bargain, with the normal price on your mind, you may get the best price.

If you are interested in local spices, then you need to visit the shola market in the eastern part of the city. Many shops sell locally made honey, and spices and locally made coffee pots and cups.

If you are interested in historic artifacts and jewelry, then you should visit the national theatre area, behind the post office. You need to bargain at every option, or you will end up paying more than the original price. The best option is to know the price before going there or go with a local person.

13. Crime

Many data show that Addis is one of the safest cities in Africa. Except for a few pickpockets and con artists, the city is safer than even other cities in the country. There is always a risk of going to highly chaotic and dense places like Merkato and places that have no traffic. It is better to leave personal belongings back in your room before walking on the street. Don’t engage in arguments or fights. These could be con artists trying to check your pockets.

Fights on the streets are rare. Don’t let strangers wipe your cloth after they throw garbage on you. This is a trick to get close to you. Don’t engage in an argument if people force you to buy something. Some places, they may push you to take food telling you it is free, and they may tell you to pay after you eat.

Public transport is another comfortable place for pickpocketing. Don’t carelessly put your phone or wallet where it is accessible for thieves.

Report to the police station nearby or to a policeman on the streets near you if you encountered any problem.

Have a hand torch, as blackouts could appear at any moment. These usually don’t stay long unless it is a serious problem and yet they appear annoying for visitors. Be aware of stray dogs and feral cats.

Tips: The police number in Addis Ababa is 991.

14. Pollution

Pollution is obvious in the city. The old cars on street pollute the air. The new construction also has a huge impact on the city’s air quality. The air is dusty and trees appear grey. It is not usually noticeable but there definitely air pollution.

Due to a lack of garbage disposal systems, some residents remove garbage directly into rivers. Even factories prefer rivers to remove their toxic disposals. In some areas, we witnessed dried trees and dying soil due to toxic disposals. Some say that there is heavy metal in the vegetables grown next to rivers.

Sanitation is sometimes low on street-side kiosks since dust and dirt are not controlled. Avoid eating in cheap street-side small places.

15. Sport in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa has not many sports facilities. Many hotels, however, host swimming pools and tennis fields. There are few stadiums being built in the city. Many young people frequent at Jan Meda, a field near sadist kilo and others on Meskel Square.

You probably don’t see joggers on the streets, as most of them do them early in the morning.

16. Embassies

Addis Ababa is a seat for the world embassies. You can directly consult or call your embassies. The US embassy, for example, encourages citizens to contact them if needed. Find a printable document of addresses of embassies in Addis Ababa.

17. Important Addresses- Emergency

Find important addresses in Addis Ababa.

18. Time Difference

The most confusing part of the Ethiopian culture is time usage. Time doesn’t start at 7 here, it starts at 1 and ends at 12. The evening starts at 1 and ends at 12 in the morning. Since Ethiopia is located at the equator, daylight saving is not necessary and the day and night stay equal. Therefore, you may need to ask if your schedule is with local time or international time. Or you may miss your meeting. Ethiopia has its own calendar. The country also has 30 equal days in a month and a five- or six-day leap year.

The country is located at +3 UTC. You need to calculate the time difference based on that. New York is at -8, therefore, there is an 11 hours difference and most American cities have 8hours difference Europe have equal or not more than 3 hours difference to Addis Ababa time.

Related: What Time Is In Ethiopia?

19. Best Time to Go

The best time rather depends on your goals. If you are planning to visit and to go around trekking and outside activities, then the winter is a bad time to visit Addis Ababa since the rainy season begins in June and ends in September. Mostly the rain would come and go in half a day. The sun always shines even in wintertime.

Therefore, the best time would be in the dry season from September to May. In September and May or June, there are a few showers of rain and the rent prices get cheaper in some areas.

20. Views

The city is much visible from the Mount Entoto.

Related Post: 16 Important Things to Do in Addis Ababa

21. Discover Addis Ababa

At first sight, there seems not much to visit in the city. The city is truly different from many other cities you have visited. The vast language, ethnic diversity, religious diversity all make the city remarkable. On the other hand, Addis Ababa has large slum settlements, the UN classified as an unliveable place. It is a pity that the city’s policy and the economic situation held back the city from growing. Most of society lives in a poor situation. Well, that is a dream killer.

But Addis Ababa has much wealth that needs attention. You can visit many historic, religious, social spaces and be part of it to experience it. These places include the national museum where you will visit Lucy, ‘one of the first humans’, and other hominid skeletons and charts and historic artifacts. Meskel Square is another social space where you will meet different people from many classes and social groups.

Monuments express the dark and bright histories of the city. The Derg monument tells stories of a socialist government. The lion of Judah tells the story of royalty. The red terror museum displays true horror stories of the socialist era.

Merkato is another depiction of chaotic but organized spaces of Africa. It is the top open market in Africa as well. Besides, the informal activities and economic structure make the place worth visiting.

Related Post: 16 Important Things to Do in Addis Ababa

22. Health and Pharmacies

I read some guides talking about not eating foods in Ethiopian restaurants and not to drink tap water. The whole advice seems a good tip for any traveler who changes places and eats foods they have never eaten before. Of course, one would expect some dysfunction inside that belly.

I am reminded of a time I went to see a doctor after I first moved to Europe years before. After I heard his explanations, I replied saying that I became sick only after drinking the tap water. The doctor was confused and pissed at the same time. And egoistically, he continued explaining how tap water was the best in the world. After all, the disease I had was only imaginary.

The tap water is drinkable but some locals avoid it.

Use filtering or warm the water before drinking. Instead use it only to wash your face, your clothes and to cook with it. Instead, use plastic bottles. Two liters of bottled water is about 40 cents USD.

23. Car Free Days

With the objective of promoting healthy living and air pollution free day, Addis Ababa has car-free days once a month. These days, usually on weekends, some main streets will be closed for traffic. One these days kids and young people who had no park or open space in the city would come out on the streets to play soccer and to skate.

24. Internet and SIM

Addis Ababa has internet access from the solo provider Ethio-Telecom. Most hotels provide free internet but the speed is not that good in many of the places. In a few places, there is good internet speed, especially on the high-end hotels. Most internet cafes have a dial-up connection and the speed are unreliable.

If you stay longer, and if you have the budget, Ethio telecom has unlimited 4G service for 130 dollars a month. The rest of the service is not reliable or is very expensive.

You can obtain a sim card for a dollar once you get to Addis Ababa. You can get it from any telecom shop. With topping with different priced cards, you can get 4G internet and voice and texting time. It is an expensive option to use this service for video streaming.

25. Coffee

Well, it seems cliché to advise someone to have coffee before leaving a city. But this is true. Ethiopia probably has one of the best homemade coffees. It is said that the first quality of arabica coffee in the country is exclusively for export. Most cafés don’t serve first-grade coffees, yet, the coffee remains good. Ask for ‘ye jebena Buna’ at a local café and you will have a good traditional coffee. Buna is translated as coffee and Ye jebena Buna is a coffee made with ‘Je Bena’ (traditional kittle).

The best place to have coffee could be at Tomoca, small cafes that exclusively serve coffee. Since the coffee is from machines and is very strong, I would not advise you to drink only coffee. Instead, order a Macchiato. That will surely make you hyper like the Khalid’s goat.

Coffee is about 2 dollars inexpensive houses and about 50 cents USD in average cafes.

26. Taking Pictures in Addis Ababa

Everyone takes pictures these days. But the locals don’t take pictures of the dirt on streets, or street boys or random people. Only visitors do. It is always best to ask to take pictures of people before doing so. Ethiopians are not violent most of the time, but you may need to respect boundaries. This is a problem I see in many places including in African nations. Foreigners taking pictures of random people on a train or on the street. Better to respect boundaries.

Final Words

This article is not the ultimate fact, rather it is a simple guide to help you what to expect. Use it as a baseline for your actions and for what to expect.

16 Important Things to do in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

brook

February 1, 2020

Being home to 3.3 million people, and foreigners from various countries around the world, Addis Ababa is a multiverse city, that has an amazingly diverse background, culture and looks. It is one of the most chaotic, but still inviting places you would be around the world. Visiting Addis Ababa is one of the best things you should do while you are in Ethiopia.

Since Ethiopia has never been under colonization and it is a seat of the African Union office, the capital Addis Ababa is called the capital of Africa. Its recent visa on arrival access to all African countries, and it has become a reality to its name.

Located at 2665 meters above sea level the city has optimal weather and has an active outside life. The winter has a fair amount of share of sunshine and rain in a single day, therefore, there is no extreme weather.

The diversity of the people and the culture created economic and social diversity. It is a formal setting in chaos. It might seem a random act of human gesture, but everything has a reason and every motion has its own beauty. The expensive cafes or the small street-side kiosk have their own place and beauty. You will truly witness a unique context.

Besides, you will experience the coffee, the culture, the religious activities, the chaos of Merkato, the slum and more. Addis Ababa is a story you will tell back in your country.

Here I will show you 12 things to do in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

Social setting- Addis Ababa

1. Merkato, Africa’s largest open market

Merkato is not your ordinary street market. It is one of the most chaotic and crowded places in the city with various types of businesses and a diverse group of people. In its vast land, are various activities including the informal market, street markets, low-cost residences, recycling spaces and more. The vast activities, such as carrying objects from place to place, car and people in the same street is both risky and memorable to visit.

You will find almost anything in Merkato, from food to Chinese clothing to recycled furniture to souvenirs.

Merkato is not a place for visitors to go in without a guide. It is a complicated space with its health and security issues. It is always better to go with a guide and of course without your valuables. Since the place is hard to secure, there always are street pickpockets in these areas.

There are security people in the area and you will be safe but you will be safer with a guide. Someplace can become health issues, especially Atikilt Tera, that is a vegetable and fruit section, due to unorganized garbage spaces.

EAYOR. That means ‘Enter at Your Own Risk’, by the way.

2. Shiro Meda Market, Addis Ababa

Shiro Meda market is another competitive market to the Merkato. Shiro Meda, located few meters away from the US embassy, specializes in local dresses. If you are looking for a choice of local clothes and crafts, it is always best to visit this place.

The chaotic character of Merkato extends to this space in its own way. The movers, people carrying objects, cars with no separated way from humans and the negotiations, all make the scene surprizing. If you are looking to buy beautiful Ethiopian cultural cloths or local artifacts, this is the right place.

The cloths and artifacts are colorful handwoven and locally made.

Expect informal markets, negotiations, and a chaotic environment. This market is on the way to Entoto.

3. Meskel square

A giant square with stairs and paved surfaces, in the center of the city used to be a marching ground for military shows and gathering spaces for live government announcements. It was also used as event space before the LRT (light rail transit lines) were constructed changing the importance of the place.

