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 $549 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
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...
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!
IE
Email Jonathan MacCumhaill-BinRosli | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An excellent 👍 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.
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!
IT
Email Andrea | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Reliable
The tour was well organized.
The guys were always up to par, helpful, kind and very professional. I recommend their services, Ethiopia is wonderful!
RU
Email Aleks | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Recommend!
I booked a tour to Danakill, it was good and interesting, one of the best attractions in Africa. Thanks Tsehaynew and team! In Essence tour you can also book transfers and accomodations, and it will be even cheaper if you will do it together 😁
IN
Email Vivek | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing Ethiopian Adventure
I recently had the most incredible experience on a tour arranged by Mr. Tsehaynew (Essence Ethiopia tours ) from 31-Mar-2025 to 02-Apr-2025. The entire journey was seamless, exciting, and deeply enriching. Our itinerary included some of the most extraordinary destinations on the planet—Ethiopia's hot springs, the Erta Ale volcano, and the Danakil Depression—each of which offered a unique adventure.
First, the hot water springs were a perfect blend of relaxation and wonder. Nestled in a remote area, the springs offered a peaceful escape, with natural pools surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. The warm, mineral-rich waters were incredibly soothing, and the tranquility of the location made it feel like a hidden gem.
The Erta Ale volcano was a true highlight. The active lava lake was mesmerizing, and our guide provided excellent insight into the volcanic activity and the region's geology. The hike to the summit was challenging but rewarding, and witnessing the raw power of the volcano in person was something I will never forget.
Finally, the Danakil Depression was like stepping onto another planet. The landscape is otherworldly, with vast salt flats, vibrant mineral deposits, and incredible geothermal activity. It was truly humbling to see one of the hottest and most hostile places on Earth up close. The guide’s expertise was invaluable, providing us with the context and history of the region.
What truly stood out, though, was the attention to detail and exceptional service provided by “Mr. Tsehaynew”. The entire trip was carefully organized, from transportation to accommodations and every logistical detail in between. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the places we visited. Safety and comfort were always prioritized, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, I recommend Mr. Tsehaynew (Essence Ethiopia tours). They exceeded all expectations and created a memorable experience that I’ll cherish for years to come. Thank you for an unforgettable journey!
AE
Email Svitlana | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best tour in Ethiopia!
I would highly recommend this tour which combines all the most interesting destinations in Ethiopia. It was reliable and efficient from the beginning to the end! Big thanks to our guides which make this experience unforgettable in the best ways.