Travelling safely in Ethiopia: how we plan every trip

It is the question we are asked most often after “when should we go?”, and it deserves a straight answer: it depends on where you go and when. The places most visitors come for, such as Addis Ababa, the Rift Valley lakes, Bale, and many of the historic sites, have long welcomed travellers. But parts of the country have seen conflict and unrest in recent years, and the situation in some regions can change quickly.

Start with official advice

Before you book, read your own government’s travel advice for Ethiopia, and read it again before you fly. Advisories are often set region by region, and they matter for your travel insurance, which may not cover areas your government advises against.

How a good local operator plans

• We follow the news, official advisories and our own network of drivers, guides and hotels every day.
• We route around areas where the situation is uncertain, and we change itineraries, sometimes at short notice, when we need to.
• We tell you honestly if a place you want to visit is not advisable right now, and suggest alternatives.

Health

• Altitude: Addis Ababa sits at about 2,350 metres, and much of the north is higher. Take the first day easy and drink plenty of water.
• Water: drink bottled or filtered water, and use it to brush your teeth.
• Food: freshly cooked, hot food is generally safe. Be careful with raw meat dishes such as kitfo if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Vaccinations and malaria: see a travel clinic well before you go. The highlands are largely free of malaria, but some lowland areas are not.

Everyday precautions

• Petty theft happens in crowded places in Addis Ababa, such as Merkato and busy bus stations. Keep your phone and wallet in front pockets or a zipped bag.
• Use ride-hailing apps or arranged transport at night.
• Carry a copy of your passport and keep the original in your hotel safe.
• Ask before photographing people, and always before photographing police, military or government buildings, which is not allowed.

Most of what makes a trip go wrong is ordinary: dehydration, a missed flight, a lost phone. Plan for those, and leave the rest to people who know the ground.

If you have a question about a particular region or route, write to us. We will tell you what we know today, not what was true last year.