Why combine the race with a tour?
One reason we are including a tour package with the Haile Gebrselassie Marathon is to help bring exposure to many of the positive attributes of this often misunderstood country. Ethiopia is definitely a rewarding destination for those with a sense of adventure who like to get off the beaten track. By combining the tour with the marathon, we will not only have a greater economic impact on the country for the short term but will also bring long term benefits as we are confident our runners will return to their homes with glowing reports about Ethiopia.

What will accommodations be like?
Hotels in Addis Ababa are of an international standard. The same is also true in general of the bigger hotels in Hawassa which will be used by tour participants, even if the front-office service standards are not quite as polished as in good hotels in the western world. But rooms, bedding and toilets are clean and hotel staff are generally willing to help and make guests feel comfortable. Hotels in places like Lalibela are also clean but considerably smaller, and do not offer the range of facilities of the bigger hotels in the capital.

Are there enough good hotel rooms for everyone?
Because the tourism infrastructure in Ethiopia is still developing, some of our runners will be aware of a difference in class of hotels we have selected for our tours. True, we don't have enough rooms at premium hotels such as the Haile Resort to accommodate everyone. However, we will make sure all of our guests get at a minimum, a clean, standard room. Please review this website for pictures of the various hotels we have selected. For those not assigned to the premium hotels, we will make extra efforts to ensure the stay at your hotel is an enjoyable one.

Is there Internet and cell phone accessibility?
A number of hotels have rooms or offices set aside for visitors for internet use; a few might also have Wifi facilities. Internet cafes also exist. The one big difference is connectivity speeds which are much slower in Ethiopia. Texting is probably the easiest and most reliable form of mobile communication. Roaming charges in Ethiopia for most foreign providers can be expensive – you will need to check with your own provider. Skype is currently not available.

What is the food like?
Western-style meals – including pasta dishes, lasagna, and pizza – are available at nearly all the hotels and restaurants on the tour and extensive international cuisine is available in the hotels in Addis Ababa and Hawassa. You will also have the opportunity to try Ethiopian fare which is typically more spicy than many western foods. If you like Mexican or Indian, there’s a good chance you might also enjoy Ethiopian! If you have any specific dietary concerns, please contact us directly.