20 independent reviews for Ethiopia holiday, tailormade
Reviews for Ethiopia holiday, tailormade
Elaine Gilboa review 30 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being Jewish, stumbling upon a synagogue in Gondar during a religious holiday. We thought all the Ethiopian Jews had been airlifted to Israel during the '80s but there is still an active community. We were able to enter and watch the ceremony. It was very moving.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
There are travel advisories out for Ethiopia but I felt safer than in some other countries. There were very few other groups of tourists mainly from Eastern European countries and some French all traveling with their guides. We saw no other Americans. Accommodations were not always perfect but one should go with an open mind and not expect luxury. Very few people speak English and so one has to be patient.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Tourism is way down and so we tipped our guides generously and bought handicrafts from the tribes in the South.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Ethiopia is a stunningly beautiful country. One imagines it to be dry and dusty but since it was the end of the rainy season everything was very green and very agricultural. I would recommend this trip for adventurous people who are not put off by travel advisories. Ethiopia desperately needs tourism so go...monique sonnenfeld review 1 Aug 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the tribes in th Southern Omo Valley..and not having our luggage delivered until the last evening we were there.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Carry on luggage only! Be flexible with your plans..we had many last minute changes to,our program due to weather, tribal warfare, gas shortage, etc.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely beneficial to local people. Not sure what we did for the environment other than given our empty water bottles to youth who could reuse them.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very enlightening. Ethiopia has a very rich culture.Dinah Hill review 28 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Every day held something special and memorable from the extraordinary architecture of the churches of Lalibela and the palaces in Gondar, the incredible and varied scenery from the roof of Africa that are the Simien Mountains, down to the fascinating tribal areas of the Omo Valley and everywhere people busily going about their daily lives.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ensure you have as much small change as possible (notes of 100 Birr and less) for tips, photos and small purchases. Interact with people as much as you are able and you will be hugely rewarded.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
At every stage of the trip we had local guides, we paid a fee to the tribal villages we visited and we paid to visit a number of natural parks so I believe money from our visit was spread widely. We also made a point of tipping a small amount at every opportunity and we stayed at local hotels. The issue of plastic water bottles remains a problem in the country. Our own carbon footprint was very high with one internal flight and many miles of driving but the vast distances and state of the roads made this the only way to visit.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
As a seasoned traveler I can honestly say this is one of my most memorable holidays. It is full on. I chose Eskinder as tour operator because he is Ethiopian and I felt he would have the best understanding of the country: what a good decision! The overall cost of the tour was very competitive, everything ran really smoothly, the drivers and guides were very good. The accommodation was varied and often in stunning locations. In short go! Discuss your requirements with Eskinder and you will have a trip to remember!Ghulam Tarafdar review 10 Nov 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting my own chosen places.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Explore about individuals' choices. Tour organiser is helpful in arranging your tour.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I am not sure.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent!Angela Morrison review 11 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting a country where the majority of people in the rural areas are still living a sustainable, healthy, self-sufficient and organic life is humbling and can teach us in the 'developed' world a lot.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go to Ethiopia soon since one senses that the governement wants the country to become more 'developed' whereas responsible tourism with a light touch can work wonders. The operator can tailor make a hoilday to suit your timing and budget. We spent 27 days to see most of the main sights in this large country and felt that pace was right for us. PS there is no Coronavirus in Ethiopia........3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We interacted with many guides and drivers on our tour and felt that our money was being spread into the community. Although we did 6 internal flights this seemed an efficient way of getting around the northern part of the country where the road infrastucture is poor. Several of the hotels/lodges we stayed in were supporting the loacl community over and above just providing employment4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant. We have travelled a lot and using an in country, local agent to organise the trip within this fascinating country was perfect.Fiona Cowieson review 27 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This was one of the most amazing holidays we have ever had. Every day held something exciting and new. Ethiopia is a fascinating country with its rich culture and diverse landscapes. If I had to choose the most exciting part of the trip it would be climbing to the rock hewn church of Abune Yamata. The climb was challenging and so well worth it when we reached the church which was simply breathtaking. I also will never forget the diversity of cultures we came across in the tribes of the Omo valley. Absolutely fascinating.