Ethiopia is a fun country that's famous for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. We've got the ultimate travel cost guide to make sure your adventure is incredible and affordable. Dive into average costs for hotels, food, activities, sightseeing, and transportation. We'll cover all the essentials for a wallet-friendly trip.
How much does it cost to travel to Ethiopia?
You should plan to spend around $30 (ETB3,781) per day on your vacation in Ethiopia. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $11 (ETB1,386) on meals
- $2.88 (ETB359) on local transportation
- $27 (ETB3,418) on hotels
A one week trip to Ethiopia for two people costs, on average, $425 (ETB52,934). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$213
ETB26,467
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$425
ETB52,934
-
One Month
Per person
$911
ETB113,430
-
One Week
For a couple
$425
ETB52,934
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$850
ETB105,868
-
One Month
For a couple
$1,822
ETB226,860
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Ethiopia cost?
A one week trip to Ethiopia usually costs around $213 (ETB26,467) for one person and $425 (ETB52,934) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Ethiopia on average costs around $425 (ETB52,934) for one person and $850 (ETB105,868) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Ethiopia will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Ethiopia on average costs around $911 (ETB113,430) for one person and $1,822 (ETB226,860) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Ethiopia expensive to visit?
Ethiopia is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability. Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.
Within Africa, Ethiopia is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Africa for its affordability. Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Ethiopia.
Ethiopia offers a great mix of sights and accommodations, making it a destination that works for travelers of all budgets and preferences. In Addis Ababa, budget options like hostels are available, but if you're after something more luxurious, there are plenty of high-end hotels, as well as mid-range spots for families and couples.
It's true that Ethiopia can be expensive, but eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities can help you make the most of your money.
On average, budget travelers spend $11 (ETB1,359) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $32 (ETB3,781) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $96 (ETB11,527) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Ethiopia.
For more details, see Is Ethiopia Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Ethiopia?
The average Ethiopia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Ethiopia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Ethiopia cost?
Ethiopia on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$4.98
(ETB621)
|
$14
(ETB1,709)
|
$41
(ETB5,117)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$1.05
(ETB131)
|
$2.88
(ETB359)
|
$8.59
(ETB1,069)
|
|
Food 2
|
$3.96
(ETB493)
|
$11
(ETB1,386)
|
$35
(ETB4,299)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$3.17
(ETB395)
|
$9.00
(ETB1,121)
|
$28
(ETB3,532)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-2
(ETB76-228)
|
$2-5
(ETB197-590)
|
$4-13
(ETB524-1,572)
|
Lalibela, Ethiopia
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having a realistic perspective on your travel budget is very important. While many like to think of themselves as "budget" travelers, most people are not prepared for the discomfort and lack of amenities that come with traveling on a shoestring budget. Consider what you really love about travel and thinkg about your previous travel experiences. Are you more inclined to stay in hostels, or do you prefer more comfortable hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals? Is dining out a priority for you? Do you want to visit the major sights and attractions? Your answers to these questions will shape your overall travel budget significantly.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
Many travelers hear that exploring Ethiopia can be done for $11 a day, but if you want to keep some comforts, expect to pay a lot more.
Backpackers might find a way to travel around on that tight budget, but that usually means dorm stays in hostels, eating at budget-friendly restaurants or fast food places, using public transport or walking, and focusing on free attractions.
Fortunately, Ethiopia has a significant number of hostels, especially in Addis Ababa.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
Couples or families on vacation will probably choose mid-range hotels, popular dining spots, and visits to major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most visitors to Ethiopia will want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. Since most activities have a cost, you should realisticly plan for your budget to be closer to $32 per person, per day.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're planning a vacation with all the finer things in life, prepare for a budget that can reach $96 per day. If you want upscale hotels, world-class dining, premium excursions, and private drivers, this will put you firmly in the "luxury" category. Some of the more high-priced destinations include Addis Ababa.
Accommodation Budget in Ethiopia
The variety of accommodation prices in Ethiopia can be surprising. Some areas and hotels are much more expensive than others, and prices soar during peak season. You'll save more if you visit in the off-season or book in advance.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Ethiopia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $27 (ETB3,418). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $14 (ETB1,709) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Ethiopia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Ethiopia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $2.88 (ETB359) per person, per day, on local transportation in Ethiopia. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Ethiopia is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$2.88
ETB359
The typical transit costs in Ethiopia are outlined below, based on data from actual travelers. These figures provide an estimate of overall transportation expenses in the city. Remember, your personal costs will depend on how you choose to get around, as taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than using public transportation.
