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Precautions: If you lose your papers, we recommend keeping a copy of your passport in a different place from the original. Remember to check the number of kilos authorized by the airline you are traveling with.
– a small backpack to hold your personal belongings during the day
– equipment warm enough for nights spent at altitude
br> – a pullover (or sweatshirt), pajamas (or tracksuit)
– hat, sunglasses with highly filtering lenses, excellent sun protection (lips and skin)
– canvas pants ( or blue jeans), cotton t-shirts
– a flashlight with batteries and spare bulbs
– shoes with high tops and non-slip soles
– light shoes
– a water bottle (optional )
– linen and space-saving toiletries
– swimsuit (optional)
– toilet paper and briquette
– rain gear (depending on the date of your trip)

The use of cameras and more particularly video devices may generate an additional cost on certain sites. These very minimal costs are the responsibility of the traveler. Plan a budget for photographing ethnic groups.
Indeed, each photo costs between 10 and 50 Birr per photo depending on the number of people in the photo. These prices are indicative and may vary depending on ethnicity. Be careful, very careful control is carried out by the members of the tribe. Don’t forget to take photo and film rolls before departure. Ask for permission before photographing residents. It is strictly forbidden to photograph military buildings or buildings considered sensitive: barracks, military bases, residences of state dignitaries or administrations.

Each participant is of course free to give the desired tip depending on the service obtained. Generally, we can advise around 3 to 4€ per day and person for the driver and 6 to 7 euros per day and per person for your guide. These indications also depend on the length of your stay.

Consult the regularly updated Quai d'Orsay website www.diplomatie.gouv.fr go to the "travel advice" section. You can also consult the following sites in English www.travel.state.gov/travel (“Travel Warning” section in English) www.fco.gov.uk (“Travel advice” section then “Travel advice by country”) www. smartraveller.gov.au (“Travel advisories” section) The same rules apply for Addis Ababa as for all cities. Be careful and take the usual precautions for yourself and your belongings. Street crimes exist, such as non-violent pickpocketing or snatching of handbags or gold neck chains and earrings. Avoid walking the streets at night, take a taxi. We advise you not to arouse envy and leave your valuable jewelry at home or in the hotel safe, not to go out in the evening with large sums of money.
Do not leave valuable items in your hotel room; use the safe.

International : 00 + 251

1 hour in summer, + 2 hours in winter.

220 Volts and 50 Hertz. There are two types of socket in Ethiopia: one with three entrances in the shape of a triangle or one with two entrances. It is advisable to take an adapter depending on your cameras, camera, etc.

The official currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). The euro is accepted throughout the country like the dollar. 1 Euro is equal to approximately 23 to 24 Birrs.
ATMs are available in major cities.

Festival periods are busy times throughout the country and more particularly in Addis Ababa, Bhirdar, Gondar, Lalibela, Axum. We also draw your attention to the need to book your trip at least 4 months before the said festival, particularly for Timket, Meskel and Gena. For the record, the calendar of these festivals: On January 19, Christians in Ethiopia celebrate the baptism of Christ on the occasion of Timkat. During this festival, which takes place over three days, the priests of the churches go in procession with the wooden “Tabots”, just like the Ark of the Covenant. September 11, Enkutatash the Ethiopian New Year, which is also the feast of Saint John. Bonfires, singing and dancing are featured at this spring festival where children dance in the streets and distribute flowers and miniature paintings. On September 27, another Christian holiday, Maskal commemorates the discovery of the True Cross on which Christ was crucified. Village squares are decorated with crosses covered with bouquets of daisies and are set ablaze at dawn. On January 7, according to the Christian Orthodox calendar, Christmas or Gena is celebrated.

The tours are provided either by coaster, minibus or 4×4. The vehicles are insured and the drivers experienced.

You must take out cancellation and repatriation insurance in order to participate in our trips. Check the guarantees taken out and the triggering processes, take with you the telephone number of your insurance. A copy will be sent with your registration form.

