Even though it's delicious, you'll find that you are eating it at almost every meal. If you're going to be in the country for any length of time then you're likely to get a little burned out of injera.
LONELY PLANET INDIA MONEY AND COSTS DRIVERS
Private drivers are also available, as are tours of the region which provide more comfortable transportation. This will dramatically cut down on the amount of time you spend in a bus by at least a day. If you're doing the entire northern circuit you should consider taking at least one flight to save time. Ground transportation in northern Ethiopia is generally uncomfortable, but doable.It truly is a once in a lifetime experience. You will be shown a basic slideshow and then allowed entry into the churches. This price is significantly higher than in the past, and goes up every few years, but it is still well worth it. There are no single day passes available. You can expect to pay $50 (USD) per person for a multi-day pass. There is now a fixed price to visit Lalibela. No trip to the country is complete without a visit to this sight which contains mesmerizing churches carved out of rock. Lalibela is by far the most famous and popular tourist destination in Ethiopia.If you're looking to save money, consider traveling to the northern part of the country independently and then skipping out on the south because it is far more expensive with a private vehicle. Restaurants, hotels, and public transportation are still quite cheap in the country. You can try to negotiate this down but it will be challenging. You will likely be charged a "ferengi" price which is at least twice the local price. In general, this is one of the less expensive African countries. This is a very fascinating part of the country and you really shouldn't miss it, but do realize that the expenses can be far greater because you essentially have to do a tour or take inefficient local transportation. Many travelers group together to split the cost of hiring a car and driver. The southern circuit has much less infrastructure and generally requires use of a private vehicle. Many people do choose to take a least one domestic flight on Ethiopian Air to help reduce their travel time. The roads are constantly improving and bus routes are fairly common. Public transportation is an option in this more developed portion of the country. Trips to this country are often divided into two "circuits." Many people head to the culturally rich north to visit Lalibela and Blue Nile Falls among other sights. Coffee ceremonies are performed in many places as an intricate way to welcome you to the country. Visit a traditional restaurant where you can watch the impressive local dances and dine on the unique Ethiopian cuisine. Back in the capital, Addis Ababa, you can see a growing and changing African capital that is becoming more and more linked to the international world.Įthiopian religion, history and food is unlike anything else. In the Omo Valley, you can see the Merci people, with their clay plates and unusual body jewelry. In the south, you can encounter traditional tribal communities that continue to live and thrive as they have for centuries. It has natural beauty, like the famed Blue Nile Falls, and cultural history with its religious ties to both Islam and Christianity. In the north it is lush and green with villages and historic sights such as the world renowned Lalibela. It is a fascinating country that is unlike any other place in Africa. Ethiopia is in eastern Africa just north of Kenya and south of Eritrea.