Addis Ababa to Bhuj Ethiopian Flights

  About Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and is one of the most important cities in Africa. It is also the largest city in Ethiopia. The city is also considered as the political capital of Africa since it houses the headquarters of the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. It is situated in the foothills of Entoto Mountains and is one of the five highest capital cities of the world. Ethiopia is known for producing the best coffee in the world, and there's nothing better than actually flying to the country to try some. The city has a rich economic, scientific and political history and several museums that showcase these findings. In fact, you will also come across a museum that solely focuses on telling people how politics can make bad history. Not to mention, it is also a great place to go on a shopping spree for Ethiopian products, lots of coffee grounds and souvenirs. While Addis Ababa is not a popular vacation destination, a lot of travellers usually explore the city when they have a long layover. If you do not have any time constraints as such, you can definitely explore the city and be amazed at how it has progressed.

Best Time to Visit Addis Ababa

Ethiopia is called the Cradle of Mankind and is one of the best places to visit in Africa. January to March is a high season in Ethiopia. The temperature ranges from 10 to 24 degree Celsius with slight rainfalls. It doesn't rain as much in Addis Ababa, but it does in the other cities. Summer is the perfect time for you to spot wildlife like giraffes, wolves and ibex. You can also attend events like Timkat and Leddet in summer. Hiking in the Bale or Simien mountains is one of the only things that you will not be allowed to do in summer. Since this is high season, make sure you book your flight tickets to Addis Ababa in advance and book your hotels in Addis Ababa several weeks in advance. The prices begin to surge since the city welcomes a lot of tourists in this season.

April to September is a low tourist season in Addis Ababa since this is when the monsoon begins. The city can get pretty hot, sticky and uncomfortable in monsoon. While you might get cheap flight tickets to Addis Ababa in monsoon owing to the dip in tourism, it is best to postpone your trip. However, if you still visit the city in monsoon, you will be allowed to go sightseeing at certain parks like the Omo and Mago Valley, but the major attractions remain shut. The temperature ranges from 12 to 25 degree Celsius during summer. October to December is also summer in Addis Ababa, and the temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degree Celsius. However, it is still a shoulder season in the city where only a few tourists will be seen. The weather remains cooler as compared to the high season. October to December is also an ideal time to go hiking in the Simien mountains. You might come across some excellent flight deals to Addis Ababa online during the shoulder season. If you plan to visit any time between October and December, ensure that you make the most of this deal. You will also get great discounts at the hotel you will be staying in, or maybe you pick one that comes with a lot of offers.

Places to Visit in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa has a lot of museums that narrate the sad story of its past. The 'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum is one of those museums that will shake you. It recalls the terrible incidents that have taken place in the city and give you a perspective in life. The National Museum is yet another popular tourist attraction that you can visit. St George Cathedral and Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral are few of the other popular spots in the city that you cannot miss. Head over to Merkato if you want to go on a shopping spree. Fair warning: It will be crowded so be prepared for it. You can also visit the Lion of Judah Monument that holds a lot of significant positions in the city. The Derg Monument is a reminder to the people of Addis Ababa about the pain and struggles that they went through during the communist rule. You can also roam around the Addis Ababa University and be amazed at the beautiful campus. You can also climb up the Entoto Mountain and catch the panoramic view of the city from up here. It can get pretty overwhelming. However, make sure that you are hiking up the hill during the right season. It is not safe to hike in the mountains during monsoon. You can also visit the Addis Ababa Museum, which was founded in 1986. The city has a lot of museums and historical landmarks that you cannot miss.

Things to do in Addis Ababa

You can catch the magnificent view of the entire city from Mount Entoto. Hiking in the forest of Eucalyptus trees sure does count as quite an adventure. You can also sign for a sightseeing tour covering all the museums in the city. Mercato is Africa's biggest open-air market, and you will buy everything from handmade baskets to spices at the market. It also has a separate section where shopkeepers sell second-hand items. Head over to Tomoca Coffee for the most refreshing cup of freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee in different flavours. You can also order for Macchiato, which is equally excellent. The Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum is a great place to learn more about Ethiopia's tragic past. If you want to go on a shopping spree for traditional clothes, you can try the Shiro Meda; it is near the US Embassy in Addis Ababa. The restaurants in the city have a very active dance and music scene along with delicious food. Make sure you do try some of that. You can also check out the statue of Emperor Menelik II, who was the founder of Addis Ababa.

