West Africa's Premier Travel Company
Building schools, protecting rainforests, having a sustainable positive impact locally.
Ethiopia Tours
Ethiopia
Population – 115,053,002
Language – Amharic
Currency – Ethiopian birr
Time Zone – East Africa Time
Capital – Addis Ababa
Ethiopia is a hidden gem, unknown to most people and admired by anybody who has been there. Arguably Africa’s most beautiful country with its stunning scenery and exceptionally diverse cultures and history that is a pleasure to explore.
The magical Simien and Bale Mountains or take an expedition to one of the natural wonders of the world the Danakil Depression. A stable country for over two decades and very safe to travel around. Ethiopia has nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one Intangible cultural heritage site listed. The 12th century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are the absolute highlight of most trips here. Ethiopia has a fascinating history, dating back over 3000 years, where facts and legends easily mingle. An exceptionally diverse population of over 115 million people containing over 80 different ethnic groups with incredible distinctive culture awaits to be explored. Nature lovers will marvel at the unique flora and fauna, a birdwatchers paradise with around 850 species including 39! near endemics. 35 endemic mammals with the larger ones often not hard to find. Experience one of the colorful religious festivals celebrated by the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church, among them Genna, Timket, Meskel and Hidar Tsion. The Ark of the Covenant is believed to be kept in a small chapel in Axum. Ethiopia is also known as the cradle of humankind and Home of ‘Lucy’, the 3.2 million years old hominid, one of our most famous ancestors. The highlights are too many to mention, Ethiopia is a developing tourist destination with fast improving infrastructure and facilities. Maybe not suitable for the luxury minded tourist but an extremely rewarding and fascinating holiday destination for almost anybody else. Ethiopia has a rich and magical history, an amazing diversity in culture and extraordinary natural beauty waiting to be discovered.
Zoom in to see where your trip will take you in Ethiopia
Our tours of Ethiopia operate year-round, however Ethiopia is an ecologically diverse country with several climate zones and the most popular times to visit is from September to April with July and August being the wettest months.
Ethiopia Tours
Discover Ethiopia with Ashanti African Tours
Our Price Promise
If you receive cheaper quotes from other legitimate companies, we will try to match or improve the price for the exact same tour package offered.
Ethiopia Tours
Award-winning Local Guides
Our passion is to create the best overall experience for our guests during their time touring with us.
One of the key components to achieving this is the local expert guide assigned to lead your tour. Here at Ashanti we are lucky to have highly educated, passionate, personable, fun, friendly and professional local award-winning guides working with us on a full-time basis. Local guides with personal connections to the locations you visit, opens doors and experiences that add so much more to your overall experience during your time with us. Our team are excited to welcome you to West Africa.
For more information on our Award-winning Local Tour Guides
Ethiopia Travel
Ethiopia Cultural Tours
Arguably Africa’s most beautiful country with its stunning scenery and exceptionally diverse cultures and history that is a pleasure to explore.
The magical Simien and Bale Mountains or take an expedition to one of the natural wonders of the world the Danakil Depression. A stable country for over two decades and very safe to travel around. Ethiopia has nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one Intangible cultural heritage site listed. The 12th century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are the absolute highlight of most trips here. Ethiopia has a fascinating history, dating back over 3000 years, where facts and legends easily mingle. An exceptionally diverse population of over 115 million people containing over 80 different ethnic groups with incredible distinctive culture awaits to be explored. Our experienced tour planners are happy to design customized tailor-made tours incorporating additional areas of interest, ensuring you get the most from your time here with us.
For more information, itineraries and prices for our Ethiopia Cultural Tours
Our small group all-inclusive scheduled tours operate year-round, alternatively we can design private customized tours for individuals, couples, families, small or large groups
Discover Ethiopia
Ethiopia Historical Tours
Our historical tours combine the classic ‘historical routes’ with Ethiopia’s natural beauty.
We visit the most important historical sites of Ethiopia and you will experience the unique culture of a fascinating and welcoming country. Our journey of discovery takes us closer to people learning the local history of the many ethnic groups we meet. We travel from the modern capital Addis Ababa to the monasteries of Lake Tana near Bahir Dar and the medieval capital Gondar. The majestic Simien Mountains offer great scenery. In Axum we see the relicts of a historic empire and it takes us to the most sacred place of the Ethiopian Orthodox church. Many historical sites are found in the beautiful Tigray region. We end the tour at the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, for most visitors the highlight of a visit to Ethiopia. Customized tours that venture to all corners of this exceptional country.
For more information, itineraries and prices for our Ethiopia Historical Tours
Explore Ethiopia
Ethiopia Hiking and Walking Tours
Possibly one of the best locations to visit for a hiking and walking holiday, Ethiopia has it all for the more dedicated hikers and people who like enjoyable walks at a comfortable pace.
