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

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How safe is Ethiopia for solo female travelers?

Travel safety index

3.5 /5

based on 5 experiences from female travelers

Mwanaidi

Mwanaidi

Kenya

Addis Ababa, Solo travel

It was a layover twice since I was using Ethiopian airlines. Gorgeous city. Hospitable people for sure. The hotels are beautiful❤️❤️ Food was really good. Despite being vegan I had something to eat. Plus I live the cooler temperatures. I am definitely saving up to go back again God willing

Posted: August 2, 2025Experienced: November, 2022
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Nyasha

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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How safe is Ethiopia for women?

Local safety index

3.6 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Local crime index

2 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Mer

Mer

Addis Ababa

Just be aware of where your traveling and the time your heading out and heading back in :). And know the people you’re going to places with even locals. Besides that it’s a truly beautiful place to visit.

Posted: December 4, 2025
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Yordi_lov3_will_stay_t3gram

Yordi_lov3_will_stay_t3gram

Addis Ababa

Its safe really safe. There are lots kf tourists eho come isolated or in group that tour and return safely. I consider it 9 out of 10 safe. I dont know much about other areas, but the main touring places in my Country are also labled the safest places for tourists.

Posted: November 29, 2025
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Addis Ababa

The city addis ababa is safe to travel. There might be some catcalling if you are in an alley but just words and nothing else. If u stick to the city there are many people and lights all over the city. There are ride apps like uber(we don't have user itself) and I recommend ride. It shows u the price on ur app and it's made so as to be safe. A lot of hotels from cheap to quality and all are safe.

Posted: April 21, 2025
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Safety in Ethiopia

Hospitality Exchange in Ethiopia

Yordi_lov3_will_stay_t3gram

Yordi_lov3_will_stay_t3gram

Addis Ababa

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey im Yordi, im looking to host people visiting my city Addis Ababa Ethiopia. I can speak fluent English, and would also guarantee safty and good recommendations I'm available, most work days, and definitely the weekend. Let me know,

Speaking

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SalemJah

SalemJah

Shashamane

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I'm living in Ethiopia for 5 years ago. Now settled in Shashamane, I used to lived nearly by in Wendo Genet where there is hot spring water. Looking for safety places to reach in visiting the country. And wishing to host visitor and share my love for where I'm living.

Speaking

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Expats in Ethiopia

Yordi_lov3_will_stay_t3gram

Yordi_lov3_will_stay_t3gram

Addis Ababa

About me

Hey im Yordi, im looking to host people visiting my city Addis Ababa Ethiopia. I can speak fluent English, and would also guarantee safty and good recommendations I'm available, most work days, and definitely the weekend. Let me know,

Speaking

Martha

Martha

Ethiopia

About me

Hey girls my name is martha am 20 years old and am from Ethiopia , am currently a freshman student at University , happy to be here and see you all travel experience so far , so excited to solo travel everywhere ❤

Speaking