Lagar Railway Station is yet another tourist attraction that you cannot miss. It is the first-ever railway station in the city, and its unique architecture is what makes it special. Medhane Alem Church at Bole District is one of the biggest Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Churches, and it is breathtakingly beautiful. Head over to check out the Tiglachin (Dreg) Monument, which stands as a reminder that Ethiopia was victorious over all of its invaders. You can also sign up for a food tour in the city and get to know more about the culinary speciality here.

Food and Restaurants in Addis Ababa

Ethiopian food is known for being spicy, and while it may not be as popular as European or Asian food worldwide, it is worth trying. If you are new to Ethiopian food, your first experience will be out of this world. Addis Ababa has a lot of restaurants that serve traditional Ethiopian food with music and dance. They also have a lot of restaurants that serve other cuisines from all over the world and cannot be missed. Totot is a restaurant that specialises in Ethiopian cuisine. Make sure you order the Kitfo here that melts in your mouth and is quite spicy. The restaurant is packed on weekends so make sure you reach the restaurant early, so you don't have to wait for a long time. Yod Abyssinia is yet another restaurant that reflects the country's food, dance and music culture. The decor of the place is unique, and it is also quite close to the airport. You can order the tibs, Shiro and Doro wat here along with kitfo. The Addis Ababa restaurant in Arada can be a little difficult to find, but it is completely worth it. A lot of locals believe that the food here tastes like homemade food.

How to reach Addis Ababa (Transportation)

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is about 6 km from the city centre. The flight connectivity to Addis Ababa from India is excellent. Ethiopian Airlines has direct flights to Addis Ababa from India. Egyptair, Kenya Airways and Emirates Airline also have flights to Addis Ababa with layovers at Cairo, Nairobi and Dubai. It might be difficult to get cheap flight tickets to Addis Ababa if you book at the last moment. If you book several weeks in advance, you might get exciting flight deals to Addis Ababa online that are worth exploring. It is quite convenient to get a cab or car rental service from the airport to your hotel. However, it is advisable to pre-book your cab online. You can also opt for an airport shuttle service that your hotel might offer. The airport also has premium lounges, restrooms and a lot of other services for the convenience of the passengers. The airport opened its first business class lounge in 2012, and they are also planning to add spas and another lounge soon.

  About Bhuj

The first thing that comes to your mind when you hear Bhuj is the Rann of Kutch. A lot of people stop at Bhuj to get to the White Desert. Bhuj became a popular name after the earthquake in 2001 that killed close to 20,000 people living there. The quake also destroyed most of the buildings and houses in the city. The city in Gujarat is also quite close to Maharashtra. The city saw significant destruction after the earthquake but was rebuilt quite impressively. The city is not a popular holiday destination but is quite close to one. You can also book a hotel in the city and stay here for at least two days before you leave for The Great Rann of Kutch if at all that's your plan. You'll find perfect hotel rooms in the city and very affordable prices. Taking a bus, train or taxi from Bhuj is a very popular route to get to the Rann Utsav.

Apart from the Rann Utsav, the city also boasts of two majestic palaces, the Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal. Both the palaces were partly destroyed after the earthquake, but you can visit what's left of it and admire the sheer royalty of the palace. The palaces are right next to each other, and you will be charged a nominal fee to enter it. While the Aina Mahal boasts of intricate mirror works inside, the Prag Mahal boasts of large pillars in the Darbar and huge chandeliers. It will make you wonder and wish that you had come to visit the palaces before the earthquake.

You can also visit the Kutch Museum, which is one of the oldest museums in Gujarat. You'll find artefacts from the first century, too, in the museum. You'll also find a collection of unique and old coins. Either hire a tour guide who will take you through the artefacts and collections with a narration of the story behind it, or take a tour along and figure things on your own. You can also chill by the Hamirsar lake in Bhuj and watch migratory birds like the Greater Flamingo, Pelicans and much more. You'll have to plan your trip in winter to witness this though. Take a nice long morning walk alongside the lake with a view of the birds. It is definitely a beautiful start to the day.

