Tourist offices Ethiopia

The entrance to Nechisar National Park is close to Sikela, the lower town of Arba Minch. But beware, the headquarters are 1 km further on. A guide is required to enter the park. Please note that there are currently no accommodation facilities inside the park. Although a full day is sufficient to explore almost the entire Nechisar, camping (very rudimentary and self-sufficient) is nevertheless permitted, allowing you to enjoy the first moments of dawn before the park opens.

Athens is a city rich in history and culture. Visitors can discover numerous historic sites such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the ancient Agora. The city is also packed with fascinating museums, such as the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum. Art lovers can also visit the National Gallery of Athens, which houses a collection of Greek and European works of art. In addition to its cultural heritage, Athens also offers a wealth of entertainment opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the city's lively nightlife, with its many bars, clubs and restaurants. They can also stroll through the picturesque districts of Plaka and Monastiraki, where they can shop and sample local specialties. Finally, Athens is also famous for its sporting events. Visitors can watch athletics, swimming and many other sports.

The Alliance Ethio-Française d'Addis-Abeba is a non-profit organization that has been promoting cultural and linguistic exchanges between France and Ethiopia since 1907. Located in Piassa, in the sub-town of Arada, the Alliance offers French courses as well as artistic and cultural activities. Milena Samuel is the educational coordinator and Sara Ibrahim is the communications officer.

Entrance fees must be paid at park HQ. Except for hikers accustomed to the high mountains, it is preferable to take horses to transport equipment. A cook can also be hired for long treks. It's important to make sure that your guides have brought their own provisions, and it's essential to make arrangements the day before departure. Prices are detailed in the park.

To get to the Omo National Park, you have to pass through Mizan Teferi, already a 4-hour drive from Jimma, to reach Maji in another 3 hours. The Omo National Park headquarters and overnight camp are located on the banks of the Mui River, 3 hours south of Maji. From here, a scout is required to reach the best sites in the park. This is a very isolated park, where you'll need to plan to camp, as it's impossible to visit in a day. You'll also need to check safety conditions before setting off.

A boat trip to the "crocodile market" is a must in this natural area of great beauty, teeming with animal life and human activity. Hotels organize boat trips, but the easiest and cheapest way is through the Rift Valley Boat Service Association, an association of local guides. It's safe, and led by seasoned guides. As the trip is in a national park, you'll need a scout.

The national park office in Debark is the first port of call before entering the protected area. As well as issuing permits, the staff will provide you with all the information and contacts you need to organize your trip. Here you can pay in cash or credit card (the machine worked the last time we were there, but beware of power cuts) for park entrance fees, guides and miscellaneous expenses (for camping, cars, hiring the services of a cook, a scout, mules, etc.).

The Wenchi Ecotourism Association is run by the local community. A good way to encourage fair tourism. With local guides, we trek through villages, meeting lots of people and having a truly enriching experience. The association offers circuits ranging from 35 minutes to 5 hours' walk. The longest trek is the 16 km Bagoba-Abagalalcha (see details of circuits on the website). Boat excursions are also available.

Entrance to Abijata and Shalla Lakes National Park is paid for at the park gate, located on the right-hand side of the main road. In addition to the conservation fee per person (valid for 24 hours), there is a charge per car and the compulsory escort of one scout and one guide per small group. The park is accessible all year round and is subject to the usual rainy seasons, mainly from June to September. However, we advise against visiting during the rainy season, because of the muddy trails around the lakes.

The local guides' association is very dynamic, just take a look at their website. It offers hot-spring bathing with a cultural village tour. Or opt for a day tour that also includes a climb up a hill to a viewpoint and a stroll to the natural "shower" of Emperor Haile Selassie, who used to come here to relax near a therapeutic sandbank. You can also hike to a waterfall or Lake Dabash.