Feb 2020 trip report

Slavko writes: Three weeks ago, I returned from a 21 day trip around northern Ethiopia. It was perfect, without any hassle and complication. There is no need to book anything from home, as everything can be arranged on site. Here are some prices (I am not saying they are the best, but they can be …

Latest news on travel to Harar & Dire Dawa

Thanks to Jennifer W for this bang up-to-date report: I did the journey from Dire Dawa to Harar by road in a shared taxi  on 12 Feb. The road is now open and I didn’t encounter any problems or see any signs of trouble. Harar was great with lots of people wanting to chat without …

December 2019 trip report

Maider writes: First of all, thanks for the quality of your web page.. I follow it regularly, and found much interesting information before scheduling our trip.. so now, to render thanks, I wanted to share our experience, with hope that it could help someone else. (And sorry if my English level is low). We are 2 …

Closure of road between Dire Dawa and Harar

Stewart Reid writes: As of 21 Jan 2020 the road between Dire Dawa and Harar is closed due to "ethnic conflict". Minibus and private contract buses are refusing to drive the road due to fear of attacks by "mobs". It seems that this is a Christian/Muslim issue related to the recent Timkat and St Michaels …

Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway – new schedule

Thanks to Andargachew Girma of Alligan Travel for alerting me to the revised schedule for the train service between Addis Ababa and Djibouti via Adama and Dire Dawa. International passenger trains from Lebu (outside Addis Ababa) to Nagad (Djibouti) leave on the 1st, 5th, 9th, 11th, 15th, 19th, 21st, 25th and 29th of every month …

Self-drive car rental, foreign exchange, and some accommodation tips

Vicky writes: We travelled for 3 weeks through Ethiopia with your guide book (edition 8). Here are a few updates and tips for others travellers: Car hire It is practically impossible to hire a car with self drive. After two days of negotiations we did get to hire a car self drive. The firm is …

Bahir Dar updates (and details of new daily bus to Lalibela)

AddisAdvisor writes: BAHIR DAR update. February/March 2019 A few notes from a recent personal visit PLUS information provided by Nati from Manuhie Backpackers Lodge. Accommodation UNISON HOTEL for those who like things big brash and modern this is a new hotel, almost opposite the old Ghion, with a nice restaurant and sensible room prices. We were told …

Domestic flights – all you need to know about discounted prices

AddisAdvisor writes: PRICES of ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES DOMESTIC TICKETS.  March 2019 Ethiopian gives substantial discount on domestic flight tickets to five groups of people  INCLUDING  citizens, registered foreign residents and TOURISTS who fly in (or out) on an Ethiopian Airlines International Ticket.  It USED TO BE cheaper to buy your tickets once inside the country, but …

Detailed Jan/Feb 2019 trip report

Lucas writes: First off, thanks for putting together such a wonderful guidebook (Ethiopia 7th edition). It’s one of the best I’ve ever used. I’m writing to share some information based on my just finished 1-month journey through Ethiopia which you may find useful bearing in mind that I haven’t been using the latest edition. Gondar …

Zege by ferry

Gunnar writes: Yesterday I used the daily ferry from Bahir Dar to Zege. I can confirm that it left at around 7am. The ticket office opened at around 6.30am. It cost Birr 59 (about US$2). There is no entrance fee to Zege as such but each church now charges an entrance fee of Birr 150 …