Is Gondar safe for solo female travelers?

While Gondar is generally safe, it is not advisable to walk alone at night as with many other places. The dim light conditions can make it difficult to navigate and there have been occasional reports of petty crimes like pickpocketing. As with any city, staying alert and aware of your surroundings at all times, especially at night, can help ensure your safety.

Public transportation in Gondar is generally reliable and safe. It primarily consists of minibuses for intra-city travel. Despite the crowd during peak hours, locals are very protective and respectful. However, as it may be a little chaotic and less organized compared to some other countries, vigilance regarding your belongings is necessary. It's also important to note that the language barrier can be a challenge. It is advised to know your destination well or have it written in Amharic to show drivers. Communication can sometimes be difficult but locals are usually helpful.

In Gondar, street harassment is somewhat noticeable. Some locals may approach out of curiosity which may feel invasive, especially to female travelers. You might be on the receiving end of persistent begging or local vendors pushing for sales. However, generally, it does not escalate beyond verbal interaction and the locals are mostly friendly and respectful. It's recommended to dress modestly respecting the local culture which often helps in minimizing unwanted attention.

In Gondar, petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching are moderately common, particularly in crowded, tourist-heavy areas such as markets. Though it is generally safe, you should still take precautions to safeguard your belongings. Avoid displaying expensive items openly and always keep an eye on your luggage. It's safer to carry small amounts of cash on you.

The tap water in Gondar is not typically considered safe for tourists to drink. Despite improvements in access to clean water, there are still concerns around contamination and waterborne diseases. It is advisable for travelers to drink only bottled or treated water.

The United States government advises individuals to reconsider traveling to Ethiopia. This is due to sporadic violent conflicts, civil unrest, crime, disruptions in communications, as well as terrorism and kidnapping in border areas. Check the full travel advisory.

The Canadian Government advises avoiding non-essential travel to Ethiopia due to civil unrest, violence, armed conflict, and crime. The security situation may deteriorate without warning. Check the full travel advisory.

The Australian government advises reconsidering travel to Ethiopia due to overall risks such as civil unrest and potential armed conflict. Check the full travel advisory.