Ethio Backpacker Tours
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Member Of:
- ASTA & ITAT
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Budget & mid-range)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $100 to $320 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
PT
Email Maria | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Not well managed and will no respect to the environment
We booked the 3 day Danakil depression tour with Ethio Backpacker Tours.
Danakil depression is an incredible place, definitely worth visiting. The sights we visited during the tour were great, and our guide Aman was friendly and very attentive. Our driver was great too.
It should also be noted that unlike the rest of the group, we had to finish our tour in Semera. The guide managed to arrange a special agenda for us on the last day so that we didn't miss anything. We are very grateful for that. And the food was also very good.
However, there were many things we didn't like.
1. Gashaw told us the group size will be 15 people max, in reality because of some last minute bookings it was about 30. Which is a huge difference, we would not book it if we knew we'd be in a crowd.
2. On the first day of the tour there was some fuel issue which caused us some 4-5 hour delay. As we learned later, it could have been prevented.
3. The camping sites are very dirty with plastic bottles and other garbage. It's painful to see the nature being treated this way. Nobody seems to care.
4. Travelling long distances with 5 people per car (4 passengers and driver) is quite uncomfortable.
5. The sleeping places in one of the camps were right next to the kitchen, so when the chef started cooking at 2 am, everybody woke up. Almost nobody had proper sleep that night.
My impression is that the operator just took on more clients than they could manage properly. So maybe it was an exception and not a rule.
Throwing out plastic bottles and not cleaning the camp sites is a serious issue though. I hope they will start paying attention to this.
BE
Email Julian | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Poor organisation! Poor communication!
My review of this tour operator is rather mixed. Admittedly, the guides and drivers were very good, but the organization regarding the plane tickets was really poor. On every flight, there were ticket errors, which forced us to pay additional amounts several times and to insist in order to get the correct tickets. We experienced stress throughout the trip, constantly wondering if we would have to pay again.
It’s now been almost 4 weeks that we’ve been waiting for the promised refund from the tour operator, but still nothing. Each time we get the same answers: “Yes, we promise we’ll refund you”, “We’ll reimburse you in cash when you’re in Addis”, “Oh, we’re not in Addis but in Lalibela.” When we ask for a bank transfer, they say they need to ask a friend, but apparently this friend doesn’t often answer the phone…
So, I give them 2 out of 5, only thanks to the drivers and guides. For the rest, it was really poorly organized, and I want future clients to be aware of this. If they don’t want to go through a stressful experience during their trip, I would not recommend this tour operator.
Email Dayne Meyer | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fraudulent Company/ Scammed
The reason they are cheap is because the owner (Gashaw) books your flights as if you are an "Ethiopian National" which is 1/4 of the price it should be... Ask me how I know? Because on my final flight back to Addis Ababa I was stopped by the gate agent who said my flight was not for foreigners and took my ticket/ passport away... I called Gashaw in a panic (who played dumb) and said he "didn't know what the agent was talking about" but said he would handle it... As the departure came closer the gate agent said Gashaw still had not paid, and with less than 5 minutes to departure Gashaw said his "internet was not working" and that I would have to pay, but that he would "reimburse me with a wire transfer after"... I knew it was sketch, but I didn't have a choice as it was the last flight out of Lalibela and I needed to catch my international flight that night. As you can guess, he stopped answering my calls and texts after this, and I have not received the reimbursement for the additional flight I was forced to buy... I have spoken to the driver's from my tour, but they have been unsuccessful in getting Gashaw to reimburse me or even respond to my messages either.
Additionally, for each of the flights, Gashaw would text me the confirmation code the night before or morning of, never the full ticket information or payment itself. This was extremely frustrating as someone who likes to plan ahead, but after experiencing this I now understand why... He doesn't want you (or presumably Ethiopian Airlines) to see that he has listed you as an Ethiopian National... When I dug deeper and looked at my other flight tickets, I can see that they were the same and I was simply lucky the gate agents didn't catch it for those ones as well...
Book with ANYONE else, as even if you're ok with the fraud (for whatever reason), the stress associated with his terrible planning/ last minute tickets and lack of communication is not worth the headache...
My previous (positive) review was the day before this occurred. I am working with Safaribookings to have it taken down.
ES
Email Maria | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Just WOW!!!!!!
We booked a four days activity to visit Addis Ababa and the Danakil Depression with Ethio Backpacker Tours, and it was an exceptional experience. The trip was impeccably organized, and the team was amazing. I loved every aspect of the service and highly recommend them for anyone looking to explore these incredible destinations.
CN
Email Yuli | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Lovely Short trip!
I was able to get a spare time for few days in Ethiopia since I came for business, but thanks to my friend's recommendation I contact with Ethio Backpacker Tours and they provided an excellent city tour in Addis Ababa. I visit the important places such as national museum, entoto park and big market merkato. Thanks for the excellent hospitalities!
BE
Email Ruzan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Extraordinary!
I recently completed a week journey through Ethiopia with Ethio Backpacker Tours, and it was truly unforgettable. The first three days in the Danakil Depression showcased the extreme beauty of one of the hottest places on Earth. From there, we spent three days exploring the Omo Valley, experiencing the vibrant culture of its diverse tribes and finally a city tour of Addis Ababa.
Thank you Gashaw for such an extraordinary adventure!
TR
Email Bahir | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Everything organized perfectly!
My trip to Ethiopia was unforgettable, thanks to Ethio Backpacker Tours! With only six days off for my holiday, I was eager to explore this beautiful country that had long been on my bucket list. Gashaw organized everything perfectly, helping me prioritize what to see in such a short time.
One of the most incredible experiences was witnessing the active volcano at Erta Ale. Seeing the lava exploding in the lava lake was beyond anything I had ever imagined. The raw power of nature was awe-inspiring, and I’m so grateful I had the chance to witness it.
Email Jim | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly recommended Tour Operation!
Working with Ethio Backpacker Tours was a fantastic experience; the service was well-organized and competent.
I appreciate you ensuring our safety during the journey. We are certain as we will return and use this excellent tour again. Thank you Gashaw and all the team!
RO
Email Murad | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful country and best service providers!!
This is one of my unforgettable trip! Ethiopia is a hidden gem, there are many beautiful places to explore! And Thanks to Gashaw for arranging this amazing trip!
Email Daniel | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Book your trip with this brilliant tour Operator!
It is a second time for me to visit Ethiopia and booking a trip with Ethio Backpacker Tours is always great. I came with friends again and the service was well-organized and competent. I appreciate you ensuring my safety during my journey.