Ep 3. Ethiopia

In the third episode of the second season of World's Most Dangerous Roads, viewers are taken on a thrilling journey through the treacherous roads of Ethiopia. Comedian Sue Perkins and veteran explorer Charley Boorman team up once again to tackle one of the most difficult routes on the continent.

The episode begins with a brief history of Ethiopia and its road infrastructure, which is both limited and highly dangerous. Perkins and Boorman are challenged with driving over 500 miles from the capital city of Addis Ababa to the eastern town of Harar. This journey is not for the faint of heart, as the roads are mostly unpaved with sharp turns, steep hills and deep crevices. They soon discover that Ethiopia's road conditions are worse than they imagined and the trip will take longer than they anticipated.

The duo's first obstacle comes when they are forced to abandon their car and trek through a densely wooded area due to a landslide blocking the road. With the help of a local guide, they hike through the dense forest under the scorching sun for hours to reach their vehicle on the other side of the landslide. From there, they continue their journey on even more challenging road conditions. Charley and Sue drive slowly and carefully as the narrow road does not allow for much room for error.

Perkins and Boorman learn that Ethiopia’s roads provide a lifeline to remote communities, and their journey brings them up close with locals who rely on these hazardous roads for their daily needs. During their road trip, the dynamic duo visits remote communities living on the side of mountains, learns ancient agricultural techniques, and speaks with the friendly people they meet along the way. The episode also showcases some of the animals that inhabit Ethiopia, including baboons and hyenas.

As nighttime approaches, the gravity of the situation sets in as the roads become even more dangerous. They must navigate narrow, single-lane dirt roads clinging to the sides of steep mountains. Perkins and Boorman are forced to use their intuition and rely on their experienced driving skills to avoid the numerous pitfalls that line the way, including sheer drops and washed-out roads.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a glimpse of some of Ethiopia’s most stunning landscapes. They witness the majesty of the Bale Mountains and explore remote tribal villages where traditional lifestyles still exist. The episode serves as a wonderful travel guide and showcases the majesty of Ethiopia’s wilderness, like few have ever seen before.

In the end, Perkins and Boorman arrive safely in Harar, but their journey has left a lasting impression. They reflect on the importance of trade and efficient transportation in a country where life depends on the road network, and the resilience and ingenuity of the Ethiopian people in the face of such challenges. The episode ends on a positive note, with Sue and Charley raising awareness of the needs of the communities they have visited and the improvement of the country's road network.

World's Most Dangerous Roads Season 2 Episode 3 is an adventure in every sense of the word. It showcases Ethiopia's incredible beauty, but also the daily challenges that the people living there face. It’s an unforgettable journey for viewers and a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Ethiopian people.