FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW DO I PAY FOR MY TRAVEL?

After your booking, you will receive a booking confirmation including your invoice and the travel price guarantee. A deposit of 20% of the trip price should be paid within 7 days after booking. The remaining balance is due 4 weeks before departure. Payments can be made by bank transfer to MUKA Travel account:

Bank: VR Bank of Bergisch Gladbach

IBAN: DE84370626003411909017

BIC: GENODED1PAF

HOW DO I MAKE PAYMENTS IN ETHIOPIA?

The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). 1 euro is exchanged for 32 Ethiopian Birr (as of December 2017). Euro and US dollars can be exchanged in any banks against Birr (ETB).

Paying by credit card is unusual and not accepted in most shops and restaurants. In bigger cities, money can be withdrawn at ATMs, but there are always empty ATMs or problems with credit cards. We recommend you to carry cash either in Euros or US dollars. The bills should be as new as possible and undamaged. Ethiopian Birr is a domestic currency and may not be imported or exported. If you carry cash above 3,000 US Dollars, you must declare upon arrival.

WHICH MORE COSTS SHOULD I EXPECT?

There are no hidden costs in your travel price. All services listed are included. You should expect some optional and personal expenses such as drinks or souvenirs.

In small local restaurants, a little tip is expected. In hotels and specialty restaurants, a 10% tip is usual. Your tour guide also expects you to tip. We recommend to tip the tour guide after the end of the tour, and the amount depends according to your level of satisfaction.

HOW DO I TRAVEL TO ETHIOPIA?

All major airlines have scheduled flights to Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, takes you to Ethiopia directly from many parts of the World with a Boeing 777 or Boeing 787 “Dreamliner”. Ethiopian Airlines is part of the Star Alliance – a merger of qualified airlines.

In Addis Ababa, you will be picked up by your tour guide directly at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The tour guide will take care of you for the whole trip and will take you back to the airport.

HOW DO I TRAVEL INSIDE ETHIOPIA?

In Ethiopia, we travel by safe, comfortable vehicles. Depending on the group and trip, we may use minibusses or off-road cars or coaster buses.

Ethiopian Airlines handle domestic flights within Ethiopia.

WHAT IS THE TIME ZONE?

Ethiopia belongs to the East African time zone (GMT + 3:00).

HOW IS THE CLIMATE?

Ethiopia has four different climatic zones. In the northern highlands, two-thirds of the country, the climate is very pleasant throughout. During the day, summer European temperatures prevail. The average temperature in Addis Ababa is 17 ° C, the maximum temperature is 22 to 24 ° C. At night temperatures can drop below 10 ° C.

In the south Ethiopia, there is a humid and tropical climate. The dry season goes from October to May and is considered the best travel time. In the rainy season, from June to September, it rains in many regions about once a day, and then the sun usually shines again. Even during this time, most parts of the country can be easily visited.

HOW CAN I COMMUNICATE HOME?

International telephone calls are possible from most hotels with landline phones. Many mobile operators in Europe and the USA have contracts with the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation and you can also use your mobile phone on site. If you decide to purchase an Ethiopian prepaid SIM card, two passport photos and a copy of the passport are required.

In most hotels, internet access is possible via WLAN. In addition, there are internet cafés in all major places where you can use the Internet for a small fee. However, you should take into account that Internet speed is often slow. If you want to send letters, parcels or packages to home, you should do so via the post office in major cities.

WHAT LANGUAGE DO I NEED TO COMMUNICATE WITH LOCALS?

Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic state with about 100 different ethnic groups; Up to 80 languages are spoken. The official language is Amharic.

Many people, especially the younger generations, speak English. If this is not the case, you will communicate with your hands and feet … with a smile you will always go on.

WHAT VACCINES DO I NEED?

In principle, there are no mandatory vaccinations for Ethiopia. However, we recommend the following vaccinations for which most of the costs are covered by the health insurance companies:

Standard vaccinations for adults;

• polio
• tetanus
• diphtheria

Ethiopia specific:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• typhus
• Meningitis serotype B
• rabies
• Yellow fever

For further information, please visit: https://www.fit-for-travel.de/reiseziel/aethiopien/

ARE THERE HEALTH RISKS?

You should be in a good health condition. For exclusive travel wishes, we will gladly provide you with an individual program. The risk of getting sick on the trip is very low.

We advise you to take our vaccination recommendations to avoid risks. The most common disorder in travel to the tropics is diarrhea. It is usually caused by contaminated water or contaminated food. To prevent diarrheal diseases, it is recommended to drink only bottled water, avoid unpeeled fruit and ice cubes, and to eat little or no salad particularly at the start of the tour, as it is usually washed with untreated water.

Parts of Ethiopia belong to malaria-prone areas. The disease is transmitted mainly via the mosquito; The main symptoms are feverish strokes. The disease can usually be treated medically without problems. Consistent mosquito protection during the evening and night hours considerably reduce the risk of malaria. The most important measures include the wearing of body-covering clothing and the use of insect repellents in the evening and at night. Preventive malarial apoplexy or taking of a standby malaria drug for ingestion is recommended. If you experience flu-like symptoms after your journey, you should see a doctor. In many lakes and rivers of Ethiopia, bilharziosis is common, and you should refrain from bathing in unknown waters.

WHAT SHOULD I TAKE IN MY FIRST AID KIT?

In addition to regular medication, we recommend the following travel medicines:

• Anti-gastrointestinal complaints travel sickness, fever, pain
• Wound disinfectant
• Insect and sunscreen
• Ointment for insect bites and other skin irritations
• thermometer
• dressing material
• Possibly stand-by Malaria medicament

HOW IS MEDICAL AVAILABILITY?

Basic medical care is provided in tourist areas. The cities have well-equipped hospitals, often with English-speaking doctors. In the capital Addis Ababa, there are some private clinics with very good standards.

If you have regular dental problems, we advise you to visit your dentist before the trip. Getting a dental care according to European standards might be difficult.

DO I NEED INTERNATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE?

Foreign health insurance is not mandatory. Nevertheless, we strongly advise you to avoid possible complications. We are happy to help you choose the right insurance.

IS ETHIOPIA SAFE TO TRAVEL?

Ethiopia is largely politically stable and is considered a safe country. safety and security are the first priority while traveling. Robbery, physical violence or threats with weapons are rare throughout the country. The low crime rate is one reason for many people to visit the country. In recent months there has been unrest in some parts of the country, which have been particularly evident in demonstrations against the government.

Traveling with children in Ethiopia is also unproblematic. Please note that there are no special facilities for children in many accommodations.

The Federal Foreign Office regularly publishes the latest safety information, which can be viewed here (for Germany): www.auswaertiges-amt.de. Please check your respective department. There are some things to consider. In Addis Ababa, pickpocketing is not uncommon, just like in many other large cities in the world. Therefore, do not overextend valuables and pay attention to your pockets. Cash and passport carry in a bag and only carry as much cash as you need in one day. The rest can be deposited in the safe of your accommodation. Exchange money only in certified bureaus or banks. Please always follow the instructions from your tour guide. He can judge situations best. Do not go to remote areas of the country and avoid demonstrations.

HOW IS THE POWER SUPPLY?

The current-voltage in Ethiopia is 220 volts / 50 Hz, and European or American plugs can be used. Normally you do not need a plug if you’re from Europea. For sensitive devices, however, it is advisable to carry an adapter, as the current-voltage may fluctuate.

Most hotels have emergency power units in the event of a power cut. It is advisable to bring a pocket or headlamp to use it during a power cut, camping, and homestays in rural villages.

WHAT BAGGAGE CAN I TAKE?

On many international flights including Ethiopian Airlines, you can take two 23 kg free baggage. In addition, a hand luggage with a maximum of 7 kg, whose dimensions (length + width + height) should not exceed 115 cm. In addition, you may carry personal items such as a handbag or camera in the cabin. Dangerous objects or substances should not be included in the luggage. In the hand luggage, liquids, gels, sprays and pastes up to 100 ml may be packed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag (for example, a zipper closure freezer bag) with a maximum filling capacity of 1 liter. For more information on baggage regulations, please visit the airline website: www.ethiopianairlines.com.

Due to limited space in our vehicles, we ask you to restrict yourself to only one piece of luggage. We also recommend taking either a travel bag or a backpack (no suitcase), as it is easier to store them in a minibus or other small vehicle. A daily bag is always convenient for day trips and hikes.