For Ethiopia: When traveling at altitude, a visit to the dentist is recommended.
1. Vaccination Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory to enter the country for travelers from countries where it is endemic. Make sure you are up to date with the following vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, meningitis. Consult your doctor.
2. Anti-malarial treatment “Malarial” is a serious illness against which there is no 100% effective medication. It is the result of transmission of the parasite by the female Anopheles mosquito. Ethiopia is in zone 3 for malaria: the northern mountainous regions and the Simien mountains are less affected, but it is imperative to protect yourself against the risk of malaria; the risk is very high in the south. Given the rapid evolution of resistance to certain preventive treatments, it is essential to consult an agency specialized in treatment and correct dosage before starting. In addition to medical treatment, try to avoid contact with mosquitoes as much as possible by applying repellents to exposed parts of the body and clothing and avoid going out in the open after dark. Finally, if you develop a fever when you return, tell your doctor immediately that you are returning to East Africa.

Before your departure, we recommend that you consult your doctor, who alone can provide reliable information about your general health and will provide an update on your regular vaccinations as well as the vaccinations recommended for your destination. On the following sites, you will find advice to follow before leaving: WHO – http://www.who.int/fr/ Health Surveillance Institute – www.invs.sante.fr Pasteur Institute – www.pasteur.fr Center of international Air vaccinations in France http://www.vaccinations-airfrance.fr Most hospitals have an infectious and tropical diseases department. For more information, contact the center closest to your home.

Aisha Tours Ethiopia cannot be held responsible in the event that you need to return to France due to non-compliance with these health obligations. We recommend that you take your usual medications in sufficient quantity, alcoholic compresses in sachets, antiseptic ointment, an antihistamine, an intestinal antiseptic, a broad-spectrum oral antibiotic, a laxative, analgesics, an anti-inflammatory, eye drops , an anti-diarrheal, adhesive bandages, healing cream, vitamin C, sunscreen…

For travelers entering the country by road, Galafin in Djibouti, Moyale (in Kenya), Humera and Metema (in Sudan) are the entry points into Ethiopia. All arrivals are subject to customs and immigration checks.

A valid passport valid for 6 months after your return is essential. It is your responsibility to comply with your passport before your departure. If you are traveling with minors, you must check the exit formalities to be completed with the town hall where you live or the prefecture. To obtain a visa: – From the embassy or consulate of your country of residence – On site upon your arrival at Addis Ababa airport. For visas lasting more than one month, go to the Embassy or consulate of your country of residence. The validity of the passport must be greater than that of the visa requested. Due to regulations which may change, obtaining a tourist visa at Addis Ababa International Airport is not guaranteed. Therefore, travelers are recommended to apply for a visa at an Ethiopian embassy or consulate before departure. Prior to registration, foreign participants must find out about the formalities to complete and documents to present to obtain a visa. Visas are required for all visitors but nationals of countries are given visa on arrival at Bole Addis Ababa International Airport: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden , Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom and United States. In any case, Aisha Tours Ethiopia cannot be held responsible in the event of failure to obtain the visa.

Embassy of Ethiopia in France
35 Avenue Charles Floquet 75007 Paris
Tel : 01 47 83 83 95
Fax : 01 43 06 52 14
Mail : embeth@free.fr

Embassy of Ethiopia in Belgium – Brussels
Tél : + 32-2-2-7713294/0032-2-7719845/ 0032-7720898
Fax : + 32-2-3749262 RO.Box 1150,
Mail : etebriu@brutele.be
www.ethiopianembassy.be

Embassy of Ethiopia in Germany – Berlin
Tél : + 4930/77206-0
Fax : + 4930/ 77206-24/26
Mail : Ernb.ethiopia@-online.de
Consulate of Ethiopia in Germany – Frankfurt
Tél : + 496 997 26960
Fax : + 496 997 269633

Embassy of Ethiopia in Italy – Rome
Tél : + 39/06/441616370
Fax : + 39/06/4403676
Mail : embethrm@rdn.lt

Embassy of Ethiopia in the United Kingdom – London
Tél : + 44 0207 838 3888/5897212
Fax : + 44 0207 584 7054
www.ehioembassy.org.uk

Embassy of Ethiopia in the United States of America – Washington
Tél : 011/202/364-1200
Fax : 011/202/5870195 RO. Box 3506, International Drive NW Washington D.C 2008
www.ethiopianembassy.Org

Consulate of Ethiopia in the United States of America – Los Angeles
Tel : 231 365-6651
Fax : 231 365-6670
Permanent Mission in the United States of America – New York
Tél : + 1212421-1830/212754-0360
Mail : ethiopia@un.int

