7 independent reviews for Wildlife and cultural tour to Ethiopia
Reviews for Wildlife and cultural tour to Ethiopia
Jenny Harding review 27 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There are so many factors which made this trip so memorable and exciting. Ethiopia is unique. From it's calendar to it's diversity across the country. Culture, history, wildlife, scenery, people, traditions... It's unlike any other African country I have visited. At times it can be inspirational, how far these people have come through adversity and others, their different tribal rituals and traditions can be quite shocking. As two females we felt completely safe touring the country. In areas of civil unrest we passed through countless armed security checks and not once felt anything but welcomed and privileged. Most of all, none of this would have the trip it has been without the exceptional services of Eskinder.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Ethiopia is like nowhere else on earth that I have encountered. I've travelled to all 7 continents, volunteered in many and lost count of the number of times I've been to Africa. Be prepared to be very surprised and whatever floats your boat (mine is usually natural sciences, flora and fauna) these people, their history (not usually my thing at all) and culture will not cease to amaze you.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Ethiopia needs tourists. When the two of us stayed i in the Simien mountains we were told we were the only two tourists there. They used to have 33,000 just prior to covid. Our bespoke two person trip gave work to 26 Ethiopians and up to 63 person days and that is just those contracted to escort, guide and drive us. Many more benefitted such as those in the hospitality industry. I was blown away by the green policy of their Prime Minister who has initiated more than 25 billion trees to be replanted by the communities over just 3 years and another 25 billion for this next 3 years.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Of all the hundreds of tours I have taken, the services of Eskinder are outstanding. He is extremely well organised, knowledgeable, professional and monitors each and every tour. He's visible, involved, kind and generous. At times without communication, particularly in the north, he provided assistance and his team of dedicated and professional associates escorting us everywhere ensured everything ran like clockwork. VIP treatment and ultimately a really good friend.Ann Wintersgill review 23 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting the tribal markets at Turmi and Alduba, including walking to the Turmi market from Buska Lodge; and sitting in a Hamer mud hut drinking coffee.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Walk to the Turmi market from the Buska Lodge; don't rush to take photos at the tribal villages (walk around and chat with people first).3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, very much so.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent; Eskinder is a wonderful host and Habtamu is a great driver.Lloyd Martin review 29 Jan 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting the various tribes in the Omo Valley ... a disappearing world.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Much of Ethiopia can be seen/visited independently but if you are on a restricted time scale or not up to haggling prices with local guides and drivers then pre-booking a guide/driver makes for a less stressful vacation.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I stayed in local hotels, used the services of local guides so much of the vacation costs benefited local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great vacation ... incredible sights and the chance to see several of the tribal groups in the Omo Valley. My driver was safe/careful and provided good companionship on the journey.Carolyn Scharf review 25 Sep 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
This tour was the perfect way to expose my Ethiopian-born son to all that Ethiopia has to offer. Being only 7-years old we didn't want a tour that would be fast paced with long drives... we needed to give time for the kids to play and expend some energy. We worked with the vacation provider to customize an itinerary that had us visiting several tribal villages, but also spending time in game parks and lakes seeing animals we only dream of in Canada. Our guide, Ayele, was very knowledgeable and found ways to make the trip extra special especially for the kids (my son loved playing the traditional Ethiopian board game with Ayele which was very sweet to watch). And our driver, Ahmed, was exceptional especially on some of the rougher terrain that we traveled to reach the more remote villages down dirt roads and across dry river beds. We felt completely safe and in good hands the entire time. Our children got to experience Ethiopia close up, got to interact with the people and even play with village children, and came away not only with an understanding of what Ethiopia is all about, but a pride in being from there. I truly believe this would not have been accomplished without the great care that was put into setting the itinerary and then guiding us through all stops along the tour. I can't say enough about the great team at the vacation providers!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't over-pack! We spent 2 nights at most hotels, but it still meant moving bags in and out of the car frequently. Many hotels have rough sidewalks so wheeling suitcases isn't an option; the poor staff has to carry them and some of our bags were pretty heavy. We definitely made sure to tip them well! We gave ourselves one full day to adjust to the time change before heading out on the tour which worked out perfectly so I'd highly recommend doing that. The first day to Arba Minch is the longest drive, but the scenery is stunning along the way so you want to be awake to appreciate it. Be prepared to be without power (and a hot shower) when visiting Jinka; it's a fairly remote town and power is unreliable... make sure you charge cameras etc before going there. Bring snacks for in the car and to share with kids you meet along the way; children are constantly running up to the car on the highways so we stopped often to give kids candy (it was amazing to watch them try their first Twizzlers!).3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The local people were so warm and welcoming we truly felt like they were happy to have us in their villages and homes. We didn't feel like we were intruding and people were particularly happy to meet our kids. The locals took such pride in demonstrating how they make their wares, that we always made a point of buying things. They aren't as sophisticated in merchandising their wares as more tourism-driven economies so we never felt pressured to buy anything. Instead, they seemed as happy for us to have their creations as we were to buy them.