Our team with groups in Lalibela
Senait Ethiopia Tours
- Office In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2008)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $204 to $419 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
GR
Email Theodoros Koumartzis | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best way to travel at Ethiopia
We found Senait Ethiopia Tours through search on Internet and the recommendations of some friends who travelled there in 2014. We had travelled in many places around the world but for Ethiopia (and I assume more East African countries) you can't just rent a car and make your way. Senait gave us the best price and most important the best experience. Our driver Bekele made all our trip safe, replying all of our questions and always keeping an eye on us. The places we stayed were really nice (some more luxury, other closer to the nature) and even though we travelled a lot, we have the experience.
5* for all the team, as we urgently needed to find a place for some stomach issues we had, then again Bekele was there to drive us everywhere with a patience and a smile. I would suggest them for sure and I wish to travel and learn more about this beautiful country.
HK
Email Connie | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Senait, during the trip planning and the actual trip were responsive, efficient, and informative
Senait Ethiopia Tours exceeded my hopes for this short trip (January 12-18, 2020). We were 2 women travellers and were very happy with all the arrangements, hotels, drivers and guides. In particular, in Addis Ababa, Mr Tikikil Tadesse was excellent - he was on time, good English. We needed to change my daughter's flight to Bahir Dar for a late afternoon flight versus an early morning flight. No problem. However, as a result Ethiopian Airlines cancelled the remaining flights. Mr Tadesse and Mr Mas Zeleke were able to reinstate our remaining flights and thus we proceeded without any issues. In Addis, Walid was very happy to modify our plan - so had a lovely time at the new Unity Park which is going to be beautiful when completed. Some of the history displays glossed over the difficult history during the second half of the 20th century and a more reflective commentary would have been better.
In Bahir Dar, Mr Mas Zeleke was an excellent guide. He took us to the waterfalls of the Blue Nile - the 40 minute walk to the falls was great but the falls were underwhelming as most of the water has been diverted for hydro power. Maybe in the wet season would be more spectacular. He also arranged a boat ride on Lake Tana to see one of the island monasteries. On the return, saw some hippos enjoying the water.
In Gonder, Mr Sami was a fun guide. He gave us enough history of the Fasildas Palace and Baths to put into context. Then he was such fun with suggesting good photo compositions and even gave us a dance lesson with the moving shoulders! Great rhythm on his part and less so on ours!!
In Lalibela, Mr Leul was excellent. He arranged our time to allow us to view the churches in the morning, early and late afternoons. At the last moment, we opted against a walk/mule ride to Hudad and instead, Mr Leul arranged a visit to St Neakutoleab Monastery where the resident priest showed us his vestments and a 500 year old bible. It was beautiful and a pleasant alternative.
I would definitely use Senait again because of the wonderful guides and drivers, their flexibility and genuine interest to ensure we had a great time in their country.
Well organized, no time wasted, a lot of places visited in a few days
Communication was professional and prompt either through email and whatsapp. The guides were super nice and very precise in their explanations (we strongly recommend Lulè for Lalibela churches): the whole tour through northern Ethiopia was perfect.
Email Marcine | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An experience of history, churches, coffee and culture
All the drivers and tour guides spoke excellent English they were extremely Informative, knew their countries history very well. The welcome we received from everyone made us feel at home straight away. We never encountered any issues of safety, it’s a safe country and easy to travel around.
It’s a country of Churches, coffee and construction- a growing country and in a few years probably the best African country!
All air Ethiopia flights were on time, we had 2 International flights and 3 internal flights. Everyone always did their best to assist and make sure the check in process was quick and friendly. However there is a lot of security, which is normal now days at all airports and hotels.
The hotels we stayed in were of good quality, however the food was lacking, I thought we would eat a lot more spicy food and a lot more fruits. Lots and lots of good coffee though
IN
Email Kulbhushan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Just go with them
I had met MrTaddese Atlaw, Managing Director,SENAIT Ethiopia Tours (Sunny) in a personal capacity some months back and on his suggestion I planned my trip to the Simien Mountains National Park. He was absolutely brilliant and personalised my Itinerary to meet my time and budget constraints without taking away the excitement and flavour of the trip. The communications were very prompt and he instilled a lot of ease into the whole planning process.
