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Geography
Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa. Its territory covers 490,000 square miles (1,127,127 km²). Its size is equivalent to Britain and France combined or slightly less than twice the area of the American state of Texas. It is divided into nine ethnically-based states plus two self-governing administrations (Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa), each with a right to self-determination.
The country has a high central plateau that varies from 6,000 ft.-10,000 feet (1,800-3,000 meters) above sea level, with some mountains reaching 15,158 feet (4,620 meters). Elevation is generally highest just before the point of descent to the Great Rift Valley, which splits the plateau diagonally. A number of rivers cross the plateau - notably the Blue Nile flowing from Lake Tana. The plateau gradually slopes to the lowlands of the Sudan on the west and the Somali-inhabited plains to the southeast.
The altitude of Addis Ababa ranges from 7,000-8,500 feet (2,200-2,600 meters). It is the third highest capital city in the world (La Paz, Bolivia, is first at 11,913 feet/3,631 meters and Quito, Ecuador, is second at 9,360 feet/2,850 meters). Addis Ababa is set against the backdrop of the Entoto mountain range and is home to an estimated 5.8 million people.
Climate
October through February is the dry season in Addis Ababa. The days are sunny and warm, usually around 68-73 °F (20-23 °C) in the shade. The nights are cool or cold and temperatures can drop to freezing in late November and early December. This wide range of temperature within 24-hour periods is one of the unusual features of life at such a high altitude. Warm clothes are essential for early morning and evening.
From February until mid-June, the weather is more unpredictable with a short rainy season (known as belg ) usually coming in March or April. It is much warmer during this period. The days are hot and the nights are less cold than during the dry season. The long rainy season (known as meher ) is from mid-June until the end of September. During this period, it rains intermittently throughout the day most days and it is generally damp and chilly. During both the belg and the meher rainy seasons, it sometimes hails in Addis Ababa.
Health Tips
Living in Addis brings with it many of the usual risks to your health found in the developing world as well as some unique ones. Several of the more prominent health issues you face are described below. By taking a few simple precautions, you can increase your chances that you will remain healthy during your stay in Ethiopia. As in any place that you live, remember to keep emergency phone numbers, including physicians, close friends, emergency room, etc., handy for you and each family member. Also, make sure that you have a first aid kit available at home as well as in the car.
Water: DO NOT DRINK WATER DIRECTLY FROM THE TAP and do not consume a drink with ice cubes unless you are positive that the ice cubes were made from potable water. Bottled water is readily available as is Ambo , a popular local brand of sparkling mineral water. If you choose to drink tap water boil and filter it first. Drink lots of water throughout the day. Water loss at our high altitude occurs frequently and dehydration is common. Drink at least two liters per day and more if you are exerting yourself. Dehydration can occur quickly causing fatigue, headaches and dizziness. Urine should be clear and light-colored. Remember that alcohol is dehydrating and not advisable when taking medications (coffee also causes fluid loss).
Altitude Sickness: If you have been living at a lower altitude before you arrive in Addis, you may experience altitude sickness. The symptoms include increased fatigue, difficulty with sleeping, nosebleeds, headaches, nausea, giddiness and mild shortness of breath on exertion (with a few minutes of rest, these symptoms should subside). Be aware that your feet, hands and face could swell shortly after arrival due to the altitude. Symptoms usually diminish within a week as you acclimatize. Allow your body to have adequate time for rest and drink lots of water. Reducing your salt intake may help with the swelling. If you still suffer severely from some of these symptoms consult a physician. S/he may prescribe Diamox or acetazolamide to ease the symptoms.
Sun and Heat Exhaustion: The high altitude and equatorial location of Ethiopia can rapidly lead to sunburn. Ultraviolet light is strongest between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., so minimize your time in the sun during these hours. Sunscreen with SPF 30 or more should be applied at least 20 minutes prior to exposure and repeated, especially after swimming and exercise. Remember that you can burn even on a cloudy day so always wear a brimmed hat. Early symptoms of heat exhaustion include stumbling, clumsiness, excessive sweating (progressing to cessation of sweating), headache, nausea, dizziness, apathy and gradually impairment of consciousness.
Sanitation: Wash your hands often to halt the spread of infectious diseases, especially after using the toilet and before eating. Hand wipes and hand-sanitizing waterless agents are useful. AVOID LEAFY SALADS outside your home. Fruits and vegetables must be cleaned with a sanitizing solution before eating (e.g. Milton) or any bleach solution, locally called barakina. If in doubt, "peel it, boil it, or forget it" is a good maxim. It is also good to know the sources of the ice cream you eat and mayonnaise you use because they can become sources for diarrheal diseases.
