Self-Drive Car Rental in Addis Ababa

Take the wheel yourself in Addis and on well-marked routes.

Self-drive car rental in Addis Ababa from $50 a day. Take the wheel yourself in the city and on well-marked routes, on your own schedule.

Choose a sedan for Addis Ababa and paved highways, or a 4x4 if your plans include rougher roads. Every self-drive car is handed over with a full tank and returned full.

Is self-drive right for your trip?

  • Good for

    Confident drivers staying in Addis Ababa or travelling on paved, well-marked routes to towns such as Bishoftu, Adama and Hawassa.

  • Think twice

    Rural and mountain roads mix traffic, pedestrians and animals, and road quality varies. For those routes we recommend a car with a driver.

  • Your freedom

    Set your own pace, stop where you like and keep the car for as many days as you need. There is no strict minimum.

  • Help when you need it

    Our Addis Ababa team is on WhatsApp and phone throughout your rental.

Vehicles for self-drive

  • White sedan for car rental in Addis Ababa, Drive Ethiopia fleet

    Sedan

    City and paved roads.

    Passengers
    Up to 4
    Luggage
    2 large bags
    Gearbox
    Automatic
    Driver
    With a driver or self-drive
  • White Toyota Land Cruiser luxury SUV for rent in Ethiopia, Drive Ethiopia fleet

    Luxury SUV (Land Cruiser)

    Long drives in comfort, VIP and executive travel.

    Passengers
    Up to 5
    Luggage
    4 large bags
    Gearbox
    Automatic
    Driver
    With a driver or self-drive
  • White Toyota Land Cruiser hardtop 4x4 for rough roads in Ethiopia

    4x4 (Land Cruiser Hardtop)

    Rough, remote and off-corridor routes.

    Passengers
    Up to 5
    Luggage
    4 large bags
    Gearbox
    Manual
    Driver
    With a driver or self-drive

What's included

  • Insurance
  • A full tank at handover (return it full)
  • Airport handover on request

Not included

  • Fuel used during your rental
  • Tips

Questions about self-drive

Can I rent a car in Ethiopia without a driver?
Yes. Self-drive rental starts from $50 per day and suits drivers comfortable with local road conditions. For long-distance, mountain or rural routes we recommend a car with a driver.
What documents do I need to rent a self-drive car in Ethiopia?
A valid passport, a valid driving licence and, in most cases, an International Driving Permit. Requirements vary slightly by nationality, so we confirm them when you enquire.
Is there a deposit for self-drive rental?
Yes. Self-drive rentals need a refundable security deposit to cover potential damage. We give you the amount with your quote.
What is the fuel policy?
Full to full. The car is handed over with a full tank and you return it full.
Is it safe to drive in Ethiopia as a foreigner?
Driving is generally manageable on major routes but can be challenging on rural or mountain roads because of the traffic mix, pedestrians, animals and variable road quality. That is why many visitors choose a driver outside Addis Ababa.

Request a vehicle

Tell us your dates, route and group size. We reply within 2 hours.

Prefer to talk? WhatsApp +251 988 111 222 or call +251 988 111 222.

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