Addis Ababa Warnings Or Dangers Tips by georeiser Top 5 Page for this destination

Hole in the streets

The streets and pavements in the centre of Addis Ababa are dilapidated, and big holes are usual. Be careful where you put your feet.

Addis Ababa is a safe place

Addis Ababa is a safe place to be for tourists. I had no problems walking around in the streets there. Even in the night. The locals say Mercato is dangerous, but I felt safe there. No attempt of pick pockets.

Generally the local people were polite against me. I had only one incident when some guys tried to fool me into a fake culture show. It happened in a backstreet close to Bole road.

The Ethiopian police

You may have been warned against the police in Africa. Their low salary makes it easier to be corrupt and take advantage of the tourists.

BUT the Ethiopian police are different. They may look dangerous with their Kalashnikov guns, but they are polite and willing to help if you got problems. And they don't steel from tourists.

Bomb blast

Ethiopia has been in war with Eritrea for more than 30 years. The reason is territory claim and independence for Eritrea. There are still some clashes between the countries, even if they have signed a peace treaty.

It's hard to say if the former war was the reason for the bomb blast in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 20, 2008 in Addis Ababa. Three people were killed and four wounded when a bomb exploded. The photo is the wreckage of the minibus hit by the bomb.

Scams against tourists

Ufortunately there are scams against tourists i Addis Ababa. Avoid strangers who want to show you other places. In some cases it could be an attempt to fool you into something.

The classic scam are strangers who want to take you to a "traditional show". You will follow the person into a place or a privat club. You will eat and drink, and maybe stand treat for drinks to your "new friends". They usually drink some kind of wine made by honey. I think they call it "Tej". Even if it is homemade, they will argue that it is imported and charge you 200 Birr a bottle. Imagine the bill you have to pay when you shall leave :-(