Switzerland Permanent Office in Switzerland – Geneva
Tel : 4122/9197010116
Fax : 41-22/919-7029 P.O. Box 338

Ethiopia is a Democratic Federal Republic. The official language is Amharic. Its capital is Addis Ababa. The total area of the country is 1,127,127 km2, twice the size of France. The population of Ethiopia (2015 estimate) is approximately 100.2 million, giving an overall density of 92 people per square kilometer. The Amharas and Tigrayans, who are both highland peoples of Semitic origin, constitute approximately 30.2% and 4.2% of the total population, respectively. They occupy the northwest Ethiopian highlands and the region north of Addis Ababa. The Oromos, who live mainly from agriculture in the center and southwest of the country, represent approximately 32% of the population. The Somalis who live in the east and the southeast, particularly in the Ogaden region, represent 4%, the Afars who live in the semi-desert plain to the east and in the Danakil represent 7%. The Gurages 4.3%, the Sidamas 3.4% or the Welaytas 2% and other even smaller groups. Ethiopia is also populated by Yemenis, Indians, Armenians and Greeks.

Formed by a central volcanic plateau, isolated on three sides by desert lowlands, this dominates the Ethiopian landscape. The central plateau, often referred to as the Ethiopian Highlands, has an average altitude of over 2000 m, includes 20 peaks of 4000 m or more. The Ethiopian highlands are considerably mountainous and are bisected by the Rift Valley, which begins from the Red Sea and then continues to the Danakil Depression through southern Ethiopia and Mozambique in southern Africa . The part of the Rift Valley, south of Addis Ababa, is notable for its chain of eight lakes. The most extensive mountain ranges in the highlands are the Semien, which lies directly north of Gondar, and the Bale mountain ranges which lie in the southern highlands east of the Rift Valley. Mount Ras Dashen in Simien is located at 4620 m above sea level, it is the fourth highest peak in Africa. The highlands also constitute the source of four major river systems. The best known is the Blue Nile or Abbay, which rises at Lake Tana in the northwest and supplies nine-tenths of the Nile's water, which eventually reaches Egypt's Nile Valley. With an area of 114 million square kilometers, Ethiopia is the size of France and Spain combined and is five times the size of the United Kingdom.

Taking into consideration the geographical position of Ethiopia, the country is expected to enjoy a tropical climate. However, due to its diverse relief, the climate varies from one area to another. Generally it is mild and extreme temperatures are not common. There are three climatic zones in the country: the cold zone (at altitudes above 2500 meters where the average temperature is around 16 degrees Celsius), the temperate zone (between 1500 meters and 2500 meters above sea level temperatures can reach 30 degrees Celsius) and the hot region (tropical and arid climate with temperatures that often reach 40 degrees Celsius). There are two seasons in Ethiopia. The rainy season only lasts from mid-June to mid-September. The rest of the year, the weather is usually dry. The country is incredibly beautiful after the rainy season ends and the vegetation is green and abundant.

Ethiopia is best known as a poor African country tormented by war and famine, but few people are aware of the fact that it has enormous tourism potential. The tourism industry is increasingly developed in Ethiopia and those who choose to visit it will be fascinated by the unique character of this country. Ethiopia has the most astonishing landscapes on African territory, both the highlands and the lowest areas are fabulous and spectacular. Ethiopia is also a cultural destination. The country is impressive and ancient where a unique culture has developed. Its inhabitants are also very religious and there are many sites, high places of Orthodoxy, which can be visited. The archaeological heritage is just as rich as that of culture.

The ideal time to visit a new place or even revisit it again ultimately depends on your preference. But you would like to be there when each place would be at its peak. Also it is useful to know the type of climate and even the general weather conditions of the country. Without any exception, you can get the most out of your visit to Ethiopia without being too worried about its daily climate. Generally though, most people want to visit Ethiopia in its dry season i.e. the months of October to mid-June. But the weather can have temperature peaks at the hottest in the Danakil Depression in northern Ethiopia. The country does not follow the tropical climate pattern, despite its location near the equatorial region. Its rainy season starts in the month of June until the end of September, where you can feel the countryside of greenery and flowers during the last months of this period.