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 $580 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email YM | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Experience and Smooth Arrangements
I had a memorable and valuable 11-day trip across Ethiopia, and I’m very satisfied with Tsehaynew’s arrangements and prompt responses. Despite a complex itinerary—from Addis Ababa to the Simien Mountains, Danakil Depression, and Omo Valley—everything was organized smoothly.
The city tour in Addis, trekking in the Simiens, the Danakil adventure (Dallol and Erta Ale), and the cultural visits in South Omo were all well planned and meaningful. Logistics, flights, accommodations, and transfers were handled professionally, and I felt supported throughout the journey.
I highly recommend this travel agency for anyone looking to explore Ethiopia with reliable planning and warm hospitality.
QA
Email Mohammed | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent service
Dear Brother,
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the excellent service you provided during my visit to Addis Ababa.
My experience with you was truly outstanding, and it made my trip comfortable and memorable.
I would especially like to thank the tour guide Salee, who demonstrated great knowledge, professionalism, and a helpful and respectful attitude. He was truly reliable and honest in everything, and his expertise added tremendous value to my trip.
I also want to thank the driver for his respectful attitude, polite manner, and safe, calm driving throughout the journey. His presence added a lot to my comfort during transportation.
Thank you once again for everything. I truly appreciate your efforts, and you will definitely be my first choice on any future visit to Addis Ababa.
Warm regards,
Mohammed
AE
Email Abdelaziz | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
He is very helpful
Overall, my trip with this company was excellent. All the activities and sites listed were fully covered during the journey, and most importantly, they were very flexible with the traveler’s wishes—whether you want to change something or cancel an activity.
They have excellent tour guides who speak fluent English, and the prices are suitable for all budgets.
In the end, I highly recommend this company. Thank you.
Email Don | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exceptional
This is a great tour company! Tsahaynew knows so much and shares it easily with his guests. He is extremely friendly and accommodating. You won't regret using him for your tour!
QA
Email Sanu Sivashankar | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Tension Free Travel
Essence Ethiopia and Mr Tsechay referred by one of my friend ,But from the first WhatsApp Message to End other tour he did a greate coordination and Tension free travel. He was really concerned about the small things that could be missed from our side. Even reminder of early flights and time lines.i Strongly recommend this team if any of you planning to Visit Ethiopia. All the best Essence Ethiopia
RU
Email Evgeny | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Well-organized tour
The tour was well organized.
Big pros:
When any issues arose, the organizer immediately intervened and rectified the situation.
Points:
3-star hotels. All were clean, with showers, breakfast included.
Transfers: I was met and seen off everywhere, and they helped with our luggage. There was a slight hitch when we arrived in Ethiopia at the airport. I expected to be met at the arrivals exit (this is usually the case). It turned out I had to exit the airport and walk to the parking lot, which I should have mentioned in advance.
Transportation: I had private tours around Addis Ababa. The vehicle was clean and good.
Around the salt lake, we traveled in a large Land Cruiser, with a driver and three tourists.
No problems at all.
Guides: Guides with good English. Both the guides and drivers were friendly, helpful, informative, and answered questions. No tips were required. Everything was fine.
Additionally: In the area of the volcano and salt lake, you have to sleep outside. I even liked it – the view of the star is stunning. Cons: no shower or proper toilet.
Email Phillemon kiggwe | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The tour operator was very knowledgeable and managed to see the client had an unforgettable trip.
They were so caring and punctual for all visits. They ensured that the clients did not miss out on any details. Such services are worth a revisit.
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!
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.
