Gondar, Ethiopia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Gondar, Ethiopia? If you're planning to go to Gondar, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Gondar, Ethiopia

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

What to wear/what to pack for Gondar, Ethiopia

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January in this region dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel 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.

  • 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 Gondar may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Take care to find the necessary kind. Many adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

If you intend to see the majestic Debre Birhan Selassie Church, it's important to wear modest clothing:

February

Traveling to Gondar in February, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel 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 Gondar 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 things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Be sure to choose the right kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

If you intend to see the majestic Debre Birhan Selassie Church, it's important to wear modest clothing:

March

If you go to Gondar 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 low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel 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 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 Gondar may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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 pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you intend to see the majestic Debre Birhan Selassie Church, it's important to wear modest clothing:

April

April in this region is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel 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 always losing luggage recently, 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 Gondar may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties 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

If you intend to see the majestic Debre Birhan Selassie Church, it's important to wear modest clothing:

May

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

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel 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 Gondar may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Make sure to choose the right type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you intend to see the majestic Debre Birhan Selassie Church, it's important to wear modest clothing:

June

June for Gondar is warm. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, 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 Gondar may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Take care to find the correct kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you intend to see the majestic Debre Birhan Selassie Church, it's important to wear modest clothing:

July

July in Gondar is balmy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel 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 airlines frequently losing luggage 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 Gondar may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Take care to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you intend to see the majestic Debre Birhan Selassie Church, it's important to wear modest clothing:

August

August here is balmy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gondar 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 excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Check that you get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you intend to see the majestic Debre Birhan Selassie Church, it's important to wear modest clothing:

September

If you go to Gondar in September, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel 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 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 Gondar 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 things.

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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Make sure to find the necessary type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

If you intend to see the majestic Debre Birhan Selassie Church, it's important to wear modest clothing:

October

If you are traveling to Gondar in October, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain once in a while. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of 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 Gondar 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 careful to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

If you intend to see the majestic Debre Birhan Selassie Church, it's important to wear modest clothing:

November

If you go to Gondar in November, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel 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 Gondar may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, 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

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite 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 sure to get the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • 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

If you intend to see the majestic Debre Birhan Selassie Church, it's important to wear modest clothing:

December

If you are traveling to Gondar in December, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Ethiopia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: 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 Gondar 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 stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and G. Check that you get the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

If you intend to see the majestic Debre Birhan Selassie Church, it's important to wear modest clothing:

What to do in Gondar, Ethiopia

Located in northern Ethiopia, Gondar is a beautiful and historical city that served as the capital of Ethiopia during the 17th and 18th century. This charming city is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful landscapes, and fascinating history. There are many tourist attractions in Gondar, Ethiopia, and we've picked some of the top ones to help you plan your trip.

1. Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure)

Fasil Ghebbi or Royal Enclosure is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Gondar. It was the residence of the emperors during the Gondarine dynasty and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the castle ruins, churches, and beautiful gardens with an entrance fee of 200 Ethiopian birr ($5 USD).

2. Debre Berhan Selassie Church

Debre Berhan Selassie Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Ethiopia, located in the center of Gondar. The church has a unique architecture with colorful frescoes and murals covering the walls and ceilings. Visitors are allowed to take pictures outside but not inside the church. The entrance fee is 150 Ethiopian birr ($4 USD).

3. Qusquam Complex

Qusquam complex or Kuskuam is a group of ancient buildings located about six kilometers from the center of Gondar. It consists of a palace, a village, a dam, and a swimming pool built by Emperor Fasilides. You can take a guided tour to explore the area and learn about the history of the complex.

4. Ras Dashen Mountain Trekking

Ras Dashen Mountain is the highest peak in Ethiopia and the fourth highest in Africa, located in the Simien Mountains National Park. Trekking to the top of Ras Dashen is a difficult but rewarding experience that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. You can hire a guide and plan your trekking adventure from Gondar.

5. Falasha Village

Falasha Village is a Jewish village located near Gondar, known for its unique history and culture. The village was once home to the ancient Ethiopian Jewish community, who were known as Falashas. Visitors can explore the village and learn about the Jewish traditions and way of life that still exist there.

6. Fasilides Bath

Fasilides Bath or Fasilidas' pool is a rectangular swimming pool located near the Royal Enclosure. It was built by Emperor Fasilides and is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies and bathing during the Timkat festival. The entrance fee is 100 Ethiopian birr ($3 USD).

In conclusion, Gondar is a city that offers fascinating history, unique culture, and stunning landscapes. The tourist attractions in Gondar, Ethiopia are numerous, and there's something for everyone. Make sure to visit the top tourist attractions mentioned above to get a taste of what this beautiful city has to offer.

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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