Is Ethiopia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Ethiopia generally tends to have a well-behaved and respectful population towards women. In cities, there is usually a high police presence day and night which contributes to safety. However, it's worth noting that travel outside urban centers at night is not advised due to inadequate lighting and road conditions. As well, culturally, a woman traveling alone can sometimes attract attention or surprise. It is important to dress modestly, avoid isolated areas, and be cautious when traveling at night.

Safety rating

3.3 /5

Based on 4 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

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How safe is Ethiopia?

Safety at night:Moderate

Ethiopia's safety levels at night vary across different regions. Major cities like Addis Ababa have busy nightlife and are generally safer, but it's advisable to stay cautious. Remote areas could be more unsafe due to lesser police presence. It's also recommended to avoid desolate streets and stick to well-lit, populous areas while walking alone at night.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Ethiopia, specifically in the capital city Addis Ababa, is widely used and generally reliable. This includes minibuses, larger city buses, and the light rail transit. However, they can often be crowded and may not meet all safety standards, so attention and vigilance are necessary. The taxis (both contract and shared) present a more flexible though costlier option. Also, in rural areas, public transportation is less frequent and can be particularly crowded. It is recommended to avoid travel after dark and always keep an eye on personal belongings.

Street harassment:Low

Ethiopia exhibits a generally respectful culture towards women. However, you may sometimes encounter occasional comments, hissing or harmless gawping mainly within the big cities. Harassment is not widespread; instead, friendly curiosity is more common. However, it is advisable to maintain a cautious attitude and dress modestly in public.

Petty crimes:Moderate

In Ethiopia, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching are known to occur particularly in crowded areas and major tourist destinations. While generally safe, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure, and stay vigilant, especially in crowded places such as markets, bus stations or festivals.

Is Ethiopia worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.8 /5

based on 4 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4/5

Safety

3.3/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

Nyasha

United Kingdom

Ethiopia, Solo travel

I wish I had longer in ethopia!! I did vist when half the country was a recommend no go zone and locals I spoke to said to follow this. I spent a few days in addis and stayed at the mad Vervet Hostle which was lovely and explored the city and spent a lot of time with locals. I felt very safe in the city everyone was lovely and very helpful even with a language barrier. I them few south with ethopian airlines, the roads are not safe to drive on sadly. And went to Arba Mitch whcih was beautiful totally out of the cities and surrounded by proper african bush. I drove to swahala and sent a few days out in the middle of nowhere with locals and had the best more beautiful time, before returning to Arbaminch and ultimately Addis. The food, people, music, culture, history, religion are so beautiful and rich in this country and while there is conflict continuing in the country it is not taking away from the kindess and hospitality of the locals!

Posted: December 26, 2024Experienced: August, 2024

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Ethiopia, Couple travel

My husband and I went to Addis and Lalibela for a week in late September and we had a great time there. The food and coffee are so delicious, and we really enjoyed the opportunity to see areas outside the big city, including the churches in Lalibela. We would like to go back there someday and explore more.

Posted: November 6, 2023

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Ethiopia, Solo travel

If you are alone, I would stick to the north. The infrastructure in the south is very poorly developed. The best cities are Lalibela, Axum, and Gondar. If you are traveling domestically, Ethiopian Airlines is probably the only airline in the country that can be described as respectable. The rock-hewn churches in Lalibela are amazing. Be prepared for a lot of serious hassling from the local residents wherever you go.

Posted: November 7, 2022

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Ethiopia, Solo travel

I loved Ethiopia! I walked the Semien Mountains, saw amazing churches, climbed Erte Ale and saw lava, and visited the Danakil Depression, which looked like another planet.

Posted: June 22, 2022

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Meet locals in Ethiopia

Esete

About Me

My name is Dr.Esete Getachew. I am from Ethiopia. I am from the capital city Addis Ababa. I love traveling and seeing history and nature.

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Wongel

About Me

Hey, I'm Wongel and I'm interested in architecture, art, culture, education, hiking, photography and technology

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Stay with locals in Ethiopia

Haben

Tigray n

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello,everyone l am called Haben from a historical place called Tigray. I enjoy exploring new places on travel.

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Aklesiya

Addis Ababa

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello Dearest. My name is Aklesiya from Ethiopia. Live in capital of Addis Ababa. Its my pleasure to host people and show around. I always happy to meet new people and share memories

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Safety in Ethiopia

Lalibela

Gondar

Bahir Dar

Addis Ababa

Debre Zeit

Awassa

Arba Minch

Check the safest places in Ethiopia