Ethiopia walking tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION
Our commitment to offering holidays with a positive impact is exemplified through our innovative approach and our groundbreaking carbon scoring system, a world-first initiative enabling us to meticulously evaluate the environmental footprint of each tailor-made trip. Actively engaging with our suppliers, we encourage their participation in our carbon-scoring survey, fostering collaboration that yields valuable insights into unique carbon scores and identifies areas for sustainability excellence and improvement.

Transparency is paramount, and we extend it to our customers by individually assessing each trip, providing a personalised carbon score for your tailor-made holiday. This empowers you to make informed choices aligned with your values.

This walking-focused tour prioritises low-carbon travel through trekking and the use of eco-conscious accommodations. TESFA Community Village Home Stays, located in rural Ethiopian highlands, incorporate sustainable practices like composting toilets, minimal water use, and reliance on local resources. Additionally, Gerhalta Lodge employs sustainable building materials and features a pesticide-free, zero-kilometre garden for fresh produce. With donkeys carrying guest luggage instead of motorised transport during trekking, this trip aligns with principles of carbon-conscious travel, demonstrating a commitment to minimising environmental impacts.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
The tour directly supports biodiversity and conservation. TESFA Home Stays reinvest funds into reforestation efforts, planting indigenous trees, and promoting environmental stewardship in local communities. Gerhalta Lodge preserves the natural landscape by blending its structures into the environment and avoiding ecological disruption during construction. These initiatives not only protect Ethiopia's highland ecosystems but also provide sustainable livelihoods for local communities, fostering an active partnership between tourism and conservation.

Ahead of your departure, we ensure you are well-prepared through our pre-travel online 'travel pack.' This comprehensive, paper-free resource acts as your guide, providing essential details and valuable insights for the upcoming adventure. Practical guidelines on mindful packing are included to minimise luggage and reduce overall weight, contributing to lower fuel consumption.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
We are absolutely committed to the principle of responsible travel, and part of this means ensuring that local communities are at the centre of our supply chain on every facet of our itineraries. To enhance our customers' experiences and foster a deeper understanding of the delicate ecological balance of the regions they visit, our partners primarily employ local guides. These knowledgeable guides possess valuable insights into the land, wildlife, and environment. The Ethiopia Walking Tour supports local communities by partnering with TESFA Community Village Home Stays. These accommodations are managed by local villagers, ensuring that income remains within the community. Guests enjoy locally sourced food and participate in cultural experiences such as coffee ceremonies, which directly contribute to preserving and sharing traditional practices.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
TESFA empowers rural Ethiopian communities by providing employment opportunities, from hosting guests to guiding treks. The initiative is designed to ensure economic benefits are distributed across multiple households in participating villages. Training programs equip locals with the skills needed to succeed in tourism, fostering a sense of pride and ownership in their cultural heritage. Gerhalta Lodge complements these efforts by employing locals, such as Mebratu, who transitioned from farming to a stable role as the lodge’s chief guard, highlighting inclusivity in job creation.