Today, Meskel Square is used for Meskel event, which is celebrated on September 28, which is the best time to visit the place as well. You see passionate followers with their robs and white cloths chanting and singing. A religious celebration with its twist, burning a huge bonfire, and candle lighting in the evening, all is a nice experience to be part of.

If not, visit Meskel square on weekends where locals came to the place for a workout. This space probably has produced a lot of athletes or has inspired the fantasy of being a great runner in the future. Besides the square is Addis Ababa museum, book world, and Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum. (see no. 8)

You can always go jogging with the locals at the square. That will be a great experience.

4. The slums

It is a pity that slums became a point of tourism. Many places in the global south used them as tourist destination sites, to make money off the poor. Some, especially in Latin America, created a system where the collected money helps the poor gain more economic stability.

Slums are unique places, that you may not find in your home town. Organically built, they show the history of an area. Addis Ababa is full of such opposing spaces where the poor and the rich and completely different ethnicities and religious groups together live. You will see the overall social and socio-economic structure of the society in these areas. You will find how people interact and survive together. Know when to take pictures and ask for consent.

Religious Places

5. Giorgis Church

St. George church is one of the historic churches in the city. With its rich paintings, memorabilia of ancient scripts, crosses and religious garments, this Ethiopian orthodox church, is located in Menelik square in the Piassa area. With up to 3 dollars as an entrance fee, you can visit inside and around the church and see the history of the church, and its influence on the city.

6. Holy Trinity Cathedral, visit Haile Selassie tomb, historic artifacts

Holy Trinity Cathedral (Kidist Selassie Cathedral) and Museum is another significant church in the city for their historic influence and the ancient artifacts it holds. The well-detailed stone walled medieval impression churches are also a seat for religious leaders.

The museum contains historical memorabilia, crosses, emperor clothing, artifacts, religious manuscripts, and a tomb of Haile Selassie, Ethiopian king.

A place is also a burial place for a famous Sylvia Pankhurst that is known for her English campaign for the suffrage movement and her activism in the cause of anti-fascism.

Expect up to 6 dollars per person entrance fee.

7. Entoto Hill, St. Mary’s

At 3200 meters elevation, Entoto is the highest point in Addis Ababa, you can easily see the whole city at a single glance. Entoto was one of the places, before the Fil Wuha area, that king Menelik II lived in 1886, during the founding of the city. The palace has no much impressive things but still sits on the mountain, and yet is worth to visit.

Not far from the palace is a cathedral called into Maryam cathedral (St. Mary cathedral). Make sure to have your own car or you will have to walk steep slope roads for minutes before arriving at the locations.

2 dollars or less entrance fee.

8. Medhane Alem Cathedral

Located at Bole where the airport is located, and it will be one of the places that you will see on your arrival. It is a better and organized part of the city and has various services for all groups. Medhane Alem church is located at a place commonly known as Edna mall, with its graceful structures and minimal decorations.

Museum and History

9. The Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum

This museum, located next to Meskel Square, is a place to learn the history of a socialist government in Ethiopia and its aftermath in the 1980s. Located in a small space, this museum unveils the dark history of the time in detail. It displays the rise and reign of the communist regime of Derg, and its deeds that killed its own population, estimated from 30,000 to 750,000. Prepare to watch a real horror story and extremely terrifying display of skulls and malevolent stories.

10. National Museum of Ethiopia (Visit Lucy, early humanoid and more)

National Museum is located on the same street as the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Kidist Selassie Cathedral) and Museum. Being a secular museum, it contains local historic artworks, archaeological findings including the skeletal remains of Lucy, said one of the early hominids, remains of kings and royal families and more. Lucy is an almost fully collected skeletal system of humanoid that is 3.2 million years, found in the Afar region in northern Ethiopian in 1974.

In the national museum, you will find archaeological charts, images, videos.

In fact, this should be your aim, if you have time for the rest. This will show you most of what you will see in other areas. It will give you inspiration for what life looked like with a simple guided display.

Expect up to a dollar or much less per person entrance fee

11. Ethnological Museum and Addis Ababa University

Addis Ababa University, is a once palace of King Haile Selassie, is located at Sidist Kilo avenue, few meters away from the National Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral (Kidist Selassie Cathedral) and Museum.

With or without a guide, you will have a chance to visit the university compound, the is once palace ground, and a building with rich historical memorabilia. Visiting the beds, the closets, the chairs and the rooms of the once palace building, you will learn how the royal family lived at the time.

Entrance is usually free, but expect up to 3 or more dollars or half if you have a student card. Only pay at the building entrance if asked formally.

12. Unity park/ Grand Palace

A palace turned to a tourist spot, unity park is one of the recently opened places in Addis a baba. The 20-hectare land that was a residence to top leaders of the country, is not turned in to a park. The park is officially opened at the present of Head of different States and IGAD members.

The place ahs zoo for black-maned lions and more than 300 animals, articulated gardens, culture corner, play space for children, sitting spaces, food court and shopping area. You will have a tour guide, that could take up to three hours. The cost of entry at the beginning of the opening of the park was 20 dollars for foreigners.

The park hosts more than 1000 tourists every day.

Location: Niger Street and Menelik II Avenue, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Working hours: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Related: Is Addis Ababa Airport Safe?

Monuments and History

13. Monuments, Lion of Judah

Monuments are not well-serviced places in the city. This may not inspire you much unless you are into photography or documentation or into history. However, the monuments are very beautiful and are great sights to visit.

The lion Judah, located at Legehar Station, represents a lion of Judah that is used to represent the blood lion of the royalty that were thought to emanate from biblical Solomon, at the time Queen Sheba visited him, as indicated in the bible.

14. Derg Monument

The Dreg monument is another free-standing monument with no much protection and no many visitors. You may only have to visit this monument on your way to Piassa while you are in your car.

If you want to experience it first-hand, it is a pretty place to visit, the waterfall (rarely opened), the stairs, the monument, and the background forest all make the space attractive. It is one of the socialist monuments that persist until today.

Cultural

15. Food and coffee

Being a place for local food, local culture, and local Ethiopian music, many cultural restaurants are fun places to be in. In many of these places, you will have cultural food, cultural drinks and dances, and local music. You will truly enjoy the whole set including dancing the local beat, that you will regret doing. There are various options for the cultural food and cultural setting restaurants in Addis Ababa ET.

-Tomoca is a choice for coffee drinkers. Its variety of Ethiopian coffee is a choice by many visitors.

-2000 Habesha Cultural Restaurant- 251 11 551 8358

–Yod Abyssinia Traditional Restaurant

Location: Bole Brass Area

Tel: +251116612985

Time: Lunch, Dinner

-Itegue Taitu Hotel

Piazza, Arada

Tel: +251111560787

Totot Kitfo

Anbessa Garage, 24 Gergi

Kategna

Africa Avenue, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tel: +251911520183

Fun

16. Hot air balloon

Hot air balloon trip over the capital and the suburbs is a great way of having fun and learn about the city as well. If you have half a day, you can book a balloon trip and enjoy the day with your beloved ones. The balloon flight starts at Menegesha, HOletta area, 15 km west of Addis Ababa. You should schedule your flight on their website or call 251-926-845086

Final

Things to do in Addis Ababa are much of an experience rather than visit and pass things. There are always new things that you will learn in the city. The diversity of the people in religion, culture and ethnicity and even income group makes a very diverse city.

While visiting Addis Ababa, you will need to follow a few rules.

Never judge the people based on any persona standard, or never voice it in a way that provokes others. Ethiopians are very polite people and treat them as one
Never carry a lot of money or valuables. Leave it at your hotel desk, not in your rooms.
Never take a photograph of people without their consent. This is something that many visitors forget. Never forget these are human beings too.
Always take pictures.
Use a personal taxi, preferably a recent UBER type applications. The first one in the city was an app called a ride. These are metered and are cheaper.
Pay only when asked. You may be asked for tips if you are visiting off the normal hours. But you have no responsibility to pay extra money.
Respect rules, no matter how silly they seem, in the churches and in museums.
Merkato seems chaotic even for the locals. It is always to be in groups and contact police if any problem arises.
There are not many places that don’t allow taking photographs at this time( it was an issue for long). How ever, you should be careful when and where to take pics in Addis Ababa.
Police phone number is 991, Redcross ambulance service is 917.

Generally, Addis Ababa is a worthy place for a visit. The social and economic differences in society and its historic past created places that need a visit. While visiting Addis Ababa it always to have in mind the historic past fo the city. When you understand the past you will easily understand where things fit on the historic line.

Some of the tourist designations are not formally designed or carefully protected. You may need to fit the puzzle your self.

What is the time in Ethiopia, and other best tips

brook

January 30, 2020

Time in Ethiopia? How could that be different from the rest of the world? Well, it is. Timing in Ethiopia is much different from the rest of the world. Not only the time, but the calendar is different as well. September is the beginning of the year, not January. You will have to celebrate two new years if you live in Ethiopia. Christmas in local is on January 7 not on December 29. Better get prepared for two Christmases as well.

This is surprising for many foreigners in the country. We heard stories of confusion in setting meeting time or at least in discussions. Time in Ethiopia is much different and you should know how to count it if you are traveling there. You will probably get confused as well or might even miss important meetings and events.

Here, I will show you the local timing in Ethiopia, the time difference between time in Ethiopia and time in other cities, and the best time to visit Ethiopia.

What is Ethiopia time?

‘It is like time travel’, one tourist from the US said, trying to contain her amazement. ‘What year is it again?’, She asked again, trying to confirm the new fact she learned. ‘It is 2012, one of the guides’, replied, ‘we are 8 years back from the rest of the world.’ It is not only the year that is different in Ethiopia, but also the time. The days have twelve hours that start from one and the evening starts with one again. Therefore, seven in the morning is one in the morning in Ethiopia. Noon is 6, not 12. The evening starts at one again.

Therefore, the time is determined by sunrise and sunset. The day and the night are equal and do not vary like the northern hemisphere.

Ethiopia Local Time vs everyone’s time

‘What is local time Ethiopia?’, is what visitors in Ethiopia usually ask locals, trying to simplify the communication, and trying to know the time as well. Local time in Ethiopia is easy to understand. Here is how you should understand time in Ethiopia, or what time Ethiopia uses.

First, the day has 12 hours and the night has 12 hours that gives 24 hours as a total. Most of the seasons have equal day and night, unlike many European, and American countries. The slight time difference in the middle of the year (the beginning in September, not January, by the way) is short or not noticeable. Ethiopia does not observe daylight saving time.

Therefore, why not start your day from 1 o’clock, and not 7 o’clock. Then count to 12, until evening. The evening begins at 1 and till 12 in the morning.