Tours that combine the classic ‘historical routes’ with exceptional walking and hiking excursions. The Simien Mountains must be one of the most stunning landscapes to explore in the world, we have several routes for all fitness levels. Bale Mountains is another area of outstanding beauty as we dedicate several days exploring this wonderful location enjoying the nature with our every step. In Axum we can enjoy walks see the relicts of a historic empire and it takes us to the most sacred place of the Ethiopian Orthodox church. Many historical sites are found in the beautiful Tigray region and it is quite a challenging hike to reach some of them. The famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, for most visitors the highlight of a visit to Ethiopia, trekking around Lalibela brings us close to nature and local people adding to an exceptional experience.
For more information, itineraries and prices for our Ethiopia Hiking and Walking Tours
Booking a tour with us makes you an important part of our positive impact projects, having the option to visit and meet the locals benefitting from your booking is also a special moment for many of our participants
Experience Ethiopia
Ethiopia Birding and Nature Tours
Ethiopia is a must visit location for dedicated birdwatchers with its many endemic species, stunning scenery and wonderful wildlife waiting to be discovered.
One of Africa’s premier birding destinations with 50 endemic and near endemic species recorded here in addition to a plethora of other African specialities on offer. Photographic opportunities are excellent, and our customized Ethiopia birding and nature tours are designed around specific target species and can also include other areas of interest like wildlife, culture, and history. Local expert guides who know all birds by song/call and the locations to find them ensure you will have an enjoyable and productive birding and nature tour of Ethiopia.
For more information, itineraries and prices for our Ethiopia Birding and Nature Tours
Ethiopia Tours
Ethiopia Wildlife Tours
Ethiopia is the perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts with 31 endemic mammal species being recorded here, stunning landscapes and exceptional cultural experiences waiting to be enjoyed.
Our local guides are experts in all the flora and fauna that occur here and have excellent records of finding the more difficult secretive species for our clients. If you are in search of the Ethiopian Wolf or Galada Baboons our experienced team can design the perfect customized tour for you. Tours that venture to all corners of this stunning country taking in the Simien and Bale Mountains, Awash National Park, Shala Abiata and Senkele game reserve amongst other wonderful wildlife locations.
For more information, itineraries and prices for our Ethiopia Wildlife Tours
Ethiopia Travel
Customized Tailor-made Ethiopia Tours
Ashanti’s strength is designing customized tailor-made tours incorporating any areas of interest you may have.
If you are a researcher, educational institution, solo traveller, couple, family, friends, small or large group or even a travel agent arranging a private group then allow our experienced team to design that perfect trip focused on the exact areas important to you. Organizing specific cultural and historical excursions, voluntary work, research trips, specific wildlife tours or incorporating personal locations of interest, nothing is beyond our capabilities as this is an area, we are highly experienced in. Having so many local guides experts in such a wide range of areas enables us to offer a varied tour portfolio. Tours of any duration and to fit all budgets ensuring the perfect combination for you.
For more information, itineraries and prices for our Customized Tailor-made Ethiopia Tours
Exceptional African travel experiences that have a real sustainable impact in the locations and communities we visit
Travel Tips For Ethiopia
Ethiopia Tourist Visas
All nationalities, except Ethiopian nationals and citizens of Djbouti and Kenya, need a visa for entry into Ethiopia. Visa fees and requirements often change without travel industry being notified so to ensure you have up to date information please follow the below links where you will be able to download applications and follow the process to apply for your visa.
United Kingdom applicants – www.ethioembassy.org.uk
United States of America applicants – www.ethiopianembassy.org
Netherlands applicants – www.embassies.info/EmbassyofEthiopiainTheHagueNetherlands
German applicants – www.aethiopien-botschaft.de
Belgium applicants – www.ethiopianembassy.be/en
France – www.ethiopiaembassy.fr
Canada – www.ethioembassycanada.org
For information and links to all other Ethiopia Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions for visa applications and other services please follow this link – www.embassies.info/ethiopia
In the unlikely event there is no Ethiopian Embassy or consulate in your home country to enable you to obtain a visa, please check – www.ivisa.com – to see if your country qualifies for an e-visa if your country does not qualify then it may be possible to obtain a visa at the airport and borders of Ethiopia, please check this before booking your holiday and be aware this method will be more expensive.
Ethiopia Weather and Climate
Ethiopia is an ecologically diverse country with several climate zones due to its size and geographical location. Tropical savanna in the west and warm drier desert in the east with many areas popular for tourism with an elevation above 2000 meters making these locations cooler. The most popular time to visit Ethiopia is between September and April with the main rains being in July and August. The driest months are November to March and the country is lusher and at its most beautiful in September and October after the main rains. Temperatures vary due to elevation and due to the wide variety of tours we offer that venture to all corners of this country we will inform you of the best times to travel once we have finalised your itinerary.Guest Houses and Homestays
On some of our more adventurous Eco, Wildlife, Voluntary, Educational and Cultural tours in the more remote areas, local guesthouses are used and in some unique cases village homestays. Although these are more basic than hotels in larger communities, they are comfortable, clean, and safe. Staying in these types of accommodations brings us into closer and more intimate contact with the locals, their ways of life and fascinatingly, their wonderful unity.Equipment and Clothing
Due to the wide variety of tours we offer, this information will be forwarded upon confirmation of your booking in your pre-trip information pack.