-
Short Taxi Ride
ETB5.00
-
Tuk Tuk Ride
ETB20
-
Short Taxi Ride
ETB30
-
Short Taxi Ride
ETB40
Food Budget in Ethiopia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Ethiopia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Ethiopia is $11 (ETB1,386) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$11
ETB1,386
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Ethiopia is around $12 (ETB1386) per person, with previous travelers spending from $4 to $36. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Ethiopia are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $3
- Lunch: $2 to $6
- Dinner: $4 to $9
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
Ethiopian food is unlike any other African cuisine. It's a unique and delicious cuisine that involves a lot of meat and spices. It is typically served on top of a pancake like bread. Similar dishes are available breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you do get tired of typical Ethiopian food then it is possible to find spaghetti in most towns. In Addis Ababa you can find a wide variety of western restaurants as well.
Injera: The staple of most Ethiopian meals, this is a traditional pancake like flat bread that's made from teff flour. Some people compare its flavor to sour dough bread, but its texture is far more chewy. Stew like entrees are typically served on top of the bread and diners then enjoy the meal by eating with their hands.
Wat: This is a thick meat stew that is served on top of injera and is usually quite spicy. It's one of the more popular stew like dishes in Ethiopia and can be made with several different types of meat.
Kitfo: This popular Ethiopian specialty is made with raw ground beef that is mixed with a type of chili powder and served on top of injera. Many travelers choose to avoid this dish because it is raw, but it is a favorite of most local residents.
Traveling with kids? Look for restaurants that have a dedicated kids menu. This can help you save some cash since those meals are often cheaper. Additionally, some restaurants might not list the childrens' options, so don't forget to ask the waiter first.
Many hotels have breakfast included in the room rate, while some charge for it separately. The cost and quality of breakfast can differ from hotel to hotel. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you choose whether to enjoy the hotel buffet or opt for a more affordable option at a nearby bakery or café.
Opt to carry a water bottle with you instead of splurging on drinks all the time. It's a choice that benefits the environment too.
If you're organizing a tour, take the time to find out which meals are included ahead of time. Having to pay for some of your meals can increase your total expenses.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Ethiopia, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Half Day Food Tour Addis Ababa With Airport pickUp And Drop-Off for $70 details
- Local Ethiopian Food Tour Addis Ababa for $62 details
- Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Coffee Ceremony at a Home in Addis Ababa for $168 details
- Private Ethiopian Home Cooking Class in Addis Ababa with Transfer for $124 details
Typical food prices in Ethiopia, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
-
Slice of Cake
ETB7.00
-
Cookies
ETB10
-
Dessert Cake
ETB10
-
Two Cold Fruit Drinks
ETB16
-
Pastries (for 2)
ETB17
-
Breakfast (for 2)
ETB24
-
Restaurant Dinner for 2
ETB45
-
Lunch (for 2)
ETB50
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Ethiopia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Ethiopia typically cost an average of $9.00 (ETB1,121) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$9.00
ETB1,121
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Ethiopia. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour for $75 details
- Hidden Treasures of Addis Ababa - Food, Culture and History Tour for $75 details
- Ethiopia Tigray Tours: Guided tour of Tigray rock hewn churches for $41 details
- Addis Ababa City Tours With Cocking Class Of Ethiopian Food for $76 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Ethiopia are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
-
Lalibela Admission (for 2)
ETB3,300
-
Village Entrance Fee
ETB10
-
Blue Nile Falls Entrance for 2
ETB30
-
Stellae Entrance for Two
ETB50
-
Dorze Village Entrance Fee
ETB60
-
Castle Entrance (for 2)
ETB100
-
Village Entrance (for 2)
ETB130
-
Mursi Village Visit (for 2)
ETB460
Nightlife Budget in Ethiopia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $3.16 (ETB393) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Ethiopia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$3.16
ETB393
Nightlife can be fun, but trimming your drink expenses can make a big difference in your travel savings.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Ethiopia. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Pub-crawl Tour ( locally crafted beer and wine tasting ) for $58 details
- Night Tour Addis Ababa beer and wine tasting for $65 details
- Pub crawl Addis Ababa for $69 details
Traveling in Ethiopia
Injera, typical Ethiopian food
Ethiopia is in eastern Africa just north of Kenya and south of Eritrea. It is a fascinating country that is unlike any other place in Africa. In the north it is lush and green with villages and historic sights such as the world renowned Lalibela. It has natural beauty, like the famed Blue Nile Falls, and cultural history with its religious ties to both Islam and Christianity. In the south, you can encounter traditional tribal communities that continue to live and thrive as they have for centuries. In the Omo Valley, you can see the Merci people, with their clay plates and unusual body jewelry. Back in the capital, Addis Ababa, you can see a growing and changing African capital that is becoming more and more linked to the international world.