Diarrhea: This is the most common cause of illness among newcomers. Most episodes are mild, of short duration and resolve spontaneously. Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water. Avoid fatty foods and meat. Opt for clear vegetable soup, fruits, and vegetables that are peeled. With increased fluid loss, a rehydration fluid containing salt and glucose is helpful. In severe cases, medical care should be sought, since intravenous therapy may be required. If you have fever, blood or pus in the stool, get medical attention. Anti-diarrheal medicine is available but not usually necessary. For an easy oral rehydration solution, add the following to one liter of clean (boiled and filtered) water:
• ½ teaspoon of SALT
• 8 level teaspoons of SUGAR
• ½ cup of orange juice or a squeezed lemon
Malaria: When you are traveling in Ethiopia to areas where the altitude is lower than 6,500 feet (2,000 meters), it is advisable to take anti-malaria tablets prophylactically. You should complement the tablets by sleeping under a permethrin-impregnated mosquito net at night, using insect repellents (spray, mosquito mats or coils) and wearing long-sleeved, light-colored clothing.
Rabies: Hundreds of people in Addis die of rabies every year. Avoid petting stray animals. If bitten, immediately wash the wound with soap and water to remove the saliva, which may contain the virus. Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY .
•Swedish Clinic. Has an excellent laboratory with a Swedish-trained laboratory technician.
•Bethezata Hospital. Has one of the best, most reliable laboratories in Addis. Multiple locations, including next to Adam's Pavillion shopping center at Pushkin Square in Old Airport. If you are in front of Adam's Pavillion, Bethezata Hospital will be to the right on the little side street.
Tel: 011 553 3458.
There are many pharmacies throughout the city. You should be able to find basic items at just about any of them. If you are looking for something special go to Pelican Pharmacy and talk to Mesfin Getachew. Located on Bole Road (heading towards Meskel Square, its on the right past Mega House and across from Free Zone). Tel: 011 661 3420 or 0911 372 242. Ato Mesfin's tel is: 0911 612 562.
Dentists
• Lizi Higher Dental Clinic. Dr. Li offers x-ray, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and prosthetics (replacement bridges, dentures and cosmetic). Located near the intersection of Bole Road and Ethio-China Road. Pass FAO on Bole Road and turn right at the sign for Floral Tropical Gardens. The clinic is on the right. Tel: 0911 633 952 or 011 554 5938.
• Dr. Wondwossen Teshome, DMD. Dr. Wondwossen speaks fluent English. Tel: 011 661 2991 or 011 663 6626.
• Dej Balcha Hospital. Tel: 011 551 6263 or 011 544 7748
• Filwoha. Tel: 011 551 9900
• Yordanos Higher Clinic. Tel: 011 551 7316
Counseling and Psychotherapy
• Andrea Zalzal Sanderson, M.S., LPC - Psychotherapist. Specializes in child therapy but also works with families and individuals. 12 years of experience. Tel: 0912 157 677. e-mail: jcsamz@aol.com
• Elsabe' J Van Noordwyk , BSc Physiotherapy (UFS), CPS (Sports Physiotheraphy).
Tel: 0911 319 061 or 011 371 1884. elsabevannoordwyk@yahoo.com
• Sun Optics Special Eye Clinic. Two locations: in Piazza next to Muhammed Music Shop and in Friendship City Center shopping mall on Bole Road. Dr. Abonesh works in the Friendship City Center store and is a US-trained pediatric ophthalmologist. She also works out of the Seyoum Special Eye Clinic and Menelik Hospital. Tel for Sun Optics: 011 156 7576/7/8 or 011 122 3700. Tel: for Seyoum Special Eye Clinic: 011 646 3611.
• Samri Nued Special Eye Clinic. Located on Bole Road, opposite the Mega Building. They offer contact lenses. Tel: 011 551 2538.
• Bahre Negash Special Eye Clinic. Tel: 011 111 5202.
• Dejene Nigatu Optician. Tel: 011 111 2044 or 011 618 0799.
• Map Optics Plc. Tel: 011 155 1142.
