Travelling in Ethiopia with Children

Updated October 2026.

Families travelling in Ethiopia often find that people welcome children warmly. Strangers may smile at them, and restaurant staff may offer to carry a baby. The main difficulties are long drives, altitude, food for selective eaters and limited facilities outside the cities.

Plan a slower trip

Long distances and slow roads can make an adult itinerary exhausting for children. Domestic flights connect Addis Ababa with most tourist towns, so flying between the main sites can shorten the journey. Spend at least two nights in each place and include rest days somewhere with a pool or garden.

Family destinations close to Addis Ababa include:

• Bishoftu, about an hour away, with crater lakes and lakeside resorts.
• Sodere, with hot-spring pools on the Awash River.
• Lake Langano, for a beach-style break in the Rift Valley.

Health for children

• Book a travel clinic appointment for the whole family six to eight weeks ahead. Vaccines, yellow fever certificates and malaria tablets work differently for children. Health and medical care covers the general picture.
• Addis Ababa is at about 2,355 metres. Children usually adjust quickly, but keep the first two days gentle and make sure they drink plenty of water.
• Bring children’s medicines you trust: fever reducer, oral rehydration salts, plasters and sunscreen. Brands differ from home.
• Use insect repellent suitable for children in the lowlands and keep arms and legs covered in the evening.

Food children will eat

Ethiopian food is often spicy, but there are mild options:

• Alicha stews, made with turmeric instead of chilli.
• Tibs (fried meat pieces) without the chilli sauce.
• Ful and scrambled eggs at breakfast, with bread.
• Fresh juice, especially the layered avocado-mango-papaya “spris”.

Pasta is on almost every menu, a legacy of the Italian period, as are pizza and burgers in Addis Ababa. See Ethiopian dishes to try first for what to order.

Activities for children

• Spotting wildlife in the national parks, such as the geladas of the Simien Mountains. See national parks.
• Watching coffee being roasted during a coffee ceremony, where popcorn is often served.
• Parks and green space in Addis Ababa, from Entoto above the city to the parks and museums listed in things to do in Addis Ababa.
• Festivals: the bonfire at Meskel and the colour of Timkat in January.

Practical tips

• Strollers struggle on uneven pavements. A baby carrier is easier.
• Car seats are rarely provided. Bring your own if you will travel by car, and confirm seat belts with your driver or tour company.
• Nappies, wipes and formula are sold in Addis Ababa supermarkets, but bring a supply for travel outside the capital.
• Power cuts happen. Pack a torch and charge devices when you can.
• Photographs. People may ask to photograph your children. The request is usually friendly, but parents can say no.

The before you go checklist covers general trip preparation. The guides for solo and female travellers have more information about transport and accommodation.