Ethiopia Xmas. Would you go now?

Hello. I read the posts but still dont know whether i should go. Im a solo male traveler on a world trip. In general i ignore advisories. I went to Pakistan despite being told i was crazy. Im a bit concerned that around Xmas big crowds could turn into demonstrations and get violent. As a solo foreigner im gonna really stick out. Id feel more comfortable w a guide but thats not an option. Im wondering if its unwise to go now. I know nobody can predict. Just asking b4 i decide. Planning on visiting Omo Danakil Gondor Simien. Axum. There have been some foreigners who were killed. My concern is no way to blend in

Thxu

Christmas in Ethiopia is at a different time than in the west.

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Thx. Yes i know its Jan 7

OP, Everyone has a different comfort zone; only you can decide whether or not you feel comfortable/secure about visiting. There is a post on this forum 4 hours ago - this is as fresh as fresh news gets. Take a look and decide for yourself.

Ethiopia now

We're just back from two weeks travelling around the northern circuit, and had the exact same concerns. Posters on here reassured us that everything was fine for tourists, and that is exactly what we found. We had a couple of bus trips and several flights. The first thing you notice is the empty hotels, which is great for you as the staff fall over themselves to help. There were a couple of army roadblocks on the road from Dire Dawa to Harar, and at one we were asked to get out and were frisked, which only took a minute. We didn't notice anything unusual in any of the other places, Addis, Bahir Dar, Gondar and Axum, apart from a burnt-out bus in Gondar, which has been there since the start of the trouble, apparently. Had we not heard about the emergency beforehand, we wouldn't have known there was on in place. Our only bad experience was in the Aman Hotel in Lalibela, which was one of the worst hotels we'd ever stayed in.

Thx all. If i had a travel partner i wouldnt tbink twice. Im in Cambodia now. Ill decide soon. One option is to wait a bit later and go in April during Easter. Is that a good time to visit also for trekking, visiting Danokil. Omo etc? Thx

Hey avsfan, just read your post. I too am heading there in 2 weeks solo . Seems safe enough. I'm going for it.....

Easter would be allwrite. Some rain can be at that month, but is safe now.

Thx much. Still havent decide. If i go ill let you know!

Do you now that the English goverment website( FCO?) now sas Etiopia is safe.

I think im going to go

Hello Yamon, I am in the same boat. I am a bit apprehensive though. Where are you heading?

In gonna go. Don't know itinerary but maybe Harar then Lalibela Jan 5-8. Tigray Danakil Gondir Omo. As much as i can fit in and afford

Northern circuit....

by bus?

Sent you a msg...

Anyone know details of visa extension or getting more than 30 days at arrival. I heard you can pay fine of $20 for 2 week overstay but not sure if its still possible

Gosh. Im looking at booking a flight from addis to Lalibela. Its $195. Ethiopia is quickly becoming a very expensive to travel. Do you think i can get a bus from addis to Lalibela 2 days before Xmas?

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