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This vacation was everything we hoped it would be, and much more. We saw everything we wanted to see, but what really made the difference was the wonderful guide and driver from the agency. We truly felt like a little family for the 11-day tour. Ayele and Ahmed had genuine kindness towards our kids and went well beyond the requirements to make the trip extra special for them. We liked that we got to visit a few tribes, but that the kids also had time to play and burn off some energy. They also got to see hippos, oryx', lots of camels, and baboons which was very exciting for them. Every day was something new and different; it truly was an adventure for all of us. When we returned to Addis and the tour was over, the vacation providers again went above and beyond and took us around the city to the game arcade, the art gallery and even shopping for souvenirs. They had more than fulfilled their obligation to us, but in keeping with wanting us to have the best experience possible, they kept with us and made our time in Addis very special as well. I can't say how grateful we are to the tour company's team for making our kids first trip back to Ethiopia an amazing experience for everyone. I recommend them without reservation and will most definitely tour with the agency on our next visit back to Ethiopia!Francoise Wemelsfelder review 13 Sep 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
My vacation was to the southern part of Ethiopia, and included a diversity of amazing wildlife and cultural experiences. The Bale Mountains are a stunning wild place, and thanks to our local guide we saw many endemic animals and birds, including 12 Ethiopian wolves. A highlight was our 4 hour walk on the Sanetti plateau, seeing wolves walk by us not too far away in complete peace. Visiting the Harenna forest, a beautiful largely unexplored rainforest on the southside of Bale Mountains, was also unforgettable. Culturally, staying at Konso and Dorze villages were highlights, where our meeting with Ethiopian people, life and culture in these beautiful ancient places was real and inspiring. Last but definitely not least, the daily company and care of the guide and driver that accompanied my vacation were wonderful - I learned a lot and had a lot of fun.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
All the good things people say about Eskinder and his travel company are true - friendly, efficient, reliable, good value, and above all, good quality. I enjoyed designing my itinerary with Eskinder by email, he always gets right back and is open to suggestions, so it is nice to do some internet research and actively take part in designing your trip. I travelled in the middle of the rainy season (July),which meant we had almost all places we visited to ourselves - a fantastic experience (particularly with the wolves). And there was little rain - the only price to pay is sometimes overcast rather than blue skies, but still plenty of sun. If you are interested in the Harenna Forest, stay overnight in the Harenna Forest Cultural Lodge in Rira village. Facilities are basic, but it is right in the forest and very beautiful and authentic. Finally, the Sanetti plateau is over 4000 meters high and cold - definitely take warm clothing and hats.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Generally yes. I think it is important that travelers book with an Ethiopian rather than foreign company, so that their money benefits Ethiopian guides, drivers, and their families. Eskinder's company also supports local environmental and cultural projects, further extending the positive impact of travelers' funds.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic, unforgettable. Ethiopia is such an interesting and beautiful country, with much to learn about its history, proud independence, and rich natural and culture diversity. I felt safe and cared-for throughout, and will certainly return, and ask Eskinder to arrange this. Highly recommended!Hefin Salisbury review 23 Nov 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the tribes in the south of Ethiopia. It was like walking through the pages of the National Geographic.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to be shaken about whilst traveling. The roads were appalling.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Hopefully Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a wonderful experience and adventure, being able to see and be present at places and situations that we had only read about. I have to add that Eskinder was a person of utmost integrity and organised a very good experience which was full of good surprises. The driver was very skilled and always cheerful and the guide was knowledgeable who did his best to accommodate our needs.Judith Lumb review 4 May 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
In 2013 we spent over three weeks in Ethiopia visiting the extraordinary monolithic churches in the north and the wonderful Simien Mountains. We then travelled south, spending some days in the Bale Mountains, visiting the colorful local markets, birding in the great Rift Valley and experiencing something of the diverse cultures and communities of the south. This visit was skillfully organized by Eskinder Hailu who patiently assisted us in devising an itinerary that fitted the interests of the four of us. He organized internal flights, guides, drivers and accommodation and it all went precisely as planned despite the complexity of flights and tight schedules. Accommodation was fine although the Bale Mountains was pretty basic but the best available. However, the area is wonderful and well worth spending time there despite the slightly less comfortable accommodation. We had a wonderful time in Ethiopia and would commend Eskinder to anyone planning on touring in this remarkable country.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
