About Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a wide range of tourist attractions (Natural, Historical and Cultural), abundant species of wildlife, wild forests such as coffee, water bodies such as the Blue Nile River, scenic landscapes, religious sites and cultural attractions (including more than 80 tribes all with different traditions).

Ethiopia is situated in the Northeastern Horn of Africa, equidistant between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. Its area is 1,112,000 Square Kilometers, Kenya, Djibouti, Somalia, and Eritrea bound it. The Ethiopian landscape is dominated by a volcanic plateau with an average altitude of 2000 meters, which decreases towards the country's boarders on three sides.

Ethiopia is old beyond all imaginings. It's history goes back to the legendary history of the queen of Sheba, who went to Jerusalem to visit King Solomon from whom she gave birth to the child named Menelik, the first king of Ethiopia and the founder of the Solomonic Dynasty, 1000 B.C. Ethiopia, which received Christianity during the apostles, was also one of the first foreign countries to offer sanctuary to the Muslims. For sure Ethiopia is anchored in ancient society and it is the heir of an eminent, marvelous history.

Ethiopia is also a mosaic of over 80 Ethnic groups, all with their own distinctive cultures and life styles. Ethiopia is truly the cradle of mankind. It has yielded the oldest evidence of human origins yet discovered. The fossil skeleton of female hominid nick named "Lucy" or "Dinkinesh" as the Ethiopians prefer to call her (in Amharic means wonderful), predates all other hominid remains for she was alive more than 3.18 million years ago.

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Travel Facts

Clothing: Ethiopians have different kinds of national dresses. In the highlands of the country, men wear white cotton trousers that are light fitting from knee to ankle with white long "Shemma" thrown over the shoulders. Women wear dresses with full skirts made of white cotton with colored edges.

Religion: The three world’s major religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam have had their followers from the time they were introduced, among these: Christianity and Islam are dominant.

Language: Amharic is the official language and spoken throughout Ethiopia. English and French are also widely spoken.

Food: The national dish of most Ethiopians is "Injera": flat, soft & thin bread made from special grain called "Teff". It is always served with saucer, which can be made either from meat or vegetable. The local beverages are "Tella", traditional bear brewed from corn or barley, and "Tej", brewed from water, honey and malt yeast.

Physical Features and Wild Life: Ethiopia has unique geographical features and fascinating fauna and flora, consisting some of the rarest wild life in the world. It has also been described as the water tower of Africa because of its ever-flowing rivers. Its majestic mountains have been labeled as the roof of Africa.

Greetings: The usual style of greeting in Ethiopia is hand shaking, while friends and family who have not seen each other for some times will kiss on each cheek.

Travel to and in Ethiopia: Ethiopian Airlines generally provides excellent service and has excellent safety records. Travelers coming to Ethiopia should know one reason for flying Ethiopian airlines. On the domestic circuit priority is given to those who use Ethiopian airlines for their international flight. The cheapest and fastest is by air.

Road: The best way to experience the variety of scenery that Ethiopia has to offer is to travel by road, of course road conditions in Ethiopia are poor. Yet the scenery by road is incomparable.

Railway: - Travel by rail is possible along the eastern route to DireDawa and Djibouti

Visas: Nationals of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece Republic of, Ireland , Israel, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Luxemburg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Fed., South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA and holders of British passports can get visa on their arrivals at Bole International Airport. Visas are required for most other nationals except those from Kenya, Sudan and Djibouti. The visa can be obtained from the Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate in the visitor's country of residence or from the nearest country where there is an Ethiopian Embassy. Please note that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months

Banks: Banks are available through out the country in major cities and towns. The usual bank working hours is from 8 morning to 4 afternoon, Monday to Friday and 8 morning to 11morning on Saturday.

Communication: Telephone, Cell Phone, fax, Internet, e-mail and postal facilities are available in the country; the international dialing code for Ethiopia is +251.