AFRICA FOR THE AFRICANS
PRESENTS
ETHIOPIA & TANZANIA ROOTS TOUR
November 16 - 29, 2018
DEPARTURE & REMINDER LIST OF EVERYTHING FOR ETHIOPIA & TANZANIA NOV 2018
1. All of the Ethiopia & Tanzania Nov 2018 documentation can be found on our website link below or from the main menu of our website.
2. Gratuities: Prior to departure Africa for the Africans will collect tips for hospitality services that will be provided in Ethiopia. This amount is based off the numbers of confirmed tour participants. This will serve as a separate charge for the tour and will be collected on the departure date upon arrival at Atlanta or Amsterdam Airport. (Total Per Person is $50). This will allow us to expedite services. You can give additional tips to anyone who gives you great services or whoever you choose. This is basic tips for all AFTA Ethiopia staff including drivers, Guides at all sites, Hotel staff and Entertainment. All other services that may be provided on this tour are a tip if you choose situation based on the services you get.
3. When you visit do not come with a romanticized notion about Ethiopia/ Africa or you will be disappointed and unnecessarily frustrated. Come with open eyes and an open mind, knowing that Ethiopia is a developing nation. There is much to do and we can be a positive contributory part of it. Keep in mind that Ethiopia / Africa is not America or Europe nor do we want it to be. We are Mother Africa’s children returning home and we want to be part of Mother Africa’s growth and development.
4. Ethiopia Airlines E-ticket: To login go to www.ethiopianairlines.com then click on My booking then enter your name and confirmation # to access your flight info, change seats, add special services, add frequent flyer number, e-mail address, emergency contacts and more. Print ticket and put with your passport. If you have any issues with accessing your ticket or see incorrect details on your flight itinerary or have questions in general please contact us ASAP. Note this access to your ticket is only available 45 days before your flight departure date when tickets are paid in full.
5. Make sure you secure your personal documents including passport, ticket etc. (Scan a copy of these documents, save on your e-mail and leave a copy with family).Keep a copy of your passport at all times and leave the original in your rooms secured in your luggage.
6. Please verify all travel documents and have them secured for your travel date.
7. Arrive at the Airport 2-3 hours to give yourself enough time to check in, go through security and get on the flight.
8. Check Baggage: 2 check in bags each with a 50 pound limit per bag on international flights. Make sure your bags are secured with a lock and name tag. Verify all labelling of bags direct to ADD for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Put your bag receipt with your passport and ticket. Ethiopian Airlines charges $100 for overweight and $200 for an additional checked bag. No bags are allowed over 70 pounds.
9. Carry-on Baggage: You may carry on one bag and one personal item at no charge. Please note that all items must easily fit into the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
10. When packing luggage remember that less is better. You will want to purchase clothing and artifacts to bring back.
11. Bring comfortable walking or hiking footwear for the various terrain that we will be around on tour.
12. Bring any school supplies you can to donate to the children in Ethiopia; this includes books, bags, paper, pencils, calculators, clothing etc. We are also collecting black doll babies for the young children at the schools and orphanage.
13. Meet and greet 9:30 AM at departure gate at International Terminal at Washington-Dulles Airport. Flight departs at 11 AM on Ethiopian Airlines flight # ET 501 to Ethiopia, East Africa and arrive at 7.15 AM the next day.
14. Bring any necessary medicine that you might need.
15. Camera/ Camcorder: bring extra film or memory card and rechargeable batteries. If you have electronics bring a converter, foreign adapters and an extension cord.
16. Travel Iron, Alarm clock, plastic bags, compact umbrella, waterproof poncho and other convenient accessories.
17. Mosquito spray or repellant or Citronella oil which is an excellent insect repellent. (Avoid wearing scented lotions or oils, mosquitoes like sweet scents). Note most of these sprays have dangerous chemicals so do your research for the safest things to use.
18. Calculator for basic things like currency exchange. Ethiopian Birr exchange rate is $1 = 23 Birr. Bring big bills $50s & $100s to get the best exchange rate for your money.
19. Bring as much cash as you think you will need $400-$800. Bring a Visa card to access the ATMs. Master Cards are not recommended because of the lack of ATMs that take them. Note: Make sure you call your bank for that card and let them make a note that you will be using your bank card to access international currency. This will prevent your account from being locked and save you time from calling your bank from Africa and getting them to unfreeze your account. If you fail to make the call your card might stop working the second time when you try to use it.
20. The weather is going to be in the low 70’s to mid-80 like Jamaica. Bring light clothing; sandals, shorts, walking shoes, sundress, tank tops, swimwear etc. Casual/ African clothing for certain night life and evening events like business network/ conference, welcome and farewell dinners.
21. No photo taking allowed at Airports, state office buildings, and other government facilities. Your film will be confiscated and you could be arrested.
22. AFTA Tours does not offer travel insurance but it can be purchased from an independent insurer. Passport Health is one of the companies that have locations in different parts of the United States that offers travel and health services. Few of our group members from the Atlanta area have used their services. www.passporthealthusa.com
23. Toiletries including toilet tissue, soaps, feminine napkins, wet wipes, facial tissues wash cloth, beach towel, laundry soap etc.
24. Ethiopians are very friendly! However, be wary of people who just want to make quick money off you and make promises they cannot keep. You should know as much as possible about the people you are planning to do business with.
25. Games for leisure time, social gathering and tournaments including deck of cards, Dominoes, Chess, general board games etc.
26. Emergency things: Flash light, basic first aid kit, laxative, Pepto Bismal, Decongestants, Anti Diarrhea, Dramamine, any related emergency medicine or materials. Note: these medicines are not all natural; do your research for the safest and healthiest things to bring.
27. Please focus on enjoying yourself and accomplishing your mission. Do not get distracted by others or get caught up in complaining. This is an experience that will have its ups and downs; it’s a part of your introduction to Ethiopia /Africa. We recommend you go with the flow and enjoy your time in paradise around the wonderful itinerary that we have put together on this Journey of a Lifetime.
28. Remember to have your yellow fever card or waiver to present at the point of entry in Ethiopia before you get to customs to avoid any delay.
29. When you get to baggage claim in Ethiopia, get your own free cart and put only your bags on it. Make sure you have your checked bag receipts from when you check your bags. These numbers need to match the ones on your bags to show during your final airport exit. Do not let anyone else push your cart while proceeding to the bus. Once we are ready we will exit the airport together and get on our bus to the hotel.
30. Bring anything you need for meditation or symbolism if you need to make homage to the ancestors or a family member to make certain moments special.
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