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to push yourself out of your comfort zone to see the more remote rock hewn churches of Tigray. Also be prepared for some long road journeys on poor roads in the Omo valley where roads are poor and bumpy. But it is all well worth the effort.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our guides and drivers, all of whom were very good, were all local people. The villages we visited seemed to welcome our presence and we were able to buy small gifts throughout our trip, to support the local crafts people. Certainly the revenue brought in from tourists in Ethiopia is helping to restore and maintain important historical places of interest. The only misgiving I had was that the tribes who had received the most visitors in the Omo valley were definitely beginning to develop a begging, hassling attitude which felt very awkward at times and made us feel we as tourists were corrupting them. It worked better in the villages where we were paying a set fee per person to take photos, the fee was shared out among the tribespeople and everyone seemed happy.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was an unforgettable holiday, one of the best 17 days I have ever spent anywhere!Hannah Smith review 28 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our trip was FULL of memorable and exciting moments. A few that spring to mind include hiking the trails high in the mountains above Lalibela, our first coffee ceremony (and later, juniper gin!) around a fire with a local family and their donkeys, the surprise of a hippopotamus in Lake Tana and the peace of the exquisite church on the shore, the gelada monkeys perching and grooming on cliff edges in the Simien Mountains and an invitation to coffee at the home of our lovely driver Kunjo. A magical week full of surprise and delight.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ask lots of questions! We really appreciated how flexible Eskinder was in designing an itinerary for 3 of us with slightly different plans. For the trekking in Lalibela be prepared for the cold high up in the mountains - and for basic sleeping and sanitary conditions. Was grateful for prior experience of similar situations - practical things like lots of hand sani, loo roll, wet wipes and a woolly hat made the experience of 2.5 days without running water much more comfortable.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Eskinder is a passionate advocate of the role that responsible tourism has to play in improving lives in Ethiopia. It certainly felt like our single payment to him was spread widely - via several guides, drivers and accommodation providers. We embraced the local ethos of 'tip little and often' with others who helped us along the way, and made purchases from local artisans wherever we could. The places we stayed were locally owned - and the welcome everywhere was warm. Using plastic water bottles is hard to avoid - but in the Lalibela Highlands, local people seemed keen to take them for re-use. Simien Lodge also clearly has a big community focus.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Arranging a bespoke adventure was a new experience for me. However, from the moment we were met at Lalibela airport, we knew we were in safe hands. The places we stayed in were all great (although the village - as above - may not be for everyone!) and our needs were taken care of every step of the way. I won't hesitate to contact Eskinder next time I'm in Ethiopia (for there will be a next time!) and I heartily recommend this operator to all fellow Responsible Travellers.Catherine Dickson review 15 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Too many to mention. Seeing the Meskel festival in Gondar, walking in the Simien mountains, Lalibela and the southern valley tribes including a bull jumping ceremony.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Nothing can prepare you for the contrasts experienced! A lot of travelling involved, the country is huge.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely benefitted local people vía job creation and our money going directly to guides and drivers. Carbon footprint was very high, lots of driving and internal flights. Teaming up with another couple would have been a welcome option, we’d have been very happy to share. There is very little if any evidence of conservation work (that we saw) in Ethiopia.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic. Eskinder and his team were absolutely great in every way.Ruth Adams review 2 Mar 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
