What can you expect to be greeted by if you come to Ethiopia as a single man or woman? Is it recommended to travel alone? And how do you meet new people in a foreign country?
In this article, we’ll find out what it could be like to enjoy a vacation in Ethiopia as a single person. We’ll also talk a bit about ways you can easily meet new people while visiting.
Before we get started with the juicy facts, let us just briefly mention that Ethiopia is a country unique for several reasons. The Water Tower and Roof of Africa, the Cradle of Humanity and Birthplace of Mankind, a land with 13 Months of Sunshine, all these and more are titles ascribed to Ethiopia due to the wonder of a nation it is. The history buried in its soil and the culture found among its people are altogether an adventure of a lifetime to explore and experience.
Now, let’s get into it…
(follow us on YouTube – Dejene Ethiopia Tours)
What to expect
One of the best ways to take on the full adventure of journeying through Ethiopia is to travel solo.
Arriving without a travel companion might sound dull, to begin with, but as the options become more clear, so does the brightness of possibilities here to be found. Traveling solo leaves all the decisions in your hands and thereby expands the possibility of meeting lots of people along the way, and traveling solo to Ethiopia is no different. But the way you are met by the Ethiopian people can, however, change based on your gender.
Since Ethiopia is an ancient country with traditions and cultures that can be traced hundreds of years back, it still carries standards based on these ancient traditions. And though much of the nation is constantly being improved and modernized, gender roles are still an important factor in these parts of the world.
There are no specific “dos” and “don’ts” to abide by for males or females, but several recommendations are giving you the chance to respect the traditional ways observed in the country.
Some would recommend women to wear long-sleeve shirts, skirts, or dresses, but it’s not a must.
There are monasteries on Lake Tana where women are not permitted entry, but aside from that, you shouldn’t find any issues.
In the capital (Addis Ababa) you’ll find a lot of people wearing whatever they feel like, but if you plan on visiting the rural areas the above-mentioned recommendations will be more important to stay aware of. Aside from the lifestyle in the capital, it is not so common for women to be out partying or drinking at night. In Ethiopia, women culturally tend to the house and the children. Dorze is considered an exception, known as a place where women openly go drinking, dancing, and some even smoke hookah right by the local market.
You won’t have much trouble walking through the streets of Addis during the day, but it is recommended that you use a taxi at night. Pick-pocketing is regrettably quite an issue for those who don’t know how to stay aware, but violent crime on the other hand is very rare in Ethiopia.
Fun facts about Ethiopia:
- Ethiopia is home to the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the African continent.
- Ethiopia has more than 80 tribes, with over 80 languages spoken throughout the nation.
- Because of its abundance of water resources, Ethiopia is referred to as the Water Tower of Africa.
- The first African athlete to win an Olympic gold medal was Ethiopian.
- Ethiopia is said to be Africa’s oldest country, titled the “Birthplace of Humanity”.
- The Ethiopian calendar is composed of thirteen months, and the Ethiopian new year takes place around September 11.
What to do
Once in Ethiopia, you’ll find so many things to do: from visiting sites like the castle ruins of Gondar to spending time with the unique tribes of the Omo River Valley, Ethiopia is a country of adventure and experience that is easy to love. This incredible African nation is also home to one of the most thrilling and adventurous locations on the globe: the Erta Ale volcano.
No matter where in the country you find yourself in, there’s always something to do. Stop for a good cup of coffee or traditional food, visit the lounges and jazz clubs, the museums or national parks, admire nature or hike up to the amazing mountain trails. The options are surely there.
Ethiopia has 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including wonders like the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the astonishing Simien Mountains National Park. It’s also full of other captivating sites and travel destinations like the walled city of Harar, or the island monasteries of Lake Tana; the source of the Blue Nile River.
Budget
It might be surprising, but traveling within Ethiopia is incredibly cheap: $10 – $20 (USD) per day can get you around pretty easily, but a little more and you can have a blast. Even the price for accommodation and transportation is relatively cheap and usually maintains a pretty good standard as well.
Meeting new people
The Ethiopian people are very welcoming, they are always happy to talk about their culture and traditions, and to share their unique pride in Ethiopia with all the country’s accomplishments throughout history up to this present day. Many of the people speak very good English, which makes everything a lot easier for those travelers who want to experience Ethiopia first hand.
Meeting new people is never hard, everywhere you go you’ll find people eager to share their stories or various experiences they’ve had. There are numerous lounges and clubs for those interested in the nightlife, and there are also several jazz clubs and traditional restaurants for those who are looking to enjoy the authentic thrill of the ambiance. You can meet people in the Mercato, Africa’s largest open-air market. And you can join groups of tourists or local adventurers on a hike or a visit to the fascinating museums.
The options are endless (check out our articles on “15 things to do in Addis Ababa”, “Ethiopia’s national parks”, and other pieces we’ve published at Dejene Ethiopia Tours).
Summary
Visiting Ethiopia as an independent person is just as thrilling as coming with friends or family, and might even offer a broader choice of options and activities to attend to. A solo adventure is more adjustable and can give you the chance to integrate with the local people on a deeper level.
Dejene Ethiopia Tours offers our customers the chance to join in on a group tour, perfect for single people who want to experience the adventure of Ethiopia, as well as those who are seeking the possibility of meeting new people. We also customize tours for private persons visiting specific locations. Check out our tour packages and see if there’s something you like.
Have you been to Ethiopia before? What experience was the best part of your trip? And what would you recommend others to do while they visit?
Share your thoughts and comments with us, let us know what you would like to read about next, or if you have anything to add.
For more info, hit the links below:
Website: https://www.dejeneethiopiatours.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dejene_ethiopia_tours/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DejeneEthiopiatour/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/dejeneethiopiatours
#Ethiopia #Addis_Ababa #Dejene_Ethiopia_Tours #DET #Traveling_Alone #Ethiopia_Solo_Adventure #Solo_Travel #Welcome_To_Ethiopia #Facts_On_Ethiopia #Tour_And_Travel #Tourism #The_Ethiopian_Adventure #Global_Promotion #Online_Community
#Reaching_Out
Thank you for reading!