On the outskirts of Bhuj is the Bhujia Hills, a top-rated tourist attraction here. It is also an apt place to take some outstanding pictures. A scenic view of the city and nature from the hilltop will make you want to spend time over there in solitude, admiring the view around you. Shopping in Bhuj is also one thing that will not leave you disappointed. The city is famous for its jewellery and handicrafts. You can also buy a lot of home decor items.

Best Time to Visit Bhuj

November to March is when Gujarat experiences winter, and it is one of the best times to visit the city. The Rann Utsav usually takes place in February every year, and the city is buzzing with travellers flocking over from around the country and world during this time. The temperature drops to 8 degree Celsius at night and is quite pleasant during the day. Since it is a desert, Bhuj's summers are quite hot, and it is not advisable to travel during this time. Summer lasts from March to May. The city witnesses monsoon from June to September. The heaviest rainfall occurs in July mostly, but the intensity reduces eventually. There are also chances of cyclones in Bhuj during monsoon so avoid travelling to Bhuj during monsoon.

Places to Visit in Bhuj

The Rann Utsav in Kutch is one of the main reasons that people visit Bhuj. Though a lot of tourists mostly just see Bhuj as a pitstop and an easier way to reach Bhuj, it is definitely a city that you must spend at least two days in. The Rann Utsav is also a festival that you must attend at least once in your lifetime. The Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal are two major tourist attractions in the city. Though a major portion of the palaces was destroyed during the earthquake in 2001, the beauty and royalty of the palaces will take your breath away. The intricate mirror work in the Aina Mahal will leave you astonished.

Gujarat is popular for textile, handicrafts and you can visit the Bhujodi village for a fun shopping spree. Bhuj is also famous for silver jewellery, and that's something you can definitely pick up from here as gifts for yourself or your friends. The Bhujia Hill is one of the highlights of the city. You can literally capture a view of the entire city from up the hill, and it makes for a wonderful place to take pictures. You can take a walk along the Hamirsar lake, which has a very serene feel to it. If you are here during winters, you might even spot migratory birds hovering over the lake in the morning. The Mandvi beach must be on your list of places to visit when you are in Bhuj. The beach promises you a scenic sunset and lives up to that promise.

You can also visit the Kutch Museum that is not very far from the palaces. Not only is it one of the oldest museums in the country but it also has artefacts and coins that date back to the first century.

Things to do in Bhuj

You can visit the animal sanctuaries if connecting with the animal lover in you is one of your motives for taking a trip. You can visit the palaces and the museums in the city to treat yourself to exciting facts and stories that the city has to tell. The city boasts of everything that you would want to do on your vacation. While there are usually accommodations available in the Rann Utsav, a lot of people prefer staying in Bhuj. Commuting within the city is quite easy.

If you are spending some time in Bhuj before you leave for the Rann Utsav, make sure you take a camel ride or a camping trip at Mandvi beach. They won't burn a hole in your pocket. You can also opt for boating at the Hamirsar lake if you get tired of walking around the lake and you want to be closer to the water. You can climb the Bhujia Hill fort instead of taking a different mode of transport if you are feeling very adventurous. You can also explore the local markets within the city to go on a shopping spree. The Bhujodi village is another popular place to shop for handicrafts and silver jewellery.

Food and Restaurants in Bhuj

Shankar Vadapav has gained quite a popularity in Bhuj and is a very highly recommended eatery for everyone who is a fan of vada pavs and street food. Sankalp and Jesal and two other restaurants that are quite famous in the city. Sankalp's menu has a lot of South Indian dishes, but you'll also find Gujarati food if that's what you are craving for. Jesal is known for serving North Indian food along with Indo-Chinese and western dishes that a lot of people might prefer. You'll also get traditional Gujarati thalis at Green Rock restaurant along with other varieties of cuisines. You can also stop at Saffron if you are craving some good Mughlai food. The mix grill platter is a highly recommended dish if you do stop by Mughlai. It also has a variety of options for tandoor and paneer.

How to Reach Bhuj (Transportation)

By Air

The nearest domestic airport is the Bhuj airport. The nearest international airport is Ahmedabad airport. The flight connectivity to and from Ahmedabad is quite frequent. Though the international routes do not connect to Bhuj airport directly, the domestic routes from Bhuj connect with major metropolitan cities. You can book flight tickets online and might even find really good flight deals and cheap flight tickets if you are lucky. You will easily find a cab or rickshaw to hire to reach the city from the airport. This is considered to be the most convenient way to travel since the other modes of transport can be a tad bit time-consuming.

