Alongside the tourism giants in this part of East Africa, such as Kenya or Tanzania, know that Ethiopia is a fabulous and absolutely wonderful destination. So what are you waiting for? Don't waste another second. Get your suitcase ready as soon as possible and hop on the first plane to Addis Ababa.
The first thing you need to know, although you'll probably already know it before reading this article, is that the temperatures in Ethiopia can be absolutely scorching. You'll need summer clothing to cope with the searing heat. Beware though ladies, don't wear anything too short as it's frowned upon by the locals. The men will also need to cover their arms and legs if they want to visit religious sites. In the evening, you'll happily cover up as much skin as possible to protect yourself from the mosquitoes and their voracious appetites.
As with any trip to Africa, you should prepare your first aid kit with the utmost attention so you don't forget anything. It's hard to find the medication you need in the local pharmacies. So you'll need to take medication to deal with everyday problems, and remember to include something to help with traveller's diarrhoea which could spoil your stay, and anti-malaria treatment which your doctor will prescribe.
Ethiopia is an incredibly picturesque country. A camera and enough memory are essential. In the event of losing your passport, it's always useful and wise to carry a photocopy of the original with you. In order to travel around freely, you must present your international driving license to the lessor or to the police who will be monitoring you. A credit card or debit card is essential for withdrawing cash.
Finally, you'll need to be ready to have an open mind in order to reduce the affects of culture shock which awaits.Things to put in your suitcase
- A photocopy of your passport is very handy in case you lose the original
- A credit card or debit card to withdraw your money
- A camera so you can capture those memories
- An international driver's license so you can hire a car and get behind the wheel
- Your international vaccination record
- A flashlight so you can see during power cuts
- Treatment against digestive disorders which are common among tourists
- Anti-malaria medication
- Good sun cream for protection against the sun's rays
- Insect repellent
- A complete first aid kit for the day-to-day problems
- Some good walking shoes for hiking
- Some long clothes for visiting religious sites
- Summer clothes to help you cope with the high temperatures