Travel facts on Ethiopia, dress code, recommended clothing, transport, electrical supplies and
communications whilst travelling in Ethiopia.
Dress Code & Recommended Clothing
Summer clothes can be worn during the daytime but in the evening when it is cooler a sweater or jacket is
recommended.
Clothes which are multi-purpose are also useful, for example, trousers with zip-off legs that
become shorts.
If you visit during the rainy season or intend to go trekking in the mountains you should also
bring warm waterproof clothing.
General footwear when visiting historical and cultural sites should be lightweight but robust - not
sandals. For trekking a good pair of walking boots is advisable.
With regard to footwear it is highly recommended that you DO NOT bring new shoes or boots without
having worn them for quite some time to ensure they are completely comfortable.
Video - Ethiopia Sights
Ethiopians generally dress with moderation and since it is both a Christian and Muslim country,
this should be taken into account when choosing suitable clothing.
When visiting churches, monasteries and other religious shrines women should not expose their upper body or the
legs below the knee.
Men are not excluded from covering up and should wear a long sleeved shirt or a lightweight
jacket.
A recommended list of clothing and useful items might be something like:
3 T-shirts or cotton shirts, one with long sleeves
3 Pairs of cotton trousers or long skirts for women
2 Pairs of shorts or zip convertible trousers
2 Lightweight jumpers or sweat shirts
2 Warm sweaters
1 Lightweight waterproof jacket
1 Ski-style Jacket
1 Pair Slip-on waterproof leggings
1 Set of thermal underwear (For the Mountain nights)
1 Tri-season sleeping bag
1 Pair of comfortable hiking boots
1 Pair of Trainer type shoes
Thick boot socks and general purpose light-weight socks
1 Backpack, rucksack or duffel bag (No suitcases)
Light-weight travel bag for camera, guide books etc
1 Towel + Toiletries
1 Water bottle
1 Sun Hat or Cap
Other Useful Items
Bandanna or Head Scarf
Travel alarm clock
Money Belt
Binoculars
Small Compact Torch
Hand Sanitizer
Mosquito and Insect repellent
Antidiarrheal drug
Compact Mosquito Net (optional)
High Factor Sunscreen
Travel tissues and wet wipes
Pens & Small Notepad
Compact Sewing kit
Sunglasses
Eye Patch for Sleeping
Spare pair of spectacles if you wear them
Pair of spectacles if you wear contact lenses. Climatic changes and dust can cause irritation
Plastic carrier bags for dirty washing, dirty shoes and trash
Multi sized bath & sink plug
Transportation
There are approximately 4,200 km of asphalt roads and 20,000 kilometers of gravel and dirt roads. There is a 778 km
railway line that links Addis Ababa with Djibouti that carries both freight and passengers.
The main airline is Ethiopian Airlines which has an extensive domestic network covering more than 42 airfields
and 21 smaller landing strips.
Taxis There are no fixed tariff's for fares and therefore you should negotiate and agree
upon a price before you begin a journey.
Driving
Ethiopians drive on the right and to drive yourself, you will need a valid International Driving Licence. This you
can arrange before you arrive or obtain at the Transport and Communications office in Addis Ababa.
Electricity & Communications
Ethiopia has a 220 volt at 50Hz electricity supply with three main different types of electrical fittings:
3 Round pins with an earth ground (common throughout Africa, Middle-East and India)
3 Round pins with earth ground pin offset (standard in Switzerland)
3 Round pins in line (standard in Italy)
You will need a travel adaptor and transformer if you have equipment that is not capable of working at 220 volts
(US travellers with 110 volt equipment please note).
If you are expecting to connect to the Ethiopian telephone system with your own equipment you will also need to
bring a telecoms adaptor that caters for a 3 round pin plug standard common in Italy.
An international direct dialing telephone service, Telex, Fax, Internet and Airmail connects Ethiopia to all
parts of the world. Services are available at Post Office Telecommunication branches, Internet Cafes and
hotels.
Facts on Ethiopia I
Interesting facts on Ethiopia, its cities, peoples, culture, history, languages, climate, currency, different
times, in fact everything Ethiopia.
Facts on Ethiopia II
Travel facts on Ethiopia, Visa & Insurance requirements, accommodation, food, tipping, health care, medical
services, in all about travel in Ethiopia.
Location Map Of Ethiopia
Crossed by deep breathtaking gorges, crowned by magnificent mountains, studded with beautiful lakes and majestic
rivers, surrounded by sweltering deserts, Ethiopia is a land of indescribable beauty.
Choosing a Tour
How to request a brochure featuring the type of tours available to Ethiopia.
