Is Ethiopia safe for solo female travelers?
Safety rating
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How safe is Ethiopia for female travelers?
Travel safety index
based on 5 experiences from female travelers
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
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, 2024Ethiopia, 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, 2023Ethiopia, 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, 2022Ethiopia, 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, 2022How safe is Ethiopia for women?
Local safety index
Based on 3 local experiences
Local crime index
Based on 3 local experiences
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, 2025Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is generally very safe, I wouldn’t recommend walking alone after dark as there might be pickpockets here and there. Habesha people are generally very welcoming and respectful, however you might see some incidents of cat calling or heckling ( depending on the location) .
Posted: February 22, 2025Adama
It's safe but like in 5 years you would here about some crime but it's more safe and it differ from street to street and my living area is much more safer area in the town even at night I go to groceries and shop whatever I want without ant attack or harassment
Posted: January 25, 2025Safety in Ethiopia
