Why You Should Reserve Cars for the African Union Summit at Least 2 Months 

Why You Should Reserve Cars for the African Union Summit at Least 2 Months in Advance

Every year, when major African Union meetings and side events come to Addis Ababa, one thing becomes scarce very quickly: good, reliable cars with professional drivers.

In the weeks leading up to the summits, embassies, international organizations, NGOs, media teams, and private companies all start requesting the same vehicles at the same time: SUVs, VIP vans, Coasters and Hiace buses with trusted drivers who know the AU, hotels and city routes.

If you wait until the last minute, you’re competing in a very tight market – and you will almost always pay more for less choice.

That’s why we strongly recommend reserving your cars at least two months before the African Union meetings.

⸻

1. Vehicle Scarcity: The Best Cars Go First

During AU periods, demand is not “normal high” – it’s peak high:

• Embassies need secure, comfortable SUVs for ambassadors and ministers.

• Delegations need multiple vans and buses for participants and staff.

• Media and protocol teams need standby vehicles all day.

Ethiopia does not yet have unlimited fleets of modern SUVs and VIP buses. Many of the best vehicles are privately owned and limited in number, and serious clients book them early.

If you book two months in advance, you can still choose:

• Newer model Land Cruisers / Prados

• Comfortable VIP vans with proper AC

• Clean Coaster & Hiace buses with experienced drivers

• Backup/standby vehicles for emergencies

Wait until the last two weeks, and you’ll often find:

• Fewer options, older cars

• Split fleets from different providers

• Higher last-minute rates driven by scarcity

⸻

2. Prices Increase as the Summit Gets Closer

Car rental prices around AU summits behave like airline tickets: the closer you get to the date, the more expensive good options become.

Why?

• Most reputable vehicles are already blocked for long-term bookings.

• Remaining cars know they are in high demand and adjust prices.

• Logistics become harder (late-night arrivals, early-morning departures, multiple hotels), so operational costs also rise.

By booking two months early, you benefit from:

• More stable, negotiated rates

• Clear cost estimates approved by your finance department

• Protection from last-minute price spikes

Early booking doesn’t just help us plan – it saves you money compared to panicking a week before the summit.

⸻

3. Better Planning for Your Delegation

When vehicles are reserved early, we can build a proper operations plan for your mission:

• Assign dedicated drivers and backup drivers

• Map hotel–AU–airport routes and travel times

• Plan shuttle rotations for large groups

• Add airport meet-and-greet and name boards

• Coordinate with your liaison, protocol or security team

This means your delegation experiences:

• Fewer delays

• Clear pickup times and locations

• Smooth transfers between meetings, side events and dinners

• Professional image from the moment they land at Bole Airport

Good planning is only possible when vehicles and drivers are secured well in advance.

⸻

4. Priority Support for Early-Booking Clients

When AU season is busy, our operations team must prioritize:

1. Clients who have confirmed early with signed agreement / email confirmation

2. Long-term partners and returning delegations

3. Last-minute requests (served only if vehicles remain)

By confirming your cars early, you move into that priority category:

• Faster response times

• Dedicated contact person for your booking

• Easier changes and adjustments (adding/removing cars, changing hours)

Last-minute clients often have to “fit” around already confirmed programs, which limits flexibility.

⸻

5. Peace of Mind for Ambassadors, VIPs & Organizers

If you are responsible for transport for:

• An ambassador or minister

• A high-level AU side event

• A national delegation

• A corporate or NGO delegation

…you already have enough pressure.

By booking cars two months before:

• You receive written confirmation with all vehicle details.

• You can share driver names and numbers with your team early.

• Protocol and security can validate plates and routes in advance.

• You avoid last-minute stress searching for vehicles on WhatsApp the week of the summit.

Your job becomes easier, and your VIPs notice the difference.

⸻

How to Reserve Early with CRA Car Rental Addis

To secure your AU vehicles at least two months in advance, you can:

1. Send us your dates & basic program

• Arrival & departure dates

• Number of participants

• Hotels (if known)

• Type and number of vehicles you expect to need

2. We propose a fleet & estimate

• Suggested mix of SUVs, vans and buses

• Daily or package rates

• Clear inclusions: driver, fuel policy, working hours, overtime, etc.

3. Block & confirm the vehicles

• Once you approve, we block the vehicles for your dates.

• You receive a written confirmation so you can share it internally.

4. Fine-tune the plan closer to the date

• Adjust pickup times, hotel list and shuttle schedules.

• Add or reduce vehicles as your final program becomes clear (subject to availability).

⸻

Final Message

The African Union season in Addis Ababa is a high-demand, high-pressure period for ground transport. Good cars and professional drivers are limited, and prices rise as the summit approaches.

By reserving your vehicles at least two months before the event, you:

• Secure the best vehicles

• Lock in more favorable pricing

• Give your delegation a smoother, more professional experience

• Avoid the last-minute chaos that many others face every year