At South Ethiopia
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:
- Price Range:
- $58 to $577 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
PL
Email Kasia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent agency!
I had an amazing experience with this travel agency! Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish. The staff was friendly, helpful, and always available to answer any questions. The trip exceeded my expectations — great hotels, smooth transfers, and unforgettable excursions. They have excellent guides and drivers who made the journey even more enjoyable and comfortable. I didn’t have to worry about a thing, just relax and enjoy every moment. I highly recommend this agency to anyone looking for a hassle-free and wonderful vacation!
OM
Email Nevin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Bale National Park and Addis City Tour
I booked the bale national park and addis city tour with Tsehaynew. I had a fabulous time. It was a solo trip to the mountains and he gave a very reasonable pricing. He also made sure he arranged everything back to back perfectly. The local guide he had chosen for the trip was great. He also arranged transport to and from Addis. My return trip to save time he booked a flight back from Bale national park and didn't even charge extra for it. What mattered for Tsehaynew was that I have a great time and experience the full essence of Ethiopia. I look forward to returning to the beautiful Ethiopia and planning more trips with Tsehaynew. One of the best tour operators I have worked with. Thanks a lot my friend.
PL
Email Krzysztof | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Authentic Ethiopia with Tsehaynew – A Family Adventure to Remember!
Tsehaynew organized an amazing 1.5-week trip for us in Ethiopia, visiting the places we had dreamed of seeing for a long time. He chose great hotels that suited our needs, even arranging special beds for the kids, and always picked good local restaurants. Despite this comfort, we still felt like we experienced the real Ethiopia—authentic and unforgettable.
He was incredibly helpful with our one-year-old child, often carrying and entertaining them when we needed a break. We always felt safe with him; he protected us from potential scams and made sure everything ran smoothly. We truly appreciated his care, attention to detail, and warm hospitality throughout the journey.
Highly recommended!
PL
Email Mateusz | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
everything was great. the trip was organized at the highest level
everything was great. the trip was organized at the highest level. the trip plan was realized 100%. the organizer of the trip was very helpful. you could always count on him. he reacted quickly to problems, e.g. no hot water in the hotel - he immediately changed our hotel
PL
Email Lukas | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Danakil Depression Experience
I recently joined the 3-day tour to the Danakil Depression with Essence Ethiopia Tours, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The landscapes were absolutely surreal — from the vibrant sulfur springs of Dallol to the lava lake at Erta Ale, every day offered something unique and spectacular.
The tour was very well organized from start to finish. The logistics were seamless, and everything ran on time. Our drivers were excellent — skilled, friendly, and always helpful, even on the rough off-road sections. The vehicles were in good condition and surprisingly comfortable, considering the harsh terrain. The guides were knowledgeable and eager to share information about the geology, local culture, and history of the area.
One of the highlights was the chance to interact briefly with the Afar people and see how they extract salt in the traditional way. Sleeping under the stars in such a remote and alien landscape was also a one-of-a-kind experience.
However, travelers should be prepared for extremely basic camp conditions. There were no proper toilets, no running water, and no showers available at any of the campsites. Some shelter from the wind would have been appreciated, especially at Erta Ale where strong winds made the night rather uncomfortable. While this is understandable given the remoteness of the area, it’s important to set expectations accordingly.
Overall, I highly recommend this tour for adventurous travelers looking for a raw, otherworldly experience. Just make sure to pack wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and be ready to rough it a little — the payoff is absolutely worth it!
RO
Email Ioana | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very attentive organizer, very good itinerary.
Before arriving in Ethiopia I spoke with five companies, disappointed by the attitude and price offered. In the last few days I spoke with this organizer and he was very professional, fair price and complex route. Every day we had combined activities. I was with an 8-year-old boy and this was taken into account. The guide in Lalibela was the best I could have had. He is a priest who told us a lot of information about those places. We will definitely call on the same man when we return.
(automatic translation from Romanian)
IL
Email Etay | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had a great time.
We really enjoyed the tour!!! The monestery was beautiful and the view was incredible. After that we went and saw hippos which are just really lovely. Than we went to the hotel for the night and on the morning we went to the falls and they were very pretty.
SA
Email Maria | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Do not miss it
The overall trip was a great experience. The tour operator Tsehaynew, although he was not at tge trip, he well organized everything and was following up the group closely. He responded immediately to my text, questions, requests for info.
Tge lalibea tour guide, Wendy, he was unbelievable... he had knowledge of history and religion.
Addis, is not so interesting place. 2 days are enough. Danakil Depression is AMAZING place to visit.
National museum is closed due to renovation.
Note: Although you can pay with USDs or EURs, currently, exchanging currencies into USDs or EUR is not legal / ot allowed in Ethiopia, even in banks.
I recomend this tour operator
11 days well organized. All the guides (they changed from place to place) were professional and friendly. I felt very confortable traveling alone.
Etiopia is really very interesting place to see 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
AE
Email Svitlana | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best tour in Ethiopia!
I would highly recommend this tour which combines all the most interesting destinations in Ethiopia. It was reliable and efficient from the beginning to the end! Big thanks to our guides which make this experience unforgettable in the best ways.