Photo of our staff during annual training session
SimienEcoTours
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2014)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $80 to $350 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
An authentic, tailored 10-day Ethiopia experience beyond our expecations
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
Email Thomas | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Organization for my mountain bike tour through Ethiopians Southern Mountains
I, Thomas (70, German speaking
from Namibia) did the
“MTB CYCLE TOUR THROUGH THE SOUTHERN MOUNTAINS OF ETHIOPIA - 12 DAYS”
with
SimienEco Tours Organization in Feb.26
We have been only 4 participants and I was the only rider with an E-MTB Scott Strike fully mountain bike, which I rented from the companies fleet of brand new Scott, hard tail & e-bikes.
Chewy, our local guide, was absolutely amazing, his knowledge about his home country Ethiopia, the culture, social structures, political history, all our questions have been answered in a very comprehensive way. His knowledge of the routing, pointing out the difficulty grade of the various descents and uphills.
The 2 local drivers, fully english speaking too, have been an excellent support for us.
Not only driving the two comfortable Land Cruiser vehicles- helping loading and off-loading the bikes and handling the luggage.
All accomodation, 3 meals a la cart and bottled water has been included in the tour price.
Accomodation was ranking within from 2-5 star grading.
Coming from an African country, I was very surprised of the kindness of the people of Ethiopian - alway a smile on their faces, I will never forget.
Many mountains had to be climbed, followed by rewarding downhills.
In the Bale Mountain National Park, we have been lucky to watch the Ethiopian Wolf on a very close distance.
After climbing the 2nd highest point in Ethiopia, the summit of the 4400m high Mount Tullu Dimtu, a spectacular downhill of 2200mh/40km was waiting for us.
It was the highlight at the end of our fantastic Cycling Ethiopia Tour.
380km & 4000hm have been done!
I can recommend these tour for any age group, our eldest participant 83 years of age, managed the tour with a normal “bio fuel bike”!
A healthy & physical good condition is necessary. There are no special skills required. No jumps, no single tracks!
I’m looking forward to return to Ethiopia soon!
