Driving a Car in Ethiopia
The easiest way to get around Ethiopia is by car and it is the most preferred alternative by most tourists on Ethiopia safari holiday. A road trip in a 4×4 drive vehicle exposes visitors to country’s natural endowment thus providing possibility to enjoy a lot more than when you travel by air.
Driving a 4×4 car rental in Ethiopia lets you explore the country’s breathtaking landscapes, unique architecture and vibrant cities. Traveling by car makes it convenient for visitors to explore and experience Ethiopia. The other advantage of using rental car or private car for traveling in Ethiopia is that, it is a flexible means especially if you are interested in sightseeing or in case you want a rental car and driver/chauffeur. However, your Ethiopian trip can be enjoyable and memorable if you observed the motoring rules and regulations. These might vary from those back in your home country.
Is it safer to drive a rental car in Ethiopia?
Safety is key factor tourists on a plan to drive a rental car in Ethiopia should be into consideration. But this can be ensured provided you observe the road and standard safety advice or guidelines.
- Be careful when driving especially on bumps since they are common features.
- Ensure that you drive slowly via towns and villages-be considerate to other road users.
- Do not drive at night.
- Don’t drink and drive.
The road conditions in Ethiopia
Compared to most African states, Ethiopian roads have continuously kept on improving and recently, majority have been developed to their good standard.
When you head to the Southern Ethiopia, most routes have become increasingly vehicle-friendly. Majority can be reached throughout the year.
Unlike some cities, driving in Addis Ababa is easier than ever before because most of its roads have been sealed connecting this beautiful capital city to most of the big towns or cities. Paved surfaces have also increased in most parts of Ethiopia but take note of poor conditions like potholes which you might experience in the remote areas.
Also, keen attention should be put at the back of your mind when driving during the rainy season when heavy rainfall is recorded in the country making most routes slippery.
Ethiopia’s road traffic rules and regulations
Ethiopia like other countries have a list of policies or guidelines to be followed by road users to ensure a smooth road trip and they include;
- Persons above 18 years are considered eligible to drive in Ethiopia.
- Seatbelts should be a must to put on.
- Speed limit in Ethiopia; 50kms/hr in town and village, 97kms/hr elsewhere.
- Driving in Ethiopia is done on the right-hand side of the road.
- Motorcyclists should put on helmets
- No use of mobile phone while driving.
Driving license requirements in Ethiopia
Remarkably, tourists on Ethiopia holiday safari are allowed to use the cars of their choice provided he or she has a valid international license of about 90 days, about 3 months. After, a tourist can get an Ethiopian license. Foreign drivers are required to have a copy of their valid passport, Ethiopian visa, home driving license as these might be asked by the authorities in Ethiopia. Car rental agencies might require you to have a local license if you are hiring a self-drive car rental in Ethiopia and at times, an international driving permit isn’t recognized here.
Obtaining an Ethiopian driving permit
- Ensure you have the national license authenticated at the Ethiopian embassy back in your home country. Find out more about Ethiopian driving permits with the embassy.
- A form should be filled with the Ministry of foreign affairs and you will be required to present 2 current photographs.
- Then you will be given a temporary Ethiopian permit.
Rental cars in Ethiopia
Travel in Ethiopia has been made easier with wide range of comfortable rental cars at Car Rental Ethiopia. Find the best rental car deals and make your journey fun-filled. Our fleet of car hire include Toyota Land Cruisers, Vans, SUVs, Land Cruiser GXL and many more. They can be rented with or without driver for your short-term or long-term projects while in Ethiopia.
