Gambela, Ethiopia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Gambela, Ethiopia? If you're planning to go to Gambela, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Gambela, Ethiopia

Based on the climate and weather in Gambela, Ethiopia, the best time to go is December. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Gambela, Ethiopia

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Gambela, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Gambela, Ethiopia by month

January

If you are traveling to Gambela in January, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gambela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Take care to find the right kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

If you are traveling to Gambela in February, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gambela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Be sure to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

March

Traveling to Gambela in March, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Expect it to rain once in a while. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gambela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Ensure that you pick the right type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

April in this region is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gambela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Ensure that you find the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

May

May in this region is extremely hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gambela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Make sure to find the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

June

June for Gambela can be very hot. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gambela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Ensure that you pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

July

July in this region is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gambela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Be careful to choose the correct type. Many adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

August

Traveling to Gambela in August, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gambela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Make sure to pick the right kind. Most adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gambela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Check that you pick the correct type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

If you are traveling to Gambela in October, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Expect it to rain occasionally. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gambela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

If you are traveling to Gambela in November, you will notice that it is consistently hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gambela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Be sure to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

December

If you go to Gambela in December, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Ethiopia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gambela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. It's important that you pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

What to do in Gambela, Ethiopia

Gambela is a scenic and culturally rich region located in southwestern Ethiopia, bordering South Sudan. This region is home to various ethnic groups and offers a range of cultural experiences and natural attractions. From scenic waterfalls to wildlife sanctuaries, here are the top tourist attractions in Gambela, Ethiopia.

1. Gambela National Park

The Gambela National Park is a wildlife reserve that is home to various species of animals, including elephants, buffalos, hyenas, and numerous bird species. The national park is situated along the banks of the Baro River and covers an area of about 5,061 square kilometers. Visitors can take guided tours and explore the park's wildlife, natural beauty, and diverse ecosystem.

2. Koka Falls

The Koka Falls are a natural wonder situated in the heart of Gambela, offering spectacular views over the surrounding landscape. The falls cascade over a rocky cliff and form a pool at the base. Visitors can take refreshing dips in the pool or explore the surrounding lush forest.

3. Anuak Cultural Village

The Anuak Cultural Village is a living museum that showcases the traditional lifestyles, customs, and traditions of the Anuak, one of the major ethnic groups in Gambela. Visitors can interact with the friendly and welcoming locals, watch traditional dances and ceremonies, and learn about the group's cultural heritage.

4. Gambela Market

The Gambela Market is located in the heart of the city and is a bustling marketplace where visitors can browse and shop for local goods and handicrafts. The market offers everything from fresh produce and spices to handmade jewelry and clothing.

5. Gambela Stadium

Gambela Stadium is a modern sports facility and home to the Gambela FC football team. Visitors can attend local games and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ethiopian football culture.

In conclusion, Gambela is an excellent destination to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Ethiopia. Whether you're interested in wildlife or cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in this unique and fascinating region. Plan your trip today and explore the top tourist attractions in Gambela, Ethiopia.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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