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When to Travel Suggesting on the best times to visit Ethiopia depends on your choice of destinations in Ethiopia. You can explore the big four and Harar historic routes, Rift Valley lakes, all round the year either by surface driving or flight program. For keen trekkers to the mountains we generally recommend to plan after the big rains of July-September. The rains in the Omo are sometimes unpredictable but most of the time this region gets much of its rain between March and June during which access can be difficult. Thus we advise to plan you Omo Valley trip before March or after June. Tours to the off the beaten trail destinations such as Tigrai Rock hewn churches can be organized in any time of the year. However we strongly advise to travel to the Danakil during the relatively cool seasons between November and March.
Visitors are supposed to be certified for Yellow fever vaccination, and advised to be immunized for Polio, Typhoid, and Hepatitis. For the fact that, most of Ethiopia’s high elevation, Malaria is not as such a problem in most tourist destinations; however, seasonal Malaria occurs in lowland areas especially in Rift valley lakes after the rainy season. Thus, while traveling to those areas, it is advisable to carry first aid packs, mosquito repellent creams. Of course, most Hotels provide mosquito nets and anti-mosquito sprays. Hotels and Meal. Almost all types of European dishes are available in tourist standard hotels and Restaurants. We recommend Ethiopian National Dish, ‘injera’(pancake) with variety of spiced stew serving cocked meat, vegetables, pulse, at the end of the trip with folkloric dance in one of the typical local restaurants. “Doro Wat” (spiced chicken) with injera is the Ethiopian national food. Ethiopia also has local wines; bear and alcohol available in the hotels and restaurants. There are governments and private owned hotels in the capital and Tourist destinations sites ranging from 5 stars to Tourist standard hotels serving both European and National dishes.
Ethiopian airline offers an extensive and safe domestic flight service to the historic route and Dire Dawa every day; and at least two times a week to Arba Minch, Jinka, Gambella and Jimma. However, delays and cancellations occur very often. Ground transportation also offers a great deal of experience to dramatic Ethiopian topography and rural life. Currently there is an extensive package of up grading the road condition to cop up with the desired standard
there is no limit on the amount of currency imported. Travelers check, pound, Euro and US $ are the most common forms of payment at Tourist class hotels and big shops however, other forms of card payment including credit card, visa card, American Express are acceptable only for flight and big hotels, Sheraton Addis and The Hilton. Money change should be made at any corner of government and privet banks, accredited Hotels, airports up on arrival. The local currency is Ethiopian Birr and the exchange rate currently fluctuate around 11.20 Birr for a U.S. Visitors may import an unlimited amount of foreign currency; provide that declaration of such currency is made to customs on arrival. Foreign currency may be changed only at authorized banks and hotels. The currency declaration form must be retained, as this will be required by customs on departure. Visitors, however, will be able to change any excess Ethiopian Birr to foreign currency at the bank in the airport before departure Visas |