By Rail

Bhuj railway station is only 1 km away from the city and is well-connected to most metropolitan neighbouring towns and cities. Trains to and from Ahmedabad to Bhuj are quite frequent, too. The train journey is also quite comfortable and hassle-free. Getting a taxi or a rickshaw from outside the station is not very difficult.

By Road

From government-run buses to air-conditioned Volvo buses, you'll find a lot of options to choose from if you opt to travel by road. The frequency is also quite good, and it's a convenient way to get to Bhuj or to leave from there. Popular bus routes are from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Vadodara, Indore and a couple of more cities.

  About Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines, which was formerly known as Ethiopian Air Lines (EAL) is also referred to as Ethiopian. The airline is the country Ethiopia's flag carrier and is completely owned by the government. Ethiopian Airlines was founded in 1945 while the flight operations commenced later in 1946. The airlines finally expanded its international flights operations in 1951. originally started as a government venture, the firm was converted to share company in 1965, when the name changed from Ethiopian Air Lines to Ethiopian Airlines. Since 1959, the airline has become a member of the International Air Transport Association. It also became part of the African Airlines Association from 1968. The airline is also part of the Star Alliance carrier, which happened in 2011. Ethiopian Airlines' hub is in Addis Ababa with its headquarters at Bole International Airport, also located in the city. The airline offers a network of 125 passenger destination, with 20 of them in domestic and 44 international destinations. Along with Addis Ababa, the airline's secondary hubs are in Togo and Mawali.

The management of Ethiopian Airlines is working towards extending its head office from Addis Ababa to a newer facility. With a view to involving more firms in designing and constructing a better building, a contest was also held in 2009. However, the plans failed to launch and led to the second round of the contest, which took place in 2011. Eventually, BET Architect PIc won the contest and contract to construct the new headquarters. An estimated Br300 million worth complex is slated to be constructed on 540,000 sq ft plot at the Bole International Airport. The project hasn't taken off due to the legal suit that the company in the fourth place has stated. The company has accused the airlines of not providing due consideration to the design proposed by them. The airline is recognised worldwide as the 4th largest with respect to connecting to a slew of countries.

As of 2017, Ethiopian Airlines has Tewolde Gebremariam as the new CEO, who replaced Girma Wake in 2011. The Government of Ethiopia has shown no involvement in the airline's functioning, including in times of significant turmoil as well as some domestic hardships. The main aim of the government of Ethiopia is to enhance the efficiency of the airline with respect to customer service and enable it to match up to global standards. The airline has been recognised tremendously for its expansion and excellence. In fact, Ethiopian Airlines was also featured on The Economist in late 1987 when economist Paul B. Henze called it as one of the most reliable and profitable aviation ventures in the Third World countries. It continues to wear the crown of most profitable ventures that have been praised by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

The fleet size of Ethiopian Airlines

As of 2020, the fleet size of Ethiopian Airlines is 125 with 14 Airbus A350-900 and 18 Boeing 737-800. In 2005, the airlines signed the agreement to purchase about ten Boeing 787 Dreamliners. With this move, it became the first African carrier to have so many 787s in their fleet. The carrier became the first African airline to order and operate the massive Boeing 777-200LR and took possession of the same in 2010. For its long-range passenger services, the airlines have 14 Airbus A350-900XWB, 19 Boeing B787-8, six Boeing B787-9, four Boeing B777-300ER, six Boeing B777-200LR and six Boeing B767-300ER. With respect to medium-range passenger services, the operating fleet includes 18 Boeing B737-800, four Boeing B737 MAX (Grounded) and ten Boeing B737-700NG. For regional passenger services, it has 27 Q400 Bombardier and for Cargo and non-scheduled services include 10 Boeing B777-200LRF and two Boeing B737-800F.