The arrangements on the trip were immaculate. Mr Meseret and Mr Kuddus accompanied me on my trip inside the park and I had a truly enchanting experience.They know the lay of the land so well and the knowledge of the local flora and fauna were indeed very impressive. They really make you feel so at ease.I am so impressed that I have already started planning for an longer trip with the same team in the near future. Best wishes to the Senait team and congratulations on a job well done
HK
Email Cherry Chau | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Safe and reponsible tour company
efficient work and can help to solve problems when accidenet happens during tour.
Email Elizabeth | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Prompt, efficient, clear online service, plus excellent communication and care for my needs .
Initial communication online, and later on the ground was excellent. Over all, the service was of a very high standard. Ethiopia is a huge and greatly varied place so expectations can be difficult to meet. However, my personal needs were always considered and I was given appropriate advice about what to bring and what to expect. Senait responded almost immediately to all my question and was very flexible with my requests as an independent traveller not part of a group.
The tour company arranged a driver (no guide), car, accommodation, internal flights, meals and local tours for me. I had a skilled driver who was punctual, courteous and informative without ever being over familiar. The itinerary followed a fairly standard tourist route with the usual - and fabulous - sites and festivals. This was a combination of my choice and their suggestions and it worked out very well. Beware of time and distances.
The standard of accommodation in Ethiopia is varied. Similarly, the standard of the local tour guides at some of the sites can be underwhelming but this is not the fault of the tour company as I decided not to have a person guide with me for the duration of the trip. As an older independent traveller I highly recommend Senait and would certainly travel with them again, especially if I had the same driver!
GR
Email Panos - Andreas | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A guarantee for a safe and pleasant trip!
Those people truly know how to do their job. A trip that had felt to be rather difficult from the onset, was made easy and pleasant from the first moment that we were delivered from the airport and headed down south. Ethiopia is not an "easy" destination due to the lack of infrastructure. We are grateful to Senait Ethiopia Tours for the impeccable service. Our adventure to the south of the country was a travel experience to remember. Safety and professionalism: Highly recommended!
HK
Email Benty | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Trips in Ethiopoa
we were very satisfied with the organisation of our 11 day trip in north Ethiopia. stunning culture and amazing landscape. The guides were friendly, knowledgable and attentive. Each individual. The drivers were reliable , the cars clean, the Hotels well choosen. We highly recommend Senait Ethiopia Tours . Visit Ethiopia!
Email Ai-Lin | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible 11 day tour of Northern Ethiopia (group of 4 friends)
I joined a private 11 day tour of northern Ethiopia for a group of 4 people organised by a friend (2 from UK and 2 from HK). Our tour included a 9 day drive in a clean and comfortable landcruiser from Bahir Dar to Gondar to Simien Mountains to Axum to Gheralta Mountains and to Lalibela.
I appreciated the incredible personal and professional service from Taddese Atlaw (managing director) before and during the tour. Taddese responded promptly, courteously and patiently to numerous questions via email about domestic flights, payment terms, accommodation facilities, and possible tour extensions. He also kept in touch a couple of times to check if the tour was going well and was flexible to accommodate additional requests during the tour. It was nice to meet Taddese face to face on the last day at the traditional dinner and dance show before we departed Ethiopia.
Our driver (Yacob) and local guides at various destinations were friendly, experienced, helpful and were happy to share their culture, history, religion and knowledge with us including translating my Q&As with the priests and monks :)
My highlights of the tour were trekking to see Gelada monkeys at Simien mountains, trekking upwards to rock hewn churches of Abuna Yemata, Maryam and Daniel Korkor in the Tigray region, visiting Lalibela churches and my conversations with the priests and monks about their faith and experiences. The Ethiopian Orthodox church - their history, practices and rock hewn buildings were fascinating.
Suggestions for consideration: (1) Porter fees to assist in treks in Tigray region could be included in the tour package or negotiated upfront on behalf of clients. (2) Rooms without air-conditioning could have a fan for circulation and to blow mosquitoes away (if any).
Overall, I would highly recommend SET to organise your Ethiopian adventure. Their tour package was competitively priced with exceptional service.
