Sure Travel Journey Vol 4.3 Winter 2018 | Page 45

© DRUJININA/ADOBESTOCK
PLANNER
Q TRAVEL
GETTING THERE: Ethiopian
Airlines flies from Johannesburg, Cape
Town and Durban into Addis Ababa.
As the fastest growing airline in Africa,
Ethiopian Airlines travels to 55 African
cities and more than 100 international
destinations. Daily flights offer a
minimal layover in Addis Ababa, with
particularly good connections to
Thailand and Europe.
STOPOVER: Ethiopian Airlines offers a
range of affordable stopover packages
via Ethiopian Holidays, which enable
you to explore Addis Ababa en
route to one of the 100 international
destinations. Your Sure Travel agent
will have all the details.
PAPERWORK: South African citizens
A Gelada baboon in the Simien Mountains.
LANGUAGE: The official language is
Amharic, although English is quite
widely spoken.
can get tourist visas on arrival at
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport;
the current cost is US$50 for one
month and US$75 for three months. SHOPPING: Ethiopia is an incredible
place for shopping, with traders of art,
jewellery, fabrics and artefacts found
in each centre.
CURRENCY: Ethiopian Birr. You should
draw cash from an ATM on arrival, as
credit cards are not widely used. TOP TIP: It is important to dress
modestly at religious sites, including
head cover, a long skirt and a scarf to
cover your arms. Comfortable walking
shoes make it easier to navigate the
tunnels and passageways at ancient
sites.
EATING OUT: According to the widely
followed Ethiopian Orthodox Church,
every Wednesday and Friday are
fasting days, which means no eating
of meat or animal products – this
makes for an abundance of delicious
veggie meals to choose from!
BOOK IT: Contact your nearest Sure
Travel agent, or visit www.suretravel.
co.za / call 0861 47 48 49.
The nearby Simien Mountains, which can be readily explored from Gondar.
© SAM REINDERS
1880s following damage by marauding
Sudanese Dervishes. Built by an emperor
and preserved by an archangel, this is one
of Ethiopia’s top tourist attractions.
From the outside the little church is
unassuming, but inside you immediately
understand why it is famed for its
beautiful art. Every inch of wall and ceiling
is covered with elaborate murals, including
a ceiling with 123 winged cherubs that was
designed to represent the omnipresence
of God, and leaves me feeling as if we’re
knocking o n heaven’s door.
© VERDE/ADOBESTOCK
MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE // 45