What was best - all of it!! It is difficult to pick out just one memorable or exciting part as our various experiences in Ethiopia were all very special in their own way. We did see a procession for the Feast of St Michael in a small town and that remains a very special memory too.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I wonder if Timkat would be best spent in a small community rather than Lalibela or Gonder so that we could understand more about its true meaning and significance to Ethiopian Orthodox Christians rather than watching it as a "spectacle" in an area reserved for tourists, who had a better view than the local population. Take toilet roll and hand gel with you. Don't give money, sweets etc to the children - give to a local community if you wish. Going to villages where there is a camera fee given to the community is easier than trying to choose who to photograph! Don't expect 5 star service and facilities everywhere but you will have an amazing experience.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The use of local guides and drivers (some of whom were exceptional), locally-owned hotels meant that a lot of people benefited from the money spent.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The tour company: Eskinder works very long hours to ensure that his clients enjoy the best possible visit to Ethiopia. He encourages you to tell him what it is you most wish to see and he will re-schedule activities to ensure that you see them. He is always available to sort out any issues and is extremely polite and considerate. Overall a fantastic holiday. Ethiopia is a country worth visiting more than once! Give Eskinder more time to organise your trip than we did and he will ensure that you have a wonderful holiday.Barbara Schmidle review 7 Dec 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting the rock churches and coming across a group of local pilgrims was my highlight.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
In Axum there is not very much to ser, so you might skip it int Tigray región is absolutely wonderful.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We had a local guide at every site, but still the hotel ownwers are very often foreigners.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Northern Ethiopia is a unspoiled región with lovely people, stunning landscapes and World wonders like Lalibella.Sheryl Padjen review 9 Nov 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The entire trip was very memorable. The churches were beautiful, the historical sites were interesting, the people were warm and friendly. I loved being in the midst of the gelada baboons. The visits to the tribal villages were extremely interesting. I was also able to spend time with a daughter whom I had sponsored 10 years ago and hadn't seen since that time, so that was exciting and memorable as well.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't hesitate. This is an incredible destination. Eskinder's services were superb. He responds quickly and efficiently to any and all questions (and I had many--I thought he would be very tired of me); he goes out of his way to see that his clients receive any additional services that they may request (for example, my son wanted to buy old vinyl records of ethno jazz Ethiopian music and Eskinder made that happen; he also wanted to visit a jazz club). I can't rate the tour operator highly enough. There were some minor concerns with initially not being aware of certain parts of the itinerary because of the use of so many local guides and of lack of English proficiency with a couple of the drivers, but these concerns were very minor and have been addressed by Eskinder for future travelers.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Just the fact that a local company was used was one indication that money benefited the country. The tour operator uses a number of local guides in each town or village and different local drivers, which benefits each community. We had several of the guides even state how much the community benefited.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was definitely a five-star vacation. We loved it!Sue Todd review 26 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most exciting was seeing the Wallia Ibex and the open heart monkeys. The most memorable is the image of the people on the move, herding their cattle and livestock, walking on the roadside, carrying heavy loads, everything from water containers, sacks of grain, wood, hay and even stones. Every day was a moving tableau.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Leave your preconceptions at home and come with an open mind.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Because we spent most of our time in the villages, it certainly helped local people - from what we spent directly on gifts, from what we ate and drank, from our accommodation which gave jobs to people and the payments for photos, guides, rangers, scouts, priests and drivers.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Ethiopia has much to see, so much variety, every day is different from the terrain and landscape, the crops and foods, the cultures, the tribes, the agricultural architecture, the history, the legends, the birds, the church, the handicrafts, the hotels and the different peoples. It was an amazing experience, but a humbling one as some of the villagers have very little.Karina Wild review 26 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Every day brought new and exciting sights, sounds and experiences - from the vast numbers of people and livestock that walked the roads, to the stunning scenery to the awe inspiring churches. My most memorable experience was the opportunity to sit alone in Bet Giyorgis in Lalibela soaking up the atmosphere whilst listening to a local musician and singer serenading a couple celebrating their wedding outside - so moving.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you have plenty of small notes and coins and prepare to be hassled by the constant call of 'take picture ' as it is associated with the handing over of 5 birr for the privilege of the photograph or the local children trying to sell you small trinkets. It does get annoying but you have to accept that for many it is the only way they have of surviving through the dry season and it is much better than begging. If you are travelling south and have the opportunity, fly from Addis to Arba Minch rather than drive - you are not missing that much. Try and see the museum in Jinka before visiting the southern tribes. It was one of the better museums and provided lots of information on the different tribes.