Photo of our staff during annual training session
SimienEcoTours
- Office In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2014)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $1,389 to $6,076 per person per day (MXN, 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
FR
Email YVES | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Highly professional, perfect planning, organization, and timing.
Regarding communication, service, value for money, reliability and the trip, everything was perfect... My first trip to Ethiopia was a 10-day journey that exceeded my expectations! First, I encountered a very smiling and welcoming population, which allowed me, from the very first day, to let myself go and enjoy the visits and encounters... Parks: the Simien Mountains, Lakes Abijatta and Shalla National Park... Magnificent and very varied landscapes depending on the region and altitude: mountains, cliffs, forests, fields, crops... Hot springs at 93°C, very practical for cooking eggs, salt and freshwater lakes: Lake Tana (the largest lake in the country, where the Blue Nile originates...), Lake Langano, the Rift Valley, Lakes Shala and Abijatta... Animals: baboons, ostriches, warthogs, jackals, gazelles, birds, more than 450 species... Not forgetting Gondar Castle, the churches and monasteries, the 11 unique churches of Lalibela carved from a single block of volcanic rock, and its painted masterpieces. Sculptures... markets bursting with color and fragrance, the unique falls of the Blue Nile, boat cruises, very comfortable and varied hotels...And I will finish with its traditional dish, injera, with or without meat, but especially with a variety of delicious vegetables: tomatoes, cabbage, chickpeas, lentils, beets, potatoes, kidney beans, onions, chilies... Of course, this delicious meal cannot end without a pure, traditional Arabica coffee served during the 'traditional and ritualized coffee ceremony (Buna)', with incense... I also had the chance to attend the exceptional Orthodox mass (3 hours) on Sunday, November 30th in Lalibela with its chants, dances, music, costumes, and colors... Ethiopia, the only non-colonized country in Africa, is a country with a unique history that deserves to be known, completely different from other African countries... Of course, my stay would not have been so wonderful and successful without 'my' guide, Hailu, a man of exceptional human and intellectual qualities, a great lover of his country, with immense knowledge of Ethiopia, of Africa, Europe, and the world have allowed me to better understand the history and culture of this exceptional country... My stay ended with a meal and a dance party in Addis Ababa, in an exceptional and unique multicultural venue...
IT
Email Federica | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Reliable, well-organized, and supported by an outstanding local guide.
An amazing and intense trip to Ethiopia, with a perfectly balanced itinerary combining culture and nature: Addis Ababa, Gondar, Lalibela, the Simien Mountains and the Danakil Depression. Each stop was different and impressive, from the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the breathtaking landscapes of the Simien Mountains and the unique experience in Danakil.
The organization was flawless, with great attention to detail throughout the trip. A real highlight was our local guide, Girum – without a doubt the best guide we’ve ever had: extremely knowledgeable, always available, and always ready with a plan B when unexpected situations arose.
The local agency was reliable and professional. An authentic and unforgettable journey that we highly recommend.
CA
Email Aimee | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very professional
We spent 4 nights in the Simon mountains and felt like we were in the hands of a professional company. The food was excellent, plentiful and varied. Our guide was passionate about the mountain and was even a great photographer so we have lots of family photos from the trip. He also had a kean eye for spotting wildlife. Nice extra touches like warm soapy water in the morning and after a day of hiking. Tents were good quality and for camping, the mattresses were comfortable. Highly recommend SimienEcoTours
CA
Email Greg | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A++
SET did an excellent job of organizing a trip catered to what I was looking for, plus they added a few of their suggestions. I can't say enough good things about my guide, Philimon. At every moment, he was on top of what we were doing and had everything in order. He was extremely knowledgeable about culture, history, animals, and geology, and he spoke perfect English. I strongly recommend SimienEcoTours!
An authentic, tailored 10-day Ethiopia experience beyond our expecations
I honestly cannot remember the last time I experienced so much in just 10 days (Lalibela, Omo Valley, Addis, Danakil, Tigray)! Among numerous providers, I came across SimienEcoTours through my own research. From the initial contact to travel planning, preparation, and execution, everything was 100% perfect. As a frequent traveler, this has been my best experience with a travel agency so far.
But let me start from the beginning:
My travel buddy and I only had 10 days but wanted to see as much as possible within that time. We had very little idea of what would actually be feasible. Franziska worked closely with us to design our (rather ambitious) tailor-made itinerary. We especially appreciated the transparent and friendly communication, the efficiency, and the excellent availability (via email as well as phone).
What happened after we booked is ultimately the main reason why we recommend this agency so highly. In the past, once a trip was booked, we usually had little to no contact with the agency until departure. Simien Ecotours, however, prepared us step by step for the journey. The word “attentive” describes the agency very well. From general information about the host country, entry requirements (visa), and a packing list, to setting up a WhatsApp group that included Franziska, Marco (the managing director), our guide, our drivers in the different destinations, and the team members working behind the scenes on logistics — everything was thoughtfully organized.
