Food, Restaurants and Alcohol
The Ethiopian national dish consists of injera, a flat, circular pancake made of fermented dough. This is usually served with side dishes of meat, pulses, vegetables and spicy sauces.
The traditional way of eating is with the right hand, having washed one’s hands in water – usually brought to the table before the meal is served.
Restaurant prices vary widely around the country, starting at around 3 Birr per head in cheaper restaurants to 30 to 40 Birr in more expensive ones.
However meals are often accompanied by some form of entertainment that may include national music and dancing. In top class hotels like the Hilton and the Sheraton where more international cuisine is served, prices can be considerably higher.
The Highlands are predominantly Orthodox Christian which means they observe fasting every Wednesday, and Friday and at Lent eat only vegetarian dishes. However hotels that cater to Western visitors usually do not observe these customs.
Tips and Tipping
Most hotels and restaurants include a service charge, however visitors might want to leave a small tip of one or two birr to show their appreciation of good service. It is customary to tip drivers and guides.
Health Care and Medical Services
Medical facilities whilst limited are of a good standard. It is recommended that tourists and non-citizens should only use private hospitals and clinics.
It is highly advisable to consult your own doctor at least two months before travelling about any immunisations you may need.
Vaccination against Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, Typhoid and Polio with optional vaccination against Meningitis and Rabies are strongly recommended.
Malaria can be a problem in Ethiopia at the lower altitudes, say through the Rift Valley, so also consult your doctor for a prescription for both chloroquine and paludrine. Insect repellent cream or spray are also extremely useful (but not always effective) for mosquito bites.
If you choose not to take anti-malarial drugs, you should consider bringing Malarone, Quinine or Fansidar tablets as a cure. The side effects of some of these malaria pills can be greatly enhanced by altitude.
You should also ask you doctor about your blood group in case of emergency and about any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour. You should notify us about any known medical conditions at the time of booking.
It is also necessary to obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination before travelling showing each injection is dated, signed and stamped.
It is also advisable to have a dental check-up prior to travelling. Due to the level of reported AIDS cases, visitors are advised to take precautions during any form of sexual encounter.
Food and Water
Do not drink tap water unless boiling it first, or having it filtered, or chemically disinfected. Do not drink unbottled beverages or drinks with ice. Avoid unpasteurized milk and products such as ice cream.
Do not eat fruits or vegetables unless they have been peeled or cooked. Avoid cooked foods that have been left at room temperature and are no longer hot. Do not eat raw or undercooked meat or fish.
Ethiopian Facts
Around 50% of the population live within 12km (8 miles) of a health unit with approximately 33 people per doctor. The main causes of fatalities are diarrhea, respiratory diseases, tuberculosis and malaria.
