Ethiopia

Ethiopia belongs to the countries of East Africa. This vast country borders Kenya in the south, Sudan and South Sudan in the west, in the east and southeast of Somalia, in the north with Eretria and in the northeast with Jabutti. Ethiopia unfortunately does not have access to the ocean and this causes the high welfare of the small neighboring country Jabutti, which lives due to the turnover of cargo to Ethiopia through its port.

Ethiopia is the main exporter of coffee and honey in Africa and the only African country in which even in the smallest village you can drink a cup of excellent coffee and witness the coffee ceremony. Also, Ethiopians are probably the only Africans who eat raw meat, which they season with spices and eat with the Ethiopian sour pancakes of Ingira. And it should also be noted that Ethiopians are rightfully recognized as the most beautiful women on the African continent.
In Ethiopia, there is a unique Danikil desert, which lies below sea level, Arta Ale volcano and many national reserves. From Ethiopia begins the Great Rift Valley with its mountains and lakes. And of course the rich history, the stone churches in the northern part of the country and the rich ethnographers of the south of the country - all this makes Ethiopia very interesting to visit.

It should also be noted that Ethiopia remained the only country on the African continent that was never colonized by Europeans. And one more important fact - the capital Adis Ababa is located at an altitude of about 2600 meters, which makes it the highest capital in Africa above sea level.

Territory: 1 104 000 sq. M. km

Capital: Addis Ababa, population about 2.7 million people

The largest cities: Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Michele, Nazret, Avassa, Arba Minch

Languages: The official language of the country is Amharik, Other languages ​​of the country are Oromo, Amhara, Somalia, Tigrayans

Population: 100 million people

Currency: Birr (Birr 1 ETB = 100 santim), Bank notes from 1 to 100 Birr

Main production: Coffee, honey, animal products, textiles, clothing, soap, agricultural production and tourism.

Exports: Coffee, Honey, Tea, Livestock Products

Climate: The climate is tropical and also characteristic of areas high above sea level. In the capital Adis Ababa is not hot and there are even frosts in winter, the average temperature during the year is about 16 degrees. In other parts of the country, the average temperature is about 20 degrees with a maximum of 34 degrees in summer. Two rainy seasons: The average rainfall from March to May and heavy rainfall from June to September.

Time Zone: The time zone is 1 hour behind Moscow

Visa Requirements: For all nationalities a visa is required. The visa is obtained at the border upon entering the country. Cost 25 dollars. Passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry.

Credit Cards: Credit cards are accepted in all major hotels and lodges, as well as in restaurants. But we recommend you to pay cash in restaurants and shops.

Foreign currency exchange: Exchange in banks and in currency exchange kiosks. Foreign currency is accepted only in hotels and lodges and in souvenir and jewelry stores.

Tips: Between 5-10% of the restaurant bill. Porter about 0.5-1 dollars for a piece of luggage. Guide about 2-5 dollars per person per day of work.

 Electricity: 220 volts with a double European outlet.

Drinking water: We do not recommend you to drink tap water. Buy bottled water.
Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for visitors to Ethiopia, but not mandatory.

Car rental: Driving on the right side of the road. Not all companies give cars for rent without a driver. This is especially applicable to 4 x 4 cars. Check the conditions of the car rental before signing the contract. Points of delivery of the car are only in several major cities and airports.