	You time	Local
Morning	7 PM	1 o’clock
Lunch time(noon)	12 PM	6 o’clock
Day ends	6 AM	12 o’clock
Evening begins	7 AM	1 o’clock
Midnight	12 AM	6 o’clock
Morning	6 PM	12 o’clock

In short, the day begins at 1 and ends at 12 and the evening begins at 1 and ends at 12.

Ethiopia time now

Current local time in
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Current local time in
New York City, United States

Current local time in
London, United Kingdom

Current local time in
Norway

Ethiopia Time Zone

Offset	Time zone abbreviation and name
UTC +3	East African Time EAT

Ethiopia time zone

Ethiopia Time Difference

There is no time difference between Addis Ababa and Ethiopia. However, Ethiopia time difference is obvious compared to other countries and cities. New York is 8 hours behind Ethiopian time. London is five hours behind the time in Ethiopia.

City	difference	Ethiopia
New York -Time Zone: America/New York -Universal Time Coordinated, (UTC): UTC-5 -Daylight Saving Time, DST: UTC-4	-8	-Time Zone: Africa/Addis Ababa -Universal Time Coordinated: UTC: UTC+3 -Note: no Daylight-Saving Time in use.
London -Time Zone: Europe/London -Universal Time Coordinated, (UTC): UTC+0 Daylight Saving Time, DST: UTC+1 -Standard Time: UTC+0	-5
Berlin (City) Time Zone: Europe/Berlin Universal Time Coordinated (UTC): UTC+1 Daylight Saving Time ( DST): UTC+2 Standard Time: UTC+1	-2

Add these numbers to your time to know Ethiopia Time Difference (what time it is in Ethiopia)

Following this, guide here is Ethiopia time differences to world cities, in different continents and time zones.

USA

Los Angeles -11 hours
Mexico City -9 hours
New York -8 hours
São Paulo -6 hours

London -3 hours

Europe

Berlin, Rome, Paris, and Madrid -2 hours
Istanbul 0
Moscow 0

Asia

Mumbai +2:30 hours
Hong Kong +5 hours
Singapore +5
Tokyo +6 hours

Australia

Sydney +8 hours

Best Time to Visit Ethiopia

The best time in Ethiopia (to visit Ethiopia) is in the summertime. Ethiopia is a high-altitude country, as most cities are above 1600 meters above sea level. Addis Ababa is 2355 meters above sea-level, Lalibela is 2,600 m (8,500 ft) located between Lasta mountains in the eastern highlands and Siemen mountains in the north are up to 3200 or higher meters above sea level. Fog and continuous rain are normal in these areas and it makes trekking and other activities harder. Therefore, the best time to visit most cities in the country is from September to April, where the rainy season ends and the summer takes place.

Related: What is Ethiopia known for?

There are only two big seasons in the country, the summer, and winter. You obviously don’t recognize the rest. Summer is dry time and winter is rainy season. Rain begins in June or July and up to august or to the end of September. The number of tourists might vary in these months but the time should depend on what you are looking for. After all the climate differs from what people from the northern hemisphere got used to. Three is no harsh or extreme weather here. There is always sun shining, even in the middle of the winter. After all, Ethiopia is called 13 months of sunshine.

Best Time to Visit Ethiopia is, therefore, between October and March, months that the land is dry. The worst time is between July and August. The rain is the best visitor in these months.

Time in Ethiopia: Final words

When you plan to be in Ethiopia it is best to understand three things about the time. First, counting time in Ethiopia is different from the rest of the world. Ethiopian time begins at 1 in the morning and end at 12, not begins at 7 and ends at 6. Since there is no daylight saving in this time zone, the day and the night hours are equal. Therefore, it is better for the local to count time from 1 to 12-day time and 1 to 12 night time. When you visit Ethiopia, it is better to get prepared for time confusion, telling time in Ethiopia. When the locals ask you to come at 3 in the morning, they are referring at time 9 in the morning. You can always deduct 6 hours to know the local time or you need to ask if it is in local time or ‘Ferenji’ (name given for tourists) time?

It is not only the time but also the calendar. Like the Jews and arabas, Ethiopia also has its own calendar. It is September the new year, not January in Ethiopia. Christmas is also the not same day as the rest of the world. It is always to ask or to check before making an appointment with Ethiopians, especially when you are there.

Second, a thing to know about time in Ethiopia is the time difference with your city. Ethiopia is located at UTC +3. If you are in Las Angeles, for example, your UTC is -8. Therefore, there is 11 hours difference between your city and Ethiopia.

If you are in India, your UTC is +5:30, therefore, there is 2:30 minutes difference between your time and Ethiopia time.

Third, the best Time Ethiopia for tourists is between October and March, months that the land is dry. The worst time is between July and August. The rain and the cloudy days make it hard for tourists that have less time to stay. Although it is an experience itself to see a day with sun and rain, as there is not extreme weather here, it is better to plan based on the objective of your travel. If you are serious about animals, then summer is better. If you into the tourist destinations, then any time is good, as long as you dress for the occasion.

Related: What Time Ethiopia Now, Ethiopia Local Time Now, Ethiopia Local Time And Date, Ethiopia Current Time, Ethiopia Time And Date, Ethiopia Time Clock, Ethiopia What Time Now, Ethiopia Time Right Now, Ethiopia Time And Date Now, What Time Ethiopia Right Now, Ethiopia Current Time And Date, Ethiopia Addis Ababa Time Now

What Ethiopia Looks Like and 7 Unpopular Points

brook

January 25, 2020

Many people wonder what Ethiopia looks like. You probably have seen pictures of bare feet and nude people with weird piercings and body scarification. You at least have watched one advertisement about poor Africans with flies with a message ‘a dollar a child’. That is how the media portrayed the country to the rest of the world. This is how the NGOs created the image of the continent.

While going out shopping in Addis Ababa, a European student once confessed to me how she feared being robbed on the streets before she came to Ethiopia, and she left her valuable clothes back in her country. We heard similar stories that are strange to local people and surprising to the visitors. How did these stories begin?

Most of the stories that shaped the images of what Ethiopia began with the 90’s famine story, the time Ethiopia was under a socialist dictator government. Between 1983-1985, famine had affected the northern part of the country, and it killed 1.2 million, left 400,000 refugees, and displaced 2.5 million. At the end of the famine, almost 200,000 children were left orphaned.

Human rights organizations including Oxfam concluded that the famine was not because of drought but because of the country’s policy that was aimed to undermine the resistance in the northern part of Ethiopia by restricting food supply. The plan failed hugely and fueled a civil war in that part of the country and brought unanticipated famine.

A BBC news crew, who is responsible for the news, documented the famine and portrayed the situation as ‘the closest thing to hell on earth’. Everyone heard, and Ethiopia, a country that was civilized long before any western country, a country that inspired many countries in the world, a country that contributed to the civilization and to the African liberation, all of a sudden became an image of famine and poorness.

Many charity organizations followed creating an image of Ethiopia, and being able to convince the world to collect money as donations. A new era of aid policy came about that only made the government rich and the donors richer. But the image of what Ethiopia looks like stayed overly exaggerated and pessimistically painted, and as an illustration of poverty and famine, even in dictionaries.

Ethiopia, however, is a diverse nation, with peaceful people and ancient civilizations and with massive landscapes, untapped resources, and a huge future.

What Ethiopia Looks Like: Nature

Ethiopia is a diverse nation in terms of its climate and weather. It has different landscapes and faunas that are unique to different parts of the region. One of the most amazing landscapes is the simian mountains national park.

It is located in the northern part of the country and it contains deep valleys a mountain peaks making the extraordinary scene. The area is known for it’s endangered wild like such as Walia ibex. Visitors choose the place for trekking.

Lake Tana is another surprising feature in the northern part of the country. The place is a choice for bird watchers. Great while pelicans and African darters exist near the lake. The most amazing part is the highlands in the center of the lake that have monasteries and religious places. These existed since the 13th century.

The Blue Nile falls is another amazing site in the region. The fall plunges from a 45 m (150 ft) basalt ridge, creating white smoke. The whole scene is striking. Although it requires a walk of a few meters to arrive at the falls, many tourists and visitors don’t shy away from it.

The Omo national park in Jinka, in the south, is another natural feature that shapes what Ethiopia looks like. The tribes, with a very unique life than the rest of the country live there.

Many visitors went there to visit the natural attraction as well as safari ride the park and river. He park is full of wild animals including elephants, cheetahs, and buffalos. Entoto in the capital of Addis Ababa another mountain that lets you see the whole city at a glance.

Afar is another unique destination in the country. Afar is not a walk in a park, it is one of the hottest places in the world. Only a few kilometers from a normal climate a completely different landscape exists. Afar is known for Danakil depression, the lowest point above sea level, which is 400 feet below sea level.

It’s a colorful landscape, due to chemical reactions on the land, the salt land, and the open lava that is mesmerizing to watch. The dusty desert color change when you see them from an above point and the orange, green, and yellow colors give dream-like images. The colors emanate because of sulfur and other minerals.

The place is called a land of 13 months of sunshine. ( Ethiopia has only 30 days in every month and 5 or 6 days of a leap year) The climate in many areas is mild.

What Ethiopia Looks Like: Nature

What Ethiopia Looks Like: History

Ethiopia is an ancient civilization. Its name is associated with many biblical stories. The ancient Axum (Aksum) civilization goes as far as the 1st century. Lalibela goes as far as 12^th c. The present territory came about with European powers who were interested in the country’s past. Ethiopia only became a topic in foreign stories after defeating Italy in the battle of Adwa in 1896. Ethiopia is the only independent sovereign state that didn’t fall under a colonial rule. This shaped what Ethiopia looks like in many ways. Rastafarianism paved away based on this story. It also inspired many black American movements and even many marginalized black people travel to visit the courtyard and get inspirations.

What Ethiopia Looks Like: History

WHAT IS ETHIOPIA KNOWN FOR? 14 AMAZING FACTS
27 Things You Wish You Knew Before Visiting Addis Ababa
16 Important Things to do in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Addis Ababa Quality of Life: A Guide for Better Living on Budget

What Ethiopia Looks Like: People and Culture

You probably have heard how many countries, including the west, mechanically try to make a diverse population by migrating people from other countries. The diversity visa, the scholarships are part of this process. Many countries seem to have a homogeneous culture and population, that they don’t have an experience of other cultures. Many people from these nations speak a single language.

It is interesting to see such a diverse population in a single country. There are up 77 various tongues in Ethiopia and many cultures and ethnic groups. 33 percent of Ethiopians speak oromigna, 29.3 speak Amharic and 6.2 percent speak Somali. There are many ethnic groups that are different and unique in their culture, looks, and living styles.

There are various religions as well. Christianity and Islam have a major following. Fasting twice a week, which is not consuming meat and dairy products, resembles veganism that is a fresh topic in many nations.

Ethiopia is also associated with the first Islamic stories, where it is said that the prophet sent the first followers to Ethiopia seeking refuge.

