Yonas Hagos is a Radio presenter, passionate traveller, and the most travelled Ethiopian on record, he has explored more than 140 countries around the world. As part of one of Ethiopia’s largest radio networks, Ethiopikalink, he hosts a weekly show where he shares stories from his journeys, offering listeners a unique window into the world through the eyes of an Ethiopian traveller.
In this interview, Yonas shares the lessons he’s learned from traveling across more than 60 countries, the challenges of exploring the world on an Ethiopian passport, and the realities of international travel from an Ethiopian perspective.
Yonas, tell us a little about your early life and how your love for travel developed.
My passion for travel stems from my early childhood, where I was constantly engaged with books, newspapers, radio, and television. I had a profound curiosity about the world and its people. Long before the days of email and social media, I explored this interest through world geography, collecting foreign stamps and coins, and writing to pen pals from various countries. This early exposure to the wider world is what ultimately sparked my love for travel.
You are from Ethiopia. Do you see yourself as typically Ethiopian?
Of course, yes. Having spent my whole life here, my entire worldview is built on our shared societal values and traditions. I’ve always had a passion for exploring different corners of our country, which has only deepened my connection to the land and its people. My identity is entirely intertwined with the Ethiopian culture, so I see myself as typically Ethiopian.
And what are some of your favourite places in Ethiopia that our community may not know about?
First is the Ziquala crater lake, which is beautifully peaceful and quite close to the capital Addis Ababa. The second is the Gheralta mountains in Tigray, with their stunning rock churches carved high into the cliffs. They are both spectacular, hidden destinations that I always recommend to anyone looking to experience the beauty of the country.
You are in your mid-40s now. How do you feel you have changed in the last 20 years?
I’ve changed in so many ways over the last 20 years, and travel has been at the very heart of that evolution. The more I see of the world, the more I find myself wanting to explore. My perspective on different cultures and people has shifted in a wonderful way. I’ve realized that the countries you actually visit are often different from how they are portrayed in the media. Travel inspires me to work harder to achieve my dreams of global exploration.
Give us a couple of the travel experiences that have really stayed with you.
Among my travel experiences, two remain particularly unforgettable. The first is a month-long overland road trip from Ethiopia to South Africa with a group of friends—an incredible journey that remains my ultimate travel moment. The second is my trip to Japan, where I witness the rich culture, work ethic, high-tech and incredible hospitality.
And tell us about one memorable personality you met on the road.
Few years ago here in Addis Ababa, I had the honor of meeting an elderly Swiss couple who were traveling the world by road. They actually hold the Guinness World Record for the longest driven journey, having been continuously on the road since 1984.
What blew me away was their profound commitment to this lifelong adventure, their boundless curiosity, and their sharp memory of every single place they had ever visited. Witnessing their endless love for exploration was deeply inspiring and left a lasting impression on me.
Which place or country has surprised you most in a positive way?
Without a doubt, Japan surprised me the most in the most beautiful way. It is a country where ancient, rich culture coexists flawlessly with an ultra-high-tech lifestyle. What truly stood out to me was the profound work ethic of the people and how incredibly welcoming and kind they were to me as a visitor.
Navigating their modern, convenient transportation system was a marvel in itself. Furthermore, as an Ethiopian, discovering and experiencing the deep, historic relations and mutual respect our two countries share added a uniquely meaningful layer to my entire journey.
As an African, do you feel it is easier for you to travel in your continent compared to non-Africans and why?
To be honest, no, it’s definitely not easier. For most Africans, exploring our own continent is a huge challenge, mainly because of visa barriers and the cost of flying. As an Ethiopian, getting a visa for another African country is usually a complicated ordeal.
It’s frustrating to see Westerners get visas on arrival while we have to jump through so many hoops. I’ve actually been denied visas for South Africa, Namibia, and Tunisia in the past, though I eventually made it to South Africa and Namibia on later attempts. Right now, I can’t even apply for a visa to Chad because they require an official invitation, which I’m still trying to find.
Even when you arrive, immigration officers often give African travelers a much harder time than Western tourists. On top of that, intra-African aviation is incredibly expensive. Flying from Addis Ababa to cities like Lusaka, Dar es Salaam, or Bujumbura often costs the same as flying all the way to Rome or Paris. It just doesn’t make sense.
What is your connection to EthiopikaLink and what are the aims of this platform that we can all learn from?
I have been part of EthiopikaLink an entertainment and infotainment radio show since its establishment in 2007. The show focuses on social and current affairs. On Thursdays, I host a dedicated travel segment where I narrate my global journeys, which we also share across our active social media platforms.
What we can all learn from EthiopikaLink is the power of using media to broaden horizons. The show aims to connect our audience with the wider world, foster cultural curiosity, and prove that storytelling can inspire people to pursue their own dreams of exploration and personal growth.
So, what are your travel plans in the next few months?
I’m planning to visit few Caribbean countries in July and some Asian countries in October. I have so many more places I want to see, but as an African traveler, visa barriers always complicate things. I spend a massive chunk of time researching visas, reaching out to embassies, and handling applications. It makes long-term planning almost impossible because I can never be 100% sure where I’ll actually end up, it all comes down to the replies I get from the embassies.
And what do you like most about NomadMania?
I really love how NomadMania brings travelers together. It creates a great sense of connection among people who share the same passion. On top of that, the wealth of information you can get from it is just tremendous. It completely expands your knowledge about the world, introducing you to hidden corners and new travel challenges that keep your passion alive.
Finally, our signature question – if you could invite any four people, from any period in human history, to an imaginary dinner, who would be included on your guest list and why?
Christopher Columbus: Want to ask him about his desire of exploring places, his experiences.
Leonardo Da Vinci: His multi-dimensional knowledge, creativity and pure genius impresses me.
Yidnekachew Tessema: A monumental figure in sports history and the visionary founder and former president of CAF, African football governing body. He was truly everything to Ethiopian and African modern football from the 1950s onward. I would honor the chance to discuss his extraordinary life and his fierce dedication to putting African sports on the global map.
Lionel Messi: A football icon. A living legend. Greatest of All Time.
