Sustainable Travel Tips for Ethiopia

The Basics

Bring refillable water bottles. We will provide you with fresh drinking water from bigger reusable containers.
Let us know your food preferences before the trek to avoid carrying and wasting unwanted and not needed food.
Don't encourage children to beg. Lots of kids in poor areas are asking for things because generous tourists have given it to them in the past. Children will learn that begging is more 'profitable' than attending school. In extreme cases these can end up even in child abuse by organized crime cliques that send children to beg. In case of donations we strongly suggest to donate in bulks to a school or to support one of our charity projects.
Avoid domestic flights as long as not needed due to time constraints.

Please don’t litter, even if your surrounding seems to show different, also not your organic waste
From time to time pick up litter, it encourages others (locals) to do the same
Don’t crush empty water bottles, because they will be recycled afterwards
Don’t give empty water bottles to children, it has become a habit to risk their lives and run with cars yelling to get them
Take your empty batteries and other chemical waste back to your home country
When using a ‘bush toilet’ cover the result and the toilet paper with sand or stones
Use water and electricity conscientious: Turn off the lights, take a short shower, don’t leave the tap unnecessary running and minimize having your towel / bed linen changed
Never buy crafts or products made from protected or endangered species
Obey the rules and regulations of parks and protected sites: Follow designated trails where possible, keep noise to an appropriate level
Do not walk outside of the path and normal rules
Do not disturb animals, plants or their natural habitat
Do not pick flowers or damage other plants
Do not feed any animals (especially monkeys): They get used to it, become a nuisance and have to be killed
At the campsites follow the instructions of our guide for waste disposal, shower and toilet facilities, use of campfire, etc.
Exporting stones and minerals from Ethiopia is strictly forbidden, so don't put them in your luggage when leaving the country

International flights have a big share in global carbon emissions and we strongly believe that when traveling offsetting carbon flight emissions is a must. Especially, as it is so easy and only costs you a small bit of your total trip costs.

Good to know

Be a considerate guest
Respect privacy and dignity of others, ask for permission before entering homes, villages, sacred places and private land
Respect cultural differences
Discover the enrichment of a different way of live
Don’t judge without understanding the customs
Don’t show your affection or anger open in public
Politeness, respect and greeting are very important in Ethiopia, you can try to learn some basic greetings
Elderly people and professionals are treated with special deference
Homosexuality is illegal, so don't show it in public
Men often show their friendship by extraordinary affection, e.g. holding hands
Use your common sense. Treat people the way you would like to be treated and appreciate the diversity of different cultures

Photos / Videos

Ask for permission and talk to people before taking a close up photo/video
Respect if someone says no
Show interest, interaction brings understanding for both sides
Show them your taken photos if they are interested
In the south it is custom to ‘pay per click’
Although we encourage a system where an all inclusive payment applies, respect the requested payment (2-5 Birr; 0.10-0.25 USD). Make sure the requested payment is clear, especially when photographing a group

Dresscode

Dress modestly and reasonably in public places
Cover at least your knees and shoulders
Don’t wear shirts that are too revealing
In the South people wear very little clothing and you can dress a bit more revealing

Eating customs

When eating without cutlery use your right hand only, especially if you're eating together with Ethiopians
Also, always wash your hands before eating without cutlery
The left hand can be used for little assistance, but never to put food in your mouth
If you are left-handed, you are allowed to switch hands, but then stick to this hand
Licking your fingers is considered impolite
Your host may feed you a small bite, which is a special honour and sign of respect and friendship and should always be accepted
It is appreciated when you return the favour

Begging

Begging seems to be quite common in Ethiopia, but beware of organized beggars
It is common to give loose coins
Don’t feel obliged to give gifts to strangers, a polite rejection is always accepted
Do not give money or any other utensils (even no pens) to children, because it fosters a begging economy
If children 'earn' with begging they prefer (or are obliged from home) to do that instead of going to school
If you like to donate we can suggest an appropriate organization and ensure the gifts are distributed fairly and properly

Religion

When in Ethiopian Orthodox churches and monasteries cover your legs and at least your shoulders, women can also wear a scarf
Don’t drink, eat, chew gum or smoke when you are in and sometimes even around a church
Behave quietly
Take off your shoes and caps before entering the church
Only stay in places where you are allowed to go
Don’t touch paintings, old manuscripts and other artefacts
Be sensitive where and when taking photos and using flash (ask before if flash light is allowed)