Medical/Health Facilities
The following health facilities have been recommended by the ICS nurse and are listed in order of preference:
1st Choice: SWEDISH CLINIC
Tel: 011 271 0768
24-hour on-call physician:
Tel: 0911 206 291
24-hour on-call nurse:
Tel: 0911 206 514
Accepts Visa credit card
2nd Choice: MYUNGSUNG CHRISTIAN MEDICAL CENTER (Korean Hospital)
Tel: 011 629 5420
Emergency Room: 011 629 4602 (a doctor always is available in the emergency room after hours)
3rd Choice: BLUE AND WHITE CLINIC
Tel: 011 661 3420
Dr. Sharon mobile tel:
0911 372 242
Dr. Ursula mobile tel:
0911 333 613 ( pediatrician)
Vaccinations and Preventive Medications
Before you travel, be sure you and your family are up to date on all routine immunizations. See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect. Even it is less than 4 weeks before you leave, it still might not be too late to get your shots or medications as well as other information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.
Required Vaccinations
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Ethiopia and other countries in East Africa. You may need to locate a special clinic that caters to international travelers in your home country to obtain this vaccination. In Ethiopia, the Black Lion Hospital and the Blue & White Clinic offer yellow fever vaccinations.
• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruit, vegetables or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
• Hepatitis B This is especially important if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population or be exposed through medical treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11-12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
• Rabies There is a higher than average risk of exposure to rabies in Ethiopia, particularly in Addis and other urban areas due to large populations of stray dogs. The Blue & White Clinic in Addis offers the three-shot pre-exposure rabies vaccination, though it is extremely expensive.
• Typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults.
Recommended Preventive Medication
Malaria: Addis Ababa's high altitude means that there is no risk of malaria in the city. However, malaria is a risk in all areas of Ethiopia where the altitude is lower than 6,500 feet (2,000 meters). Anti-malarials are available from pharmacies in Addis but if you want Malarone, you should bring it with you as it is not readily available in Ethiopia due to its expense. Some of the types of anti-malarials available are: fansidar (sulfadoxine & pyrimethamine), quinine sulphate, coartem lartemether lumefamtrin, eloquine (mefloquine or larium), chloroquine phosphate and doxycycline (grodoxin). This list of anti-malarials includes medicines that can be used as a prophylaxis or treatment and, in some cases, both.
Sources of information: US Government's Center for Disease Control (CDC) website ( www.cdc.gov/travel/eafrica.htm#vaccines )and www.travmed.com/maps/country.epl?c=Ethiopia
What to Do in Addis
Organizations and Clubs
The following list of social clubs, organizations, cultural institutes, lecture series and sporting events is by no means exhaustive. Many groups are started because someone perceives a need (i.e. girls' softball/boys' baseball) and volunteers donate their time to get a group going.
• Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society: This is a very popular group since it gives you an opportunity to learn about Ethiopia while traveling around the country. Membership entitles you to travel with expert leaders on half-day, full-day or weekend trips to places of interest. The group also has monthly meetings at 6:00pm on the 3 rd Wednesday of every month at the Ethiopia Hotel. The society produces a monthly newsletter and a journal entitled Walia . For more information, contact Elizabeth Asfaw at: 011 551 7200, ext 35334 or 011 416 4045.
• Horticulture Society: The sister society of the Wildlife and Natural Society. Founded in 1955. Members can visit several private gardens and gardens of Embassies. General meetings may include a display of slides of gardens and exchange of seeds, seedlings, cuttings and pot plants. The Society has two flower shows per year and its members, who are experienced in Ethiopian horticulture (especially in Addis Ababa) are willing to offer practical advice and assistance at all times of the year. Membership is 30 birr for a single membership and 50 birr for a family. For more information call Elizabeth Asfaw at: 011 551 7200, ext 35334 or 011 416 4045.
• Interest Group: This organization promotes the appreciation of Ethiopian culture through lectures and usually meets from October - May every Friday at 9:00am at the Hilton Hotel. The programs are a community service for all and there is no entrance fee.
• Friends of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies: Through weekly lectures, this group introduces Ethiopia's diverse and unique culture to Ethiopians and foreigners. Lectures take place Wednesday evenings at 6:00pm at Addis Ababa University. Applications for membership to this group are available at the lectures. Call Rita Pankhurst at 011 371 2901 for more information.
• International Women's Club: This organization is open to all women in Addis Ababa and meets the 1st Thursday of every month at 9:00am in the Hilton Hotel. The club is active September - May and membership dues can be paid at any meeting. Information on membership can be obtained from Betty Haile at 011 661 1017.
