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:
- $55 to $546 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CH
Email David | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best choice in Ethiopia
Excellent tour operator, guides and owner are very friendly and competent, taking great care all the way. I felt safe every minute of the trip. Highly recommended, many thanks!
IE
Email Jonathan MacCumhaill-BinRosli | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An excellent đź‘Ť tour around Addis & 1000 year old churches carved into rock in Lelabella (in north)
An Excellent Service, I was able to book on WhatsApp & they arranged an all inclusive tour of Rock Churches of Lalibela & half a day around Addis.
I got the 3day Package which included:
- Flights from Addis to Lalibela
- Transport to hotel & back
- All Food
- Accommodation in hotel
- Guilde to show you around
- Fees into the Churches/ Parks/ Pictures
- Taxes etc for the above
(See https://www.safaribookings.com/rates/t80447 for more details & exemption)
The flight by Ethiopian Airways was good, with the twin propeller plane flying low you could see the country side. The mountains, gully & valleys with fields (If I had gone in rainy season I’m sure it would have been very green). The Ethiopian were having a great time taking pictures of the Birds Eye view.
The driver & Guide/Fixer (Young YIBELTAL ABEBE BlHONENG ) were waiting at the airport to collect me at the Airport.
The hotel was a good quality, with bath room, German sockets for electricity when ether the main grid or generator is on. Food was good with tea & coffee, note what you would like to eat before arriving. Breakfast was fruit juice, bread & eggs (cooked in different ways). Nice thick (tog 13) blankets because the temperature drops at night. Shower was good with good pressure in full tiled room, with toilet & sick.
Short walk to the churches in a manageable 25’celcus, with Mesgan the guide for churches; I wore long sleeves shirt & trousers. (As much because to stop sun burn & as I would do in temple, Vatican or Mosque). Take off hat & shoes for walking inside, so some of the other guests had plastic raps.
Sounds silly, but I thought Mesgan expectation gave for the churches, how they were built, cooling wholes, sound channels and water collection based on his religion beliefs was great. I been to many a place where the guide goes “we just don’t know” / “forgotten lost to time”. (I’m sure a person can google the answer) Each church was distinctive, and definitely in my list of wonders of the world; and sensibility built at night. (One believer said)
When I was there the market was meeting, all had come into town with donkeys with food etc to sell. I’m a vegetarian since birth so if you’re like me, the open hanging cut meat can be a bit shocking.
The local pub was good and seemed to be the place with flowing electricity, good food, cool design. Me being me got chatting with a lads, some were into the soccer on smart phone.
The town is like a big jobs bridge project, so expect to be passed from billy to jack & spreads the business about. There has been a lot of investment in tourist industry before Covid19, which like world wide never really recovered; so they could do with your business.
Then did a tour driving around Addis, saw a market, the architecture (which I love), the Museum in University, then on to a bit of food & drinks in a nice bar. Kenaw Ayalew was a good city guild & safe driver. Personally, I would rather not do the market as i’m vegetarian.
GR
Email Maria Achilleia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Truly Local Experience!
This 3-day guided tour of Lalibela was absolutely amazing! Everything was taken care of—transport, accommodation, meals, and entrance fees—so I could just enjoy the experience.
The highlight for me was visiting Bet Giyorgis (Saint George Church), the iconic cross-shaped church carved into the rock—it was even more breathtaking in person! The guide was fantastic—so knowledgeable and kind—and made sure I truly experienced Lalibela like a local. Walking through the village, meeting the people, and seeing daily life added so much to the trip.
If you want a stress-free, well-organized, and immersive way to explore Lalibela’s beauty and history, this tour is a must!
AE
Email Lucas | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Caring and attentive
My experience with Essence Ethiopia during my 5 days in the north of the country was overall very positive. The owner seems to really care about their clients. Communication was very prompt during the booking process and the owner maintained it in order to check for satisfaction throughout the tour as well. Everything was organized as agreed upon. During my trip I got several of their tour guides and every single one of them was really amazing, knowledgeable and friendly. So big thank you to Mr.Mekuanint, Mr.Wase, Mr.Girum and Mr.Sisay...
BG
Email Anna | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The essence of Ethiopia "erved" with caring approach, support for all you need and a positve vibe :)
We (I was a member of a group of 13 ) had a magnificent Timket experience, inspiring Gondar and Bahir Dar deep dive with the must see sightseeing + out of the beaten truck visits to enjoy local gourmet, fun dancing in a bar and everything else the cities had to offer:).
For the 3 days with "Essence of Ethiopia Tours" I felt greatly treated and well supported with information, overall assistance and all this accompanied by positve vibe and personal attitude :).
IN
Email Chandrasekar Rathinam | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Delightful experience
I recently had the pleasure of exploring Ethiopia with Essence Ethiopia Tours during my 1.5-day visit, and it was a truly wonderful experience. The driver and guide were exceptionally kind, professional, and attentive to every need, ensuring we felt completely at ease throughout the journey.
They went above and beyond to help us immerse ourselves in the beauty and culture of Ethiopia, making every moment unforgettable. Their passion for showcasing the country’s treasures was evident in every detail.
I wholeheartedly recommend Essence Ethiopia Tours to anyone looking to explore this incredible destination. I can’t wait to return and discover even more of Ethiopia’s charm and beauty!
CN
Email Zee | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
2 Days Omo Valley trip!
I spent good time 2 days to Omo Valley tribes. My schedule was tight and couldn't go to other destinations.
IT
Email Paola | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
wonderful experience
I did 2 different tours with this agency and I had a great time. The driver and guide were very kind, attentive to the customer's needs! They made us live and feel the beauties of the country. I absolutely recommend relying on them.
JP
Email Kanoo | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
2 Days Visiting Lalibela!
I had the pleasure of exploring Lalibela for 2 days with Essence Ethiopia Tours. Unfortunately, due to the Christmas Festivals and limited seats on the airplane, I had to extend my trip and fly out on January 8th instead. Despite the unexpected change, I had an amazing time visiting the rock-cut churches and meeting the incredibly friendly locals. Tsehaynew, our tour operator, was exceptionally kind and helpful throughout the entire experience. Can't wait to come back and explore more of this beautiful destination!
JP
Email Go Kumura | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful!
I booked my trip with Essence Ethiopia Tours for the end of December 2024. Initially, I agreed to a 5-day tour of Northern Ethiopia, but after receiving an excellent offer, I decided to add a day trip to Simien Mountains and an additional 3 days to explore Danakil. Every aspect of the trip was special and well-organized! I am extremely satisfied with my experience and highly recommend Essence Ethiopia Tours.