Ethiopian religion, history and food is unlike anything else. Visit a traditional restaurant where you can watch the impressive local dances and dine on the unique Ethiopian cuisine. Coffee ceremonies are performed in many places as an intricate way to welcome you to the country.
Trips to this country are often divided into two "circuits." Many people head to the culturally rich north to visit Lalibela and Blue Nile Falls among other sights. Public transportation is an option in this more developed portion of the country. The roads are constantly improving and bus routes are fairly common. Many people do choose to take a least one domestic flight on Ethiopian Air to help reduce their travel time. The southern circuit has much less infrastructure and generally requires use of a private vehicle. Many travelers group together to split the cost of hiring a car and driver. This is a very fascinating part of the country and you really shouldn't miss it, but do realize that the expenses can be far greater because you essentially have to do a tour or take inefficient local transportation.
In general, this is one of the less expensive African countries. You will likely be charged a "ferengi" price which is at least twice the local price. You can try to negotiate this down but it will be challenging. Restaurants, hotels, and public transportation are still quite cheap in the country. If you're looking to save money, consider traveling to the northern part of the country independently and then skipping out on the south because it is far more expensive with a private vehicle.
At A Glance
- Lalibela is by far the most famous and popular tourist destination in Ethiopia. No trip to the country is complete without a visit to this sight which contains mesmerizing churches carved out of rock. There is now a fixed price to visit Lalibela. You can expect to pay $50 (USD) per person for a multi-day pass. There are no single day passes available. This price is significantly higher than in the past, and goes up every few years, but it is still well worth it. You will be shown a basic slideshow and then allowed entry into the churches. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience.
- Ground transportation in northern Ethiopia is generally uncomfortable, but doable. If you're doing the entire northern circuit you should consider taking at least one flight to save time. This will dramatically cut down on the amount of time you spend in a bus by at least a day. Private drivers are also available, as are tours of the region which provide more comfortable transportation.
- If you're going to be in the country for any length of time then you're likely to get a little burned out of injera. Even though it's delicious, you'll find that you are eating it at almost every meal. If you're in the capital city there are plenty of western restaurants that are actually quite good. You can choose anything from Chinese to Indian or Italian. You will likely pay a little more for them, though.
- If you're heading into Southern Ethiopia you'll probably have to hire a private car and driver. It's easy to split the cost with other travelers if you can locate them. You can try to coordinate with people via a travel forum like Lonely Planet, or you can wait until you arrive. Either option is usually reliable.
- If you plan to buy domestic plane tickets on Ethiopian Air it is sometimes cheaper to purchase them online once you're within the country. You can also use Ethiopian Air's app to buy tickets. You do have to make the purchase about forty eight hours in advance, and the internet can be unreliable so do plan ahead.
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Top Tourist Attractions
Blue Nile Falls: This is a stunningly beautiful waterfall in northern Ethiopia. It beautifully forms a rainbow when the sun is positioned correctly. It's best to visit it towards the end of the rainy season when it is at its fullest.
Lalibela: This is a world famous town in northern Ethiopia that is known for its rock-hewn churches, some of which date back to the tenth century. It's also one of the holiest cities in Ethiopia and one of the most popular with tourists.
Simien Mountain National Park: These dramatically beautiful mountains offer some of the country's best trekking opportunities. Government requirements dictate that you hire a guide and several assistants before you begin the climb, so organizing a trip can be somewhat cumbersome for an independent traveler.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.