Ethiopia is a stunning country in East Africa. It is full of ancient cities, tombs, and archaeological discoveries dating as far back as 3 million years! An expedition through Ethiopia allows each visitor to discover its history, learn its people’s local traditions, as well as seeing the beautiful environment! But what should you pack for such an epic journey? We’ve got you covered! Here is the ultimate packing guide for an expedition to Ethiopia!
CLOTHING
When it comes to the weather in Ethiopia, there’s quite a broad spectrum of what you could expect. During the day, especially in the valley, you’ll experience extreme heat. However, up in the mountains if you decide to go hiking, it can drop to below freezing at night. It’s important to pack clothes that are light and won’t take up a lot of room in your bag, but will also keep you warm if you need to layer up! Here are some ideas:
Shirts - Quick-dry, as well as cotton shirts, are great options to bring to Ethiopia. I recommend bringing some short sleeves and some long sleeve shirts for when you’re in the mountains. Try to limit how much you pack by hand washing your clothes to save space! Please avoid tank tops or strapless tops; this goes for both genders.
Socks - If you love hiking as much as I do, you’ll definitely have a chance to do it in Ethiopia! I suggest bringing 5 pairs of socks that will be comfortable for both hiking and the regular walking you'll be doing throughout your journey.
Leggings/Pants - When packing bottoms, it's important to bring items that are going to be comfortable for all the activities you’re going to do, while also respecting the local practices. In Ethiopia, this means wearing bottoms that are below the knee, for both male and female travelers.
Fleece - When visiting the colder areas of the country, a sweater or fleece is an essential item to pack, as it will keep you warm, and won’t take up a ton of space in your bag!
Windproof and Waterproof Jacket - Weather is always unpredictable, especially at a higher altitude. If you plan on travelling through the mountains, I highly suggest bringing a jacket that will protect you from the elements, such as strong winds or rain.
FOR FEMALE TRAVELERS
Dress - In certain countries, depending on the local customs, women have to cover up certain parts of their body. But that doesn’t mean what you wear needs to be heavy or uncomfortable! When in Ethiopia, I suggest packing a light, and comfortable dress that is easy to pack follows the customs of the local people (keeps the shoulders covered, and is below the knee in length). The absolute FAVORITE dress for travelling for our entire Acanela team is the Adventure Dress, handmade to order by female artisans in Indonesia! click here to learn more!
Scarf - Bringing a lightweight scarf or 2 is a must when travelling to Ethiopia! It’s great to help shield you from the dust, will cover you up during local church visits, and can also act as a towel, blanket, or dress in a pinch!
TECHNOLOGY
Camera - Whether you’re using your cell phone, or your professional camera, you will definitely want to pack something to capture all the beauty of Ethiopia during your expedition. Make sure to pack spare batteries for the camera and a battery charger. Trust me, you won’t want your camera to die during this trip!
SD Memory Cards - I always suggest bringing a spare memory card or 2 if you decide to bring a camera. You never want to worry about running out of space while on a trip! 64GB is the perfect amount of storage for a non-professional photographer.
European Outlet Adapter - Ethiopia has the same 2-prong outlet as Europe, so you will need to bring along an outlet adapter if you have any devices that will need to be charged throughout your trip!
Portable Device Charger - No matter where you go in the world, bringing a portable charger for your device is ALWAYS a good idea! You never know where you’ll be when one of your devices dies, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!
OTHER ESSENTIALS
First Aid Kit - This one may seem over-exaggerated, but trust me when I say that packing a first aid kit, even if it’s small, is necessary whenever you’re travelling. In an unknown country, anything can happen. It’s best practice to be prepared!
Anti-Malaria Medication - The risk of malaria does exist in Ethiopia. When it comes to any form of prescription medication, please consult your doctor as well as your country’s government travel advisory directory for information.
Sunscreen - No matter what skin type you have, it’s important to protect it from skin conditions caused by UV rays from the sun, and that means wearing a sunscreen with SPF!
Hiking Boots/Shoes - Depending on your level of exercise during your excursion, you might want to consider investing in a sturdy pair of hiking shoes. This will keep your feet comfortable for any kind of terrain you travel through!
Comfortable Sandals - I recommend bringing a pair of sandals for any trip that you take! They should be comfortable since you’ll spend a lot of your day walking and exploring, but also well-made to stand the test of time!
Day Backpack - When you’re out exploring during the day, you want a lightweight backpack that will carry all of your daily essentials without weighing you down! I recommend a brand such as Cotopaxi or Herschel Supply!
Now that you’re all packed for your journey, it’s time to get out and see what Ethiopia has to offer you! Still need to book your tickets? An expedition to Ethiopia with Acanela Expeditions might just be what you need! Trip highlights include taking a boat ride on Lake Tana, visiting the famous city of Aksum, meeting the local people, and discovering the Amharic culture! Plus, you can secure your spot with just a $1 deposit! Click here to learn more or email expeditions@acanela.com and we will be happy to answer any of your questions.