Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Alcohol
Alcohol cannot be served to anyone under 18 years of age in Ethiopia. Disturbance caused
by those under the influence of alcohol is punishable by three months' to one year's im-
prisonment. Driving while under the influence is also illegal and attracts a fine.
Drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs (including hashish) are strictly
enforced in Ethiopia. Convicted offenders can expect both fines and long jail sentences.
Consumption of the mildly stimulating leaf
chat
(see the boxed text,
Click here
)
is per-
mitted in Ethiopia.
Maps
For simply travelling around the country on public transport, the maps in this guidebook
should suffice. For those venturing off into the nether regions with 4WDs, a more detailed
map is essential. Since trekking without a guide is illegal in the Simien and Bale Moun-
tains, additional maps aren't necessary, though topographic maps (see the parks' relevant
sections for details) can help you plan your routes with more precision.
»In Ethiopia, the map produced by the defunct Ethiopian Tourism Commission (1987;
1:2,000,000) isn't bad and can be picked up in some Addis Ababa hotels. However the
road system is now very outdated.
»A more accurate map (although it lacks distance labels between cities) of the same scale
is available from the
Ethiopia Mapping Authority
( 0115-518445; Menelik II Ave;
8.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-5pm Mon-Thu, 8.30-11.30am & 1.30-4.30pm Fri)
in Addis
Ababa.
»Of the maps currently available outside the country, the best by far is the new Gizi
Ethiopia map (1:2,000,000). It's much more up to date than any other map and includes
elevations, but some of the place names are very different to how you'll see them written
elsewhere. Currently hard to find in Ethiopia, it was, at the time of research, only avail-
able through Abeba Tours Ethiopia (
Click here
)
in Addis.
