Safari By Car: Roadtrip From Addis Ababa to Khartoum

09-04-2013

 

 

A trip by vehicle between the capitals of Sudan and Ethiopia will not only allow you to see two of the continent's largest cities, but also the beautiful scenery East Africa is known for. There is, however, some preparation involved to make the trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. The following will get you ready for your 915 mile (1,473 kilometer) journey, and point out a few scenic areas you should stop by to enjoy the vibe.

Logistics

You will be crossing an international border when making this trip, so travel documents will be necessary. A travel visa (along with your passport) will be required to cross the border from Ethiopia to North Sudan. They can be obtained at the countries' respective embassies and the process usually takes about five days. You will also need a certificate confirming you've had a yellow fever vaccination. Though the roads are fairly smooth and self-explanatory, it wouldn't hurt to have the Tracks4Africa app if you have an iPhone (there is also a PC-compatible version). The software uses GPS and feedback from its community of travelers to map out nearly every road and mountain on the continent.

The currency used in Ethiopia is the Birr, and North Sudan uses the pound with its namesake. Travelers checks are not accepted in either country and your debit and credit cards will not work in their ATM machines. Although you can't use them in Sudan, many merchants in Addis Ababa will accept an American Express credit card, Mastercard or any other card.

And Now The Fun Stuff

There is not enough room in this article to list all the ancient ruins, Christian kingdoms and natural phenomena Ethiopia has to offer. As you head north on Route 3 out of Addis, Bahir Dar will be the next city you want to explore and stay. The seven-hour drive will take you through several small villages and a steep depression. You will dip more than 6500 feet (2000 meters) in altitude before ascending back up to mountain levels. There are reports on Tripadvisor.com of army guards at the bottom who will not allow you to stop, so get out on the way down if you want to enjoy the outside scenery.

Gondar is a little more than two hours north of Bahir Dar and the last major city before crossing into North Sudan. There are only certain times of day you can cross the border, so make certain you get the most recent information in Bahir Dar or Addis Ababa before you depart.

One traveler in Khartoum spoke about the internet cafes being some of the best connections he'd experienced throughout his travels in East Africa. However, you will experience a chain of bureaucracy obtaining Alien Registration and other documents that will permit you to roam freely around the city. The Corinthia Hotel Khartoum, also known as "Gaddafi's Egg" (named after the late Libyan leader who funded its construction), is a five-star hotel known for it unique architectural shape and beautiful rooms. It would be a great spot to stay and end your trip.

This is just a small taste of what can be seen on a road trip from Addis Ababa to Khartoum. The best thing to do is pack up your sports utility vehicle and experience it for yourself.

 

Manny Ramriez quit medical school and became a bit of a rover. He travels the U.S. in his RV looking for the next adventure to write about. He thinks his life is interesting enough to warrant its own sitcom, but in the meantime he is happy to write features.

 

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