Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Ethiopia: Dos and Don'ts
A healthy sense of self-centeredness results from travelling across Ethiopia, where everything centres around you and your mindset, your inclinations. Africa is possibly the proudest continent in the world. Ironically, when you travel alone in Ethiopia, you will seek Ethiopian companionship rather than solitude.
Is travelling alone in Ethiopia easy?
Simple is a big word; therefore, we need to empower ourselves with perseverance and, most importantly, a flexible mindset. Travelling can be painful and time-consuming, but that's part of the thrill.
It is therefore not a simple task, but as the weeks go by, even the most painful level 2 bus will be considered one of the many entertaining and unusual modes of transportation available in this nation.
It's also important to note that Ethiopia is among the few African nations that allow domestic travel; the Ethiopian Airlines ticket booking option offers a 50% discount for domestic travel within the country, and there are also bus connections to the north.
Many people will take notice of you
Even though Ethiopia is becoming an economic force in Eastern Africa, it is still not as popular a travel destination as countries like South Africa or Kenya. The residents in the area aren't used to seeing non-black people, especially outside of Addis Ababa.
In light of this, I observed that I was constantly the target of abuse on the street, as well as curiosity from a noticeable foreigner who followed me around. There were moments when the sounds the locals thought were phrases in an Asian tongue, and other times when groups of young men were openly looking.
Prepare yourself for long bus rides
If you are travelling from Addis Ababa to farther locations, such as Lalibela or Gondar, you have the option of taking domestic flights. To cut costs or travel shorter distances, be aware that the roads aren't in great shape and that potholes and regular breaks are typical.
Have low expectations regarding language
Ethiopia is one of the few nations in Africa to have never experienced European colonization. Throughout the entire nation, Amharic is the primary language spoken, with minor accents of German, English, French, or any other Western language.
What to bring with you to Ethiopia?
Because different places have different climates, it's vital to wear loose clothing during the day and layers at night.
- It is advised to wear gloves, a hat, and a little down coat.
- Hiking boots or sturdy sandals are essential. Even if you're not climbing through the Simien Mountains, you'll still need sturdy footwear because the Danakil and the highlands are rugged, mountainous terrain.
- In rural areas, running water is scarce, so, there are few opportunities to take showers and wash your hands. I used dry shampoo, wet wipes, and hand sanitiser.
- It's rare to find toiletries, especially away from Addis Ababa, so pack accordingly, especially for toothpaste and sanitary products.
- Bring plenty of sunscreen as well; this is particularly essential for the Danakil Depression region and the high mountain regions.
- Toilet paper, a flashlight, disinfection tablets, and a fast-drying towel were among the other essentials.
Pay Lucy a visit in Addis Ababa
Even though Addis Ababa is a bustling, congested, cosmopolitan city with people and noise wherever you look, there are a few sights that make it worthwhile to visit.
Among these are Lucy's original remains, which were first found in Ethiopia and contain the largest and most complete skeleton of our oldest human ancestor. Lucy, in the National Museum, is immaculately seated. The one available for public viewing is a plaster replica; despite the museum itself having a lot of dusty shelves and faded paper explanations of its exhibits, it was nevertheless worth seeing such an important historical icon of our species.
Do engage in shoulder dancing
sequence of shoulder pumping motions that, if you study them too closely, could practically make you dizzy with their frequent up-and-down activity. As the audience claps in sync, the dancers maintain their shoulder jumps in time with the music, arms by their sides.
Never be afraid to make friends with the locals
Despite the language barrier, talk to as many people as possible when visiting a foreign nation.
The quality of accommodations varies greatly across the nation. There isn't a hard-and-fast rule about this other than to try to only stay at official places. You never have to worry about safety because the homestays have separate tukuls for each guest.
Depend on an insider or guide if you don't feel comfortable
They have had access to the Ethiopian world; they have been providential guides for me, who became friends. Without them, you could lose during the first few weeks due to the intense discomfort and sense of being out of place.
So, let a native be your guide if you don't feel secure travelling alone. You will find an opening into a complex universe that may be difficult to understand at first with these folks.