In 2016, Ethiopian Airlines acquired its first Airbus A350 XWB. Later in 2017, the airline also announced to add ten Airbus A350-900s and also committed to purchasing two Boeing 777 aircraft. In the same year, the airline received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, becoming the first airline in Africa to operate the said type of aircraft. In 2018, Ethiopian Airlines also signed an agreement to lease two Boeing 737-800SF freighters. The airline further repeated their order for a Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft. Additionally, the airlines also ordered ten Q400s in a deal that is worth about USD332 million. In the same year, after the addition of a Boeing 787-9, Ethiopian Airlines created history by crossing the 100th aircraft mark. It became the first airline in Africa to manage and operate over 100 flights as part of the fleet expansion.

Baggage Allowance

Ethiopian Airlines' baggage allowance differs from the cabin that you fly in. With respect to business class, the airlines allow two pieces of baggage, each weighing about 7 kgs and not more. If you do have extra baggage that exceeds the said weight, you will need to pay some fee for it. With respect to economy class, the passenger is allowed to carry one piece of the bag with a weight of 7 kgs, free of cost. The passenger is also allowed to carry a smaller bag that fits the placement in the overhead rack as well as the space under the seat. The dimensions for the same should not exceed 23 x 40 x 55 cm. Along with the stated baggage, the passengers are also allowed to carry specific carryon luggage that should not exceed 5 kg. These items could include a lady handbag with contents such as a purse, pocket book, travelling dress, etc. A laptop is also allowed as is an overcoat, a blanket, a small camera, a decent amount of reading material, duty-free items, food consumption items for infants, a pair of binoculars and more. Additionally, wheelchairs and crutches are also allowed within the aircraft cabin for individuals suffering from mobility issues.

In terms of check-in baggage, the restricted weight per single luggage comes to 32 kg for business class and 23 kg for economy class. This is applicable to all the flights that are Atlantic-bound. Beyond the said weight will not be accepted at the check-in counter. There are some alterations with respect to flying to North America and Canada. It is recommended that the passenger goes through the official website of the Ethiopian Airlines to know more about the baggage allowance and restrictions.

In-flight services

Ethiopian Airlines supports two-class, Cloud Nine and Economy Class.

Cloud 9 (Business class) - The business class comes with a slew of in-flight services in Ethiopian Airlines as well as some amazing perks. The cabin has additional baggage allowance along with access to the C9 lounge. In fact, passengers flying business class on Ethiopian Airlines also have priority boarding facilities. For short-haul flights, the in-flight services include an array of international cuisine with a cocktail or wine as complimentary. The passengers also get to taste the traditional Ethiopian coffee. Long-haul business class passengers get to experience exquisite hospitality with a welcome drink and elaborate in-flight services. The recliner chairs are comfortable, the leg room is spacious, and the cabin crew is always at your service. Personal entertainment decks are also available for the passengers.

Economy class - The economy class has stricter rules in terms of in-flight services in Ethiopian Airlines. The hospitality remains topnotch while the services include personal entertainment decks attached to every passenger's seat. This is accompanied by a spread of lovely meals prepared by high-quality chefs, comfortable chairs and a wide selection of wine and other alcoholic beverages.

Popular routes and top cities for Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines has the best connectivity with domestic routes within the African continent. However, over the years, the airlines have expanded their horizons to accommodate flights to connect to a slew of international destinations. The most popular routes for Ethiopian Airlines include Washington, Nairobi, Frankfurt, Dubai and Asmara. Simultaneously, the passenger traffic received by the airlines to reach destinations, namely, London, Jeddah, Chicago, Beirut and Johannesburg, is also quite high. These easily become the top cities to travel for Ethiopian Airlines.

Why travel by Ethiopian Airlines?

Ethiopian Airlines has found a reputation to be one of the fast-growing airlines in the global aviation industry. The airlines have consistently been acquiring many large aircraft and accommodated the same in its hub airport in Addis Ababa. With the range of domestic routes and international routes offered by Ethiopian Airlines, the connectivity is excellent. Not to mention how booking Ethiopian Airlines flights are also quite easy and convenient. You can check for the flight schedule on their website as well as download the app on the phone to know more about the flight status and more. You can further do your web check-in on Ethiopian Airlines' website or app to make travelling easier. The flight tickets offered by the airlines are also quite cheap and affordable, giving it more reason to be picked over its contemporaries. It can be found on all travel portals and platforms. Not to mention how it is the most ideal airline to pick when travelling to European countries or around Africa.