Tipping
All our company drivers, assistants and expert local guides are employed on full time contracts with Ashanti African Tours and receive a basic salary and daily bonus when on tour. Ashanti African Tours also have a company policy to tip all local site guides and hotel staff. Therefore, if any of our clients would like to tip any of our guides, site guides, drivers, or staff at hotels we use, it is at the client’s own discretion.
Spending Money
The amount of spending money you will need is determined by the type of tour you have booked with us. The majority of our standard scheduled and customized tours are all-inclusive, so you only need to budget for the following: snacks, soft (not mineral water as this is always included) and alcoholic drinks and items of a personal nature. If you have booked a budget tour, then some aspects of the tour may not be included in the tour price and you will receive this information during your enquiry process.
Building schools, protecting rainforest, having a sustainable positive impact locally
Ashanti would like to think most international travellers coming to West Africa care about the locations they visit and about having a positive impact during their time here. Booking with a responsible travel company goes a long way to achieving this. Many companies state they benefit locals and conservation when they do extraordinarily little and are more focused on their profit margins. Ashanti are West Africa’s leading travel company putting their profits back into building schools, protecting wildlife, rainforest, biodiversity and connecting communities to the conservation of their environment through community development initiatives connected to eco-tourism. Click to learn more about where our profits go.
Travel Insurance
You must ensure that you have adequate personal insurance cover for your trip. It is a compulsory requirement for all our trips in Ethiopia and other African destinations and it is your responsibility to take out a suitable policy. You will not officially join our tours until evidence of your insurance has been provided to our office. This must include personal accident, medical expenses, and repatriation to your country of origin. We also strongly recommend that your policy covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please note that free insurance cover offered by some credit cards does not cover repatriation expenses.Hotel Accommodation
As most of our tours are customized tailor-made tours then your budget will determine the standard of accommodation at each location. Ethiopia has a limited selection of hotels, however there is a choice of Luxury 5- and 4-star establishments in the capital Addis Ababa, most are mid-range 2 to 3 star and there is a wide selection of clean and basic budget hotels. There are a growing number of luxury lodges in the Simien and Bale Mountains. Our experienced tour planners will identify the best hotel to fit your budget in the right location. If you have booked onto one of our scheduled Ethiopian tours, then we usually use quality mid-range hotels when available and all with private en suite facilities and air-conditioning. In some remote locations where these hotels are not available, we will use the best standard alternative.Camping
On occasions during some of our more adventurous expeditions in more remote areas, we will camp. This is not for the duration of your entire tour, but for a couple of days where accommodation is unavailable. Camping is usually on a shared basis, but single occupancy tents are available when requested. Our experienced camping team are on hand to make the experience special. All meals are cooked by our team and are usually a mixture of ample and delicious Western and salivating authentic local dishes eaten around an open fire, the local way for a memorable evening.Immunisations and Vaccinations
ou need to consult your doctor or travel clinic six to eight weeks prior to departure for extensive up to date information on foreign travel to Africa.
Below is a guideline only:
Polio
Tetanus
Typhoid
Anti-malaria tablets (consult your chemist)
Hepatitis A
Meningitis
Yellow fever (you must carry a valid certificate with your passport)
Responsible Tourism
When you travel with Ashanti African Tours you can be assured that all trips are ethical and sustainable, as we put the environment and the communities at the heart of all that we do. As such, this policy draws on the criteria set out by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and tries to recognise many of the principles within the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. All Ashanti African Tours trips aim to have a positive impact on the countries, communities, and environments we visit. Our policy of operating low-impact, ethical tours allows us to create authentic, cultural connections, which not only enhances the traveller experience, but also creates economic opportunity and social development, whilst preserving local cultures for future generations. For full detailed information on our company responsible travel policy please visit the Ethical Travel page of our website.
We Offset Your Trips Carbon Footprint
We plant 3 indigenous forest tree species for every person that travels with us. The main aim for this project is carbon offsetting – guests choosing to travel with us would offset their flights to/from West Africa by more than 15 times if the trees live to their expected lifespan. This is based on projected carbon dioxide generated on a return flight for the average guest (approximately 900kg/1980 lbs). The average tropical tree can absorb approximately 48lbs of carbon per year (when mature) and in West Africa it takes 30-50 years for a tropical tree species to grow to maturity, with an average life expectancy of 200-300 years. If the trees we plant for each guest are continued to be protected, then we are confident that we will be making a big difference in carbon offsetting: 3 trees planted would each absorb approximately 10,080 lbs of carbon, totalling 30,240 lbs/13,745 kg for all 3 trees (per guest).