What Ethiopia Looks Like: People and Culture

What Ethiopia Looks Like Sports

Football( soccer) is popular in Ethiopia. It has been a place of violence recently, associated with the recent unrest in some regions. Although it didn’t have quite significant results in any form, soccer remains an emotional sport in the country.

Contrary to this, athletics has a huge place in the country. Runners like Haile Gebre Selassie, Kenenisa Bekele, Abebe Bikila, Fatuma Roba, and Tirunesh Dibaba are known for their long-distance track and street competitions. Abebe Bikila who runs in the 60s and 70s for the summer Olympics in Rome set a new world record at the time.

He had a reputation of winning 12 of the 1 marathons he participated in. Haile Gebreselassie is another great athlete who runs 10,000 meters and won 2 Olympic gold medals and 4 world championship titles. He won Berlin marathon, 4 times in a row, and Dubai marathon 3 times. In total, he has broken more than 60 national records, 27 world records in various distance competitions.

What Ethiopia Looks Like Sports

What Ethiopia Looks Like: music

Ethiopia has various musical instruments from aerophones to Membranophones. The basic and popular ones are begena, which is a religious instrument, resembles Kirar or a guitar. It has an integrated triangular shape and is big to hold in hand. Kirar is smaller and is often played with a single hand.

Washint is an air instrument that resembles a trumpet. Kebero is a drum, made with animal dried animal skins and often held on the neck with a single rope. The player uses both sides of Kebero to make a piece of music. Kebero sometimes is associated with orthodox religious ceremonies.

What Ethiopia Looks Like: music

What Ethiopia Looks Like: Cities

Most Ethiopian cities are growing cities. Addis Ababa, for example, saw a fast change only recently, associated with the fast construction in the city. Most cities seem to be under-construction and look like third world cities.

Some places, especially in Addis, and the northern part of the country, including neighboring Eritrea, have some left edifices of fascist Italian space and architecture. Most cities follow a planning standard set by the country.

Ethiopian cities have their own unique images. Here are the few that define what Ethiopia looks like.

–Aksum is known for its tall carved obelisks, remnants of the ancient kingdom of Aksum (Axum). The place was a naval and trading power, in 400 BCE to the 10^th century. It is one of UNESCO archaeological sites. It is also considered as a holy city.

–Lalibela is another city on a list of UNESCO. Lalibela has marvelous rock-cut monolithic churches built from 7^th to 13^th c.

–Gondar is another city, that was a powerful state and a capital of the country in the 16^th century. It has medieval remnants of castles.

Harrar is another UNESCO registered city. The old walled city has a story as far as 13^th c. The town is marvelous and historic to visit.

Shashamane is a promised land for Rastas. It is the first place King Haile Selassie gave to the first rastas that visit the country. The place has a number of Rastas Until today.

What Ethiopia Looks Like: Cities

What Ethiopia Looks Like: Holidays

January 7 and January 19 are religious holidays, Ethiopian Christmas and epiphany. These days, the religious people and others came on the street to celebrate the day with white cloths and lighting candles and chanting and singing.

Many tourists prefer these days to visit the country as the days show the hidden images of the country.

March 2 is a victory of Adwa day, a day where Ethiopians defeat fascist Italy in 1896.

Unlike many countries, Ethiopia has its own calendar which is called an Ethiopian calendar. And September 11 is the begging of the new year. Therefore September one in the Gregorian calendar is September 1 in the Ethiopian calendar. A year in 2020 in the Gregorian calendar is the year 2012 in Ethiopian. Ethiopian year is 8 years behind.

Islamic holidays such as Ramadan and Eid are also celebrated in the country on unfixed dates, in a fixed month.

I tried to explain what Ethiopia looks like using the different images the country already has. It is hard to capture the image in a single sentence rather it better understands Ethiopia grom various directions, including progress, culture, cities, and more. Ethiopia today is a poor nation and has a lot of challenges. This does not govern the good things that the country has. It is always good to understand it in a balanced way.

What Ethiopia Looks Like: Holidays

How far is from Gondar to Bahir Dar, to Debre Tabor, From Addis Ababa, from Lalibela?

brook

January 23, 2020

How far is from Gondar to Bahir Dar, to Debre Tabor, From Addis Ababa, or from Lalibela? Gondar is a tourist city. A number of people flock to see medieval ruins and religious adventures. Due to the high number of visitors, the buses, private cars, and planes are on demand.

It is usually necessary to check the distance and appropriate way of traveling from one town to another. Flight and bus schedules are necessary. Many visitors want to know how to travel from Gondar to another city for more adventure and visitation. Here, I will show you how far from Gondar to another city and the best way to travel there.

Where Is Gondar Ethiopia?

Gondar (Gonder) Is a historic city in Semen (northern) Gondar Zone, In the Amhara Region. The City was the capital of Ethiopian from 1632 to 1855, from Fasiledes to Lij Isasu the second. Today, some of the ruins of the castle structures persist and are enclosed for tourists and visitors. More than 200,000 people live in Gondar today. And it is the second biggest city in Amhara.

Where Is Gondar Situated?

Gondar is situated in the north of Lake Tana and southwest of the Simien Mountains, on a latitude and longitude of 12°36′N, 37°47′E at an elevation of 2300 m (7500 ft) above sea level. Gondar is north of Bahir Dar, west of Mekelle, south of Aksum, north of Addis baba and west of Lalibela.

How Far is from Gondar To Bahir Dar?

Gondar is located at Latitude and longitude of 12°36′N, 37°47′E, and Bahir Dar is located at 11°36′N, 37°23′E. The shortest distance, by air from Gondar to Bahir Dar, is about 110 km (70miles). That is a 10-minute plane trip.

A minibus is available from Gondar to Bahir Dar, at a cost of fewer than 3 dollars or less. It takes about 3 or 4 hours to get from Gondar to Bahir Dar.

A contract taxi or a private car is the best option to travel on land from Gondar to Bahir Dar. The best way to get a fat contract car is to consult with your hotel’s front desk.

How far from Gondar to Bahir Dar?

On feet- 35 hours or more

By car-3 hours or more

By plane-10 minutes or more

How Far is from Gondar To Debre Tabor?

Debre Tabor is a small town located in the east of Bahir Dar. It is located in Debub(southern) Gondar zone, in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, at latitude and longitude of 11°85′N, 38°01′E. It has an elevation of 2706 meters (8,878 ft) above sea level.

Debre Tabor has more than 48 springs, and the development of the city came around them.

To travel from Gondar to Debre Tabor, you may have to fly to Bahir Dar and take a car to Debre Tabor.

How far from Gondar to Debre Tabor on land? It is about 155 km (97 miles) to travel from Gondar to Debre Tabor by car. Generally, the distance between Debre Tabor and Gondar is about 102 km (63 miles).

How Far is Gondar From Addis Ababa?

Addis Ababa is located at latitude and longitude of 9°05′N, 38°74′E. So, how far is Gondar from Addis Ababa? The distance between Gondar to Addis Ababa is 420 kilometers (261 miles). It takes about an hour to travel by plane from Gondar to Addis Ababa.

Driving distance from Gondar to Addis Ababa is 657 kilometers (408 miles). Considering, the 80 km/ hour average speed of most cars that travel from Addis Ababa to various cities, and depending on the quality and width of the road, it takes about 9 hours to get to Gondar. It is not only how far is Gondar from Addis, but also how often the car stops on the road and how long you stay before you start driving. Usually, buses, stop for lunch and sometimes to use bathrooms on the road.

Ethiopia Weather: 15 tips that save you a lot on your budget and time

If you are on some crazy adventure, and you are traveling on foot, considering the average waling speed that is 10 km/ hour, it might take you about 72 hours to get from Gondar to Addis Ababa. It is about four days without rest or up to six days with rest in between.

How Far is Gondar From Lalibela?

How far is Gondar from Lalibela? This is probably a much-asked question since many tourists want to know how to travel from one tourist attraction to another. Since Gondar and Lalibela are on most visitor’s plans, there are many tour operators that provide packages. Most travels with the tour guides are done by private 4 by 4 car. Day one is usually arrival at Bahir Dar, after 7 hours of a drive with some rest on the way. You visit monasteries and the Blue Nile. The next day, excursion at the lake tana and more monasteries. On the third day travel to Gondar and visit the monasteries and palaces. Forth day, to Lalibela. Then after a day or two, drive to other monasteries and historic places. And finally, back to Addis Ababa.

Lalibela is located latitude and longitude of 12°03′N, 39°04′E.

So, how far is Gondar from Lalibela? Gondar from Lalibela is about 352 kilometers. The main challenge is not how far is Gondar from Lalibela, the challenge is how to get there. Unlike many cities, there is no direct bus from Gondar to Lalibela. This may be due to the elevation where Lalibela is, or due to the city buses are not allowed into cities. You need to take an early morning bus, I meant early as 6 am to Gashena then in the afternoon takes a bus to Lalibela.

A trip to Gashena costs up to 150 or more birr and the second bus to Lalibela takes up to 2 hours and may cost up to 50 or more birr. Total is about 6.250 USD

	Time(bus)	cost	Time(fly)	cost
How far is from Gondar to Bahir Dar 112 km	2-3 hours	3 USD or more		138 USD
How far is from Gondar to Debre Tabor 150 km	Up to 2: 20 hours
How far is from Gondar to Addis Ababa 657 km	9 hours or more			77 USD
How far is from Gondar to Lalibela 352 km	Up to 6 hours	6.25 USD in total		77 USD
How far is from Gondar to Debark 77 km
How far is from Gondar to Aksum 352 km	Up to 7 hours		1:40 hours

Addis ababa airport 26 things you need to know

Check the airline’s website for the best estimation. If you are local and have a passport, then you will have a discount. If you fly in the country with Ethiopian airlines, then you will have a discount on your local travel.

Final remark

Sometimes, it is better to worry about how fast the cars drive or how often we stop on the road instead of how far is from Gondar to another city. The cars or buses have their own start and stop trends.
Second, flight time differs. Usually, there are only one or two local flights per day, depending on the demand. A flight from Lalibela to Gondar is usually at 8 PM afternoon, so make sure the flight schedule before deciding.
If you traveled into Ethiopia with Ethiopian airlines, you are eligible for a big discount on a local flight. Consult the front desk at your arrival, or while you book a ticket at a local flight.
Many bus trips are not a stroll in a park. The climate is usually not harsh, except in areas like Danakil depression, Bahir Dar, and Metema areas. Taking a bus to Gondar to Addis, you need to cross a small desert area, and without a ventilation system. The cultural differences may be a shock to some visitors. You will be traveling with a rural population as well, then you should be prepared for some uncomfortable situations. Usually, the buses won’t allow anyone to stand for long trips. But make sure to sit in front where it is secured and where everything is visible to watch.
It is always best to ask for directions, instead of waiting for something to happen. You could follow with GPS or ask for directions if there is anyone who speaks your language.
Buses stop if you ask to buy water or anything else.
Be back on the bus on time, if you stop for lunch. Make sure the bus is visible while you sit at the restaurants. Or you can stay on the bus if you prefer.
Sometimes, you need to change busies. They may ask you to transfer on to the next bus to enter city areas. Make sure they have agreed to share what you unpaid when you enter the first bus. Don’t add more. They don’t ask for more, if they do, you don’t have to add any more money.
Long-distance travel is not usually fun. Choose your mode of transport wisely.

