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 $578 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
PL
Email Maciej | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
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!
AR
Email Francisco Reitano | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
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!
US
Email Kelsey Gray | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
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!
PL
Email Mateusz | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
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.
US
Email Liz | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unique adventure
Tsenayhew put together a packed itinerary on our budget and our limited time frame. He wasn’t our guide but was in constant communication with us and helped solve issues quickly. The visits to the tribes were absolutely fascinating. The visit to the mercato in Addis is not to be missed but not for the faint of heart! Accommodations were rustic and days were long. Go with an open heart and mind, and a sense of adventure and you won’t be disappointed!
RU
Email Sergey Kovalchuk | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Very good tour!
Had a wonderful trip to the Omo Valley with a private tour. In 4 days I managed to see 5 different tribes. Absolutely happy with the trip. Everything was good - guide, transport, accommodation. Additionally, I ordered two more tours from Addis Ababa. Also good.
I can honestly recommend this company for ordering tours in Ethiopia.
SI
Email Andreja | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unikatna, varna in cenovno dostopna afriška izkušnja
Essence Ethiopia Tours is a professional and reliable travel agency, with which it was great to work from the moment I started to negotiate the 9-day program with its director. The price of the trip was affordable for me, the program and accommodations can obviously be adjusted to the individual's budget and his/her wishes. I traveled alone and Tsehaynnew was available 24 hours a day. He always sent me all the necessary information, departure and arrival times, boarding passes for flights, checked how I was feeling, answered my additional questions. I am grateful that he adjusted the program on the last day due to my poor health. Both main destinations in the program that I chose, Danakil depression and Omo valley, despite their differences, offered me a unique experience. Visiting the hottest inhabited place in the world was demanding due to the heat, but wonderful and unforgettable due to the breathtaking nature and good company (I was part of the group). Reshid, the guide and driver in Omo valley, told me a lot of interesting things while visiting four ethnic groups and made sure that I saw a special ceremony of the Hamer tribe and ate traditional food the whole time, for which I am really grateful. Moges, the guide in Addis Ababa, was also great, we saw all the special sights - from museums to the largest open market in Africa, and when I wanted to buy special Ethiopian scarves, I got them with his help😊. Tsehaynnew is a friendly man who is also loved by the guides and drivers he works with. He solves all dilemmas on the spot, because he puts the well-being and good experiences of passengers first.🥰
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IT
Email Tilahun Milani | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything as planned perfectly
I had a great time with Tsehaynew, a fantastic tour guide who knows his job very well and helped me a lot because without his help I probably would have had several problems.
I speak Italian and English, but I didn't know Amharic, and he translated for me.
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MY
Email Josie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Experienced tour operator
My recent trip to Ethiopia was nothing short of extraordinary. I had the opportunity to explore the Danakil Depression and the Omo Valley.
The Danakil Depression with its salt plains, Dallol with neon yellow and green sulfur fields, the area felt like a scene from Mars.
Hiking to Erta Ale was a highlight. Our guide and driver were knowledgeable and made us feel safe throughout the trip. Other members of the team made sure we have enough drinking water, food and mattress even in such remote conditions.
Omo Valley region is home to some of Africa’s ethnic tribes, where we visited the Mursi, Karo, and Dassanech peoples. Our local guide ensured that our visits were respectful.
This Ethiopia trip is one of the most unique travel experiences I’ve ever had. It’s not a luxury destination – but it is unforgettable and deeply enriching.
I would recommend it for any adventurous travelers. Mr Sun from Essence Ethiopia Tours had organised our trip very well from start to finish. Thumbs-up to Mr Sun 😊