Last updated: 31 October 2026

These terms apply to tours, car rentals and airport transfers booked with Drive Ethiopia. Every booking also comes with a written quote that lists your itinerary, price, what is included and the exact payment and cancellation terms for your trip. Where the written quote differs from this page, the written quote applies.

Quotes and prices

• Prices are quoted in US dollars and can be paid in the equivalent amount in Ethiopian birr.
• Most tour packages include the guide, driver, vehicle, fuel, entrance fees, accommodation and meals. International flights, tips and personal expenses are not included. Your quote lists exactly what is covered before you pay anything.
• Festival tours (Genna, Timkat, Meskel and Fasika) cost more because hotels and domestic flights charge festival surcharges. We recommend booking them 6 to 12 months ahead.

Deposits and payment

• A deposit secures your booking. Depending on the size of your group, your travel dates and the type of tour, the deposit is between 0% and 30% of the total price.
• The balance is due between 45 days before travel and the start of your trip, again depending on the tour. Your quote states the exact amount and due date.
• Deposits can be paid by bank transfer or card. The balance can be paid by bank transfer, card or cash.
• Car rentals and airport transfers also require a deposit.
• Business travellers can receive invoices with our TIN, and companies can set up a monthly corporate account.

Cancellation policy

• If you cancel well in advance, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid, except costs that cannot be recovered, such as prepaid permits or domestic flight tickets.
• Your deposit is 100% refundable when you cancel within the terms stated in your written quote.
• Refunds decrease as the start date gets closer, and last minute cancellations may not be refundable.
• We always confirm the exact cancellation terms for your trip in writing before you pay anything.
• To cancel, email info@driveethiopia.com or message us on WhatsApp. The date we receive your message is the cancellation date.

Children

• Children under 2 travel free.
• Children aged 3 to 12 receive a discount of up to 60%.
• The minimum age for the Danakil Depression tour is 15.

Car rental

• Rentals include insurance, a driver where selected, and airport pickup on request.
• Fuel is included on rentals with a driver. Self drive rentals are full to full.
• Not included: tips, and the driver’s meals and accommodation on overnight trips outside Addis Ababa.
• For your safety, we recommend renting with a driver for any trip outside Addis Ababa.

Visas and travel documents

You are responsible for your passport, visa and any health requirements for entering Ethiopia. We are happy to advise you, but we do not apply for visas on your behalf. Most visitors can apply online through the official Ethiopian e-Visa portal.

Tips

Tips are not included in our prices and are always at your discretion. As a guide, many travellers give their guide 20 to 25 US dollars per day and their driver 10 to 15 US dollars per day.

Questions

If anything on this page is unclear, contact us at info@driveethiopia.com or on WhatsApp at +251 988 111 222 before you book. You can also read how we handle your personal information in our Privacy Policy.