Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»Taxis operate in many of the larger towns, including Addis Ababa. Prices are reasonable,
but foreigners as well as well-heeled Ethiopians are always charged more for 'contract
services'. Ask your hotel for a fare estimate.
» Bajajs (motorised rickshaws) are common in many towns; a seat in a shared bajaj across
town shouldn't cost more than Birr2. Hiring the vehicle for you alone will cost about Bir-
r10 for the same trip.
» Garis (horse-drawn carts) are more often used for transporting goods than people
nowadays.
TAXI TERMINOLOGY
In the towns, villages and countryside of Ethiopia taxis offer two kinds of service: 'contract taxis' and 'share-tax-
is'. Share-taxis ply fixed routes, stop and pick people up when hailed and generally operate like little buses. They
become 'contract taxis' when they are flagged down (or 'contracted') by an individual or a group for a private
journey. The fare is then split between all the passengers in the taxi.
Though not really 'taxis' at all, minibuses, trucks, 4WDs and various other kinds of cars can all be contracted in
the same way as contract taxis. Contracting a large minibus for yourself is seen as perfectly normal.
Before hiring a contract taxi, always negotiate the fare before you get in, or you may be asked to pay far above
the going rate at the end of the journey.
Minibuses & Isuzu Trucks
»Minibuses are commonly used between towns connected by sealed roads or to cover
short distances. Legally they are not allowed to operate over a distance greater than
150km but plenty of drivers flout this rule. Some of these travel at night to reduce the
chances of a brush with the police - or, during daylight hours, the driver merely swaps his
papers halfway through the journey so as to confuse the police. Minibuses cost slightly
more than buses, but they leave more often and cover the distances more quickly. A ride
in one is also more likely to kill you! Avoid those travelling at night. You'll usually find
them at bus stations.
»Some foreigners used to travel around remote regions in the back of goods trucks. The
Lower Omo Valley was a popular place to do this. It's now illegal and, contrary to travel-
lers' rumours that it's in order to make tourists pay for organised tours, it's actually for
safety reasons - though yes, the rule only seems to be enforced on foreigners!
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