Location: East Africa Climate
Ethiopia has two main seasons, a dry season from October through May and a rainy season from June through September. Temperatures vary according to altitude, but are commonly on the mild side, even chilly climate- certainly not tropical.

 Local Time
Ethiopia is in the GMT + 3 hrs time zone and follows the Julian calendar which consists of 12 months of 30 days each plus a 13th month of 5 or 6 days.

 Language
Amharic is the official language, although over 80 local languages are spoken throughout Ethiopia from these about 45 languages spoken in Southern region.

Religion
The major religions are Christianity (Mostly Orthodox Christian) and Islam.

In Ethiopia there are great Christian Orthodox and Muslim festivals that are occasion for rejoicing, feasting and sing song.
The following dates are in European Calendar.

7 January – Christmas Day
19 January- Timkat (Epipphany)
19 Feburary – Martyrs Commemoration day
2 march- commemoration of the Battle of Adwa
Variable- Good Friday, and Easter Sunday
5 May- Libration Day
11 September – New Year’s Day
27 September- Maskel(The finding of the True Cross)

 Communications
Telephone, Fax, e-mail are available in most main towns.  The International Dialing Code for Ethiopia is +251.

 Currency
The monetary unit in Ethiopia is Birr (ETB).
(1 ETB = 100 Cents)
Notes ETB: 1, 5, 10, 50,100
Coins: 1, 5,10,25,50

 Special Notes:
Entry by land into Ethiopia is possible via Dewale and Galafi (Ethio- Djibouti border), Moyale (Ethio- Kenya), Humera and Metema (Ethio- Sudan). All have full customs and immigration checks.

Entry by Air; Addis Ababa is easily accessible having daily flights to and from cities in Africa, Europe, Asia, and North American. Airlines that operate to Bole International Airport; Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates, Yemenia, Turkish Air, bmi, Alitalia, Kenya Airways, Egypt Air, Saudi and others serve Addis Ababa. Perhaps what makes it unique is that the national carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, serves 28 other cities in Africa making Addis the most accessible city on the continent.

 Health Requirements
Prior to entry, visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Immunization against Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus & Typhoid is recommended. Malaria precautions should be taken before visiting the lowlands. Consult your doctor.

 Customs at Arrival
Cameras, computers and major electrical items may need to be declared on arrival.

 Electricity
Electric supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. The wall socket accepts two circular-shaped prongs, so an adapter is required. Video camera batteries may be recharged at hotels along the route.

 Photos
Photographs should not be taken of military or strategic buildings or airports. Ask permission to take photos of any person or home.

Trip Advisor
Travel News & Events
  • View More

Get in Touch