More than 80 species have been recorded in Ethiopia, and birds tend to be unusually approachable compared to other African countries. The main avian interests are the 30-odd species endemic to Ethiopia or Ethiopia and Eritrea. There are dozens more whose range otherwise extends into countries such as Somalia or Sudan. Some species endemic to the highlands, such as the enormous thick-billed raven and the wattle ibis, are widespread and common, and others, such as the oddball Streseman's bush crow and elusive Salvadori's serin, are only likely to be seen on specialist birding tours.
Hiking & Walking
Ethiopia offers excellent opportunities for walking and hiking, whether in specified national parks such as Simien or Bale mountains, or just the often-exertive strolls required to visit the antiquities of Aksum, Lalibela and elsewhere. Except in the high mountains, walkers should expect to generate a lot of interest in locals, with children being particularly excitable in this regard.
Shopping
Shop for amber, biblical-story pictures, silver, wood carvings, coffee, original uniforms of Haile Selassie's army, Coptic crosses, tribal daggers, leather shields and local handicrafts. Visit the Ethiopian Handicraft School in Addis Ababa to watch artisans at work (their wares are also for sale).
Check with government authorities or the National Museum prior to purchasing antiques (including Ethiopian crosses) or animal skins, as a permit may be needed to get them out of the country. Although many items found in the markets, especially in Addis Ababa, may appear to be centuries old, be aware that Ethiopians are masters of aging techniques. Furthermore, because of past problems with the sale or theft of antiquities, the government has encouraged greater vigilance over sales of suspected antiquities to tourists.
And beware of some old coins: Millions of Austrian Maria Theresa thalers, all minted with a date of 1780, were produced by the Italians for use during their occupation of Ethiopia between 1935 and 1937—the 1780 date was never changed because Ethiopians would not accept coins with even minor changes. These are generally worth less than US$10.
Good souvenirs can be found at the textile market in Addis Ababa, up the hill from the American Embassy on Entoto Street. Scarves, blankets and clothing are made from soft handwoven cotton.
Other souvenirs are available for purchase in the larger hotels, which have extensive gift shops. There are also shopping malls and department stores, for both souvenirs and necessities. These locations will be more expensive, so the adventurous are better off venturing out. Smaller shops sell everything from cheap, stereotypical souvenirs to carved ebony animals. Just be prepared to haggle. Remember to take a calculator, or a pen and paper, so you can communicate prices even if your language skills are shaky.
Shopping Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am-12:30 pm and 3:30-7:30 pm. Local variations are likely.
Local Tours
If you'd like to visit the Great Rift Valley, contact Africa Point (http://www.africapoint.com). The company offers an 11-day/10-night excursion that includes driving through the Great Rift Valley, wildlife sightings, hot springs and lakes. Accommodations vary between camping and hotels, depending on the location. There are also stops in Addis Ababa, Gewane, Awash, Nazareth, Dinsho, Wendo Genet, Awasa and Arba Minch.
For a tour of the historically rich highlands, try iExplore Ethiopia (http://www.africa.com). This comfortable 10-day tour visits all the places of interest in the northern highlands. Visit Lake Tana (the source of the Blue Nile), local markets, ancient palaces and the Simien Mountains. Those interested in history or religion will be amazed at the number of churches and monasteries on the tour, as well as the visit to the Felashas (Ethiopian Jews famous for their pottery). The tour also visits Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gonder, Lalibela and Aksum. Accommodations are at the Sheraton and other Western-style hotels.
Other good local operators include Galaxy Express Travel (phone 011-551-0355); Grant Express Travel and Tours Services, or GETTS, (phone 011-553-4678; http://www.getts.com.et); Hess Travel (phone 011-551-5820); and Travel Ethiopia (phone 011-552-5479).
Day By Day
We suggest the following itinerary for the first-time visitor to Ethiopia:
Day 1—Arrive Addis Ababa.
Day 2—Addis.
Day 3—Fly to Lalibela.
Day 4—Lalibela.
Day 5—Fly to Aksum.
Day 6—Fly to Gonder.
Day 7—Gonder area.
Day 8—Fly to Bahir Dar.
Day 9—Bahir Dar.
Day 10—Fly bacj to Addis.
Day 11—Depart Ethiopia.
Those with more time should visit Simien National Park or the tribal groups around Arba Minch.