Perfectly prepared, we traveled to Ethiopia, where we were warmly welcomed at the airport. I was especially grateful for the seamless support with importing my drone. This would not have been possible without the agency (and after the trip, I can confidently say I would have missed my drone very much if I hadn’t been able to bring it).
Our guide, Hailu, accompanied us throughout the entire journey, including domestic flights, so we never had to worry about airport transfers, check-in procedures, or logistics. Hailu is an open-minded and thoughtful person who truly loves his work and his country. We always felt comfortable with and around him. Spontaneous requests or adjustments to the program were never a problem. His English was excellent. What impressed us most was his knowledge — especially about his homeland, but also far beyond that. We learned so much from him and took away countless insights.
You know a guide is exceptional when a certain sense of melancholy sets in while saying goodbye at the airport at the end of the trip.
It is also very important to mention our drivers. In the different regions, we had different local drivers. Most importantly: every single driver drove safely, carefully, and at an appropriate speed. At no point did we feel unsafe. The drivers were always courteous and ultimately much more than “just” drivers.
Overall, the trip was perfectly organized from A to Z. There were not even minor waiting times or issues anywhere. It was a perfect, authentic travel experience far away from tourist crowds.
We would love to end with some constructive criticism - but quite honestly, we simply cannot think of anything. Thanks for everything to the entire team!
Sven and Zoran
Email Thomas | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent Organization for my mountain bike tour through Ethiopians Southern Mountains
I, Thomas (70, German speaking
from Namibia) did the
“MTB CYCLE TOUR THROUGH THE SOUTHERN MOUNTAINS OF ETHIOPIA - 12 DAYS”
with
SimienEco Tours Organization in Feb.26
We have been only 4 participants and I was the only rider with an E-MTB Scott Strike fully mountain bike, which I rented from the companies fleet of brand new Scott, hard tail & e-bikes.
Chewy, our local guide, was absolutely amazing, his knowledge about his home country Ethiopia, the culture, social structures, political history, all our questions have been answered in a very comprehensive way. His knowledge of the routing, pointing out the difficulty grade of the various descents and uphills.
The 2 local drivers, fully english speaking too, have been an excellent support for us.
Not only driving the two comfortable Land Cruiser vehicles- helping loading and off-loading the bikes and handling the luggage.
All accomodation, 3 meals a la cart and bottled water has been included in the tour price.
Accomodation was ranking within from 2-5 star grading.
Coming from an African country, I was very surprised of the kindness of the people of Ethiopian - alway a smile on their faces, I will never forget.
Many mountains had to be climbed, followed by rewarding downhills.
In the Bale Mountain National Park, we have been lucky to watch the Ethiopian Wolf on a very close distance.
After climbing the 2nd highest point in Ethiopia, the summit of the 4400m high Mount Tullu Dimtu, a spectacular downhill of 2200mh/40km was waiting for us.
It was the highlight at the end of our fantastic Cycling Ethiopia Tour.
380km & 4000hm have been done!
I can recommend these tour for any age group, our eldest participant 83 years of age, managed the tour with a normal “bio fuel bike”!
A healthy & physical good condition is necessary. There are no special skills required. No jumps, no single tracks!
I’m looking forward to return to Ethiopia soon!
CL
Email Victotia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
100% recommended company
Everything about this tour and company was great, from the planning process (they always reply fast and they will adjust everything to your needs) to the tour itself. My guide, Enisha, was really really nice and professional, I always felt comfortable and happy with her. I was travelling on my own on an unknown country, but she and all drivers always made me feel safe and confident. All hotels were good and clean (obviously some are better than other because of the remoteness), they all had good food, the cars were comfortable, and all the sights were great. I would definetly recommend SimienEcoTours.
CH
Email Beatrice | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
They made our trip an unforgettable experience.
The whole package fitted together perfectly from start to finish. Their experience makes the difference.
IT
Email Hermann Brugger | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The adventure tour to Ethiopia's highest mountains ranks among the best experiences we ever had.
We have traveled a lifetime through all continents and most geographic areas of the globe as individual travelers and adventurers. I'd like to say that this adventure tour was one of the best we ever had. Communications ahead of departure and services during the trek and transfers were optimal and came up to our expectations. Agency, guide and staff were terrific and very flexible to comply with our wishes. We want to come back and recommend SimienEcoTours to those who love mountaineering and want to explore culture and peoples of Ethiopia!
DE
Email Tobi | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
wonderful Trip to Ethiopia!
My wife and I booked a 10 day tour to the coffee region of Ethiopia through this agency and were very satisfied. Our expectations were completely met and we can recommend this agency 100%! We will be back!