• Motley Singers: This is a group of people who enjoy singing and performing music. Membership is open to anyone in Addis Ababa. There are NO auditions. The group usually rehearses for two performances during the year: a Christmas concert and a spring concert. The group holds rehearsals September - May on Monday evenings from 7:00pm - 9:00pm at the International Evangelical Church. Call Ginny Holt for more information at 011 551 3146.
• Toastmasters: This group offers a supportive and positive learning environment in which you can practice and develop your communication and leadership skills. They meet twice per month, every other Wednesday at the Ghion Hotel. Call Alula Pankurst at 011 112 6029 (office) or 011 371 4669 (home) for more information.
• Blis: Blis is a club that gives members a discount at various shops, hotels, restaurants and cultural events. The membership fee is 375 birr. Registration information is at any BookWorld outlet as well as at the Hilton and Sheraton Hotels. You can also call Better Living at 011 155 7856/6200/9013 for more information.
• Hash House Harriers
• Bridge Club: This group meets every Monday evening at the Hilton Hotel at 7:15 pm.
Other Activities for Adults
- ICS Evening Sports. During the school year, volleyball, soccer, basketball and softball games often are organized in the evenings. Contact Ato Danel Kidane, ICS Activities Director (tel: 0911 331 162) for information. Sports facilities are free for the parents of ICS students. Others may become members (application information is available through ICS) for a nominal fee.
- Latino Dancing Classes. Learn to salsa, meringue, lambada, etc. At Dream Club on Ethio-China Road on Mondays & Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 pm, Tuesdays & Thursday 6:00-7:45 pm. At Alem Gym on Bole Road on Saturdays 5:00-6:30 pm and Sundays 10:30-noon. Contact Behailu at 0911 360 0843.
- Soccer). Adult pick-up league. Plays Sundays at 9:00 am at ICS. Call Sean Cely for more information: 0911 220 079.
- Basketball. Adult pick-up league. Plays Sundays at 10:00 am. Call Courtlandt Brown for more information: 011 517 4497
- ICS Evening Adult Sports. Contact Ato Danel Kidane, ICS' Activities Director, for more information: 0911 331 162.
Gyms
• Ker Fitness. Located in Old Airport on the other side of Ring Road behind the Swiss Embassy and Shell Station near Tzna Hospital and Girogis Club. Tel: 011 320 6102, 011 654 0295, 0911 178 802 or 0911 340 044.
• Bodywise Wellness and Fitness Center. Located in Old Airport in Adam's Pavillion shopping center in front of Pushkin Square. Tel: 011 372 0052/54/56.
• Hilton Hotel. Located on Menelik II Avenue next to the UN/ECA. Offers an excellent health club and individuals or families may purchase memberships. Tel: 011 551 8400.
• Rock Bottom. Located on the Ibex Hotel Road off Bole Road. Tel: 011 552 9237/6 or 011 552 7009.
Yoga
• Chandra Yoga. Located in Old Airport between ICS and the Sierra Leone Ambassador's residence on Ring Road. Instructor: Alpha. Tel: 0911 943 111.
• Hilton Health Club. Tel: 011 551 8400.
• World Food Program. Mondays at 6:00 pm. Tel: 0911 209 676.
• Alem Fitness Center. Located on Bole Road in the Alem Building. If you are headed towards the airport, it will be on the right. Instructor: Samjhana Thapa. Tel: 0911 389 626 or 011 663 3897.
• Eskew Yoga Center. Located near Hayat Hospital (if you are on Ring Road and pass the airport, you will see Hayat Hospital on the left side) opposite Moenco Company and behind Dini Supermarket. Tel: 011 663-8206 or 0911 225 447.
Golf
• Addis Ababa Golf Club. Located in Old Airport. The main entrance is from the slip road that runs parallel to the Ring Road past Savemore Supermarket. The Golf Club has nine holes and you can either join the club or pay a greens fee. A driving range is available and clubs can be rented. There is also a good restaurant at the club. Tel: 011 320 1893 or 011 371 3062.
• British Club. Located on the British Embassy Compound. The British Club has a six-hole course that is open for membership. Tel: 011 661 2354.
Tennis and Squash
International Community School (ICS). Located in Old Airport. Has four tennis courts and three resident tennis coaches. Ato Kebede is responsible for the tennis courts so if you have any concerns, please contact him. Please contact them directly to arrange private lessons:
