Travel FAQs
Question
How many days should I spend in Addis?
Answer
Short answer: plan to arrive a day or two before the 10th and stay until the 15th. Longer answer: It depends on how folks deal with jet lag and how often people travel. I am not a frequent traveler and it took me 2-3 days for my body to start believing the local time. If I were booking flights, I would try to arrive in Addis to have a minimum of one solid day in town before the party on the 10th. For picking a return flight, it would really depend on how much time I have to spend in Addis. If I could, I would hang out for a few days to see all of the new sights they have built since I was last there. They have really done a ton to the city since 2023, you will be amazed.
Question
What are the reccomended travel vaccinations?
Answer
This link will take you to the CDC guidelines for current recommendations https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ethiopia#vaccines-and-medicines
Question
What should I bring in my toiletry kit?
Answer
Addis is very well stocked with medications and there will be multiple local physicians in the wedding celebrations. If something is needed, something can be procured at a very reasonable price. Medications are imported mainly from India and Germany. This is the link to the CDC Healthy Packing List. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/ethiopia/traveler/packing-list I have a packing list from my trip to Addis that I can share with anyone who would like to see it.
Question
Is Addis safe?
Answer
Addis Ababa, the capitol city of Ethiopia and the immediate surrounding areas are safe and very friendly to tourists. The places that have experienced ethnic violence are along the border of the country. Throughout the years, Addis has remained safe for travel. It is a major economic hub in Africa, houses the UN headquarters, over 120 embassies, and the African Union. They do a great job at making sure the city is safe for travelers. Much like Italy, pickpockets are very clever here. Phones should be secured and money should not be kept in pockets easily accessible from the outside. Wegene's favorite travel vest is the polar fleece Scott-E vest, it has many internal pockets while still being light enough for daily wear in Addis' mild climate. For women, I would recommend an inexpensive purse with interior, zippered pockets for added security and peace of mind. Like any big city, it is a good idea to keep your wits about you in the dodgier areas. I have found Addis to be an incredibly welcoming place filled with friendly and curious folks. People on the street will try to talk to you, ask about what you are doing here/chitchat, tell you about themselves, and sometimes talk with you to have someone to practice their English with.
Question
What is the weather like? What should I pack for clothing to roam around in?
Answer
I am not kidding, Addis has the mildest weather I have ever experienced. This is coming from a bay area Californian. The temperature in Addis heats up to the low 70s(F) in the daytime and drops to about 50(F) at night. For sightseeing, I would recommend jeans, t-shirts, good walking shoes, sunglasses (for sun and dust), and a sweatshirt for the mornings/evenings. For women who wish to go inside church grounds: long skirts and a scarf are a must. They will not let you on the premises wearing pants or without a head covering. For gals traveling, we will have beautiful light cotton scarves waiting for you.
Question
Do guests wear white to Ethiopian Weddings? What should I wear?
Answer
Anything that you'd like! White is the color of Ethiopian traditional clothes but folks have been branching out into colors more recently. Truly, wear whatever makes you feel happy and can dance all night in. Our colors are bright and fun; fiery sunset orange, bright sky blue and new leaf green. If you would like a traditional Ethiopian outfit to wear for your trip, please fill in the form on the RSVP! We would love to help you get a traditional outfit.
Question
How much money do I bring for touristy things?
Answer
Ethiopia has a fantastic culture of craftspeople. Leather goods make a great souvenir: tote bags run around 30USD, jackets 40-70USD (custom is the norm), sandals 10-20USD Textiles: scarves 5-30USD depending on material, local silk is pricier, intricate hand embroidery is on the higher side Cultural clothes: 50-200USD styles and prices run the gamut Jewelry: silver is plentiful and relatively inexpensive compared to the USA, local opals are abundant ~10-40USD per stone, gold is mined in the country and runs about market price, labor for custom pieces is relatively cheap