Staff

Lake Chamo's crocodile market boat trip from Arba Minch: how long it takes, when to go, what it costs, plus Nechisar's zebra plains and the 4x4 question.

Irreecha 2026 is Sunday 4 October at Lake Hora in Bishoftu, a day after Hora Finfinne in Addis Ababa. What it celebrates, getting there, and how to be a guest.

Ethiopian Christmas, Genna or Ganna, is 7 January. Why the date differs, the all-night vigil in Addis Ababa and Lalibela, and Timkat 12 days later.

What to pack for Ethiopia, region by region: the core list, then the Simien and Bale highlands, Danakil heat, the Omo Valley and church dress codes.

Meskel is the Amharic word for cross. What the festival commemorates, why there is a fire, and the piece of the True Cross Ethiopia believes it holds.

Meskel falls on 27 September 2026, but the demera bonfire is lit the evening before in Meskel Square. Book the 26th or you miss the festival.

Two nights suits most people. A hydro station has taken most of the falls' flow since 2003, so the dry-season half day is the one to cut.

Your home licence covers about two weeks. Ethiopia joined the 1968 Vienna Convention in 2021, so an IDP counts, but the rental desk decides.

The official fee is $62 for 30 days, $152 for 90. Processing takes up to three days, the fee is never refunded, and a typo cannot be corrected.

Ethiopia entered 2019 on 11 September 2026. The thirteen months, the six-hour clock offset, and when each system is actually used.

11 September 2026 begins Ethiopian year 2019. What happens on the day, where to go in Addis Ababa, and what will be closed.

Which Ethiopian itinerary suits families, honeymooners, adventure travellers and the top end, how long each needs and what to leave out.