Expedition to Ethiopia

This expedition took place in September 2010. You can see the pictures from it in our Gallery section. Hereunder you'll find the practical information that was part of the preparation for the expedition.

The Journey

Traveling in Ethiopia gives the illusion of a journey through different centuries. It has an independence of spirit which made it the only country to remain uncolonised during the 19th century scramble for Africa. It is true to say it is where the ancient world and Africa meet. Ethiopia is home to incomparable ethnic groups we will see.

The Trek

We will trek through the Simien Mountains, following an extensive network of trails which are used by the local people to travel between villages, and to take their animals to graze on the high pastures. The fantastic scenery surrounding these trails, with its unique flora and richly diverse wildlife and birdlife, makes it much more than a mere trek. We will hike to the top of the volcanic Ertale mountain.

Expedition key words

Addis Ababa, Axum, Simien mountains, Gondar, Lalibela, Rock-hewed churches, Ertale volcano, Rift valley lakes, Hamer people, Mursi people, Konso people, Mago National Park, Awasa National Park, Nechisar National Park, Bale Mountains National Park, Jinka, Turmi

Roadmap

View Expedition to Ethiopia in a larger map

Should Know

Health and Safety

A special attention must be paid at adventurer's health and safety. A relatively high variety of tropical diseases can be found in Ethiopia, but with sensible behaviour chances of catching anything serious are very low. A visitor is advised to be immunized against Typhoid, Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Yellow Fever. Hepatitis A is also recommended. Some areas of Ethiopia are malarial, but the Simien region is very low risk. Should you be travelling from Slovakia, please consult the current information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In all cases, please consult your local doctor for further advice.

Visa

Visa are required for all foreign visitors to Ethiopia. These can be secured from Ethiopian Diplomatic and consular missions abroad. In addition, visitors from the countries listed below can obtain visa on arrival at Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa):
France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Rep.Korea,France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Rep.Korea kuwait, Luxemberg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States.

Import/Export

Duty-free import are permitted for up to:

• 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars or 1/2 lb of tobacco
• 1 liter of alcoholic beverages
• 1/2 liter, or two bottles of perfumes

Visitors may export souvenirs with a value not exceeding 500 ETB (about 26 EUR), although some articles (such as animal skins and antiques) require an export permit.

Money

The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr made up of 100 cents. Visitors may import an unlimited amount of foreign currency, providing declaration of such currency is made to customs on arrival. Foreign currency may be changed only at authorized banks and hotels. The currency declaration form must be retained, as this will be required by customs on departure. Visitors, however, will be able to change any excess Ethiopian Birr to foreign currency at the bank in the airport before departure.

Other

Ethiopia uses 220 volts 50 cycles AC.

Ethiopia is in the GMT + 3 hours time zone.

Camp at Simien Mountains

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