We were in heated negotiations with black market petrol suppliers trying our utmost best to obtain a few liters of petrol to get us to Addis. The town of Arba Minch half way between Omorate where we crossed the border from Kenya and Addis was engulf in dry sweltering midday heat.
One look into the container and it was evident there were only around 15L but not a hell 20L in there. We were warned by many a traveler about these tactics in Ethiopia. Theres many shrewd business people bordering on scoundrels, over charging to make a fast buck is how things roll in Ethiopia, you have to think on your feet or you will be less your underwear and socks.
Main road out of Turmi
Bulk water supply Ethiopia style
One man closed up the opening of the container with his hand every time I pour petrol over into our containers to filter the petrol before filling our bikes. I see the plan, and ask them for a smaller measured container.
They gave me a 5L Mobil oil container with markings on the side. I get three fills out of the yellow petrol container and tell the men I cannot pay for 20L there was clearly only 15L of petrol in the container.
Arba Minch black market filling station, before the swindling.
“But sir you know petrol evaporate quite quickly in the sun?” Ye, right, I might look like a retard but do not take me for one, I will respect you, but you need to return the favor for us to do a deal.
The negotiations are getting louder and fierce, we stay calm and I take out the amount of money I need to pay for 15L. They are insulted they tell me. Hell, that just sucks, I am so sorry you feel that way but have to leave. You can decide to keep on arguing with yourself or take the money.
Days before when we entered at Omarate we only had the fuel left from where we filled in Kenya. We were lucky to find a little bit in Turmi and that is where the locals informed us that there is a huge fuel shortage in Ethiopia.
We just did not realize how big the problem were until we got to Arba Minch, which is a relative large city in Ethiopia and should have had petrol.
Did you also find that the avocados in that part of Africa tasted very different to what we know in SA. I’ve had avo’s in Tanzania which had a distinctly citrus taste. Very odd amd extremely tasty. Can understand why they can make a ‘juice’.
Hi Michnus,
Just love your reporting style, clearly the Mlungu’s have to keep their wits and wallets well managed !
Thanks for your posting…. really makes a day a the office better!
Hey it is great to have you on the road again.
I envy you but know I could never cope with the Africans the way you do.
These avo’s also had a citrus taste to them, and not as much fiber, more of a smooth texture to them.
Nice read Michnus,
The attractive features of the Ethiopian woman are a definite throwback to the Italians and before them the Egyptians.
When are you guys going back to complete the trip?
Waiting in anticipation for more!
WoW! cant wait to climb on my bike and follow these tracks! awesome stuff! lekker lekker lekker!
Sheez – nog `n awesome stuk ride report. Die eerste foto hierbo getiteld “Ethiopia powder dust roads” is rerig stunning!
En shame on you om die arme ou petrolverkopertjie so te verneuk!!
Groot pret in Afirka. Nou so lus vir stof pad ry en gaan rol sommer buite in die modder rond.
Hi ,
Its seems that yoh having fun !!
If you kindly give us from your experience.
My wife and me are planing overland trip to Africa with our 4X4 vehicle, Arriving to Ethiopia . Planning to stay in Ethiopia for 10-15 days. and than pass to Sudan, travel there for 10 days and return to Ethiopia.
we would like to assist your knowledge about travel with our car in Ethiopia . Do you know if it’s possible to travel with European car in Ethiopia? Can we drive alone? Does it safe traveling with car? How is the roads quality? Do you have some information about the process we need to do in order to pass the board to Sudan? Are there any required papers or documents that I need to bring with me?
Many thanks in advance, Waiting for your replay.