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Car Rental Ethiopia
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Why rent a car in Ethiopia?
Renting a car in Ethiopia can provide you with the freedom to explore the country on your own terms. Ethiopia is a large country, with a diverse range of attractions, from the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renting a car gives you the opportunity to visit these sites without the need for public transport or guides.
Car rental in Ethiopia is relatively inexpensive and there are many rental companies available. Many companies offer a variety of vehicles to suit different budgets and requirements, and include additional services such as airport transfers and GPS navigation systems. Renting a car is a great way to explore Ethiopia and take in the sights and sounds of the country at your own pace.
What are the best ways to enter Ethiopia?
- By Air - Ethiopia has an international airport in Addis Ababa that connects to many international cities.
- By Land - Ethiopia has land borders with Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, and Kenya.
- By Sea - There are no sea ports in Ethiopia.
- By Train - There are no international train services to Ethiopia.
Top Cities and Places to Visit in Ethiopia
- Addis Ababa – Ethiopia’s capital city is home to some of the country’s most important historical sites and attractions. Visitors can explore the National Museum, which houses the fossilized remains of “Lucy”, the 3.2 million year old hominid. Other attractions include the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Entoto Mountains, and the Mercato, Africa’s largest open-air market.
- Lalibela – Lalibela is a small town in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, and is home to eleven rock-hewn churches, which were built in the 12th and 13th centuries. The churches are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and are some of the most important religious sites in Ethiopia.
- Gondar – Gondar is located in the Amhara region in northern Ethiopia. It was the former capital of Ethiopia, and is home to a number of historical sites, including the 17th century Fasil Ghebbi, a fortress complex. There are also a number of churches and monasteries in the area.
- Bahir Dar – Bahir Dar is a city on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. It is a popular tourist destination, and is home to the Blue Nile Falls, which is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Africa. There are also a number of monasteries on the islands of Lake Tana.
- Axum – Axum is an ancient city in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. It is home to a number of historical sites, including the ruins of the ancient Axumite Empire, and the Church of St. Mary of Zion, which is said to house the Ark of the Covenant.
Other cities worth mentioning in Ethiopia include Harar, Dire Dawa, and Mekele. Each city has its own unique history and culture, and is worth visiting for its own unique attractions.
- Route 1: Addis Ababa to the Blue Nile Gorge - A great route for those who enjoy stunning scenery, this route takes you from the capital city of Addis Ababa to the Blue Nile Gorge, a breathtaking canyon with views of the Blue Nile River.
- Route 2: Bahir Dar to Gondar - This route takes you through the beautiful Simien Mountains and the historic city of Gondar, which is home to many of Ethiopia’s ancient castles and churches.
- Route 3: Harar to Dire Dawa - This route takes you through the historic city of Harar, which is known for its vibrant markets and colorful architecture, and then on to Dire Dawa, a city that is home to a variety of cultures and religions.
- Route 4: Lalibela to Mekele - This route takes you through the historic city of Lalibela, which is home to some of Ethiopia’s most impressive rock-cut churches, and then on to the city of Mekele, which is known for its vibrant markets and bustling nightlife.
These are just some of the many driving routes available for a holiday in Ethiopia. Whether you're looking for stunning scenery, vibrant markets, or ancient churches, Ethiopia has something for everyone.
How are car rental prices in Ethiopia?
Car rental prices in Ethiopia can vary depending on the type of car and the length of the rental period. For example, a small economy car can cost around $50 to $60 a day, while a luxury car can cost up to $100 a day. Prices may also be higher during peak periods such as holidays and weekends.
For longer rentals, there may be discounts available. For example, some car rental companies may offer weekly or monthly discounts. The cost of fuel may also be included in the rental price, so it is important to check with the car rental company to determine if this is the case.
In addition to the cost of the rental, there may be other fees associated with the rental. These can include insurance, taxes, and other surcharges. It is important to ask about these fees before making a reservation, as they can add significantly to the cost of the rental.
Finally, it is important to remember that car rental prices in Ethiopia may be higher than in other countries due to the country's developing economy. This means that it is important to shop around and compare prices to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible.
How can I save money on my car rental in Ethiopia?
- Compare Prices: Compare prices across different rental companies to get the best deal.
- Book in Advance: Book your car rental in advance to take advantage of discounts and special offers.
- Choose the Right Insurance: Choose the right insurance coverage for your rental car to avoid any unexpected costs.
- Opt for Longer Periods: Opt for longer periods of rental to get better discounts.
- Look for Special Offers: Look for special offers and discounts from rental companies to save money.
By following these tips, you can save money on car rental in Ethiopia and get the best deal for your rental car.
General information on driving in Ethiopia?
- Driving License: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for driving in Ethiopia.
- Age Limit: The minimum age for driving in Ethiopia is 18 years.
- Speed Limit: The maximum speed limit in Ethiopia is 60 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h in rural areas.
- Seatbelts: Seatbelts are required for all passengers in Ethiopia.
- Alcohol Limit: The legal limit for alcohol in Ethiopia is 0.08%.
Driving in Ethiopia can be a challenging experience due to the poor roads and lack of infrastructure. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be a safe and enjoyable experience. It is important to remember to bring an International Driving Permit, adhere to the speed limit, wear a seatbelt, and avoid drinking and driving.
What most people know about Ethiopia?
The following questions and answers are a selection of the most popular questions for Ethiopia. If you do not find the answer to your question, have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us.
In Ethiopia, parking is available in most cities, but it can be difficult to find a spot. Most parking is on the street, but there are also some privately owned parking lots and garages. Street parking is usually free, but some cities have a fee for parking in certain areas. In Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, there are a few public parking lots, but they are often full. There are also private parking lots and garages in the city, but they tend to be more expensive than street parking. If you're looking for a place to park in Ethiopia, it's best to plan ahead and research the area before you arrive.
No, there are no toll roads in Ethiopia. The country does not have a system of toll roads or highways. Instead, most roads are maintained by the government and are free to use. The few roads that are privately owned are typically not toll roads.
In Ethiopia, they drive on the right side of the road.
The currency in Ethiopia is the Ethiopian Birr.
The time zone in Ethiopia is Eastern African Time (EAT), which is three hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+3).
- Urban Areas: The speed limit in urban areas is usually 30 km/h (19 mph).
- Highways: The speed limit on highways is usually 80 km/h (50 mph).
- Rural Areas: The speed limit in rural areas is usually 50 km/h (31 mph).
The official spoken language in Ethiopia is Amharic. Amharic is an Afro-Asiatic language of the Semitic branch spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second most spoken Semitic language in the world, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. It is also spoken by some members of the Ethiopian diaspora living in other countries.