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe the holiday benefited the local people as all the guides and most of the drivers were from the local area for each of the different sites visited. The guides encouraged us to buy our souvenirs locally rather than purchasing them in Addis at the end of the holiday. Seeing how the local people struggled to collect water every day just to survive certainly encourages you to minimise your water and food wastage, so in that respect you could argue you make every effort to support conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I can't thank Eskinder enough for the itinerary he put together for us. We did and saw so much in the 3 weeks we were in Ethiopia. There were no hitches and all the guides were incredibly knowledgeable and so evidently proud of their own areas - and rightly so. We were really looked after and every effort was made to make us feel welcome where ever we went. Seeing how hard the people work just to survive a basic life is such a humbling experience and we both came away from Ethiopia feeling lucky to have experienced it.Olivia Wilkinson review 21 Mar 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We loved visiting Yemrehanna Christos, the church in a cave about 40km outside Lalibela. Not many other visitors go there, but Eskinder knows how special it is and always includes it in his tours. We hadn't heard of it before but it was the highlight of our trip so we are grateful to Eskinder for including it.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Our trip was 9 days, 9 nights and tailor-made so that it could fit in that time schedule. We would have preferred to have longer so our main recommendation is to plan for maybe a full two weeks if possible.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We were linked up with local guides in each place - they were incredibly knowledgable and we greatly enjoyed getting to understand the country through their eyes. In this way we really felt that the trip benefitted local people more than other big tour groups that did not use local guides.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great trip! We loved the country and everything it has to offer! We couldn't recommend it more! Eskinder organised the tour perfectly and it all ran very smoothly.Colin Luke review 21 Feb 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
A five hour hike, there and back, to visit Debre Maryam Korkor, a rock hewn church in Eastern Tigray, perched on a wide ledge 2000 feet up at an altitiude of 8000 feet. The climb required a lot of rock climbing and we are both around seventy years old, but our guides could not have been more encouraging or helpful and with their help we were thrilled to climb this cliff and see the church and the spectacular landscape all around.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We do not want international style hotels but at our age do require a minimum standard of comfort. Everywhere we stayed was clean and comfortable and the food was surprisingly good especially at the Simien Mountain Lodge. In towns or on rare tarmac roads, vans are adequate but with so many dirt roads, do ask for 4x4 vehicles, not least for comfort.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our excellent Ethiopian tour operator told us that over 40 people benefited from our visit. Tourism is important for the economy of Ethiopia and there is little evidence of it being detrimental in any significant way. Everyone we met or had dealings with were open and friendly and often keen to communicate in English.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a splendid holiday very well organised by the operator. The company is run by a delightful man, who answered all our questions most professionally and on meeting turned out to be a most interesting man. Small problems were quickly dealt with and nothing marred our very happy experience. The guides employed locally were all excellent. The weather in February could not have been better.Dean Moore review 15 Feb 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Experiencing the people and culture was the most memorable part of my trip.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would recommend any traveler do plenty research on the countries they plan to visit prior in addition to using a travel guide.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I feel it definitely benefitted local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The vacation was wonderful.Teresa Winchester review 9 Dec 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the bull jumping and visiting the Hamer village to watch them dance and it was not a touristy event. Also drawing one of the women in the Murcii village. And sharing our picnic with the ravens in the Simien mountains.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't encourage the children who will certainly beg by giving them ANYTHING. Sweets, pens,books or money. Do not encourage begging. If you want to give something then entrust someone you really trust with some money to buy something necessary such as shoes. Beware of youths who want you to buy them a book to help with their studies. It will be expensive and inevitably sold back to the shopkeeper and the profits shared. Be careful of taking too much luggage if you have internal flights. Contrary to what we were told at Heathrow our hand luggage was not weighed by the way. It's not true that you have to eat with your hands all the time. In fact at all. Don't be afraid of the tribal people. They are fascinating. Walk around the village before you get out your camera so that you have a look round. Don't give more than 5 bir for a photo. We were advised by a group of Norwegian doctors that there's no malaria in the north and it wasn't necessary to take malarone until you go to the south.