PRICES

Why do trips to Ethiopia cost what they cost?

When you book a trip to Ethiopia, you are usually given one final price. But what is actually included in that price? How much is the car? How much is the hotel? How much are domestic flights, entrance fees, local guides or food?

We believe it is useful to understand these costs.

The prices below are therefore not a fixed price list. They are approximate typical costs that can help you understand how the cost of a trip is built. Actual prices may be different depending on the season, location, route, number of travellers, availability and the type of service.

Our aim is simple: We want you to understand what you are paying for.

1. Domestic flights

Domestic flights are often an important part of travelling around Ethiopia. You can check current prices directly on the official Ethiopian Airlines website: ethiopianairlines.com. Prices depend on the route and date.

A useful discount for international Ethiopian Airlines passengers

If you arrive in Ethiopia on an international flight operated by Ethiopian Airlines, you may be entitled to a special fare for domestic flights. When purchasing the domestic ticket, the system allows you to select: Passenger who arrived by Ethiopian Airlines. The discounted fare is then calculated by the system.

The airline may check your international ticket at the airport. If you used the discounted fare but cannot prove that you arrived in Ethiopia on an Ethiopian Airlines international flight, you can be required to pay the difference. According to our local experience, there is no additional penalty if you are unable to prove that you arrived in Ethiopia on an Ethiopian Airlines flight, for example because you lost your ticket. However, this is entirely your responsibility, and we cannot predict how such a situation will be handled in every individual case. For this reason, we strongly recommend keeping proof of your international Ethiopian Airlines flight — preferably the ticket for the last flight segment — until you have completed all your domestic flights. This is in your own interest.

Example prices: Addis Ababa to Lalibela

For 1 September 2026, the price we found was approximately:

• Regular fare: 23,889 ETB (about $147).

• Ethiopian Airlines international passenger fare: 16,877 ETB (about $104).

This is only an example of the difference between the two fares. Flight prices can change, so please always check the current price for your own date and route on the Ethiopian Airlines website.

Another example: Addis Ababa to Arba Minch

For the same period:

• Regular fare: 24,378 ETB (about $150).

• Discounted fare: 17,040 ETB (about $105).

The examples above show that the discount can make a significant difference to the cost of a trip.

You can also buy your domestic flights yourself

You do not have to ask us to purchase your domestic flights. If you prefer, you can book them yourself directly with Ethiopian Airlines. However, if you choose this option, closer coordination with us will be necessary. The flight schedule must be properly synchronized with airport transfers, accommodation, and the other elements of your itinerary.

For this reason, please let us know your flight details as soon as possible so that we can make sure that all parts of your trip fit together properly.

2. Transportation

A typical cost of a vehicle with a driver is approximately: $50 per day. This is the cost of the vehicle, rather than the cost per person.

The cost is therefore shared by everyone travelling in the vehicle. For example, if six people travel together: $50/6 = about $8 per person per day.

However, it's important to pay attention to local conditions. With poor road conditions (and Ethiopia has a lot of them), the effective speed can be around 30 km/h, which translates to a distance of 200 km even with a six-hour drive. Due to the conditions, overnight transfers are also not possible. Therefore, the recommended way to explore a larger area of ​​the country in a single trip is to fly to a point of interest (e.g., Lalibela, Arba Minch, etc.), then transfer to a car and drive around the area for up to 200 km per day.

The actual cost can vary depending on the route, distance and type of journey.

3. Accomodation

Typical accommodation can range approximately from: $20 to $115 per night. The price depends greatly on the location and standard of accommodation.

In some areas you can find simple local accommodation at a relatively low price. In other places, particularly in larger towns or tourist destinations, a higher-standard hotel can cost considerably more.

Accommodation costs may also depend on the specific route, date, and availability. In some destinations, the number of hotels is limited, and cheaper options may be fully booked. Therefore, it's important to plan your trip well in advance if you want to reduce accommodation costs.

4. Local guide

In places where a local guide is needed or recommended, a typical cost is approximately: $10–20 per day per person.

A local guide knows the area and can explain the local history, culture, and sites you're visiting. In some places, this is mandatory, and you can't simply obtain permits to visit a particular village without a guide.

5. Entry fees

Entrance fees and activity charges can vary considerably.

A typical range is approximately: $10–100.

This can include things such as:

• historical sites and churches,

• villages,

• museums,

• boat trips,

• national parks,

• other attractions and activities.

Costs depend on your travel plans. Tell us what you want to see, and we'll provide you with the costs so you can choose the best option for you.

6. Escort guide

An escort guide is a person who accompanies the tourists from the beginning to the end of the trip. This is different from a local guide, who normally joins you for a particular place or activity.

The typical cost of an escort guide is approximately: $100.

An escort guide may be useful on longer or more complicated journeys, particularly when several different regions and types of transport are involved.

7. Scout

A scout is a person who helps tourists and provides additional security and assistance. Scouts can be particularly useful during trekking, where they may help protect tourists from unwanted attention or harassment and assist with local situations.

A typical cost is approximately: $10.

Whether a scout is necessary depends on the particular route and circumstances.

8. Food and drinks

A typical cost for food and drinks is approximately: $15–20 per person per day. Breakfast is often included in the hotel price.

On many typical tours, travelers pay for their own food and beverages, which are not included in the tour price. They also choose where to eat (e.g., a hotel restaurant or other venue). However, there are places where we must provide and prepare food.

Food may instead be organized as part of the trip in situations such as:

• full-package tours,

• trekking,

• remote expeditions such as the Danakil Depression.

9. Cook

On some remote trips, it is necessary or practical to take a cook with the group. This is particularly relevant for:

• trekking,

• the Danakil Depression,

• other journeys where there may be no restaurants or reliable access to food for several days.

A typical cost is approximately: $15 per day

The cook prepares meals for the group during the expedition.

10. Other expenses

There can also be additional costs depending on the programme.

A typical amount for such additional services may be around: $20. Examples include:

• village tours,

• coffee ceremonies,

• additional assistance,

• night services,

• special programmes,

• other local activities or services.

These are not obligatory costs. They depend on what you choose to do during your journey.

How does the final tour price work?

The final price of a trip is made up of many different elements.

For example: transport + accommodation + flights + guides + entrance fees + food + other services. Some costs depend on the number of days. Some depend on the number of people. Some depend on the places you visit. And some are optional.

We then add our charge for planning, organizing and coordinating the trip.

Our aim is not to hide these elements inside one unexplained price. We want you to see what you are paying for. You can choose how much we organize for you. We can organize the complete trip for you, including transportation, accommodation, domestic flights, guides and other services.

But you can also arrange some elements yourself. For example, you can purchase your own domestic flights directly from Ethiopian Airlines. In that case, those tickets are simply not included in the amount you pay us.

This gives you more control over your trip and can also reduce the total amount you pay to us. Important: these are guide prices. All prices on this page are approximate so you can get an idea of ​​their level. They are intended to give you an idea of the typical costs involved in travelling in Ethiopia, not to provide a fixed quotation.

Prices can change because of:

• season,

• availability,

• location,

• route,

• number of travellers,

• exchange rates,

• changes in local fees and regulations.

When you are planning a particular trip, we will calculate the actual costs for your itinerary.