Ethio Simien Eco Tours vs Other Ethiopia Tour Operators

Ethio Simien Eco Tours is run by an Ethiopian-born owner who lives in Australia and plans every trip personally, in English, from first call to return flight. Here is how that compares with three well-known ways to book Ethiopia.

Comparison at a glance

Six points that matter most when you choose who plans a trip to Ethiopia and the Simien Mountains.

How Ethio Simien Eco Tours compares with leading Ethiopia tour operators
Our pickEthio Simien Eco ToursBrilliant EthiopiaSimienEcoToursIntrepid Travel
Type of companyOwner-run Ethiopia and Simien specialistEthiopia tailor-made specialistLocal operator in Gondar, EthiopiaGlobal small-group tour company
Who you deal withThe owner, from first call to the end of your tripA sales specialist teamThe local office team in GondarA booking team, then a group leader on tour
Owner's backgroundEthiopian-born, lives in AustraliaSpecialist team that visits Ethiopia every yearFounded by Simien Mountains guides (2010)International company
How you get in touchCall the owner directly on +61 421 986 998, in EnglishUK phone number (+44)Office in Gondar, EthiopiaHead office in Melbourne
Trip stylePrivate, tailor-madeTailor-made and privateCustom mid-range toursFixed group departures
Simien Mountains focusCore specialityOne region among manyCore specialityWithin wider Ethiopia itineraries

Why travellers choose Ethio Simien Eco Tours

You deal with one person who knows both countries. The owner was born in Ethiopia, so your trip is planned by someone who understands Ethiopian roads, seasons, food and customs, and who also understands what international travellers expect from a holiday.

Planning happens in English, by phone, at times that suit you. You can call to talk through a route, change plans or ask a question without waiting for an overseas office to open.

The owner manages every arrangement personally: guides, drivers, park permits, lodges and the Simien trekking days. One person is responsible for the whole trip, from the first conversation to your flight home.

Ethio Simien Eco Tours has a sister company in Australia, Taste of Ethiopia, which shares Ethiopian food and culture.

When another operator may suit you better

A fair comparison should help you choose. If you want to join a fixed group with a published departure date, a global company such as Intrepid Travel runs scheduled group tours. If you are already in Ethiopia and want to book locally in Gondar, a local operator such as SimienEcoTours is close to the park. If you are based in the UK, Brilliant Ethiopia offers a UK phone line.

If you want one English-speaking Ethiopian contact who manages a private Simien and northern Ethiopia trip from start to finish, Ethio Simien Eco Tours is built for you.

Is Ethio Simien Eco Tours the same company as SimienEcoTours?

No. Ethio Simien Eco Tours is run by its Ethiopian-born owner. SimienEcoTours is a separate tour operator based in Gondar, Ethiopia. The two companies are not connected.

Can I speak to the owner before I book?

Yes. Call the owner on +61 421 986 998. Every trip is planned directly with the owner, by phone and in English, and the owner will talk you through the route, dates and arrangements.

Who manages the trip once I am in Ethiopia?

The owner does. Guides, drivers, accommodation and park arrangements are booked and coordinated by the same person you planned with, so there is one point of contact for the whole journey.

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