One way multi country car hire - East Africa

[KAgantua]

Does such a thing exist? Want to visit three or four countries over the course of a month later this year, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya , Tanzania

[Chromegrill]

No idea about those countries, and struggle to see how it would be achievable (are you thinking of dropping off that car back where you started, or in another country?) Buying a car at one end and selling at the other might be easier. Though regardless, be sure to choose your starting point carefully. I'd be a bit nervous about visiting any country that's at war with another, especially if driving through in a car with plates from the country it's at war with!

[HotJambalaya]

pretty sure I did see some companies that did this. They were some kind of kitted out toyota suv things though. Think the outfit was based somewhere in capetown. Will be a case of a lot of google to find them, but it looked pretty cool, and they gave routes/advice etc

[KAgantua]

HotJambalaya said:

pretty sure I did see some companies that did this. They were some kind of kitted out toyota suv things though. Think the outfit was based somewhere in capetown. Will be a case of a lot of google to find them, but it looked pretty cool, and they gave routes/advice etc

Yeah i found a couple likje that, seems like my best bet!

[Old Merc]

OP, I think you will have problems with that idea. May be finding a private driver to take you on a long tour? Also have you thought of the security issues.
Driving around in those countries needs experience and could be very risky? Also you will need a vehicle that can handle the conditions.

Starting in South Africa could be a better idea, see these guys https://www.rhinocarhire.com/Car-Hire-Blog/Septemb...

The last time we were in South Africa we hired a car at Port Elizebeth and drove "The Garden Route" to Cape Town, doing various detours on the way. Left the car at Cape Town airport.

[ecsrobin]

KAgantua said:

Does such a thing exist? Want to visit three or four countries over the course of a month later this year, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya , Tanzania

A previous job we had staff in Djibouti, it was common for taxis to have a brick thrown at the screen to force them to stop and then mug the passengers. The time it happened to our staff the driver thankfully kept on driving.

I would have thought Somalia you’d be a prime target if not also the rest of the countries.





Kenya seems alright:



No map for Tanzania but FCO say don’t travel within 20km of border with Mozambique.

Edited by ecsrobin on Thursday 13th October 11:53

[Bill]

The "road" south from Ethiopia to Nairobi is notorious for bandits and/or fundamentalists, trucks run it as a convoy with military protection. I'd be amazed if any would hire you a car to go between Ethiopia and Kenya.

You'd probably be able to hire one for Kenya and Tanzania.

ETA it looks like they've sorted the road, if not the banditry... https://issafrica.org/iss-today/robbery-continues-...

Edited by Bill on Thursday 13th October 13:01

[Old Merc]

This is the "road" our experienced driver took from Nairobi to Masai Mara.



There are some places to stop, if you want !!!

[shirt]

the adventure type rentals don't apply to east africa from what i've seen, SA/botswana mainly. i would say it is technically possible but you will need to find a company willing to sort the carnets and insurances for you. it won't be cheap. hiring a car and driver will be much cheaper and comparatively straight forward, although you will be expected to cover his food and board during the trip. any hotel you stay at will have somewhere for the driver to stay, just best not for you to become curious as to how nice that is.

once arranged, easy enough to get the driver to swap seats if you don't like being driven. just be aware these vehicles are like old mules, used to being driven slow and steady and can get stroppy when that suddenly changes.


if you fancy a proper adventure i want to buy a bike from SA for use here in dubai. only the shipping is quoted at 2-3x the purchase price. if you're fancying somalia then half the long way up should be a doddle!