Ethiopian Mission Trip

Ethiopia Information

Population

Ethiopia: around 139 million people

Language

Ethiopia: Has over 80 distinct languages, with Amharic serving as the most widely spoken language
Healthy Heart Workers: Most of our workers speak Afaan Oromoo

Religions

Christianity (67%) Islam (31%)

Climate

During the fall months, Ethiopia experiences pleasant, transitionary weather as the heavy summer rainy season ends and the dry season begins. The highlands of Ethiopia is where most of our traveling will be. The daytime highs range from a comfortable 67°F to 71°F (19°C to 22°C), while nights are cool and drop to around 48°F to 54°F (9°C to 12°C).
September still sees some lingering showers, but October and November mark the start of the dry season with clear, sunny days.

Currency

The currency unit is the Ethiopian Birr. Money can be exchanged at various locations outside the airport where the rates are typically better. For the best exchange rate, use crisp $100 bills. Smaller bills can be exchanged, however the rate will not be as good.

Power

Electrical outlet types: Type C and F
Voltage: 220 V – 230 V
Frequency: 50 Hz

US appliances operate on 120V, so you will need a voltage converter unless your devices are dual-voltage (like most phone and laptop chargers).

Time Zone

East Africa Time, which is UTC-3. This means the county is three hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Ethiopia does NOT observe Daylight Saving Time.

Food and Water

Never drink tap water in the Ethiopia; stick strictly to commercially sealed bottled water, and ensure the bottle’s seal is intact. Eat only freshly cooked, piping-hot food and avoid raw salads, pre-cut fruits, and drinks with ice, as these are often washed or made with contaminated local water. Avoid eating street foods.

Volunteers Needed

5-10 medical professionals (nurses, doctors, physical therapists, etc.) or teachers

Travel Information

Ultimate Mission will arrange all of your flights, including both international and in-country travel. Once your international flights have been selected, we will send you the itinerary to review and verify that all information is correct. After your approval, Butler Travel will charge the card you provided for the cost of your international airfare.

If in-country flights are needed, they will be arranged at a later date. Once those tickets have been purchased, you will receive a separate invoice for the cost.

Entry Requirements

U.S. Citizens: A U.S. Passport valid for at least 6 months, with at least 1 blank page; A visa is not required.
Other Countries: Please check the entry requirements for your specific country.
Visas: Visas can be applied for online. When you are ready to apply, please contact us at office@ultimatemission.org for the lodging and local contact information needed for your application.
Make sure you use this official website: https://www.evisa.gov.et/
If you are not a US Citizen, please check the entry requirements for your specific country.

Accommodation and Meals:

• Ultimate Mission strives to provide safe, comfortable accommodations at a reasonable cost. While mission trips require flexibility and a willingness to adapt, we do our best to provide a secure environment and a comfortable place to rest and recharge each day.

• Accommodations will be at a local hotel (TBD). We will share the final details during our Zoom meetings, including hotel amenities, etc.

• Participants will have their own room.

• Local transportation is provided to and from the airport and all trip destinations.

• Three vegetarian meals are provided each day. Due to local availability, fully vegan meals may not always be possible, but vegan options are often available, and we do our best to accommodate both. On travel days, we may be on the road during regular mealtimes. We will make every effort to stop for meals at a reasonable time, but we recommend keeping a few snacks with you in case our schedule or location makes stopping difficult.

• We are unable to accommodate gluten-free or other similar needs. It is often difficult to obtain these items in other countries. However, the food is usually fresh and simple, so those challenges are not as typical as they are in more developed countries. You are welcome to bring any food items that will meet your needs while there. We encourage you to bring a variety of snacks such as crackers, granola bars, peanut butter, etc. No fresh produce may be brought into any country from another country, although fresh fruit and vegetables are in abundance locally. Be sure to pack any liquid items above 3 oz in your checked baggage.

• Any food purchases outside of the three provided meals are the participant’s responsibility.

• Laundry services are available at most hotels for a fee.

• If you plan to arrive early or stay longer, you are responsible for making all of your hotel and transportation arrangements.

• Other details will be shared during scheduled Zoom meetings. We will have at least 1 Zoom meeting before departure. As the time approaches, we will email you with dates and instructions.

Medical Requirements

Check online for the recommended vaccines and medicine list and consider visiting your doctor 4-6 weeks before the trip for any further medical advice you need. The CDC can provide helpful information and recommendations. Each recommendation is a personal choice at the discretion of the individual. Participants should consult with their personal physician and make responsible decisions. Ultimate Mission is not responsible for the results of any personal medical decisions.

Registration and Payments

Please register for the trip by July 1, 2027. After completing your registration, you will receive a follow-up email with additional trip information.

Once your flight itinerary has been arranged, we will send it to you for review before purchasing the tickets. This gives you an opportunity to verify that your name, dates, and other details are correct. After the tickets are purchased, you will receive your final itinerary along with an invoice for the airfare. Airfare needs to be made directly through Butler Travel at time of purchase.

The remaining $1,500 trip balance is due by day of travel. If extenuating circumstances make it difficult to meet either payment deadline, or if you have any questions, please contact our office.

Cancellation Policy

If the participant cancels before we have paid for the accommodations, internal flights (where applicable), and travel insurance, we give a full refund of the $1500.