
$2,530 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateThis Tour Is Offered By
Essence Ethiopia Tours
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2018)
- Tour Types:
- Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
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ET
We always offer you an itinerary that is personally tailored to your needs at competitive prices. We are passionate about creating exciting and unique trips with our customers at the heart. Our specially crafted itineraries include historic routes, cultural tours, short holiday stays, business trips, one-day excursions, trekking and wildlife expeditions – according to your needs and budget.
Reviews41

Unforgettable Ethiopian Adventure
I recently returned from an incredible 10-day trip to Ethiopia, organized by this travel agency, and I have to say it exceeded all my expectations. We covered a huge amount of ground: Addis Ababa, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the extreme landscapes of the Danakil Depression including Erta Ale and Asale Lake, and the culturally rich Omo Valley.
The trip was simply fantastic. Everything was superbly organized from start to finish. The logistics of combining such diverse and challenging regions were flawless, yet the price was very good for the quality and scope of the experience.
I genuinely felt well cared for throughout the journey. The guides and support staff were professional, knowledgeable, and always looked out for our well-being, especially in the remote and demanding areas like Danakil and Erta Ale.
What truly impressed me was the perfect balance between structure and freedom. While the itinerary was executed perfectly, there was always the possibility to adapt the tour, make small changes, or spend pleasant personal time when needed. This flexibility made the adventure feel both safe and authentically tailored to our group's pace and interests.
Every single part of the trip was ideal. The cultural insights in Lalibela and Omo Valley, the sheer wonder of the Danakil Depression, and the welcoming atmosphere in Addis Ababa—it all came together to create the journey of a lifetime.
I highly recommend this tour operator for anyone considering an adventure in Ethiopia. You'll get an amazing, well-organized, and great-value experience where you feel completely supported but still have the freedom to explore. Five stars!

The best
We were so glad to hired Essence tours for our experience in Ethiopia. They were so kindly and their guides were excellent. They knew everything about the country and always explained all we asked. Wondale in Lalībela was an excellent guide and a person too. We don’t remember the name of the guide in Addis, but was very good too. I will recommend this agency to everyone who want to know Ethiopia, because every question we made, was immediately answered.Thanks to all the staff!

An amazing experience in Ethiopia!
We had an amazing trip into the Bale Mountains, here are some excellent things to know!
1. We were very well taken care of every step of the way. Drivers, guides, horses, everything was taken care of.
2. It is very hard to get money in Ethiopia. Ideally bring money in Euros so you can pay in person. Otherwise leave time to go to the banks to withdrawl money using a credit card. This actually worked in our favor and we ended up getting a "bonus" from the bank and getting a bunch of money back.
3. Bring your own gear for rain and cold. While he did have some to lend, I was too big to use most of it. Thankfully we had the most amazing weather.
4. Bring some cash with you on the hike if you want to tip those who are helping you. We had 4 people helping from the guide, to the cook, to two horsemen.
5. The hiking is amazing! Also, its probably longer than you might be thinking. We did 10km day 1, 20km day 2, 20km, day 3, and then a short few back to the car on the last day.
6. Let them know ahead of time about your dietary conditions. This really helps them cook for you. Since we were the only ones it was easy to want to cook for our needs.
7. It is definitely worth it!
Thanks to our amazing hosts from Essence Ethiopia Tours to guide Ayuba.
Knows what I want better than myself! Two nights Best of Ethiopia!
Ethiopia in two nights from Addis to Lalibela! Thank you for showing me your best in just three days!

Exceptional Professionalism and Thoughtful Planning
I recently had the pleasure of taking an 8-day tour visiting Lalibela, the Danakil Depression, and the Omo Valley with Essence Ethiopia Tours, and I was extremely satisfied with the entire experience. The professionalism displayed throughout the trip was remarkable. Even when minor issues arose, they were addressed and resolved promptly, demonstrating a high level of care and attention.
What stood out was how flexible and proactive the team was, especially regarding rescheduling. For example, when they anticipated rain, they expertly switched two planned visits—one being an open-air site and the other indoors—after checking the weather forecast in advance. This thoughtful planning ensured that our experience was enjoyable and comfortable regardless of the conditions.
Overall, the trip was flawless from start to finish, with excellent guidance, smooth logistics, and meticulous organization. I would rate this experience a 10 out of 10 and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone planning to visit Ethiopia.
Other Safaris & Tours49 – Offered by Essence Ethiopia Tours
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11-Day Tour Gonder, Simien Mountain, Danakil & Omo Valley
$1,908 to $2,163 pp (USD)
Ethiopia: Private tourBudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Gondar (Start), Simien Mountains NP, Semera (Town), Danakil Depression (Highlight), Omorate (Lower Omo Valley), Jinka (Lower Omo Valley), Addis Ababa (End)
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6-Day North Ethiopia Tour Including Simien Mountain
$1,654 pp (USD)
Ethiopia: Private tour
Mid-range HotelYou Visit: Addis Ababa (Start), Lalibela (Town), Gondar (City), Simien Mountains NP, Bahir Dar (City), Axum (City), Addis Ababa (End)
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3-Day Simien Mountains and Gondar Tour with Flights
$573 to $763 pp (USD)
Ethiopia: Private tourBudgetCamping & Hotel
You Visit: Gondar (Start), Simien Mountains NP, Gondar (End)
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4-Day Tour Danakil Depression from Mekelle
$636 pp (USD)
Ethiopia: Shared tour (max 5 people per group)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Addis Ababa (Start), Danakil Depression (Highlight), Addis Ababa (End)
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13-Day Best of Ethiopia Cultural & Natural Tour
$3,435 pp (USD)
Ethiopia: Private tourBudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Addis Ababa (Start), Jinka (Lower Omo Valley), Turmi (Lower Omo Valley), Arba Minch (City), Awasa (City), Bale Mountains NP, Lake Langano, Addis Ababa (End)
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11-Day Tour Lalibela Omo Valley Danakil & Tigray Churches
$2,145 to $2,475 pp (USD)
Ethiopia: Private tour
Mid-range Camping & LodgeYou Visit: Addis Ababa (Start), Lalibela (Town), Addis Ababa (City), Danakil Depression (Highlight), Gheralta (Mountain Range), Omorate (Lower Omo Valley), Turmi (Lower Omo Valley), Jinka (Lower Omo Valley), Addis Ababa (End)