For specific travels, please also refer to the notes on luggage in each tour description.

WHAT CAN I PHOTOGRAPH AND FILM?

As long as you respect the rules with courtesy, nothing can go wrong. You can photograph and film landscapes as much and as often as you like. People should always be asked for permission before they are photographed. In the villages in the south, a fee of 3 – 5 birrs is usually charged for a photo of a person. Your guide will be there to help you inquiring and paying. Talk to him at any time if you are not sure when shooting and shooting.

Military installations, dams, airports, bridges, power stations, police stations, border transitions and statutory guardians may not be photographed/filmed. Sometimes sightseeing fees are charged for photography/films. Please note that 3 CCD Cameras of any brands may not be imported to Ethiopia.

IS THAT POSSIBLE TO SUPPORT LOCALS?

We request you not to distribute money, gifts or pens to begging children. They get used to it and you may encourage not to go to school. On some trips, we visit a school, a children’s home or local projects. If you want, you can get involved in the form of donations or school materials (pens, pencils, erasers). When visiting an Ethiopian family, the children also look forward to school materials or the like.

WHAT IS THE MAIN FOOD?

The national cuisine of Ethiopia is doro wat – a chicken dish served on injera. Injera is a kind of “sourdough pancake.” It is served in all meals with different sauces. The food is served on a large plate to let everyone eat together. The Ethiopians eat mostly with the right hand – if you like, try it out.

In many local restaurants, however, there are various meat dishes, noodles and pizzas, which are of course served with knives and forks. Our hotels and lodges offer a selection of Ethiopian and European dishes. Alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee and soft drinks are served.

IS VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN FOOD AVAILABLE?

Ethiopia is particularly suitable for vegetarians and vegans. The Ethiopians eat only vegan food during their fasting periods, which is almost half of the year. Milk products are only rare in the traditional cuisine. There are often only meat-based dishes in local restaurants. On request, however, always Shiro is prepared – a delicious sauce of chick-pea flour, which is served with injera (sourdough pancake). Vegetarian and meat dishes are available in our hotels.

HOW ARE THE CUSTOMS REGULATIONS?

You can import 200 pieces of cigarettes, 50 cigars or 153 gr of tobacco; 1 L alcohol; 153 ml or 2 bottles of perfume free of charge. Imports of weapons, drugs or pornographic material of any kind are strictly prohibited. In addition, a ban on all 3CCD cameras, regardless of which brand, unless not previously declared at the customs office.

Valuable electronic items must also be reported. Ethiopian Birr is a domestic currency and may not be imported or exported. Cash amounts above 3000 US Dollars must be declared upon arrival. Taking objects with a historical value (older than 50 years) out of Ethiopia may only be executed with the permission of the National Museum.

DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL?

You need a passport valid for six months and a visa. Americans and Europeans can get a visa on arrival at the airport in Addis Ababa for about 45 euros. Visa fees should be paid in cash.

You can also apply for the visa at the Ethiopian Embassy or the Ethiopian Consulate in person or by post for approximately 36 euros. This should be done 3 – 6 weeks before the beginning of the journey. For your pre-arrival application, you will need a passport valid for six months after the end of the trip, two passport photos, a completed visa application form and a copy of the travel confirmation. For postal submission, you need to provide proof of payment of visa fees with a stamped envelope (registered letter).

Online visa application is also available now. Please refer the following link to apply for a visa. https://www.evisaforethiopia.com/

We are happy to help you with the visa application!

WHERE DO I STAY?

The hotels and lodges are to the country standard, mostly 3 to 4-star hotels and lodges. However, occasional power cut and a limited supply of hot water may occur everywhere in the country. On homestays, we spend one overnight in a rural village at Dorze. This homestay accommodation is a clear contrast to the classic hotel accommodation. We sleep in small, simple huts with basic sanitary facilities.

The camping sites are simple. There are no or very basic sanitary facilities and no electricity. We use battery powered lights.

On our luxury tours, we stay in specially selected, country-typical 4-5 star hotels, lodges and resorts. They offer pleasant comfort and an excellent opportunity to relax and unwind after an exciting day of travel.