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Hopefully entrance fees etc will filter down to everyone. Our guide in the Simien mountains was very careful to ensure that we didn't impact on the wildlife. Tourism creates jobs and increases investment but it's difficult otherwise to see the benefits to the country apart from the fact that the experience for us brings greater understanding of the people and their environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had a wonderful time. Eskinder was brilliant and gave us so much of his time. Fantastic guide and driver for 7 days in the south. We loved the contrast of the north and the south. Such a beautiful country. An excellent trip, fascinating and well organised which I would recommend to anyone wanting to see Ethiopia. And we felt perfectly safe!Ann Burke review 7 Dec 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Every day over the 3 weeks something very special or exciting happened. Personal highlights - watching the celebrations for the feast of St. Michael in a rock hewn church - it was an occasion amongst many of 'stepping back in time'. Getting so close to the gelado monkeys against the backdrop of breath taking beauty in the Simien mountains. Staring into the faces of old women who had their lives etched into their many wrinkles in the numerous tribes we visited in the south. Visiting the Dorze people and the village where the philosophy is - all are equal and of equal worth. Holding hands with the most beautiful children. Staying in the home of a family in Harar.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be realistic about some of the practical issues - toilets, wifi, plumbing etc - having said that we were pleasantly surprised at our accommodation. Sort out the tipping system and make sure you always have plenty of small notes. Don't be tempted to give money, pens etc to children - give to an organisation - it only encourages a demeaning begging culture and can mean children stay away from school. If you want to give practical things - pens clothes etc give them to someone responsible through your guide. Always as permission before taking a photo close up and pay when requested to for a photo. Travel light.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
it definitely benefitted local people as money went straight into the communities and the tour organiser lives in Ethiopia. There were many opportunities to buy from local people or markets (all our food was from local sources) and other opportunities to give/buy from a charitable cause we visited a scheme which employs women with HIV, a school that serves the family of lepers .Lots of the places we visited highlighted their eco status. Sadly both flying and using the jeeps can only have harmed the environment but if you want to travel....4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely brilliant. Words cannot do real justice in capturing our experience and Eskinder and his team were fantastic in so many ways- Eskinder made you feel that he genuinely wanted to make the trip a trip of a lifetime- nothing was too much trouble.Jim Ford review 2 Nov 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Eskinder Hailu from the holiday provider put together a three week odyssey starting in the North and working our way finally to the South Omo Valley. It was a combination of history, culture and nature - a wonderful and interesting trip. Thank You Eskinder2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I sort of let Eskinder know how much time we had and let him recommend what we should do.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Ethiopia, I think, realizes how important tourism is to their country - but I wonder how tourism might adversely effect the Rock-Hewn Churchs in Lalibela and the different tribes in the South Omo Valley.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Eskinder did a wonderful job.Orla Mackey review 7 Sep 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part of my holiday was visiting the weekly markets. Travelling the dusty roads of Ethiopia by jeep, we firstly saw hundreds of people making their way to the busy marketplaces. We learned so much through observing the different modes of dress and the various goods/livestock that they were bringing with them. At the markets themselves the atmosphere was generally electric ... bustling, enormously busy and so vibrant in colour. I was astonished to find how much the human landscape varied from place to place. For me, visiting the marketplace was the best place to see the different tribes people, it was more natural context.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I found it very helpful to use this website. I had previously spent a massive amount of time trawling through reviews of tour operators. I didn't know who to trust. I was finding it difficult to make comparisons. I was losing track. I found this website reasssuring in the sense that it promised ethical and responsible tour companies, this was a priority for me.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I am 100% confident that the tour provided to us by our holiday provider benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts and supported conservation. We were informed of the various measures that the group took to ensure that they made a difference and we also saw many examples of their promises in action.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I loved the time I spent in Ethiopia. It was made even better by the fact that we were in the hands of such a competent and capable bunch of people. Everybody we came across, from guides to drivers to staff at the pre- arranged accommodations gave us a super service. I would be more than happy to recommend both the destination, this website and my chosen tour company to a friend.Holiday Reviews
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