Geography
With a land area of 1,127,000 square kilometres, Ethiopia is a vast, landlocked country on the eastern side of the African continent. Known as “The Roof of Africa,” this is a land of surprises, with a wealth of superb trekking and a rich cultural heritage. Kenya and Somalia lie to the south, Sudan to the west, whilst to the north and northeast, cutting off Ethiopia’s access to the sea are Eritrea and Djibouti. Ethiopia includes some of the finest mountain scenery in Africa, notably in the Simien Mountains which have been designated a World Heritage Site. This highland area in the northern part of Ethiopia includes many summits over 4000 metres (13000ft.), the highest peak being Ras Deshen, at 4620 metres (15157ft.), the fourth highest mountain in Africa. Geographically, the Simien Mountains comprise several major plateaux, which are underlain by basalt lavas thousands of metres thick. It is the erosion of these lavas which has created the dramatic escarpments and freestanding pinnacles which are characteristic of the range and which are comparable in terms of spectacle to the Grand Canyon. The point of access for this northern region is the ancient capital of Gondar, which is a wonderful and historically important city with an unusual collection of 17th century castles and churches. The Simien Mountains present a landscape of ridges and scarps, home to rare wildlife species, including the Walia ibex, Simien red fox, the strikingly-maned Gelada baboon and the majestic lammergeier or bearded vulture.

Time Zone
The time in Ethiopia is GMT + 3 hours.

Climate
Hot and humid in the lowlands, warm in the hill country and cool in the uplands. Addis Ababa, at an elevation of 2450 metres (8038ft.), has a relatively mild climate year-round. Daytime maximum temperatures in the Ethiopian capital city vary between 20 and 25 degrees centigrade (68º – 77º F), with night time temperatures falling to between 5 and 10 degrees centigrade (41º - 50º F). The climate of the Simien Mountains has been likened to the perfect English summer day. At altitudes of around 3000 metres and above, maximum daily temperatures average 15 to 20 degrees centigrade (59º – 68º F), falling close to freezing point at night and with frosty mornings a possibility. Descending to the lowlands (in the Simien Mountains that means 1700 metres (5575ft.) daytime temperatures will approach 30 degrees centigrade (86º F). Most rainfall over the country as a whole is from June to September. Basically, there are 2 seasons in Ethiopia, a wet season between those months and a dry season for the rest of the year. Following the wet season, in the period leading up to the end of the year, the country is lush and green, with lots of flowers and growing crops. Thereafter, the country dries out progressively until the next rains.

Rough guide to temperatures June to September

Currency
The Ethiopian unit of currency is the birr. As of February 2006, the exchange rates are:

£ 1 = EB 15.2
$ 1 = EB 8.7
€ 1 = EB 10.4

Your travel money should be carried in the form of cash or travellers cheques (American Express). Sterling, euros and dollars are readily exchanged in Addis Ababa. Credit cards can be used to purchase goods and services and it is a good idea to carry one in case of emergency.

Visas
A valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining validity), is required. All nationalities need to obtain a visa for entry into Ethiopia. Rates vary depending on your nationality. Full details of current rates and the visa application process will be sent to you when we confirm your booking on a KE trip.

Vaccinations
You should attend your own GP and dentist for a check-up. A ROUGH GUIDE for an immunisation programme is as follows: (We must stress that this is only a basic guide - and you must abide by the advice of your local GP).

(a) Polio. Normally you will just need a booster.
(b) Tetanus.
(c) Typhoid. A full course requires 2 injections separated by an interval of 4-6 weeks.
(d) Hepatitis (A) and (B).
(e) Anti-malarial prophylaxis: Please refer to your GP (or to one of the agencies listed below) for the most up to date information about anti-malarial medication for the areas that you will be visiting.
(f) Rabies pre-exposure vaccination. Please refer to your GP (or to one of the agencies listed below) for advice on whether you need rabies pre-exposure vaccination. This vaccination does not eliminate the need for urgent evacuation to a suitable medical facility for additional treatment, in the unlikely case of your being bitten. However, it does simplify that additional treatment and also prolongs the period that you can safely delay before receiving post-exposure treatment.

Given enough notice, your GP will be able to administer all the above.

Additional Sources of Information

Books
Guide to Ethiopia - Phillip Briggs.
Ethiopia - The Bradt Travel Guide.
Lonely Planet - Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti.

Maps
Ethiopia Travel Map. 1:2,000,000. International Travel Maps
Ethiopia Travel Map. 1:2,500,000. Cartographia

Our trip dossiers/itineraries give details of books and maps that are specific to a particular trip. Click here for details of book and map retailers.

Web
Lonely PLanet - www.lonelyplanet.com
Rough Guides - www.roughguides.com