Below is a general overview of what will be useful to pack for your trip to Ethiopia. If you have forgotten something, many commonly used items can be purchased in Addis Ababa.
Practical Necessities * Flashlight and possibly candles in the case of a power outage, mosquito net for travel in the lowlands (these are usually provided in hotels located in regions where malaria is a risk), sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, umbrella (mid-March – mid-May, June – mid-September), mosquito repellent when travelling in the lowlands, tissues and toilet paper.
Clothing * Comfortable summer clothing during the day, long-sleeved t-shirt, thin sweater, light jacket or fleece for the evenings. During and after the rainy season (June – December) it is noticeably cooler and a warm sweater together with a light jacket is usually sufficient. Solid footwear as well as sandals for travel in the lowlands, flip-flops for wet areas in the hotel and possibly a swimsuit for pools in Addis Ababa and the hot springs, sun hat or cap.
Money * The best and easiest option is to bring cash in bills and exchange it for the Ethiopian Birr when you arrive. Payment with credit card is rarely accepted and only in the large cities. In Addis Ababa, there are a few ATMs but they are not always functioning or reliable.
For Hiking * A good sleeping bag (it gets very cold at night in the mountains), sunscreen with a high SPF, lip balm (also with SPF if possible), a hat, sturdy shoes, wind and rain protection, warm clothes for the evenings, a small backpack for the day, charged battery for your camera (there will be no electricity available during the hike), small binoculars (optional). Camping equipment and cooking utensils can be provided by Awura Tours if required.
For the Danakil Depression * Light sleeping bag or blanket (at night it might get cool, but not cold), hat, scarf (as protection against the sun and dust and also potentially as a sunscreen in the car), sunglasses, sunscreen with a high SPF, lip balm (also with SPF if possible), light-coloured and durable clothing, thin long pants, sandals for the drive, solid shoes for Dallol and Ertale, charged battery for your camera (there will be no electricity available along the way), wet wipes for quick clean ups. Camping equipment and cooking utensils will be provided by Awura Tours if required.
Medication * Medicine for diarrhea (charcoal tablet) and a malaria vaccine when travelling to areas at risk for malaria. In case malaria prophylaxis is not an option, Malerone can be used for emergencies. Contact lens solution for contact lens wearers.
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