Ethiopia

cailinoBAC

Has anybody been? We're thinking of going there for our honeymoon. Just looking for some opinions.

FouxDaFaFa

Hi there, I haven't been myself but Lonely Planet have an Ethiopian forum that may be of help to you. For what it's worth, I've researched it in the past and it sounds great. Particularly Lalibela. Hopefully, someone who's been will be able to advise you further.

sarkozy

FouxDaFaFa wrote: »

Hi there, I haven't been myself but Lonely Planet have an Ethiopian forum that may be of help to you. For what it's worth, I've researched it in the past and it sounds great. Particularly Lalibela. Hopefully, someone who's been will be able to advise you further.

I know people who lived there and they loved it. I definitely want to go. If you've visited developing countries before and know what to expect, then you should have a great time.

hawkwind23

ive been a few times , mostly to addiss.
its a very safe and interesting country , the capital is very modern and has some great restaurants and hotels.
id recommend it for sure

Kamjana

hawkwind23 wrote: »

ive been a few times , mostly to addiss.
its a very safe and interesting country , the capital is very modern and has some great restaurants and hotels.
id recommend it for sure

What hotels would you recommend?

Im thinking of spending a week in Addiss around October,also who did you fly with?

hawkwind23

i wrote a reply but it wouldnt go through!

emirates airlines should now be possible to fly from ireland , they are a quality airline , the best imo.

failing that you will have to fly from london , i always went ethiopian airlines and they were fine.

sorry i cant help with hotels as i stay with friends but the sheraton would be perfect for the honeymoon.
loads of new hotels being built , off churchill ave and around BOLE , also CMC and where the embassys are.
hilton is a little dated compared to whats been built since.

send me a PM and i can give you contact details of a few friends i have there who will be more than happy to help

Gaz

Get yourself a multi-stop ticket with Ethiopian Airlines. Travelling between cities by bus is very long and uncomfortable, plus you have to generally get to the bus station at 5am and deal with the masses.

Addiss is nice for a few days but nothing more, highlights for me where Gondor, Bahir Dar and Lalibela.

The food is AMAZING , shiro wat with injera being my favourite. Kind of like a spicy curry made from lentils and served on a pancake type of bread.

I found the country tough but only because I did it all over land, would have been much more enjoyable flying between the sites.

FouxDaFaFa

I wasn't sure if they still did that ticket, Gaz. I've heard great things about plane-hopping around the country. It's good to hear it's still happening.

faranjisibh

Hey! I lived in Ethiopia for six months and absolutely loved every second of it. You do have to prepare yourself for constant staring, people shouting 'faranji' (foreigner) or, for some reason we were called 'China' a whole lot!
People there are great though. The capital is great fun and the night life is pretty sweet.

I'd really recommend Bahir Dar and Awassa. I preferred Awassa I think. It cost me about €10 to rent a cottage on the lakeside. We had an outdoor pool and monkeys everywhere It's great fun! I did all of my travelling by public transport. I don't regret it at all but for just a short trip I wouldn't recommend it. It takes hours to get places.

Definitely try out the injera - yummy! And if you get up north where I lived (Mekelle) try out the 'special fata'. Tastiest food ever!!!

cailinoBAC

Thanks for all the replies. We booked our flights a few days ago. A bit nervous but excited too! Still planning the itinerary but will let you know how it goes!

cailinoBAC

Just to say quickly that we're back and had a great time! Hoping to get some time and I'll write a little bit more.

FouxDaFaFa

That's great. I would love to hear about your trip.