Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1436
13 Oct 2015 3 Jan 2015
19 Jul 2015
25 Sep 2015
1437
1 Oct 2016 23 Dec 2016
8 Jul 2016
14 Sep 2016
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20 Sep 2017 12 Dec 2017
27 Jun 2017
3 Sept 2017
Safe Travel
Compared with many African countries, Ethiopia is remarkably safe. Serious or violent
crime is rare; against travellers it's extremely rare. Outside the capital, the risk of petty
crime drops still further.
A simple traveller's tip? Always look as if you know where you're going. Thieves and
con artists get wind of an uncertain newcomer in a minute.
Though the following list may be off-putting and alarming, it's very unlikely you'll en-
counter any serious difficulties - and even less likely if you're prepared for them.
Civil Disturbances
Most of Ethiopia is fairly trouble free but there are a couple of areas where trouble does
flare with worrying frequency. These include the Ogaden region, and parts of the south (at
the time of research the Moyale and Surma regions were both experiencing problems) and
the Danakil region. It's generally a mixture of rebel activity and ethnic violence. Though
you're highly unlikely to get caught up in it, do keep your ear to the ground for develop-
ments.
If you're concerned, check your government's latest security reports on countries (such
as those published by the British Foreign Office). Don't let these scare you away as they
do tend to err on the side of caution (though if they warn you not to venture to a specific
area then your travel insurance might be invalid).
Mobbing & Faranji Frenzy
The infamous '
faranji
frenzy', when shouts of 'You, you, you, you, YOU!' greeted you at
every turn is thankfully becoming rarer and rarer - at least in touristy parts of the country.
Off the beaten track you can still expect it to be a musical accompaniment to your travels.
If it does start to get to you then just ignoring it or, even better, treating it with humour
is probably the best answer in how to deal with it. Anger only provokes children more
