Ethiopia: Trams with a stamp!
4. - 6. March 2027
In May 2026, we visited the Addis Ababa tram system for the first time as part of our tram tour across Africa. Beforehand, we didn't know exactly what to expect on the ground. Headlines about fuel shortages, the army on the streets, and so on didn't soiund good - but of course, Africa wouldn't be Africa if everything hadn't turned out to be quite relaxed in the end. However, that sense of ease vanished when it came to photograph the trams: while the country's general security situation is actually calm and relaxed, the mood shifts abruptly around the trams. At least four police officers or soldiers per tram-stop - plus at least two plainclothes ticket inspectors monitor every attempt to take photos, and they intervene immediately.
Oddly enough, the ticket inspectors were often "tougher" and more aggressive than the uniformed personnel, and our photography permit from the tram authority´s GM was challenged at almost every single stop.
Nevertheless, we got some great shots, toured the depot and discussed with the central administration how to improve the photography permit process and communication with security personnel at the stops. We have now found a solution and we will return to visit the Addis trams with a 100% working photography permit. The itinerary is very compact, covering 2.5 days on-site. There are no other excursions or tourist sightseeing trips, if you are interested, I would be happy to arrange individual extension days through the agency.
I would love to hear your feedback, ideas, and suggestions—if you have any proposals for the tram program (things that are "must-sees"), please send me an email!
ITINERARY (as of 30. June 2026)
4. March 2027
Early morning arrival in Addis Ababa, immigration formalities, and transfer to the hotel. Rooms have been pre-booked; after checking in and taking a short break to freshen up, our tram program begins. The Addis Ababa Light Rail is a double-track system spanning 31.6 km. Planned as a typical Chinese investment project, China built the entire system - including the rolling stock, which was based on the tramcars used in Shenyang. Given the non-cost-covering fares, Ethiopia's economic weakness, and inadequate maintenance, it came as little surprise that by 2023, only 17 of the original 41 delivered vehicles remained in service. Although China agreed to supply spare parts, the Ethiopian government and the operating company would have been required to pay for them immediately; consequently, the deal did not go through. Operations have since stabilized somewhat, though this is only possible by cannibalizing the sidelined vehicles.
Dinner and overnight stay in Addis Ababa. Our hotel is centrally located with convenient transport links, situated near a stop on the tram line to Ayat.
Please be sure to note the details regarding flight logistics below! The flight is not included in the tour price; however, I would be happy to book the best connections for you at guaranteed rates.
5. March 2027
During our last visit to Addis, we did some scouting work and noted down the correct doorbells in the buildings alongside the tracks to secure access for shots from a higher perspective. We will spend the entire day focusing on the tram-system; a visit to the Kality depot has been requested. In the evening, we will visit an Ethiopian cuisine speciality restaurant. Overnight stay in Addis Ababa.
6. March 2027
Over the past few days, we have photographed both branches of the network extensively; today, we will cherry-pick the highlights and capture the best scenes of regular operations again. Thanks to our authorization from the tram company´s GM - the famous "paper with the stamp", we can easily set up our cameras anywhere on the network. We return to the hotel for an early dinner. Late in the evening, we transfer to the airport for the flight home from Addis, departing after midnight. Arrival in Europe on 7. March 2027.
PRICES
660 Euro per person for participation in tram-itinerary only (excluding hotels, airport transfers, meals, flights, etc.) ¹
1.270 Euro per person sharing a double room (packaged tour, excluding flights) ² for bookings made by 31. July 2026
1.430 Euro per person sharing a double room (packaged tour, excluding flights) ² for bookings made from 1. August 2026
230 Euro single room supplement ²
60 Euro transfer to the hotel outside designated times (see below) ²
Minimum number of participants: 6; maximum: 16. Registration deadline: 15. December 2026; thereafter, upon request.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel (double room with breakfast) ²
- Single room available for a surcharge ²
- Lunch and dinner as per itinerary ²
- Tram-itinerary and excursions as per tour description ¹ ²
- Depot visits ¹ ²
- Photography permit ¹ ²
- Airport-hotel-airport transfers ²
- Fruit and water on the photo-bus ¹ ²
- Local English-speaking tour-guide ¹ ²
- Tour Manager Peter Patt (German, English, and French speaking) ¹ ²
NOT INCLUDED
Flights to/from Addis Ababa
Visa for Ethiopia
Tips (approx. €10–15 per day/participant)
Personal expenses
Travel insurance (luggage, medical/health, trip cancellation)
FLIGHT LOGISTICS
This tram tour is planned based on flights with Ethiopian Airlines (ET) from Europe to Addis Ababa and back. ET flights from Europe are scheduled to arrive in Addis Ababa around 06:30; a group transfer to the hotel is provided for these arrivals. Other airlines arrive in Addis Ababa earlier, around 23:00 the previous night (3. March 2027). Participants wishing to book a transfer outside of the scheduled group transfer will be charged 60 Euro for a one-way airport-hotel transfer. For the return flight on 7. March 2027, almost all airlines depart Addis Ababa shortly after midnight; therefore, I will organize a group transfer from the hotel to the airport around 22:00 on 6. March 2027. Group transfers are included in the full tour package but are not included if participating in the tram-itinerary only part.
I am happy to book flights based on current rates.
GOOD TO KNOW
For Ethiopia, you need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date (!). You should apply for the required visa online in advance as an "e-visa." Please check the immigration requirements applicable to you.
I expect moderate daytime temperatures around 20°C, plenty of sunshine, and hardly any rain. There is no risk of malaria. Please consult your preferred website for information on vaccination requirements and precautionary measures.
© Images on this page: Peter-H. Patt, Ethiopia Tours.
Tour operator for this tour is Lernidee Erlebnisreisen GmbH, whose terms and conditions can be found here.