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2 February 1999

The Kingsmill's Trans-Africa Overland Trip, Part 10: Kenya and Ethiopia

Geoff Kingsmill
2006-04-25 21:17:24

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had a cursory glance in the back of Troopie. Everything was in order and we were quickly on our way and stayed just down the road in Abraham’s Hotel.

We had not filled up with fuel since Maralal, some 600 kilometres ago, as the average price of fuel in Kenya was A$0.80. In Kenyan Moyale the price was almost A$1.00 whilst in Ethiopia the price is around A$0.38. Due to the impending breakout of hostilities between Ethiopia and Eritrea, there was a fuel shortage in Ethiopia. We were very lucky to purchase 40 litres, which was enough to get to the next fuel stop. The following morning we headed north only to find no fuel at any of the stations until Dila. Fortunately, with the fuel we had and the extra forty litres we were able to scrounge in Moyale, we made the distance much to our relief!

We camped the night on the shores of Lake Awasa and then headed for Bale Mountain NP. What a spectacular drive! The fertile grain farming lands slowly gave way to rugged forested mountains with craggy peaks. The Bale Mountains NP Sanetti Plateau sits around 12000 feet above sea level. We camped the night at around 7000 feet.

From here we headed to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, which is the third highest capital city in the world at 7000 feet above sea level. Addis is one of Africa’s largest cities. We were lucky to find our way to the Bel Air Hotel following a maze of streets , none of which were sign posted. Ethiopia does not feel like Africa as the people are a cross between the African and Middle Eastern/ Arabic, in their features. Ethiopia has a strong Islamic influence alongside the Orthodox Christian Church.

We are still having a great time and enjoying ourselves immensely. For the first time on our trip we have all had a couple of days of upset tummies which was more of a nuisance than anything else.

We are now exploring the options available on how to get from here to the Middle East. The border between Ethiopia and Eritrea is firmly shut due to the border dispute. The local news is talking about an imminent war breaking out between the two countries, however life goes on as usual. If fighting starts it is believed that it will be confined to the border areas which we will not be visiting for obvious reasons.

We’ll keep you informed on our progress to the Middle East when we know more. Happy Chinese New Year.

Cheers,

Geoff, Kienny and Su-lin Kingsmill