Conference Expectation Statement
View overlooking the Ararat Hotel
This is general information on what to expect from this conference and what to expect when visiting Ethiopia if you are doing so for the first time. Please read this in conjunction with the Booking Conditions.
Accommodation
The conference is being held in the Ararat Hotel on the eastern edge of Addis Ababa (www.ararathotelethiopia.com/). It is set on a hill above the city in its own gardens. The hotel is divided into two buildings across the road from each other.
The standard registration fee includes accommodation for the nights of Tuesday 10th to Friday 13th January 2012 inclusive. If we have more participants than can be accommodated at the Ararat Hotel, you may be booked into another similar standard hotel nearby.
The Ararat is a reasonable quality hotel, but by western standards it is not luxurious. It does not have air conditioning – very few hotels in Addis Ababa do – but our experience is that this is not generally required in Addis (see Weather/Climate below).
The hotel is about 8 km from Bole International Airport and the hotel will arrange transfers. We will provide details of how to book this transfer at a later date.
Power cuts are not uncommon in Addis Ababa and the hotel has its own back-up generator. It is a good idea to bring your own small torch especially if you are going on one of the fieldtrips.
Food and Entertainment
Meals included in the full conference registration are continental breakfast (for those staying in the conference hotel, Wednesday 11th – Saturday 14th), lunches (Wednesday – Friday), morning/afternoon refreshments (Wednesday – Friday), the ice-breaker on Wednesday evening and a cultural evening at the Yod Abyssinnia restaurant on the Thursday evening, including traditional Ethiopian food, drink and dancing.
The Ethiopian national dish consists of injera, a flat, circular pancake made of fermented dough from the grain tef. Various side dishes of meat, pulses and vegetables along with sauces which are generally spiced are also served with injera. The injera is either topped with these side servings or it can be torn off and used to pick up the sauces and fillings.
Christians do not eat meat on Wednesday and Friday (so-called 'fasting days'), although non-vegetarian food is available on these days.
In Ethiopia it is traditional to eat with the right hand. Water for washing one's hands before and after meals is often brought to the table. If not, a tap will always be provided and you should ensure that you use it since several people will usually share each large injera platter.
The main meals will be Ethiopian national food. Vegetarian ("fasting") food is available throughout Ethiopia and the meals provided during the main conference will include vegetarian options (please specify on the booking form if you are vegetarian).
We cannot guarantee that any other special dietary requirements (allergies etc) can be met. Please contact us if you wish to discuss this further.
The Ararat hotel has two restaurants serving Ethiopian and International cuisine that can provide meals on other occasions. We will also provide a list of recommended restaurants in Addis Ababa.
Weather/climate
The weather in Addis Ababa is generally very pleasant in January:
- Temperatures: minimum 7°C; maximum 23°C; average of 15°C
- Average precipitation: 20mm
- Relative humidity: 50%
Info from www.climatetemp.info/ethiopia/
There is a possibility of rain and it can be quite cool in the evenings and mornings.
Addis Ababa is near the equator and at an altitude (around 2400m) where there is less UV filter. You may not be aware of the strength of the sun because it doesn't feel so hot. It is, therefore, particularly important for those coming from cooler climates to protect against the sun with a good sun screen and sensible clothing.
The climate in Ethiopia varies according to elevation. Below about 1830m average temperatures are about 27°C. In the Afar Depression temperatures can reach 50°C. Please refer to the expectation statements for individual field trips for details of the conditions you might expect on those trips.
Money
The Ethiopian currency is the Birr. It is not possible to purchase Birr before going to Ethiopia, in fact it is illegal to take more than 200 Birr in or out of the country. Please ensure you have an adequate supply of hard currency (USD is generally best, but GBP or Euros are also accepted in most places) or traveller's cheques.
The exchange rate is set by the government; all banks offer the same rate and have the same charges. There is a bank in the airport arrivals area. The big hotels such as the Sheraton and Hilton will change currency more efficiently than the banks in the city which can involve queuing. All notes need to be clean and in reasonably good condition to be accepted.
When changing traveller's cheques, you need to take the issuing slip that comes with them listing the numbers and currencies. This is contrary to advice giving by issuer to keep them separate, but has become a requirement at Ethiopian banks.
Credit cards are only accepted at a few outlets in Addis Ababa and it is possible to obtain currency advances against a credit card (with a surcharge of a few percent).
A few ATMs are present in Addis Ababa (in the Hilton and Sheraton hotels, for example), but should not be relied upon.
Don't be tempted to exchange money on the black market.
Health and Insurance
The following information on health and insurance is adapted from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office webpage www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/ethiopia
Health
There are a number of hospitals in Addis Ababa but only private hospitals offer a reasonable standard of basic care for minor health problems. Elsewhere medical facilities (including dentistry) are extremely poor.
Adjusting to the altitude of Addis Ababa can take days to weeks. Breathlessness from moderate activity (e.g. climbing stairs) and nose bleeds can be common during this period. If you have a heart condition you should seek medical advice before travelling to Addis Ababa.
Water-borne diseases and malaria are common to Ethiopia, the latter in areas of the country below 2000 metres (which will include all field trips). Due to its high altitude there is no risk of malaria in Addis Ababa.
Insurance
Ensure that you obtain adequate medical insurance before arrival. You should also carry a comprehensive medical pack when travelling out of Addis Ababa. Medical insurance should cover the cost of air ambulance evacuation out of Ethiopia in the event of serious accident or illness. Check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Additional information on specific insurance requirements for the fieldtrips is given in the field-trip expectation statements.
