Ethiopia Tours & Trip Packages

Ethiopia Tours & Trips

3 Ethiopia trips. Tours from 2 tour companies. 148 reviews. 4.9/5 avg rating.

3 Trips match your criteria (1 - 3 shown)

Ethiopian Experience 8 Days
4.7/5 Excellent
27 reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Their experienced team of international specialists crafts journeys combining authentic experience with high standards of comfort.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What travelers are saying

"We returned from our 13-day East African Explorer trip two weeks ago. The trip fully met our expectations. Everything was well organized, accommodations and food were excellent, safari drives were great. Our driver/guide in Kenya, Gitonga (aka Anderson) was excellent and enthusiastic. Based on our experience I can confidently say we will book another trip with SITA in the near future."

Trip dates & details
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The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples & Sacred Places
3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • See the world withNational Geographic Explorer-in-ResidenceDr. Spencer Wells
  • Travel in a privateBoeing 757 jet
  • Go off the beaten path to discover some of the most incrediblelegacies of legendary civilizations
  • Enjoy a private tour of theGeorgian National Museum
  • Explore thevibrant bazaars ofSamarqand inUzbekistan
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

Trip dates & details
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Ethiopia Photo Expedition
3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Document the unique traditions of the peoples of the Omo Valley, described by National Geographic magazine as “Africa’s Last Frontier,” during dances and gatherings specially arranged for our group.
  • Frame a wide array of subjects, from bustling village markets and everyday life among thatched huts to the birdlife of Lake Chamo and the pilgrims of Lalibela.
  • Visit Omo Child, an organization co-founded by National Geographic Explorer Lale Labuko, dedicated to rescuing mingi children in the Omo Valley.

Themes

Education / Learning, Photography

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Ethiopian Experience 8 Days
4.7/5 Excellent
27 reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Their experienced team of international specialists crafts journeys combining authentic experience with high standards of comfort.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What travelers are saying

"We returned from our 13-day East African Explorer trip two weeks ago. The trip fully met our expectations. Everything was well organized, accommodations and food were excellent, safari drives were great. Our driver/guide in Kenya, Gitonga (aka Anderson) was excellent and enthusiastic. Based on our experience I can confidently say we will book another trip with SITA in the near future."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Ethiopia Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
148  Reviews
See all Ethiopia tour reviews
Excellent
20
Great
2
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
G

Giles

Apr 2020

Written on

Great trip

Overall it was a great trip. Thanks

G

Giles

Apr 2020

Written on

Overall it was a great trip. Thanks

Overall it was a great trip. Thanks

S

Siv

Apr 2020

Written on

This was a very good trip

This was a very good trip and above my expectations. A hectic two weeks but we saw and did so many different things. The highlight for me was seeing the Danakil Depr...

S

Siv

Apr 2020

Written on

This was a very good trip and

This was a very good trip and above my expectations. A hectic two weeks but we saw and did so many different things. The highlight for me was seeing the Danakil Depr...

S

Susan

Apr 2020

Written on

This trip was a perfect

This trip was a perfect Christmas treat - lots to see and do in Sr...

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Ethiopia Tour Selection Trips

  • If you’re planning on going on an extended trek of the Ethiopian highlands, or even planning to summit Danakil’s volcano, be sure to exercise before your trip. You want to be in very good shape, as both activities are physically rigorous.
  • If you want super close encounters with wildlife, perhaps lower your expectations. The animals in Ethiopian wilderness are usually unaccustomed to human activity and are skittish as a result. One alternative, however, is to visit Harar, a town with the tradition of hand feeding hyenas.
  • Tap water is not potable in Ethiopia. To cut down on plastic, bring a filtered water bottle or simply a reusable one. Your guide will be able to point you to places where you can refill your bottle.
  • On a guided tour or trek, much of your food will be provided or even made specifically for you. This makes things a lot easier, considering many local restaurants don’t have menus, meaning you have to know both local dishes and their name in Amharic, and upcharge significantly for “Farangi” (foreigners). However, if you know you will be given time to explore on your own, consider buying a guide to Ethiopian food and drink.

Additional details

Who Will Enjoy an Ethiopia Tour?

