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:
- $57 to $571 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Experience and professionalism is wotthy of high praises.
Our trip to Ethiopia with Essence Ethiopia Tours was absolutely unforgettable! Mr. Tsehaynew Akanie , our planner, went above and beyond to make sure every aspect of the trip was perfectly arranged. From the very beginning, he was attentive, thoughtful, and always available to help with any questions. It was really a very good experience. Itinerary and budget was really good.
The accommodations were top-notch, with clean and hygienic hotels that exceeded our expectations. The food quality was also exceptional, with a great variety of options to suit every taste.
Our drivers for Danakil Depression and visit explore tribe and city tour was wonderful throughout the trip. They were professional, friendly, and made us feel completely safe on the roads. They made sure we were comfortable at all times, and his punctuality was greatly appreciated. The entire experience was stress-free, thanks to the thoughtful planning and care provided by Mr. Tsehaynew Akanie.
I highly recommend Essence Ethiopia Tours to anyone looking to explore this beautiful destination. If you want a hassle-free, memorable trip, they are the ones to trust!
In short, this trip is memorable and made perfect by Essence Ethiopia Tours. Thier experience and professionalism is wotthy of high praises.
KR
Email SUNJOO | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent!!
I went on a tour of the Omo Valley. It was a great trip to experience the real nature of Africa while looking around various tribes. My driver Famish, who helped me in Zinka, did his best. Thanks to this, my trip became more fruitful. I was very impressed by the travel agency's sincere attitude toward customers from the beginning to the end. If you want to really feel Ethiopia and Africa, I recommend you to go on a tour of the Omo Valley.
BA
Email Dana | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, responsive, client-oriented
With this travel agency I have visited Gondor, Simein mountains and Lalibela. I was teavelling by myself and have felt safe all the time. Agency's staff members were willing to accomodate all specific requests comming from my side. I would definetly recomend this agency for all those who want to explore Ethiopia
ES
Email Ignacio Bonasa | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Incredible and spectacular
Travel Review – Spain, June 2025
I just returned from an unforgettable trip to Spain, and I can't help but share my deep gratitude for the experience. It was 15 unique days, filled with beauty, excitement, and details curated with exceptional care. It wasn't just a trip… it was a transformative experience.
From the very beginning, the organizing agency demonstrated a level of professionalism, closeness, and attention to detail that I've rarely seen. Each stage of the itinerary was lovingly planned, balancing culture, relaxation, gastronomy, art, and moments of emotional connection. Everything worked out perfectly: on-time transfers, charming accommodations, soulful guided tours, and local experiences that made us feel part of the country.
But if there's someone who deserves special recognition, it's Sun, the soul behind this adventure. Her passion, generosity, sensitivity, and commitment to our well-being made each day better than the last. He was attentive to everything, always with a smile, resolving unexpected issues before we even noticed, and giving his all in every detail. Thank you, Sun, for your humanity, for your excellence, and for making this trip forever etched in our hearts.
I'll be back. And I'll be back with you. Because when you find a professional who puts their heart and soul into what they do, you need look no further.
Ignacio Bonasa
(automatic translation from Spanish)
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)