Best Time to Visit

Addis Ababa

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DESTINATIONS ethiopia addisababa Tourist Information Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

Although the sun shines nearly all year in Addis Ababa, the absolute best time to visit is during the dry season, roughly from September to March. This period is also when two of Ethiopia's major festivals (Meskel and Timkat) are celebrated, which is done with great swing and accompanied by major processions. The summer months (June to August, the "rainy season") aren't the most favourable, especially for trips to elsewhere in the country.

Tourist Information

Travel Advice

Addis Ababa is a rather safe city where violent crime is uncommon, but travellers are advised to exercise vigilance and be weary of pick-pocketing and muggings which occur fairly frequently, and are not exclusively targeted at tourists (these have been especially common along Churchill Avenue, in Piazza and Meskal Square). If invited for an unsolicited …

Passport / Visa

Passport / Visa

Entry visas to Ethiopia are necessary for citizens of all countries with the exception of Djibouti and Kenya. Travellers must apply for visas in advance, but visas on arrival are issued at the Addis Ababa International Airport to nationals of 40 countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, …

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

Although the sun shines nearly all year in Addis Ababa, the absolute best time to visit is during the dry season, roughly from September to March. This period is also when two of Ethiopia's major festivals (Meskel and Timkat) are celebrated, which is done with great swing and accompanied by major processions. The summer …

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)

Although the Bole International Airport is only a few kilometres away from the city centre, it can get quite costly to reach Addis Ababa if no prior transfer arrangements are made. It is strongly recommended to inquire with your hotel about possible pick-up/transfer service (these are offered by most lodgings). There are two types of …

Mealtime Etiquette

Mealtime Etiquette

Ethiopian food is usually eaten without any cutlery. There will always be a way to wash your hands before your meal: either a handwashing station or a basin and a pitcher of water at your table. If you arrive at the table after everyone has washed their hands, do not give a handshake. Instead, …

Public Transport

Public Transport

Public busses aren't the most efficient way of getting around. Instead, most locals use the smaller, faster blue-and-white mini-busses. Fares in these are very moderate and normally fixed. Destinations will often be yelled out by staff on board the mini bus at major intersections/hubs. Addis Ababa now also has a light rail system, with lines …

Taxi

Most taxis in Addis operate from 6 am to 11 pm. If you share a taxi with strangers, the normal fare is split between the group. If you want to visit a lot of places in Addis Ababa, negotiate with a driver for a half- or full-day fare. Taxis can be found outside larger hotels, …

Pharmacy

You can find Gishen Pharmacy close to the …

Postal Service

There are several post offices around Addis Ababa, the main branch being on Churchill Avenue, next to the Derg Monument. Parcels can only be sent from this post office location. Post boxes are yellow. Stamps and post cards may be bought at post …

Telephone

For calls within the country: area code + 10-digit number. To call abroad dial 00 + number For calls to Ethiopia from abroad: +251 (country code for Ethiopia) followed by a 9-digit number (drop the zero) Mobile phones are more popular than landlines. Mobile numbers all start with 09. The only provider is Ethio Telecom. You …

Electricity

Electricity is 220 volts at 50Hz. Power cuts are frequent, but the largest hotels and restaurants usually have generators. Bring a small LED-torch in case you end up on the street at night, or if you are planning to visit remote areas of the country. Most common power sockets in Ethiopia are the type C …