Addis ababa airport 26 things you need to know

Where to Stay in Lalibela: 50 Best Options

brook

January 22, 2020

Where to stay in Lalibela is a question many people ask before planning their trip. Lalibela is a small town and finding a place that is near the center and that is safe and accessible is not that hard. In fact, you will find many options near the center.

There are many options for where to stay in Lalibela, based on price, location, and preference. These options include price, location, and your trip objective. You need to ask whether you have children, or you have pets, or you need WiFi or you need a social life, or you are in a group or not. Choose your hotel based on these factors.

Where to Stay in Lalibela: best places

Here are 34 places to stay in Lalibela. These have their own quality and lack. Choose based on your needs.

1. Zagwe Hotel

Zaguwe hotel is a 3-star hotel that is located about 1.6 km from the center of Lalibela and 300 meters from Bete Abba Libanos. You will get outdoor fireplaces with furniture, a garden, and a sun terrace. There is a shared kitchen for self-cooking and a restaurant to buy food. Wellness facilities including massage are available. Cleaning service, ironing, and laundry are available with an additional charge. Services including barbers and shops are available.

*Pets are allowed with no extra charge.

WiFi is available for free.

2. Maribela Hotel

Maribela Hotel is only 800 m from the center and probably one of the best. They offer outdoor fireplaces with furniture, a picnic area, a sun terrace, and a garden space. You will have a shared kitchen. The place is monitored with CCTV and has smoke alarms. With free internet and free parking that don’t need a reservation, the service is top. They offer transport serve and shuttle service on extra charges. You also get business facilities including meeting rooms and fax machines. Cleaning services save you time. Entertainment is for your children, such as books, Tv a DVD while you can go on cooking class, live music, tour, walking tours, galleries, hiking and library services.

Pets are allowed in the hotel.

There is a free parking service

WHERE TO STAY IN LALIBELA: Maribela Hotel

3. Mini Lalibela Guest House

Mini Lalibela Guest House is located in 300 meters radius from Bete Abba Libanos and Bete Amanuel. It is a few minutes’ walk. The hotel provides gardens, a free WIFI, barbecue spaces and facilities, non-smoking rooms, morning breakfast, and sun terrace accommodating.

There is a free parking service.

Pets are not allowed.

WHERE TO STAY IN LALIBELA: Mini lalibela

4. Lalibela Hotel

Lalibela Hotel is a 6-minute walk from Bet Abba Libanos. Lalibela Hotel has a restaurant and a bar, free private parking, and a garden. You can get hiking and bike rental with additional charges. Daily housekeeping, laundry, ironing makes life easier. There is also free internet. The outdoor future, terrace, and garden are enjoyable.

Pets are not allowed in the hotel.

There is a free parking service

Memorable things to do in Lalibela

5. planet guest house

Planet guest House is an only 8-minute walk from Bet Abba Libanos. This makes it reachable at any time of the day. The guest house has bar accommodations with a bar, free private parking, a garden, and a quiet terrace.

Pets are not allowed in the hotel.

There is a free parking service.

6. Explore-Lalibela homestay

Explore-Lalibela homestay is a kilometer away from Bete Giorgis and 1.2 kilometers from St. George. This property has a balcony with a good view, a bar, and a garden. It is a pity that they don’t have a parking area. However, they have a cable connection in some rooms free of charge. The terrace, balcony, and garden are enjoyable as well.

There is no parking service.

*Pets are allowed with no extra charge.

WHERE TO STAY IN LALIBELA: Explore-Lalibela homestay

7. Panorama View

Panorama view is also located in an 8-minute walk from Bete Abba Libanos and half a mile from Bete Giyorgis. It has a garden and a good view. It has a good kitchen with furniture. It also offers car hire, laundry, wake-up service, shuttle service and more.

Pets are allowed in the hotel with extra charge.

There is a free parking service.

There is no internet service.

8. Mekalet guest house

Mekalet guest house is only 1.5 km from Bet Medhane Alem and 1.8 km from Bet Giyorgis. The guest house a restaurant, a bar, and a garden. One good thing about the guest house is the activities including bingo (additional charges), live sports broadcasting, live music, tour, cooking classes (additional charges), cycling, hiking, tennis court. Most of the services are of the sight of the hotel. The wellness center is a big plus.

They offer free WiFi.

*Pets are allowed with no extra charge.

9. Lalibela Homestay

Lalibela Homestay has located about 2.1 km from the center, and 1.5 km from Bete Amanuel. It has our door fireplace with furniture, terrace, and garden. They have parking with up to 10 dollars per day. They also give airport pick up and drop off with an additional fee. Car hire, gift shop, daily housekeeping, children TV networks are all part of the services. With additional charge, you will also get cooking classes, bike tours, walking tours, water parks, cycling, and hiking.

They offer free WiFi.

*Pets are allowed with no extra charge.

WHERE TO STAY IN LALIBELA: Explore-Lalibela homestay

The history of Lalibela

10. Abrham B&B

Abrham B&B is a 3-minute walk from Bet Abba Libanos. The facility gives a terrace, garden, picnic area. They have a shared kitchen and laundry service. Children’s TV service is good for your children. And cooking classes, hiking, and bike rental services are helpful for you. They have airport pick up and drop off service with an additional charge.

*Pets are allowed with no extra charge.

They offer free WiFi.

11. Lasta Café and Garden Retreat

1.6 km from center, a few minutes’ walks from Bete Amanuel, Lasta café and Garden Retreat have a Reiki massage service. If you are that kind of person, this is a good choice. You will get an outdoor garden, free WIFI, a free parking space. Pets are also allowed with some additional charges. You will find, cooking class, archery, tour and hiking service with an additional charge. The wellness center has full body massage or part of body massage options. You will get a cleaning service, laundry and food and drinking serves.

They offer free WiFi.

*Pets are allowed with no extra charge.

12. Alef Paradise Hotel

1.4 km from center, half a kilometer from Bete Medhane Alem. You will ger free WIFI and pets are allowed in the hotel. There is a free parking space for you. You will ger laundry, housekeeping, and room service.

*Pets are allowed with no extra charge.

They offer free WiFi.

13. Torpedo Hotel

Torpedo hotel in Lalibela is only 1.5 km from the center and half a kilometer from Bet Medahane Alem. Pets are not allowed in the facility. But there is free internet access, evening entertainment, and coffee and bar. Here is a free parking space. You will also get daily housekeeping and laundry.

*Pets are not allowed.

They offer free WiFi.

WHERE TO STAY IN LALIBELA: Torpedo Hotel

14. Yimreha Hotel

Yimreha Hotel is a two-star hotel located at 1.5 km from the center and half a kilometer from Bete Abba Libanos. It has a good garden but pets are not allowed. You will get a tour, themed dinner nights, game rooms, evening entrainment, art gallery, food and drink services. You will also have housekeeping and cleaning services. There are an ATM, and fax and meeting places. The wellness facilities are a great plus for a tired visitor. There is a parking space for free but reservation is needed.

15. Highland Eco Trekking Tours Ethiopia

15 km from center, and Located in Lalibela, Highland Eco Trekking Tours Ethiopia provides accommodations 15 miles from Bet Medhane Alem and 15 miles from Bet Giyorgis.

16. Sara Lalibela

Sara Lalibela Hotel is 1.5 km from the center Located in Lalibela, 300 m from Bet Abba Libanos and 300 m from Bete Amanuel. They offer an outdoor dining area with a barbecue. You can easily see the landmarks and the city and the mountain from the hotel. The wellness facility is a plus here. You might need to pay an additional fee for the massage. The kitchen has enough furniture and accessories to make your stay comfortable. You will find a parking space without a reservation. Safety and entertainment for children are provided.

You can watch live sports events, or join cooking class, bike tours, and hiking.

*Pets are allowed. An extra charge may apply.

They offer free WiFi.

WHERE TO STAY IN LALIBELA: Sara Lalibela Hotel

17. Selam Guest House

Selam Guest House is located 1.6 km from the center. The house has a good view of the mountains and has a good terrace. Outdoor fireplace, outdoor furniture, garden spaces, horse riding with an additional charge, hiking are fun places. You will get airport drop off and pick up serves. The housekeeping, dry cleaning service make your life easier.

No parking spaces.

No internet or WIFI. So, a good option if you are going off-grid.

*Pets are allowed with no extra charge.

18. Sami Lalibela guest house

Sami Lalibela’s guest house is located 1.5km from the center, within 300 m of Bet Abba Libanos and 300 m of Bet Amanuel. They have a good terrace and free private parking is possible with reservation. You will get bar service.

*Pets are allowed with no extra charge.

They offer free WiFi.

19. Hailemariam Homestay & Tour

850 m from the center, has garden views and bar service. You can join cooking classes with an additional fee. Bike tours are also available with an additional charge.

*Pets are not allowed.

No WiFi.

WHERE TO STAY IN LALIBELA: Hailemariam Homestay & Tour

20. New Horizon Homestay

New horizon Homestay is 1.7 km from the Church of St. George and 2 km from Bete Medhane Alem. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed and there is no internet access. You will find a free parking space with a reservation.

*Pets are not allowed.

No WiFi.

21. Tukul Village

1.1 km from center

With lake views, Tukul Village is located in Lalibela and has a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, bar, garden, and terrace. The lodge features both WiFi and private parking free of charge.

*Pets are allowed with no extra charge.

They offer free WiFi.

WHERE TO STAY IN LALIBELA: Tukul Village

22. Jegolye Family Eco Camp

Jegolye Family Eco Camp has located 1.6 km from the center. The place has the best services. You will get a parking space for your car. You will have a shared kitchen, and outdoor fireplace with furniture, A garden space, and a terrace. Cooking classes, tours, horse riding, hiking is a few of the fun you will get with additional charges. The wellness center includes yoga classes.

No WIFI.

Pets are not allowed.

23. Eden Garden

Eden Garden has located 1.6 km from the center and is surrounded by trees. They offer garden spaces, terraces, and outdoor furniture. There is free parking and pets are allowed with no extra charge. You will get wellness facilities and cleaning services. The cooking classes, tours, and hiking on additional charges help you meet up and get to know the town. There is an airport drop off and pick up with an additional charge.

