SimienEcoTours

5.0/5 – 41 Reviews

$3,663 pp (USD)

2 travelers   on   Start date
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Photo of our staff during annual training session

Photo of our staff during annual training session

SimienEcoTours

5.0/5  
(41 Reviews)
Office In:
Ethiopia Ethiopia
Size:
10-20 employees (Founded in 2014)
Tour Types:
Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations:
Ethiopia ET
Photo of our staff during annual training session

Photo of our staff during annual training session

We organise individual & group tours through whole Ethiopia in an ecologically & socially responsible & sustainable way. The founders of SimienEcoTours are manager Marco from Italy, who currently lives in Addis Ababa, Franziska from Germany, who lived in Ethiopia for more than 7 years, and Birhan, Tadele, Yirga and Solomon, four experienced Ethiopian tour guides. What brought us together is our social and ecological commitment in Ethiopia as well as our love for this country.

Reviews41

An authentic, tailored 10-day Ethiopia experience beyond our expecations
5/5

I honestly cannot remember the last time I experienced so much in just 10 days (Lalibela, Omo Valley, Addis, Danakil, Tigray)! Among numerous providers, I came across SimienEcoTours through my own research. From the initial contact to travel planning, preparation, and execution, everything was 100% perfect. As a frequent traveler, this has been my best experience with a travel agency so far.

But let me start from the beginning:

My travel buddy and I only had 10 days but wanted to see as much as possible within that time. We had very little idea of what would actually be feasible. Franziska worked closely with us to design our (rather ambitious) tailor-made itinerary. We especially appreciated the transparent and friendly communication, the efficiency, and the excellent availability (via email as well as phone).

What happened after we booked is ultimately the main reason why we recommend this agency so highly. In the past, once a trip was booked, we usually had little to no contact with the agency until departure. Simien Ecotours, however, prepared us step by step for the journey. The word “attentive” describes the agency very well. From general information about the host country, entry requirements (visa), and a packing list, to setting up a WhatsApp group that included Franziska, Marco (the managing director), our guide, our drivers in the different destinations, and the team members working behind the scenes on logistics — everything was thoughtfully organized.

Perfectly prepared, we traveled to Ethiopia, where we were warmly welcomed at the airport. I was especially grateful for the seamless support with importing my drone. This would not have been possible without the agency (and after the trip, I can confidently say I would have missed my drone very much if I hadn’t been able to bring it).

Our guide, Hailu, accompanied us throughout the entire journey, including domestic flights, so we never had to worry about airport transfers, check-in procedures, or logistics. Hailu is an open-minded and thoughtful person who truly loves his work and his country. We always felt comfortable with and around him. Spontaneous requests or adjustments to the program were never a problem. His English was excellent. What impressed us most was his knowledge — especially about his homeland, but also far beyond that. We learned so much from him and took away countless insights.

You know a guide is exceptional when a certain sense of melancholy sets in while saying goodbye at the airport at the end of the trip.

It is also very important to mention our drivers. In the different regions, we had different local drivers. Most importantly: every single driver drove safely, carefully, and at an appropriate speed. At no point did we feel unsafe. The drivers were always courteous and ultimately much more than “just” drivers.

Overall, the trip was perfectly organized from A to Z. There were not even minor waiting times or issues anywhere. It was a perfect, authentic travel experience far away from tourist crowds.

We would love to end with some constructive criticism - but quite honestly, we simply cannot think of anything. Thanks for everything to the entire team!

Sven and Zoran

A++
5/5

SET did an excellent job of organizing a trip catered to what I was looking for, plus they added a few of their suggestions. I can't say enough good things about my guide, Philimon. At every moment, he was on top of what we were doing and had everything in order. He was extremely knowledgeable about culture, history, animals, and geology, and he spoke perfect English. I strongly recommend SimienEcoTours!

Very professional
5/5

We spent 4 nights in the Simon mountains and felt like we were in the hands of a professional company. The food was excellent, plentiful and varied. Our guide was passionate about the mountain and was even a great photographer so we have lots of family photos from the trip. He also had a kean eye for spotting wildlife. Nice extra touches like warm soapy water in the morning and after a day of hiking. Tents were good quality and for camping, the mattresses were comfortable. Highly recommend SimienEcoTours

Reliable, well-organized, and supported by an outstanding local guide.
5/5

An amazing and intense trip to Ethiopia, with a perfectly balanced itinerary combining culture and nature: Addis Ababa, Gondar, Lalibela, the Simien Mountains and the Danakil Depression. Each stop was different and impressive, from the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the breathtaking landscapes of the Simien Mountains and the unique experience in Danakil.

The organization was flawless, with great attention to detail throughout the trip. A real highlight was our local guide, Girum – without a doubt the best guide we’ve ever had: extremely knowledgeable, always available, and always ready with a plan B when unexpected situations arose.

The local agency was reliable and professional. An authentic and unforgettable journey that we highly recommend.

Highly professional, perfect planning, organization, and timing.
5/5

Regarding communication, service, value for money, reliability and the trip, everything was perfect... My first trip to Ethiopia was a 10-day journey that exceeded my expectations! First, I encountered a very smiling and welcoming population, which allowed me, from the very first day, to let myself go and enjoy the visits and encounters... Parks: the Simien Mountains, Lakes Abijatta and Shalla National Park... Magnificent and very varied landscapes depending on the region and altitude: mountains, cliffs, forests, fields, crops... Hot springs at 93°C, very practical for cooking eggs, salt and freshwater lakes: Lake Tana (the largest lake in the country, where the Blue Nile originates...), Lake Langano, the Rift Valley, Lakes Shala and Abijatta... Animals: baboons, ostriches, warthogs, jackals, gazelles, birds, more than 450 species... Not forgetting Gondar Castle, the churches and monasteries, the 11 unique churches of Lalibela carved from a single block of volcanic rock, and its painted masterpieces. Sculptures... markets bursting with color and fragrance, the unique falls of the Blue Nile, boat cruises, very comfortable and varied hotels...And I will finish with its traditional dish, injera, with or without meat, but especially with a variety of delicious vegetables: tomatoes, cabbage, chickpeas, lentils, beets, potatoes, kidney beans, onions, chilies... Of course, this delicious meal cannot end without a pure, traditional Arabica coffee served during the 'traditional and ritualized coffee ceremony (Buna)', with incense... I also had the chance to attend the exceptional Orthodox mass (3 hours) on Sunday, November 30th in Lalibela with its chants, dances, music, costumes, and colors... Ethiopia, the only non-colonized country in Africa, is a country with a unique history that deserves to be known, completely different from other African countries... Of course, my stay would not have been so wonderful and successful without 'my' guide, Hailu, a man of exceptional human and intellectual qualities, a great lover of his country, with immense knowledge of Ethiopia, of Africa, Europe, and the world have allowed me to better understand the history and culture of this exceptional country... My stay ended with a meal and a dance party in Addis Ababa, in an exceptional and unique multicultural venue...

Other Safaris & Tours16  – Offered by SimienEcoTours

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  • This tour is offered by SimienEcoTours, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
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  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of SimienEcoTours.