Any person intending to enter into Ethiopia should do so only for lawful purposes and in accordance with Ethiopia's immigration laws, guidelines and formalities.You will be required to upload proof of yellow fever vaccination in addition to other requirements such as copy of passport bio-data page, most recent passport photograph, travel itinerary (in place of invitation letter). You can also apply online on arrival as soon as you have the needed requirements. Your details shall be verified and you will receive an email confirmation within 24 hours. Ensure you have the confirmation that you can use as reference in case you had not received your visa by the time of setting off.You can as well pay for your visa online during the application process. The Ethiopian Tourist visa costs USD 50. Please have a look at the website (https://www.evisa.gov.et/) to see if you belong to visa exempt nationalities i.e. nationals of countries that do not pay for Ethiopia visas.
For medical emergency, we do not offer medical insurance that covers our clients while on the tour. In case of a health emergency, our driver-guide can rush our esteem client(s) to a nearby medical facility. For a very critical emergency, we can seek support from the Authority for an airlift (if required) or any other means they can offer.
IMPORTANT: Register with your embassy (just in case of any eventuality).
From experience, most people incur no health problems while visiting Ethiopia but rather enjoy themselves during the time of the travel. Neverthless, you may consider the following in your packing
Anti-malaria medicines, pain reliever, insect repellent. Simple first aid kit won’t be bad at all.
Pack your necessary sunscreen, hand sanitizers, sun-hat plus glasses, body creams/lotions of your choice among others.
Not all accommodations may provide shampoo. Feel free to carry some if necessary.
IMPORTANT: Ask your medical insurance provider if your policy applies overseas for any emergencies. Needless to mention, ensure you have some good level of physical fitness
Yellow fever vaccination is required. When applying for the visa via(https://www.evisa.gov.et/), you will be required to upload proof in addition to other requirements such as copy of passport bio-data page, most recent passport photograph, travel itinerary (in place of invitation letter)
IMPORTANT: Double check and make sure that you have all the proper vaccinations and that you hae renewed all essential prescriptions
IMPORTANT: Double check your budget for extras such as:tipping,souvenirs,drinks etc. This will help check/guide your spending while on your trip
How much to tip (e.g. driver-guide,ranger etc.) has been and is always a difficult one to say (for sure) as it depends largely on the level of gratitude one has felt and of course the budget. Nonthless, it could be USD 10, 15, 20, etc. per day or put together (encouraged) and give at the end as you say "Goodbye"
IMPORTANT: Tipping is not mandatory but something encouraged as a show of gratitude.
Game drives are private in the sense that it's always you - the client and the assigned driver-guide in the car. Neverthless, it is possible to encounter other tourists along (and sometimes not)
During the game drive within the park, it may be tempting to go off track in search (or follow-up) of some wildlife. Whoever does that, does it at his/her own risk and once found he/she shall incur a fine.
The use of drones has become phenomenal. However, drones are only allowed when one is on filming or commercial photography trip which must be arranged, paid for and park authority alerted in advance.
IMPORTANT: Anyone found using drone with no proper authorization shall be liable to penalty
The assigned driver-guide maintains contact with the park authority in case of any suspicious person(s) trailing him and clients. On the other hand, there is also routine patrol by armed rangers within then parks in an effort to ensure that both tourists and wildlife are safe.
We do provide either tour van or tour land-cruiser depending on whichever is available on our esteem clients's date (or clients preference). Both cars are comfortable enough. The company always endeavor to see that all its tour cars are serviced and well maintained. However, in the unfortunate event that the car breaks down and rescue becomes necessary, we do arrange and send a rescue car to ensure minimal disruption
Ethiopia being an Agricultural economy boasts of multiple options to select from interms of food while on your trip. Almost everyone can have something to choose from. Be it glueten free diet, vegetarian, halal, there will always be an offer to cater for one's preference. For those not on any diet restriction, you are even luckier.
IMPORTANT: Whenever any meal preference is brought to our attention, the Reservation Team forwards to the reserved accommodations accordingly. We also let the assigned tour driver-guide know about it so as to emphasize while on the ground.
Keep it simple and practical for your comfort while on travel. If you are hiking, gorilla or chimp tracking, pack trekking strong shoes or jungle boots for hiking, long sleeved shirts offer proper protection for you from thorns and insects, long stockings (if putting on shorts), comfortable jeans (pants/trousers).
Others may include a hat or cap which comes in handy, Khaki is good for its color and feels good as you wear it, some comfortable shorts, dresses and blouses (female). A rain jacket also comes in quite handy
IMPORTANT: When packing for a tour, keep it to just the essentials and keep it light. Just ensure you have packed what is just enough but considering all weather conditions.
It is possible to withdraw some money from ATM at the airport or in major towns along your tour route. If you plan to use an ATM card or credit card, it would be good to notify your bank that you will be using your Credit Card or Debit Card for cash withdrawls from an ATM in you tour destinatkions.
LOCAL CURRENCY: In case you wish to have some local currency, the assigned tour driver-guide can always lead you to the nearby Bank
There are some accommodations where you can enjoy Wi-Fi internet access. However, it is worth noting that the connection speed at times may not be so good. Wherever you're at such accommodations, it will be possible to keep in touch with family and friends via email, skype etc.
Should you desire to bring some gifts/handouts for the children that you may encounter during your trip in to Ethiopia, Please note that sweets, chocolates or any other edibles (though they create more pleasure) are not encouraged. However, some clothing, pairs of sandals or shoes (where possible), football, scholastic materials e.g. books, pens, colored pencils , crayons, rulers would be much appreciated.