You may hear Ethiopia and intially think safaris. While Ethiopia does offer some wildlife experiences, this destination isn't well known for this kind of experience. This country is rich with culture and history. From archaeological discoveries to ancient sites and ruins, Ethiopia is a great destination for travelers who value culture and history. For these travelers it's all about the immersion into the local communities and seeing what truly makes them tick. 

That being said, Ethiopia is also a great destination for wildlife and nature lovers. This country has many national parks and many great destinations to witness animals and explore natural landscapes. One popular activity here is hiking. With so much to offer, Ethiopia is a great for a complex range of travelers, not just wildlife enthusiasts.

See all Ethiopia cultural tours >>

See all Ethiopia history tours >>

Ethiopian Guided Tours

If you're considering a trip to Africa, perhaps plan a visit to Ethiopia. Along with Morocco, Ethiopia has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa with nine in total. When planning a trip to Ethiopia, there are some things you should take into consideration. Most, to all, of these concerns can be resolved by booking a tour to Ethiopia rather than venturing out alone. Ethiopian guided tours are recommended for a number of reasons.

Each Ethiopia tour comes with a knowledgeable guide that knows the terrain, history and significance of the country. They are also very aware of current or possible issues that may arise on the trip. And if any hiccup should occur, the guide knows how to handle the issue in an efficient manner.

This travel style also provides a well-researched, thought out itinerary. Most of Ethiopia lacks a strong infrastructure, most of the roads are unpaved and difficult to travel on. Tour companies make sure to take this into account when creating its trip and how travelers with commute from one place to the next.

In order to capture the country’s diverse terrain, some days are strictly reserved for traveling from one destination to another. Each itinerary balances the time spent on a bus with the time spent at the destination, so that it is not overwhelming or tiresome. This is particularly important for short trips to Ethiopia.

Ethiopian guides also use their knowledge and insight of the country to capture its essence. Ethiopia has three components that each tour makes sure to include. The first is its cultural significance. Most tours visit local villages and towns where you can experience Ethiopian foods, music and art. One of the best ways to soak this up is to go on a tour with a homestay component.

Ethiopia is also known for its wildlife. The best way to experience Ethiopia’s fauna and flora is by visiting its national parks. The third main component is capturing its historical influences. Most of Ethiopia's historical sites are of ancient ruins in the form of fortified towns. Ethiopia also has many historical religious sites like the Church of Saint George, Lalibela.

There are a few different guided tour options. First is small group guided tours. These trips mean that you will be exploring Ethiopia with a group of others, often like minded individuals. You will all be led by the same tour guide who will be devoted to the group as a whole. This is a great option for travelers who want to meet new people and experience the world with others.

See all Ethiopia guided group tours >>

Another guided tour options is private guided tours. This option is great for luxury travelers. Private guided tours mean you will have a guide dedicated specifically to you and all accommodations and transportation will also be private. Each tour will be private and independent of others. Private guided tours allow for greater immersion and richer experiences.

See all Ethiopia private guided tours >>

Ethiopia Weather

Weather in Ethiopia varies greatly and often depends on elevation. When visiting, you'll want to pack many layers  as you could go from one destination that is hot to another which is cold in only a matter of hours. Be sure to look at your itinerary to know the specific weather for each destination so you aren't left without the proper clothes after commuting.

Near Ethiopian's borders, the temperatures are the highest. On average, the temperature will exceed 85 degrees Farenheit or 30 degrees Celsius. Other locations like Ethiopia's capital rarely get over 77 degrees Farenheit. Whether you're looking for a warm or cool adventure, there are locations throughout Ethiopia that can accommodate you.

Safety Tips When Visiting Ethiopia

  1. Beware of scams: Common in the capital, Addis Ababa, locals will try to invite you to a "free gathering". They will lead you to the location and claim they gave you a tour and demand payment.
  2. Keep track of your belongings: Pickpocketing is a problem in Ethiopia so make sure to have all your important items tucked away and close at hand. 
  3. Be prepared for hiking: Hiking and trekking are common activities in Ethiopia but the terrain isn't always friendly. Be sure to pack appropriately so you are ready to take on the elements.
  4. Watch what you wear: To be both safe and respectful to culture, it is recommended that you dress conservatively. This often looks like long dresses, skirts and loose pants for women.

Always Find the Best

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