A GETAWAY TO ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Part One

It is best known for its beautiful culture, people and as the original land of coffee. Ethiopia exceeded my expectations. Ethiopia is like nowhere else, it's a beautiful country with history, culture, beautiful landscapes, wildlife and some of the most soulful people in the world.

The main reason to visit Ethiopia is that it is an exceptionally diverse experience. Ethiopia is more about the journey than the destination.

From the beauty of its nature, to the top tier hotel suites and resorts to the hustle and bustle of the capital city of Addis Ababa, I was pleasantly surprised by how much you can see and experience in Ethiopia in a short amount of time.

Welcome to Ethiopia, and I hope you enjoy this read. I hope it inspires you to travel and visit Ethiopia for a weekend getaway or a more extended stay as a solo traveller, a family, a couple or a friends’ getaway.

After a long and challenging year, it was such a pleasant escape to visit Ethiopia. Due to COVID-19, traveling has been something we all had to put off for a while. As a frequent traveller, it hasn't been easy, not traveling and seeing the world.

Due to travel restrictions, I wanted to travel to a place I hadn't been to before and somewhere nearby and accessible. Ethiopia being an East Africa country, it made it an easy choice to make.

Travel to Addis Ababa during the pandemic

Before planning a vacation or business trip to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, you first need to know the requirements. Ethiopia requires a PCR COVID test taken not less than 72 hours before travel. Í took the test in Arusha.

The price of the test might vary depending on where you take it. You'll be required to show a copy of your results at all points of entry.

How I got to Addis Ababa

I flew from Tanzania on Ethiopian Airlines. The flight took almost two hours from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. From the air hostesses' attentiveness to the beauty of their traditional outfit, it was a short and pleasant flight.

The airline prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of all the passengers and employees. There was a high level of sanitization and social distancing, yet it felt warm and enjoyable at the same time

Delicious dinner of rice, chicken and vegetables was served within 45 minutes after takeoff, along with inflight entertainment of movies and music to make your experience on the flight much more enjoyable.

The flight was comfortable; crew service was excellent, and the plane was clean. In terms of COVID-19 precautions, there was mask compliance.

My flight was an evening flight, so having dinner as I watched the breathtaking sunset from my cabin window while sipping my wine was an incredible moment.

We arrived in Addis Ababa at around 7:30 p.m. We were instructed to social distance while getting off the plane and the same applied while we were inside the airport.

At immigration, I showed my visa, COVID test form and my stay address while in Ethiopia. The staff at the airport can assist you with any further help you might need.

Travel Visa to Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a new e-visa system in place that makes traveling to Ethiopia easier. I applied for my e-visa online and received it within three business days.

You attach a passport size photo and the bio page of your passport which should be valid for six months. A 30-day single-entry tourist visa costs USD 52 and a 90-day tourist visa costs USD 72.

For more information on visas to Ethiopia, go to the official government website: https//www.evisa.gov.et

Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines is Ethiopia's flag carrier and owned by the country's government. Formerly Ethiopian Air Lines, EAL was founded on 21 December 1945 and began operations on 8 April 1946.

Deemed one of Africa's best airlines, Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa connects to 116 international destinations. It flies direct to major global cities such as London, Washington, D.C. and Toronto.

For more information go to https://www.ethiopianairlines.com

My stay at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel

Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, located at the heart of Addis Ababa, is just five minutes away from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which suited me tremendously since I arrived in Addis Ababa at night.

The staff were very polite and helpful from my pick up from the airport to the room service. The hotel is COVID cautious with sanitization throughout the entire hotel. The staff took precautions and were quite attentive and helpful.

The hotel offers various facilities, such as a fitness center, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes and rainfall showers and bathtubs, plus balconies, and city and airport views. Upgraded rooms and suites have access to a private lounge and living areas.

Other amenities include two restaurants, a lobby snack bar, a gym, spa treatment, and minigolf. There's also a meeting and event space for up to 2,000 guests. Every room has its own different theme, but the main similarities are the luxury and comfortable ambience each room has.

After a lovely night and a delicious complimentary breakfast of fresh fruits, juice, omelette and Ethiopian coffee, I was ready for my day trip to The Boston Day Spa and Unity Park.

Coming up is a post of my day trip in the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa where I got to visit the famous and luxurious Boston Day Spa and a visit at the Unity Park to learn more about Ethiopia's history and culture.

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