Gonder Amhara, Ethiopia Travel Guide
Follow this timeline to ensure a smooth journey.
Organize your preparations chronologically.
Apply for e-Visa via Evisa.gov.et. Reserve international flights to Addis Ababa and domestic flights to Gondar.
Consult your doctor for vaccinations. Schedule and book multi-day tours, e.g., Simien Mountains National Park.
Research major tours that require permits and guides.
Secure all hotel or guesthouse reservations. Complete vaccinations and obtain your Yellow Fever certificate.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance (World Nomads). Notify your bank of travel dates.
Look over your itinerary and verify initial bookings.
Reconfirm all reservations. Pack bags. Create paper and digital copies of important documents. Download offline maps and Amharic translation pack.
Obtain some USD or Euros for exchange. Charge all electronics.
Secure your home. Arrange pet care. Hold mail. Notify a trusted contact of your itinerary.
Secure these items in advance.
Deepen your understanding before arrival.
Ensure peace of mind while away.
Always verify the most recent visa requirements and health advisories for Ethiopia before your trip.
These steps help you smoothly transition upon arrival and departure from Ethiopia and Gondar.
Proceed with your passport and printed e-Visa confirmation.
Clear customs at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD).
Exchange currency (USD/EUR to ETB) at the airport or use an ATM.
Purchase a local SIM card from Ethio Telecom.
Connect for your domestic flight to Gondar; allow ample time for transfer.
Obtain a physical map or use your phone's offline maps.
Understand your hotel's location relative to Fasil Ghebbi and other areas.
Ask hotel staff for reliable transport options and current conditions.
Ensure you have enough ETB for immediate transportation from the airport and small purchases.
Use a pre-booked hotel shuttle or negotiate a taxi/bajaj fare from Gondar Airport (GDQ).
Allow time for last-minute souvenir shopping.
Shipping large items internationally from Gondar can be complex and expensive.
VAT refund procedures are not generally available for tourists in Ethiopia.
Arrive at Gondar Airport (GDQ) at least 1.5-2 hours before your domestic flight.
For flights abroad from Addis Ababa (ADD), allow at least 3 hours before departure.
Reconfirm your return flights and pack carefully.
Reconfirm all your return flights and allow ample time for airport procedures, especially in The Capital of ethiopia.
Essential information for a pleasant and prepared journey.
Essential awareness for a secure trip.
Ethiopian travel can be unpredictable; maintain flexibility in your plans and embrace the unexpected.
Pack an universal adapter for your electronic devices.
