March 2011
Visa
USD20, single entry, valid for 2 months from date of issue. Obtained from the Ethiopian Embassy in Khartoum GPS: N 15.580400, E 32.541980 (not on T4A v10.05 or Google Maps) near SE corner of Farouq cemetery. Need:
1 copy of passport
2 passport photos
Issued the same day if submitted early enough – 9am
ENTRY
Entry point (from Sudan): Metema
Time taken: 1hour
Costs
None
Money change
None needed at border
Process
After immigration on the right, just before the boon, customs is on the opposite side. Letter from our embassy for car needed. Declaration for with high value items needed.
EXIT
Entry point (to Kenya): Moyale
Time taken: 45mins
Process straightforward.
Costs
A tourism development fee (150 birr) asked for just before border. Didn’t pay, as this was unofficial. Otherwise, none.
Money
Dashen bank in Gondar, Mekele and Addis has Visa ATMs, but requires searching around for a working machine. Also, was told that they accept Mastercard.
Fuel
Diesel: 16.5bir/litre
Camping
Harar: Heritage Hotel at GPS: N 9.306073, E 42.125100 – no access to showers though
Konso: Kanta Lodge at GPS: N 5.333917, E 37.430810 – access to excellent room for showers
Car workshops
Adama: Moenco at GPS: N 8.552263, E 39.259087 is the most impressive Toyota workshop we have been to in East Africa. Professional, thorough and surprisingly very reasonably priced.
Communications
Only one company (ETC) but several non-GSM systems exist. Need to ensure that the correct GSM SIM is obtained, activated for internet, and language set to English at the ETC office – costs 85birr and requires copy of passport and two photos(!). Data is cheap but poor quality service.
Useful GPS
Tigre Monasteries:
Medhane Alem Adi Kesho
Turn off from main road is at GPS: N 13.922502, E 39.596433, and Parking at GPS: N 13.946167, E 39.618380, from which it is 5minute walk up.
Debre Damo
Turn off from main road is at GPS: N 14.319195, E 39.268817 and parking at GPS: N 14.378633, E 39.293585
Tribes of Omo Valley: Hama market in Dimeka: Park at police station at GPS: N 5.174390, E 36.549528
Roads
Debark to Axum: 153miles / 9.5hours. Debark to Shire: steep, winding dirt road. Very loose dirt in some road works. Shire to Axum: good tar