Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tickets
For Ethiopia, flights during the month of August, over Easter, Christmas and New Year
should be booked well in advance. Ethiopians living abroad tend to visit their families
during this time, and tour groups often try to coincide with the major festivals. Ticket
prices are highest during this period.
Land
Travelling to Ethiopia by land is an adventure you'll never forget, no matter where you
come from or how you do it.
Djibouti
Border formalities are usually pretty painless crossing between Djibouti and Ethiopia, but
you
must
have your visa prior to arriving as none are issued at the land border (see Visas
for Onward Travel,
Click here
)
.
ROAD
There are two current road routes linking Djibouti and Ethiopia: one via Dire Dawa and
Gelille, and one via Awash and Galafi.
»The Gelille route is best for those without vehicles as daily buses link Djibouti City and
Dire Dawa. The journey takes 10 to 12 hours, though it involves changing buses at the
border. In Djibouti City,
Société Bus Assajog
( 77846670)
buses depart at dawn from
Ave Gamel Abdel Nasser; tickets cost DFr3000 and should be purchased at least a day in
advance to be sure of getting a seat. In Dire Dawa, buy your ticket the day of travel at the
Tibuuti Ee City
( 0915-763203)
office north of the 'old town' of Megala by Ashawa
Market. Tickets cost Birr230 and buses depart around midnight from a spot north of this
office.
»Although longer, the Galafi route is best for those driving as it's sealed the entire way.
For those coming from northern Ethiopia, this route can be accessed via a paved shortcut
at Woldia.
»Those without vehicles can also travel via Galafi, although it's not straightforward. In
Djibouti City, you'll have to take a minibus to Galafi, 5km from the border. From Galafi,
you must rely on the single daily minibus to Logiya (Birr100, three hours) or hitch a lift
with one of the many trucks heading into Ethiopia. Those using this route to leave
Ethiopia can ride trucks directly to Djibouti City. We were quoted prices of Birr400 to