Offering garden views, Eden Garden in Lalibela has accommodations, a bar, a shared lounge, a garden, and a terrace.

*Pets are allowed. No extra charge.

No WiFi.

WHERE TO STAY IN LALIBELA: Eden Garden

24. Honey Land Hotel

Honey Land Hotel has located about 1.3 km from the center and 700 meters from Bete Medhane Alem. The rooms have a spacious terrace. They offer free parking spaces for no reservation. You will get breakfast in the room, coffee and bar and restaurant services without leaving the buildings. Thee is mini-market on the building area, gift shops. You will get cleaning services on an additional charge.

*Pets are allowed

WiFi is available, free of charge.

25. Holidays Hotel

Holidays Hotel Lalibela is located 300 meters from Bete Abba Libanos. The bugendi buildings have various facilities including outdoor spaces and terraces. And you will have free parking spaces.

You will get an airport shuttle with additional charges.

There is free WiFi.

*Pets are not allowed.

WHERE TO STAY IN LALIBELA: Holidays Hotel

26. Top View Tent Rental and Tour

Top view tent Rental and tour is located a km away from Bete Abba Libanos. This is a creative way of passing time in Lalibela, which is in a tent. The location has a bar, outdoor fireplace, with furniture and a terrace. You will get a shared kitchen. The parking space is used for free. You will get food and drink including wine. They offer daily housekeeping and dry cleaning. The airport drops off and pick-up with an additional charge. Every service you can image including barber and gift shop are on site.

*Pets are allowed

WiFi is not available.

27. Lalibela Roha Guest House

Lalibela Roha Guesthouse has located 1.6 km from the center of Lalibela. They offer a garden space and a bar. The airport shuttle also works on an additional charge. The parking space is free and with no reservation.

*Pets are not allowed

WiFi is available for free.

28. Melku Tadese Hotel

Melku Tadese Hotel is a 2-star hotel that is located 1 km from the center and half a km from Bete Abba Libanos. They offer outdoor spaces and a terrace. You will also get an airport shuttle for free. A bar is also a good option.

There is a free internet free of charge.

*Pets are not allowed.

WHERE TO STAY IN LALIBELA: Melku Tadese Hotel

29. Ben Abeba Lodge

Ben Abeba Lodge is another beautiful lodge of Lalibela. IT is located only 1.2 km from the center. They have a good view and opening to the mountains and the landscape. The buildings have a bar and restaurant. The airport shuttle works with an additional charge. Airport drops off and picks up also works with an additional charge. They have free parking space and reservation is necessary.

*Pets are allowed with no additional charges.

WiFi is not available.

30. Lalibela Vacation Homestay

Lalibela vacation Homestay is located 1.4 km from the center of Lalibela. It has river views, a garden and terrace space. There is a shared kitchen. Tours, cooking class, hiking library, bike rental adds fun. They off-airport drop off and pick up with additional charges. The clean services are a plus. CCTV supports security. They offer free parking.

Free internet access.

No pets are allowed.

31. Degosach Eco Lodge

Degoshach Eco lodge is found a bit away, almost 10 km from the center. But it is an experience of the local life. You will get huts with a standard bedroom, free WiFi and a bar. The outdoor fireplace and garden are natural places. You will get food including wine. Live music, cooking class, walking tours and hiking are part of the existing activity. You will get entrainment for kids and shops. Parking is available.

*Pets are not allowed.

WiFi is available for free.

32. Betthel

Betthel has located 1.7 km from Bete Medhane Alem and 1.9 km from Bete Giyorgis and 1.2 km from the center of Lalibela. The outdoor terrace and garden are a good option for a peaceful day.

*Pets are allowed with no extra charge.

WiFi is available for free.

WHERE TO STAY IN LALIBELA: Betthel

33. shadow homestay

Shadow homestay is located 1.6 km from the center of Lalibela, 300 meters from Bete Amanuel and 1.6 km from Bete Giyorgis. Parking costs you 3 USD per day. They offer a terrace and garden space with a good view.

Pets are allowed, no extra charge.

WiFi is available.

34. Mezena Lodge

Mezena Lodge is located 950 m from the center of Lalibela.

With garden views, Mezena Lodge is located in Lalibela and has a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, bar, garden, outdoor pool, and terrace. You will get outdoor fireplaces with furniture, a garden, and a sun terrace. There is a shared kitchen for self-cooking and a restaurant to buy food. Wellness facilities including massage and spa are available. Cleaning service, ironing, and laundry are available with an additional charge. Services including barbers and shops are available. Get business facilities like a meeting room. For fun, you will get a class about local culture, a tour and pub crawl.

*Pets are not allowed.

WiFi is available for free.

35. Bete Kidus Lalibela

This is a 4-star hotel located 1.5 km from the center of Lalibela. You get an outdoor place with furniture or a terrace. Get a shared kitchen for self-service and food and drink service to buy food and drink. You get cleaning services. Transport drop off and pick up is available.

Pets are allowed.

WiFi is available.

WHERE TO STAY IN LALIBELA: Bete Kidus

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Addis Ababa Quality of Life: A Guide for Better Living on Budget

brook

January 22, 2020

Addis Ababa is an expensive city, compared to other third world countries. Addis Ababa quality of life differs based on income, services available, and money buying power. The income of most of the employees in the city is much less than American or European or foreigner employees. The expenditure is increasing faster than the income for many.

Food items and cloths are increasing although the Chinese products are getting in the country at a much high rate. Importing a car is five times more expensive than many African countries. A simple 2000 manufactured car could cost up 10,000 USD or more. Housing is expensive as well, compared to the income of the society. This is true for the whole of Ethiopian cities as well.

Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries with a per capita income of 800 USD. The quality of health care is average, population level is very high and the crime level is moderate. The lack of access to clean water, low-quality health service, high prevalence of transmittable disease and the low buying power of the birr are some of the indicators Addis Ababa quality of life.

WHAT DOES ETHIOPIA LOOK LIKE? AND 7 UNPOPULAR POINTS

The literacy rate is very low in the country, that is more than half the population is considered to be illiterate and the employment status is very low at the same time. Despite its fast-going economy in the world, with an average growth of 9.9 percent a year from 2007 to 2018, compared to the regional growth average of 5.4 percent, the Addis Ababa quality of life is considered to be very low.

The standard of living in Addis Ababa differs from place to place and from person to person. Income disparity made a distinction between social groups. The majority of the population could not afford basic services while the hight end could waste a lot of money on entertainment. Most expats are categorized under the high-income group as payments for foreigners are calculated on a different scale. Some are paid ten times more than locals in a single month. Therefore, it is easier to choose where to stay or where to eat for foreigners than locals. At the same time, the various restaurants, hotels and other services have various price options, some are very cheap while others are very expensive even for the high-income group. It is wise to choose based on your income.

Standard of Living in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the fast-growing economies in the world and one of the poorest at the same time. Some of the issues are listed below.

UN classifies Addis Ababa as a ‘slum city’, where a majority of the city is occupied by dilapidated public housing. The housing shortage is high. Even the new condominium housing could not solve the housing crisis. The increasing rate of rural-urban migration has contributed to this, and new housing is needed this time.
More than 60 million people in Ethiopia don’t have access to sanitation services and to clean water.
The transportation sector also lacks quality service. Public transportation in Addis Ababa is barely enough for the fast-growing population. The new suburban development also needs new long-distance public transportation system. The new LRT in the city has reduced the transportation need but at the same time, its design has brought its own challenges on vehicular activities. The system separates the middle of the streets and it creates a highland and blocks easy traffic flow from one side of the street to another.
The illiteracy rate is high in the country, especially in rural areas. The unemployment rate is high as well and most of the economy is dependent on the informal. The country has been focusing on education for the last 10 years. Illiteracy is declining in the country with the construction of schools in rural areas.
Many Ethiopian locations have a high prevalence of disease due to unsensitized medical equipment, shared utensils, lack of clean water and due to drought and famine. Lack of formal education and employment has contributed to this.
Freedom of expression is lacking and has been dead for a while especially for the last 10 years. Many have died and have been imprisoned, as some sources explain, including the current government from the same party.

General Addis Ababa data

Population:2,973,000 in 2016
Average Broadband Download Speed:1.0 Mb/s
Average Broadband Upload Speed:1.5 Mb/s
Purchasing Power:6.83
Literacy: 80.5 percent
Total fertility rate: 1.7 children per woman

What is the average cost of living in Addis Ababa?- Addis Ababa quality of life

Items	Average price birr	price USD	Notes
Housing
Furnished apartment monthly rate	20000	625.0	There are various options
Furnished apartment (center and expensive) monthly rate	30000	937.5
furnished condominium (price could increase for foreigners up to 3 times	10000	312.5
Utilities including gas, electricity, heating-based on usage	500	15.6
internet 4G- monthly	4000	125.0
TV 36 inch	30000	937.5
House cleaning service or hire a maid	3000	93.8
lunch
Average lunch in city centres(individual)	150	4.7
6 apples	100	3.1
1 kg potato	20	0.6
coca cola small bottle	10	0.3
Local bottle wine	80	2.5
slice bread	30	0.9
personal care
Deodrant-50ml or 1.5 oz	120	3.8
Toilet paper- one roll	15	0.5
Toothbrush and cream	100	3.1
Tampons- single pack	60	1.8
Men hair cut	100	3.1	depends on the salon-see options
women hair care	100	3.1	depends on the salon-see options
spa and massage	500	15.6	see packages and choose your need
Entertainment	short distance is up to 3 dollars
Movies per ticket	150	4.7	depends on the movie, 3D or 2D and more
Macchiato- near expat areas	30	0.9
clothing
A pair of jeans	1500	46.9	Negotiate
A shoe, a Chinese (you may not find original products)	1500	46.9	Negotiate
A shoe, original	4000	125.0	Negotiate
Local leather bags	3000	93.8	Depends on brands-see choices
Transportation		0.0
Taxi-blue and white	10	0.3	informally calculated per km
UBER type rides (per ride)- minimum fee applies	200	6.3
others
Marlboro cigarettes- single pack	100	3.1	local cigars have more nicotine-cheaper

What is the cost of living in Ethiopia in dollars?

The average hourly wage in Ethiopia is 55 Ethiopian birr or 1.8 dollars. The cost of living could differ based on what services you need and where do you buy them from. Basic food and housing could take about 6000 birr (200 USD) per month per person. Buses are half the price of taxis. In long-distance, this figure could go to 5 times cheaper. Taxis (the minibusses) are 20 times cheaper than private small Lada taxis or Uber-type services.

