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.
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
