Trip cost : Hotel, Food, air ticket from US, Transportation. etc
For those who traveled in Ethiopia before, what would be the total cost for two weeks, Hotel, food, transportation within , entertainment such us ( bars, clubs) etc.
I know everyone has a taste for what they like to spend but I am trying to figure out how much will I need for this short trip?
Please help, detailed info will be appreciated.
Reply to this I'm currently planning a trip to Ethiopia myself. Haven't been there yet so I cannot offer any advice. Many websites however strongly recommend those on a tight schedual to book domestic flights using Ethiopian Airlines and/or the occasional tour. Some websites mention backpackers can get by on 10 USD a day, whereas others spend far more.
Have you found any useful information? (And if so, please post it here!)
Reply to this I just returned from my third trip to Ethiopia and the price you pay will depend on where you stay in the country. Anything in Addis Ababa will be more expensive then the rest of the country. It could be possible to spend 10 USD a day in Ethiopia, but the type of accommodation would be very dire, and it is unlikely that figure is possible in Addis.
Food is really cheap - figure on 1-2USD per meal, and transport is equally cheap. I don't do the bar, club scene so cannot give you a price on this. I stay in upper budget, and my normal price is about USD15 per day for accommodation, and about USD10 for transport and food.
You need to be aware on the road system within Ethiopia - the standard is quite poor and what looks like a short distance on the map (say 150km) might take you four hours. Buses do not travel after nightfall, so it will prolong any journey. For example a journey from Addis Ababa to Lalibela by road will take two days, whereas by plane it will only take about 90 minutes.
I used Ethiopian Airlines regularly within the country and found them reliable and well priced - so I would use them instead of buses on any journey of more than half a day (but I dislike buses). Some roads in the country are good - such as some of those radiating from Addis, but some places are very poor and public transport is even worse (i.e. in the south-west of the country).
Ethiopia is a fantastic country, it is like stepping into another world - so best of luck on your planning and feel free to ask me any further questions.
Reply to this Thank you Hester thanks Shane. I am still looking at several sites and doing my planning, my trip wouldn't be until beginning of January or mid February. But i like to know more about the City and get more info from the people who being there and spent some time.
I guess I like to go with a clear vision of what the spending will be or at least average spending will be for two weeks.
Your responses are helping me to do more researches and I truly appreciate.
Thanks
Reply to this Hester- Just a quick question when are you planning to travel to Addis Ababa?
Reply to this I'll be there between the end of December and the end of January, and you?
Reply to this Does anyone have any information on the Danakil Depression, possibilities of organizing a visit locally and prices?
Reply to this The Danakil Depression is the toughest part of Ethiopia to visit from what I've been told. I hired a vehicle with driver a few months ago in Ethiopia and it was 135USD per day which only included fuel but with no accommodation or meals. If you share with others then the cost is reduced, but I would try to dissuade you from having more than four people (including the driver) as three abreast in the back seat is not the best idea. Given the conditions of the road and the amount of times you could be shifted around in your seat, not having someone next to you is a bonus.
Reply to this Hi, we are also travelling to Ethopuia at the end of the year so will be following this blog..... 😊
Reply to this Hi, I just want to let you guys know that I am originally from Addis and would love to answer your questions if you have any. To answer James question: it depends where you are staying and what your budget is. You can spend as little as 25 dollars a day for meals, accommodation and transportation or as much as you can afford. Whenever I go there i spend 100 dollars a day for everything including doing some shopping. With 100 dollars you are going to get a decent 3* hotel, a car and a driver who takes you everywhere all day and who also acts as your body guard and guide. Also, you can afford to eat in some of the best restaurants the country has to offer plus have some money left over for shopping. In addition to all that, if you want to travel outside of the city for a day trip, this budget will accommodate you. i am planning to go in Feb as well.
Reply to this A travel friend and I will be in Addis in July for 3 nights at the Hilton. Any suggestions on what to do, where to eat? We both enjoy adeventure and walking. We want to see both the city and some of the country side. And how far to Djibouti?
Reply to this Three nights is only going to give you enough time to see the city and maybe a day trip. Djibouti is only reachable by a flight (over an hour each way) and due to the extra time needed for international flights, I doubt you'll have the time to go there.
The city of Addis itself I didn't find very inspiring - but while there you should look at the Ethnological Museum (I liked eating at the adjoining restaurant called Lucy's), the National Museum, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
The most magical parts of Ethiopia are found in places such as Lalibela and Lake Tana (Bahar Day). It is not possible to fly to Lalibela and back in a day, but it is possible to do so with Lake Tana - one hour flights are in the morning (arrive 0835) and then return in the afternoon (1700). Head straight down to the lake and organise a boat to take you on a half day tour of the lake monasteries. It's a rushed day, but possible.
Reply to this Thank you. Would you have the name of a reliable driver/guide in Addis?
Reply to this I'll send you the information by private message, as we cannot put such links on this forum.
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