Outside Addis Ababa, healthcare facilities are poor to non-existent. In the expectation statements for the Main Ethiopian Rift, Afar and Erta 'Ale and the Historic Mountains, Margin and Rift fieldtrips we provide additional information about this. The draft risk assessments for each trip are available here.
Immunisations
We advise you talk to your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic about any immunisations you may need at least two months before travelling.
The UK advice for information on vaccination required for Ethiopia is given here: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/africa/ethiopia.aspx
Additional detailed information on vaccinations and health advice can be found here: www.nathnac.org/ds/c_pages/country_page_et.htm
General Advice
Don't drink the tap water. Use only bottled or boiled water and avoid ice in drinks. Waiters will open drinks in front of you; don't accept already opened bottles. It is best to avoid eating salad unless you can be sure that it has been washed in bottled or boiled water.
We recommend that you bring your own medical kit, including treatment for diarrhoea, and consider including a sterile needle pack if you are travelling outside Addis Ababa.
Pre-existing conditions and disabilities
If you have a pre-existing medical condition please notify us in the booking form, check with your doctor beforehand and bring a good supply of any medicines you need with you.
Please check with us prior to booking if you have a disability. For example, access for wheelchairs is limited to non-existent.
Visas
Apart from Kenyan and Djibouti nationals, all visitors require visas to visit Ethiopia. These can be obtained from the relevant Ethiopian embassy or, for nationals of certain countries, obtained on arrival at Addis Ababa (Bole) airport.
For more details for visas for British nationals go to: www.ethioembassy.org.uk/consular_services/Consular.htm
For US nationals go to: www.ethiopianembassy.org/ConsularServices/ConsularService.php?Page=VisaRequirement.htm#3
For those who are eligible for tourist visas obtained on arrival at Addis Ababa, note that there is a charge in US Dollars. Make sure you have the cash (in dollars) to cover this charge.
Transport
Taxis are widely available at reasonable prices throughout Addis Ababa. There are no set taxi prices or metered fares. All fares are subject to (considerable!) negotiation; therefore it is a good idea to agree on a price before starting a journey.
Don't expect vehicles to be maintained and driven to the same standards as in the west.
Internet, mobile phones and electronic equipment
There is internet access in the hotel and there are many internet cafes in Addis Ababa. However, the internet in Ethiopia is often extremely slow and unreliable – don't expect to be able to do much more than check email. No internet access will be available on the fieldtrips.
Some mobile phone providers have coverage in Ethiopia. It may be possible to hire/buy an Ethiopian SIM card and phone from a local store. Most main cities now have coverage, but do not expect to remain in contact whilst on field trips.
At the airport luggage (hold and hand) will be x-rayed before you leave the arrivals area. If you are bringing any equipment in beyond what might be expected for personal use you are likely to be challenged about it and may have it impounded. If you have specific field equipment that you are bringing in then you will require a letter from Addis Ababa University.
Local laws and customs
The major religions are Christianity (mainly Ethiopian Orthodox Church) and Islam. Religious tolerance between the two communities is the norm. Both encourage modesty of behaviour and dress and, whilst the attitude towards dress in Addis Ababa is fairly relaxed, outside the city legs, shoulders and upper arms should be covered (for men as well as women). This is good for sun protection anyway.
Personal safety and security
The following are extracts from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice webpage for Addis Ababa/Ethiopia. Much is common sense and would apply to any major city. For more information please go to: www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/ethiopia
Petty theft/mugging is common particularly in the Piazza or Mercato areas of Addis Ababa and is on the increase in other areas. You should exercise particular caution when visiting crowded public places and keep valuables, particularly cameras and passports out of sight. Be aware of bag and jewellery snatching, pick-pocketing and opportunistic snatching from vehicles stopped at traffic lights in Addis Ababa.
There is a general threat from terrorism in Ethiopia; attacks could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Visitors should remain vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and places frequented by foreigners, including hotels, restaurants and bars. Security is occasionally increased around major hotels, key government offices and major Western Embassies reflecting spikes in the threat. Visitors should remain vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas (including bus stations) and places frequented by foreigners, including hotels, restaurants and bars.
Visitors should avoid any large gatherings and public demonstrations, both in Addis Ababa and in regional cities and towns. Some may find the size of these crowds claustrophobic, especially given the fact that large numbers of people are tightly contained in a relatively small area. Pick pocketing is a risk.
You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs.
General information on visiting Ethiopia from the UK Ethiopian Embassy website:
www.ethioembassy.org.uk/tourism/quick_guide_to_ethiopia.htm
Photography
Visitors should request permission before taking photographs of people. They will often ask for money, and this will be the norm in Afar, the Omo valley and many parts of the main Ethiopian rift. Photography in churches is allowed. Video photography in famous tourist attractions such as the Blue Nile Falls typically carries a charge. In some areas such as airports and around military camps photography may be prohibited altogether.
Tipping
Most hotels and restaurants have a service charge, however, depending on the size of the bill, visitors might want to leave a small tip.
Energy
Ethiopia uses 220 volts and 50Hz, with round pin (mainland Europe style) plugs. It is essential to bring your own round, two-prong adapter and transformer if necessary.
Time
Ethiopia is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Time remains constant throughout the year, so there is no putting clocks forward or back one hour.
The Ethiopian clock is calculated in a manner similar to many equatorial countries, where day and night are always the same length; counting starts at Western 6:00am and 6:00pm. Western 7:00am therefore is 1:00am Ethiopian time, 12 noon western is 6am Ethiopian and so on.
Being so close to the Equator, there is an almost constant twelve hours of daylight. In Addis Ababa, the sunrise starts around 06.30 and sets at 18:45.