Gondar: The Camelot of Africa

• Helloሰላም
  [selam]
• Goodbyeዋላም
  [walam]
• Yesአዎ
  [aw]
• Noአይ
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomeእርሷ እስከ
  [ershu eske]
• Thank youአመሰግናለሁ
  [amesegnalehu]
• Excuse me/Sorryጤና ነኝ
  [tena nay]
• How are you?እንዴት ነህ?
  [endet neh?]
• Fine. And you?አለምን ነበር እና እሷ?
  [alemen neber ena eshu?]
• Do you speak English?እንዴት እንዴት አማርኛ አይደል?
  [endet endet amarinya aydel?]
• I don't understandአላችሁ
  [alachu]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseመኪናውን ይከናናል እባክን
  [mekinan yeknanal ebakn]
• I don't eat meatአልባልኩ ምግብ አይኖት
  [albaliku migib ayenot]
• Cheers!ሰላም!
  [selam!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseእባክን እወራለሁ
  [ebakn eweralehu]

• Help!እንዴት!
  [endet!]
• Go away!እንዴት ለው!
  [endet lew!]
• Call the Police!ፖሊስ አይደሉኝ!
  [polis aydelugn!]
• Call a doctor!የጡም አይደሉኝ!
  [yetum aydelugn!]
• I'm lostአንድ እንዴት
  [and endet]
• I'm illአልቀረለኝ
  [alqerelugn]

• I'd like to buy...እባክን አገባርህ
  [ebakn agabarehu]
• I'm just lookingአንደኛ ቆጠራሁ
  [andegna koterau]
• How much is it?እባክን ስጡህ?
  [ebakn stuh?]
• That's too expensiveእስከ በለይ
  [eske bley]
• Can you lower the price?ቅናት እያለሁ?
  [k'nat eyalehu?]

• What time is it?ሰዓት ነው?
  [sa'at new?]
• It's one o'clockአንዲ ሰዓት ነው
  [and sa'at new]
• Half past (10)ሁለተኛው ሰዓት
  [huletegnaw sa'at]
• Morningጥዋት
  [tiwat]
• Afternoonከፍተኛው ሰዓት
  [kefetegnaw sa'at]
• Eveningማታ
  [mata]
• Yesterdayትናንኛው ቀን
  [t'enagnaw qen]
• Todayዛሬ
  [zar]
• Tomorrowነገ
  [nage]
• 1አንድ
  [and]
• 2ሁለት
  [hulet]
• 3ሶስት
  [sost]
• 4አራት
  [arat]
• 5አምስት
  [amsost]
• 6ስድስት
  [sidost]
• 7ሰባት
  [sebat]
• 8ስምንት
  [sement]
• 9ዘጠኝ
  [zeten]
• 10አስር
  [asir]

• Where's a/the...?በቦኤል ነው?
  [beboel new?]
• What's the address?አገር ብሎኝ?
  [agere blogin?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?መታዘን (ለሚፈልግ)?
  [matzen (lemeferleg)?]
• When's the next (bus)?ቀጣይ ቀንድ ነው?
  [k'atay qend new?]
• A ticket (to ....)ምርጥ ቅድሚ (ግ....)
  [mirti kidmi (ge....)]

Gondar was founded by Emperor Fasilides in 1636. It became the capital of Ethiopia and a significant cultural and political center. The city was strategically located on a trade route and flourished as a hub for commerce and governance.

Fasil Ghebbi is a fortress-city within Gondar, built during the reign of Emperor Fasilides and his successors. It features a series of castles, palaces, churches, and other buildings, showcasing a blend of Ethiopian, Portuguese, and Indian architectural styles. The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Gondar was the epicenter of the Gondarine Kingdom. This period saw the construction of many significant buildings, including the Debre Berhan Selassie Church, known for its ornate ceiling paintings and religious significance.

In 1771, the Battle of Sarbakusa took place near Gondar. Emperor Tekle Haymanot was defeated by Ras Mikael Sehul, a powerful noble who then controlled the city. This event marked a period of political instability and power struggles in the region.

By the late 18th century, Gondar's influence began to wane due to internal conflicts and the rise of other regional powers. The city faced invasions and destruction, leading to its decline as the political capital of Ethiopia.

During the Second Italo-Ethiopian War (1935-1936), Gondar fell under Italian occupation. The Italians built new infrastructure, including roads and buildings, some of which still stand today. Gondar became the last stronghold of Italian forces in Ethiopia until they were defeated in 1941.

Today, Gondar is a vibrant city known for its historical sites, including the Fasil Ghebbi and numerous churches. The city hosts the annual Timkat festival, an important religious event celebrating the Epiphany, drawing visitors from around the world.

Gondar is located in the northwest of Ethiopia. The nearest international airport is Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in the capital city, Addis Ababa. From Addis Ababa, you can take a domestic flight to Gondar Airport (GDQ), which typically takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, there are buses and minibuses (known as 'selam buses' or 'sky buses') that travel between Addis Ababa and Gondar, though the journey by road can take around 10 to 12 hours due to the distance and road conditions.

Gondar is a relatively small city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the city, local taxis (blue and white colored) are readily available and affordable. Bajajs (three-wheeled motorized rickshaws) are also a common and inexpensive means of transport. Public buses and minibuses operate within Gondar and connect to nearby areas. Renting a car with a driver is another option for those who prefer a more comfortable and flexible mode of transportation.

The official currency in Ethiopia is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Gondar, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in larger cities or at the airport to ensure you have enough funds for your stay. Currency exchange services are also available at banks and authorized exchange bureaus.

Gondar is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious of your belongings in crowded places such as markets. While Gondar does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Be cautious in areas around Piazza and the main market, especially after dark.

In case of emergency, the local emergency number in Ethiopia is 911 for police, medical, and fire services. Gondar has a hospital and several clinics that can provide medical assistance. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Keep the contact information of your embassy or consulate handy in case you need further assistance.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Gondar like a local, visit the local markets such as the Gondar Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Ethiopian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure) and the Debre Berhan Selassie Church. For a unique experience, attend the Timkat (Epiphany) festival if you visit in January, which is a major celebration in Gondar with colorful processions and rituals.