Restaurants also differ in price. Similar food could be two times or more than another restaurant. Places near ex-pats are more expensive. You can choose your restaurant based on the price. Many restarts have a similar kitchen and have similar sanitation and food quality. The overall cost of living in Ethiopian restaurants depends on the location of the restaurants. Personal cooking is 50 times cheaper than dining outside.

What is the cost of living in Ethiopia vs India?

It is rather hard to compare the cost of living in Ethiopia to another since we can’t control the quality of service. We can’t say Addis Ababa quality is of life is better or lesser. However, we can have a general estimate of how to compare Ethiopia to India or the living cost of Ethiopia vs the USA.

Food, including bread and milk, in general, is cheaper in India. Owning a car in Ethiopia has a painstaking of up to 300 percent tax on imports. The recently revised tax relieves recently manufactured vehicles, and yet, they remain expensive compared to the local economy. In some cases, a car in Ethiopia could cost five times the same car in India.

Services such as the internet are more expensive in Ethiopia. House rent price is considered to be expensive as well in Ethiopia.

Drinks, including beer and coffee, seem to get more expensive in India.

What is Addis Ababa’s air quality?

The Addis Ababa air quality is considered to be moderate, based on various studies. Moderate is a little worse than good quality. Some comparative studies sometimes categorized the pollution rate as high.

Air pollution is higher these days, due to a high construction rate and older vehicles operating in the city. The bad garbage disposal method also pollutes the air. The sanitation system is also bad, as some toilets are connected to rivers and industries remove wastes directly into rivers.

The green in the city decreased due to improper planning and due to the high housing and construction demand. Parks have decreased and the city seems to become a concrete jungle.

Addis Ababa quality of life.

Addis Ababa air quality index-Addis Ababa quality of life

The Addis Ababa air quality index shows you the quality of the air you are breathing. Plume Labs, for example, measures the quality and calculates the rate of pollution based on world health organizations that guidelines and international standards by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The index should be used comparatively, as the higher the number the higher the pollution. The pollution might have a short or long period of effect. The Addis Ababa quality of life air quality indicates is near 42 out of 100.

What is Addis Ababa’s water quality?

The tab water is safe to drink. Addis Ababa 85 percent pipe water is found to be low risk from E. coli. Residual chlorine is said to be found in piped water in Addis Ababa.

Many locals and tourists also prefer to filter the water and sometimes warming it. Others prefer bottled water. Almost 97 percent of the Addis Ababa residents have access at least to their plot, if not to their houses. The water is good for bathing and washing faces or brushing teeth. If you are not comfortable with drinking from the tab, then you can always filter and warm the water.

Tips for the cost of living in Addis Ababa

Choose wisely- Addis Ababa is a diverse city, with diverse priced products and services. You could save by visiting some shops before purchasing, at least for the first time. Addis Ababa quality of life some times depends on your choice.
Choose a place based on budget- Many services are very cheap compared to high-end services that expats frequent. Hair salons, for example, ask for a dollar for a hair cut others ask up to 6 dollars. Many expats ignore the cheap salons for fearing quality issues. However, once you checked the materials are sanitized before usage, you can get a hair cut in such cheap places.
Buying from small shops instead of supermarkets could save you more.
Choose services based on packages- A hair service, spa, massage, nail polish, makeup…you need to choose which ones you need and you need to pay based on the services you get. Ask for options.
Try cooking for yourself. Enjoy Addis Ababa quality of life at home.
Renting a house based on your budget is possible. Some apartments are exclusively for expats, as they have money with much buying power. These apartments could cost up to 5 times or more than the normal price. Try group renting. You also could rent villas in a group.
If it is your first time, try asking for prices with a local friend. You will soon learn how cheap things are.
If you have to take public transport, that we advise you to avoid, then take one in the early morning or late evening as the traffic would go down.
LRTs are the best transport options.
Never pay for long term rent. Housing contracts are signed on a yearly basis. And most of the time you are expected to pay the first 3 months’ salary. Then you can pay per month or continue paying for 3 months at a time. You can cancel your contract at any time after the first 3 months. You may not ask for a return on the first payment.
Bring your car to Ethiopia if you stay longer
Negotiate, if the price is not fixed. Some sellers would assume that you have money. A local friend could help with this.
Ask for advice from other expats. They may show you Addis Ababa quality of life.

Is Addis Ababa airport safe? A guide for safe transit and visit

brook

January 21, 2020

Is Addis Ababa airport safe? This is a question that we get from a new traveler to Ethiopia. It is obvious and fair to ask such a question considering the economic and political status of the country. Many travelers, especially ones with better infrastructures and services sometimes find the place to be lesser than their standards. Others, out of a biased opinion consider the airport to be unsafe and unreliable.

After studying the reviews from top travel and airport sites, we learned that Addis Ababa airport is not up to the standard that the users expect. The Addis Ababa airport, some say is Overcrowded, noisy and chaotic. It is a pity to listen to a repetitive comment about the dirty restrooms and dining areas. Getting a seat is usually a problem. If you have a plan to have a peaceful sleep, it is better to go for hotels near the airport.

The Addis Ababa airport is very safe, in any measure. It is equipped with a camera and the security system is up to standard. secured. The restaurants, duty-free shops, souvenir shops follow a standard and have good sanitation. However, many complain that there are not newspaper shops. The airport seems to have a system problem and is very chaotic, especially at night. But the new building is under construction and is expected to solve the problems that customers have.

Is Addis Ababa airport safe for an overnight layover?

Many travelers are worried about the amount of money they can carry and enter the country. The law in Ethiopia prohibits carrying more than 3000 USD and enter the country without declaring. You might not declare if you have less. If more, it is wise to do or the stuff may hustle you, and we heard bribery gossips. You may have to share the undeclared money or pay a fine. If you are on a layover, this may not concern you. Better to understand the law at your destination.

You should expect a normal lounger style seat for an overnight layover, if you are flying economy and if you don’t plan to book a hotel. The lounge is only for higher tier Sheba miles loyalty customers and business class passengers.

If your layover is long hours, the airport provides free accommodations and a transfer visa. You need to go to the transit desk on arrival request it yourself.

If you are nervous about traveling to the airport for any reason, the best way to get where you need it to ask for assistance. For international arrival, you will arrive on the first floor of terminal 2. Then you need to go to the terminal desk. Or you need to respond to stuff on the floor asking to assist you. They will advise you based on your request.

Is the Addis Ababa airport safe from an accident?

Ethiopian Airlines had three accidents and incidents. The first incident was in 1972, the plane crashed during takeoff. 35 people died, 13 injured and 48 left uninjured. Eight years later on March 18, another place crashed while on a training flight. The most disastrous accident happened recently on March 10, 2019, when a Boeing 737 MAX 8 plane crashed shortly after take-off from Bole airport, to its destination to Nairobi. All passengers, including 157 people died from the accident. The accident has been connected to the Boeing 737 MAX problem, as Lion Air flight 610 that is 737 MAX crashed.

Addis Ababa Airport, 26 tips that save you from frustration
How far is from Gondar to Bahir Dar, to Debre Tabor, From Addis Ababa, from Lalibela?

What are the most raised issues for Addis Ababa airport?

The restaurants are very expensive and the food is not sanitary. Some even complain about the first-class lounge
The x-ray lines are not organized and there is chaos everywhere, especially at night.
The system is bureaucratic and the stuff is not understanding
Lack of professionalism and non-English speaking stuff
Services in the airport do not accept card
Bad WiFi, unreliable

Is it safe to transit Addis Ababa?

The violence that was observed in the last few years in Addis Ababa has been non-existent for long. The population is mixed and lives in harmony with each other. Some travelers are paranoid while transiting through the city. Some even told me that they didn’t bring much clothing since they feared they would be robbed on the streets. The media has done a good job of diminishing the images of the African countries.

Ethiopia is a safe country, especially if you are only transiting. More than 10 million passengers used the airport in 2018. However, there are some tips you need to follow while on transit in Addis Ababa.

Negotiating

Some of the services sometimes may not have a fixed rate. This could be hard for some people, especially for visitors, to negotiate. It is simple. You only need to know a general estimate or a reference so that you wont be ripped off. You sometimes have to demand a receipt for the things you purchase so that you make sure that you are getting a fair price.

Pickpockets

Addis Ababa has some pickpocketing and snatching of phones or other valuables on the street. The crime is not as violent as the south Americans or South Africa. It is done with tricks and without you knowing that you are being robbed. Do not get involved in fights or arguments. That is probably a trick to get close to you and get your valuables. Never carry much money or expensive stuff while in crowded places. This helps you feel safer.

There are scams that you need to be aware of. Most pickpocketing scams are done in groups. One may run and ask you to save him from a group of people. While you kindly try to break the fight, the victim has hold of your pocket.

The most known is that one spits on you intentionally, and apologizes and wipe it off fo you. You only know what has happened long after they left.

Hotels

The airline provides accommodation for transit travelers. These hotels are safe and usually have a good security system. Even though you have your own accommodation, these are safe as well.

It is generally safe to put stuff in hotels. However, even most hotels advise not to leave valuable stuff while you leave your room. Some hotels front desk has a locker that you can leave your stuff in. It is always safer to give your valuables to the front desk if they offer such service, rather than leaving it in the room while you are not around.

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Taxi

There are various options for a taxi in Addis Ababa. The locals use the blue and white minibus that could be unreliable and intimidating for new visitors. The buses are also unreliable, sometimes full and unsanitary and uncomfortable. The LRT system is not efficient for a while and also unreliable. The LRT is a much better option than buses. Instead, it is advisable to have a personal drive. If not, at the destination point, outside the airport, there are yellow car taxis. These are unmetered but paid based on a fixed rate that you are told before you take the taxi. If not, it is better to ask how much the rate is to your destination. This will save you from the unnecessary hustle. The blue and white taxis are not available in the airport compound. You can pick them up on the streets. Expect up to 10 USD.

The best way of travel is by using an Uber-type system. ‘Ride’ is one of them, and is popular at this time. You can install the app before getting here. Then book a taxi on your phone. You may need a sim card to call to book. Or you can book directly on the app.

Safety outside the Addis Ababa airport

The US embassy in Ethiopia advises visitors on how to keep themselves safe in the city or around the country. They advise monitoring local media for news updates, avoid crowds and keep low-profile, be vigilant of your surroundings. It is a lot of pressure, but this is necessary even out of Ethiopia. They provided assistance for American citizens. For more visit, for more travel advisory visit.

What are some of the flights from Addis Ababa?

There are flights to the UK, including from Addis Ababa to London; Addis Ababa to Manchester and Addis Ababa to Heathrow; Addis Ababa to Dublin flight.

The local flights are: Addis Ababa to Lalibela; Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar; Addis Ababa to Mekele: Addis Ababa to Harar (Dire Dewa airport is near); Addis Ababa to Simien mountains (Mekele or Axum airport are near depending on your plan); Addis Ababa to Mekele flight; Addis Ababa to Danakil depression (Samara airport); Addis Ababa to Gondar

There are flights from Addis Ababa to Toronto and from Addis Ababa to Washington.

