Travel & Lodging

Flight

Getting to Ethiopia

Airport: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) is the main international gateway. From Washington, DC: Ethiopian Airlines offers a nonstop flight from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Addis (~13 hrs). Other options include Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways with one layover. Recommended Arrival & Departure: Arrive by Wednesday or Thursday, January 27-28, 2026 at the earliest to rest before the festivities. Plan to leave / departure by Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Hotel

Lodging in Ethiopia

We are currently working through lodging options to provide hotel / B&B block options.

Travel Note

Getting around in Addis Abeba

Getting around Addis Ababa as a tourist is simple, with various transportation options, but VIP Taxi Ethiopia stands out for those seeking premium, reliable service. VIP Taxi offers a fleet of luxury vehicles, including Teslas, Mercedes, and high-end SUVs, designed to cater to international visitors and local elites. The service starts at 200 birr (around USD 2), with an additional charge of 150 birr (about USD 1.30) per kilometer. You can book a ride by calling 8678. For those planning ahead, you can reach VIP Taxi via WhatsApp for easier communication. Keep in mind that any delay in response could be due to the time difference between Ethiopia and your home country. To learn more or make reservations in advance, visit the link below. Other transportation options include yellow city taxis, where you’ll need to negotiate the fare since they don’t typically use meters, and ride-hailing apps like Ride and ZayRide, which offer consistent pricing. Shared minibus taxis run on fixed routes and are very affordable, though they can be tricky for tourists. Addis Ababa’s light rail system offers an inexpensive alternative, though it has limited coverage. Walking is another option in central areas like Piazza and Bole, and renting a car with a driver is also available for those seeking more flexibility. However, VIP Taxi is the best option for a hassle-free experience in Addis Ababa for tourists looking for comfort, reliability, and ease.