Lalibela What to Pack

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Why should babies be the only ones to have these hygienic wipes? I don’t know why, but the adult version of this fantastic travel product always seem to be more expensive than the kids version, even though what’s inside is exactly the same. You need to use your right hand to eat food in Ethiopia. Good luck to you if you are left handed. Sometimes a restaurant may be out of soap and having some wet wipes in your rucksack are indispensable. Also, your hand will be an absolute mess after you are finished and these handy guys get all the food off. There is also almost always NO toilet paper wherever you go in Ethiopia. Yep, handy wet wipes to the rescue. Because there is 100% tax on all imported goods and they don’t make them here – bring your own. I have seen them priced up in Addis Ababa at 3 times what I paid at home.

Wet wipes – don’t leave home without them!

4 more images

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Ethiopia may be mostly highlands, but they often get MONTHS of sunshine without much rain. It still gets hot and you are very close to the Equator. A good all around hat would be a very good idea. One that will not be destroyed during packing and repacking. Even the locals find the sun very strong and often use umbrellas (pictured) to shield themselves. Some good sunscreen to match would be a very good idea as well. Buy both before you come as they have a 100% import tax on all goods and few shops sell these items here, if at all.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: If you are going inside the Churches make sure you coat your socks with flea power or spray.
The rugs in the Churches have the little buggers crawling with them. I used a solid rub and still got bites on my ankles...wish I had looked harder for the powder at home.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Even if you are not gonna trek around, a good pair of waterproof boots are a good idea, specially in rainy season, when the ground is muddy and slippery.
BUT if the day is dry and sunny, wear sandals to visit the churches. As you have to take off and on the shoes like 100 times, it is a good idea to have easily removable shoes. Socks are advised anytime in the churches!