Known flights are from Addis Ababa to Nairobi; Addis Ababa to Hargeisa; Addis Ababa to Mombasa; Addis Ababa to Lusaka; Addis Ababa to Cape Town; Addis Ababa to Johannesburg; Addis Ababa to Djibouti, Addis Ababa to Asmara. Fight from Addis Ababa to Dubai and Addis Ababa to Mumbai are also famous.

How safe is Addis Ababa airport? final remark

Addis Ababa airport is safe for transit or as a final destination. The restaurants are a bit high end for a mediocre service but you will find most of the things you need at the stores, except newspapers. The seat in the airport is scarce, as the airport is extending its service beyond capacity. This of course pissed some travelers. The new expansion project is expected to solve this problem. The food quality and the sanitation problem are raised by some. The standard issues are still a challenge in many parts of the country. Sometimes the Addis Ababa airport standard may not fulfill the international standard. The bathroom sanitation might not be as standard, considering the high number of customers the airport serves in a small space.

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The airport is secured and is safe from tourist attacks. The security precautions are sometimes unnecessary and even harder than the TSA. You may have to lose some stencils that even the TSA would not take from you. You may need to takeout shoes for security check purposes.

The airport is also safe from thieves. The security cameras assist security in the airport. You have the responsibility for your belongings and yet, the airport is safe.

Most of the challenges are system issues. The staff is cooperative and hardworking, although some unethical characters are possible. To be safe in the Addis Ababa airport, always follow the rules, ask for directions if necessary and go directly to provided desks for further guidance. If you see inappropriate behavior, contact nearby stuff.

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The Ethiopian airport is constructing a new expansion for an international flight. The new airport will provide, for example, a lounge that includes a spa, private lockers for bags and cafes. The lounge will be 3 times larger. Reading lamps, massage chairs, quiet corners, free internet will be part of the cloud nine or first-class travelers. We expect the future to be better.

What was your first experience at Addis Ababa airport? Please share your experience?

5 Best ways to Make Ethiopian Coffee at Home.

brook

January 19, 2020

Ethiopian coffee seems to have become a household name in many countries. Many people prefer its taste and strong aroma above many other brands and coffee categories.

Homemade Ethiopian coffee is a lifestyle and a social bond in many places in Ethiopia. People, especially older women, use the ceremony of Ethiopian homemade coffee to gather around and make the coffee and drink in rounds as they discuss gossip and exchange information. It is a good way of killing time.

What You Should Know

There are things you should know before making a traditional home-made Ethiopian coffee. First, many people drink three cups of coffee in three different coffee warming sessions. In each step, the grained coffee that is added to the warm water gets thinner and thinner. And easier to drink, even in the third round. Many coffee drinkers prefer the strong one even in the third round.

Second, Homemade Ethiopian Coffee is a ceremony, not a work or a simple drink. When a family makes handmade Ethiopian coffee, then it means they probably needed time together. It is a way of communicating with neighbors.

Third, homemade Ethiopian coffee is way different from other thin and mild coffee. Ethiopian coffee rather is made to be strong and effective. Therefore, avoid overconsumption.

Three tools you need to make a homemade Ethiopian coffee

The tools needed to make a homemade Ethiopian coffee are similar although they could differ in design and material. These are Jebena, Ceni, roasting pan, coffee grinder and of course coffee beans.

Jebena is a small pot that resembles a narrow kittle and is made from clay and roasted under fire to become strong. Jebena is used to warm water and to make the coffee after adding ground coffee into the water.

The second is Ceni, a small cup, usually 6 or more in number. The roasting can is similar to a normal cooking pan. It is smaller in size and is used to roast the coffee while moving the coffee in the can and move it around while it is above the fire. The coffee grinder is used after the coffee is roasted on the roasting can. The grinder turns the beans into a fine grain.

Three steps to make a homemade Ethiopian coffee

The main steps of making a homemade Ethiopian coffee are categorized in three.

1- Wash the coffee beans

The coffee beans have different quality levels. Unfortunately, almost all of the first-grade quality coffees are exported out of Ethiopia and it is not even allowed to use them for personal or commercial use unless issued special permission from authorities. Wash the beans no matter which grade these are. Wash them with cool water repetitively until the beans become clean and clear green and until any cover is removed. You can use your hands and by making friction between your hands to wash the coffee. There is no standard way of washing a coffee at homemade Ethiopian coffee. What matters to wash them clean. This process also helps the coffee not to get a burn while roasting. The water will minimize the heat on the coffee.

2- Roasting the coffee beans.

Roasting is putting coffee beans on the roasting pan and moving it in a vibrating mode from right to left or left to right to avoid burning the coffee. The process could take a few minutes. In the meantime, it is better to have fresh air, open windows, and doors to let fresh air in. Put the pan above a source of fire and let it get heat while you hold it and moving it by the handle. The process continues until the beans burn fairly and turn dark golden brown in color. After that, most families have a tradition of putting the pan in Infront of everyone for them to smell and enjoy. They say a good home-made Ethiopian coffee maker is good when their coffee smells like coffee. If no smell, then it must be a bad coffee or a bad coffee maker. After cooling the roasted coffee down, it is time for brewing.

This step might take up to 5 minutes or more depending on the amount of coffee you put in.

3- Grind the coffee beans

After the beans are burnt, they become soft and smooth and easy to grind. You can use either the traditional mechanical grinder or an electrical one. The mechanical grinder works by putting the means in a shallow wooden box and hitting it hard with a steel rod. Through repetitive blow to the beans, you can change them to grind coffee flour. The electric grinder works by putting the beans inside a small pot and automatically get a grinding the coffee. Well, ground coffee will have no large coffee leftover and should be well grained. The coffee becomes fine ground coffee. If you see some parts like a dried coffee cover, left without being ground, you can take them out of the ground coffee.

4- Brewing the coffee

After pouring cups of water, based on the number of drinkers, into the Jebena. Then add the ground coffee into the Jebena and let it warm. After a few minutes, the coffee is ready for a drink. You know when it enough to brew and start serving, you should follow a few steps. First, you listen to the water boiling. Then you see steam coming out of the head of the Jebena.

The jebena should sit still for a while before serving to let the coffee settles distills and the drink stays clear. If you miss this step then you won’t have a good coffee. The ground coffee settled at the bottom of the jebena makes the pure liquid become uneven and lose its taste. Therefore, make sure the ground coffee won’t mix with the liquid coffee and should settle at the bottom, before pouring into the Cinis(cups).

This step might take up to 10 minutes. You will know when the coffee is ready, by looking at the steam coming out of the Jebena.

5- Serving the coffee

You can serve the coffee by pouring it into Cinis. First, begin by placing the Cinis (small cups) on the traditional plate called Rekebot. Then pour the coffee into the cup before giving it to the gathered people. You can hand the Cinis with sugar, honey or salt. Although coffee with honey is a tough drink for some, many people do it for medical purposes.

The honey could be substituted with traditionally prepared butter. Salt is usually for those who don’t use sugar or for those who got used to it. Slat changes the coffee taste from bitter to sour. You can serve up to 3 times, repeating steps 4 and 5 until everyone has it enough.

In each step the coffee becomes diluted and less strong, but still good to drink. Sometimes you can add more ground coffee on the second or third round if you feel like the coffee would become diluted.

Ideas making homemade Ethiopian coffee

Homemade Ethiopian coffee is definitely one of the best coffees you would taste. Unlike machine-made coffee, its aroma, flavor, and ceremony make it unique.

If you are planning to make homemade Ethiopian coffee or you would join an Ethiopian group for a drink, it is better to know that it is all about the relationship more than the drink. The coffee is, in fact, one of the best you would have. More than that the love you would get from the group is what makes it more beautiful.

Usually, the homemade Ethiopian coffee is made without a specific number based standard. The coffee is used based on guessing how many people it will serve. If you want a specific number, then use this. A quarter of green coffee beans or up to five spoon coffee grounds can serve up to four people. Ethiopians usually drink up to three rounds.

You can add popcorn or burnt wheat called Kolo next to the coffee. Many people prefer popcorn. Besides many Ethiopians like to cover the surface with grass to make it look inviting. They also use incense to change the room’s aroma.

Finally, Ethiopian coffee is one of the best in the world. Many known brands including star bucks have a deal to serve Ethiopian coffee to their customers. On the other hand, you can still enjoy the homemade Ethiopian coffee, done in a traditional way. The aroma and taste and even the color of the coffee are different from the machine-made coffee. Many Ethiopians prefer the Jebena, homemade coffee than the café coffee.

The overall ceremony, that invites neighbors to socialize has a bigger advantage. Homemade coffee has always been a way of life. A place for meetups and a place for information. Besides the whole atmosphere, the songs, the laughter, the incense, the grass the ceremony leaves a long-lasting impression.

If you plan to join a group or if you plan to make one at home, follow these steps and try to make fun out of the process.

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Final words

Basic

1. What is the Addis Ababa Airport Code?

2. Location of airport Addis Ababa

Arrival and departure

3. Addis Ababa Airport Arrivals

4. Addis Ababa Airport Departures

Terminal

5. Addis Ababa Airport Terminal 1 To Terminal 2

6. Addis Ababa Airport Map

Accommodation

7. Terminal facilities

8. Addis Ababa airport new terminal

9. Addis Ababa Airport Hotel (Addis Ababa Airport Transit Hotel)

10. Addis Ababa Airport Wifi and inflight wifi– is there wifi?

11. Addis Ababa Airport Lounge Shower

12. Cloud Nine Lounge

13. Star Alliance Gold Lounge

14. ShebaMIles Silver Lounge

Check-in

15. Ethiopian Airlines Check In

Ticket

16. Ethiopian Airlines Ticket Office

17. Ethiopian Airlines Flight Schedule

18. Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Allowance

Tourist Visa and Transit Visa

19. Visa

20. Addis Ababa Airport Transit Visa

Layover and Transit

21. Transiting Through Addis Ababa Airport

22. 5 Hour Layover in Addis Ababa, can I get leave the airport Addis Ababa?

Destinations

23. Local and international destinations

Accident

24. Ethiopian Airlines Crash

Necessary Gadgets

25. Ethiopian Airlines App

26. Ethiopian Airlines Contact Number and address

Final words

1. The Climate

2. Geography of Addis Ababa

3. The population of Addis Ababa

4. Language

5. History

6. Colonization

7. African Capital

8. Slum

9. Budget stay

10. Transport

11. Vegan

12. Shop

13. Crime

14. Pollution

15. Sport in Addis Ababa

What is Ethiopia’s 13^th month called?