Ethiopia without a doubt was one of the most unique, raw, and visceral experiences I’ve ever had travelling. It’s the kind of trip that honestly changes you. It’s hard to put into words all the emotions that I felt throughout the 8 days and as much as I wanted to put everything in writing, I knew I wouldn’t be able to do it justice without showing you first hand what Ethiopia was like through my eyes. This captures everything we did during our 9 day itinerary in Ethiopia and the Omo Valley.
Watch the highlights from my trip to Ethiopia and the Omo Valley
How did I film my experience in Ethiopia?
Every trip, I’m always weighing the options. What camera gear do I bring? Should I do video? Do I need accessories? For this one, I knew I wanted to bring my full complement of micro four thirds lenses and my trusty Olympus OM-D E-M1. The expectation for photos was high but video was going to be a toss up of whether I’d have time and would I be able to juggle it all. Not wanting to miss out the opportunity to share my story, I throw my GoPro Hero 4 Silver on an extension pole into the bag. If I’m to be honest, I had no real plan of what I was going to film.
I winged it. All I did was press record.
Over these past few days, I’ve been able to go through all of the footage. Combing through each clip second by second, it’s been incredible re-living the whole experience. In linear fast-forward fashion, it documents my entire trip through Ethiopia and highlights some of the most magical moments.
It should give you shivers. It should get you curious. It should also beg questions to be asked.
For those answers…well…you’re just going to have to keep reading!
Read more about Ethiopia
- Detailed Ethiopia 9 day itinerary to the Omo Valley
- The Ethiopia Omo Valley trip planning guide
- An inside look into the Donga stick fighting tournament
- The many faces of Omo Valley
- Donga stick fighting tournament
Where to stay in Addis Ababa?
- The start and end of your trip is going to include Addis Ababa. The best property in the city has to be the Hilton Addis Ababa which is super safe, comfortable rooms, great service, and in a central location.
Travel Resources For Your Next Trip
If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.
Credit Cards
Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.
Flights
In our opinion, of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check.
Car Rental
If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and Booking’s car rental platform are great places to start.
Rideshare
You probably already have accounts but if you don’t, for new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code cbh4j6plxt8p for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.
Airport Parking
You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.
eSIM
eSIM: This is our go-to way of staying connected. Below are the discounts we have acquired for our readers.
- AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
- Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
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- AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
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Make sure to read our article on breaking down the cheapest eSIMs for travel to learn more.
Wifi Hotspot
We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.
Hotels
Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.
Tours and Activities
When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.
Travel Insurance
Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.
- HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 5% discount!
- RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
- SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
- Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
- InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.
Check Out Our Toolbox
If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.
Love the video!! Would love to see Ethiopia one day, it looks like such an authentic destination!!
Beautiful Ethiopia, such a magical place!
It really is! You can’t get an experience like this anywhere else in the world.