Experience the real EthiopiaBook a Community Trek Now
Brad Pitt visited Mequat Mariam back in 2004, as part of a whirlwind tour in Africa with Washington based NGO DATA (Debt, Aid and Trade in Africa), with other members of DATA including Erin Chapman. After Erin wrote to say:
I just wanted you to know that our visit with you was far and away the high point of the trip. It made a huge impact on everyone in the group ….
(Brad did sign the communities visitors’ book, which we rushed out to buy before he came; hence his is the 1st entry!!)
The organisation by Tesfa Tours was just splendid! From the cultural visits to the treks in nature! Mark is superfriendly and listened very well to all our wishes. Even when we wanted to change something last minute in our program, he was so flexible and made everything possible. The Community Treks he offers is a unique way to see the authentic rural life of the Ethiopian people. Also you get to see stunning views at accommodations off the beaten track. All taxi drives and local flights were organised in a way everything went super smooth. We highly recommend them if you want to experience the real Ethiopia. From tent to wonderful lodges, they arrange it for you.
I did a three day, two night trek in Wollo with Tesfa tours which was one of the most remarkable travel experiences I’ve ever had. The scenery is unlike anything you’ll have seen before and walking through Amhara villages, seeing the pace of life, agricultural practises and wildlife is truly, totally memorable. Our guides, porters and hosts all showed incredible hospitality, and the guest houses – well – see them for yourself. As tired as I was by the end, I wish I had another couple of days. Tesfa also organised an additional excursion to the Abune Aharon monastery which is not to be missed for the more intrepid. On the final day I stayed in Lalibela which was virtually empty of tourists – you’ll be sharing this truly singular religious site with worshippers only. Everyone I interacted with at Tesfa – Mark, Betty and Teshale – were all really friendly and helpful, and helped make the trip a success. Highly, highly recommended
We (family with 3 kids) had an amazing two-week trip organised by Tesfa. Everything was very well organised with great expertise, friendliness and flexibility. Tesfa’s expert guides showed us the wonders of Lalibela, Bahir Dar, Gondar and the Simien Mountains. The highlight was the amazing Tesfa-trek, which took 3 days.
The best opportunity in a lifetime to go to Ethiopia. Seriously – I believe this season may well be the best opportunity in anybody’s lifetime to visit this amazing county. Why? Because, for the obvious reason, there are very few tourists there.
We got back yesterday and we’re really missing it. We went to the North, including the famous historical sites of Lalibela, Gondar and Aksum. To be able to visit these places with – literally – not a single other Western tourist around was a very special experience. There are a few local tourists here and there, but in most places there were none from anywhere. We felt really privileged, especially when our guide told us how busy the sites usually are. These places may be remote, but they’re on the tourist trail for good reason.
We also trekked in the mountains: two days in Wollo near Lalibela, and two days in the Simien Mountains. Walking along the basalt escarpments and mountain-top meadows in utter peace is something that will stay with me forever. The scenery in both places is utterly staggering, as is the wildlife, especially birds of prey and Gelada monkeys.
We also spent a day at Bahir Dar, to see the Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana – source of the Nile – an astonishing sight. And we went by boat to the atmospheric Ura Kidane Mihret monastery on the lake, full of remarkable murals.
Finally, we spent two days in the Gheralta Mountains, which were as breath-taking as the others, although with a different look as they’re sandstone rather than basalt. We visited several of the ancient rock-hewn churches that the area is famous for, and on our last day we saw something truly amazing – some pale legs in shorts…yes, another Western tourist! He told us that, like us, he’d been in Ethiopia for two weeks, and we were also the first he’d seen.
Ethiopia is the most beautiful country, and the many people we met were, almost without exception, smiling and charming and very glad to see us. We were greeted many times along the walking trails by old and young alike, who told us how happy they were to see some visitors. It was really moving to see their welcoming smiles and body language, and be told by our guide what nice things they were saying.
I’ve just remembered this is supposed to be a review of Tesfa Tours, rather than a general encouragement to go to Ethiopia as soon as you can. Well, they were excellent. The arrangements they made for us worked out perfectly every time. All their people were great, guides, drivers etc. After a while, whenever we were about to meet a new person we joked about how we knew in advance that the person would be lovely and efficient – because they really all were! I could name the names but I won’t in case I forget one…
And Tesfa went above and beyond – the best example is how they managed to get us into Tigray which was officially closed to tourists due to Covid and arguments with the federal government in Addis. Strings were pulled, favours were called in, officials were charmed, and we made it.
I think I’ve said enough. Excuse the caps, but…GO TO ETHIOPIA NOW!
My mum and I booked our entire Ethiopian adventure through Tesfa tours and loved every bit of it. We were most attracted by the Community Trekking and at first were looking at adding it on to the end of an Exodus tour, but then when in contact with the office we were so struck by their brilliant, professional attitude that we decided to book the entire holiday through Tesfa. Three weeks including two community treks (which include food) worked out cheaper than two weeks with Explore or Exodus.
All of our guides were brilliant and knowledgeable, and easy to talk to even about things I worried would be controversial (e.g. religion and God, as we come at it from such different perspectives). We were incredibly well looked after – greeted at the airport (sometimes with bunches of flowers!) and taken to our hotel, then shown the unbelievable countryside. I have never fallen so in love with a country, and the people really helped – some are the first people I have ever met whose only wrinkles are from laughter.
The tour was brilliant – neither of us would have changed a thing, and I have even started a blog because of it. The whole experience has been inspirational and wonderful and I would wholeheartedly advise anyone considering travelling this part of the world to do so through Tesfa tours, so you learn the history from the locals and can physically see what a difference is being made to their lives through the company’s investment in the area.
Tesfa tours completed all the logistics, planning and management for the Wild Wheelchairs Project. This was a complex and ambitious project to take two amputees to the top of Ras Dashen. Mark and the Tesfa Tours team did a phenomenal job at every stage of the project and without the expertise and experience of the Tesfa team this project would not have succeeded. The dedication shown to make sure we had everything we needed, were informed about what we were doing and enjoyed this tough but rewarding adventure was second to none. The whole team of 11 that went on the Expedition would have no hesitation in giving Tesfa the highest rating possible (5 stars doesn’t even come close!)
[It was a privilege for Tesfa Tours and for myself to be part of this remarkable expedition and to get 2 amputees to the top of Ras Dashen. Their courage and strength spoke eloquently to the fact that disability is not inability. We are sure that the Wheelchair manufacturing unit in Bahir Dar will go from strength to strength!- Mark]
The trek with Tesfa through the Simien villages was an incredible experience. The people we met, the landscapes and the places we stayed were the highlight of our Ethiopia trip and more of a memorable experience than hiking through the park itself. Highly recommended!
Four of us just got back from a wonderful 5 day trek in the highlands outside of Lalibela. We loved hiking through villages, learning about the culture, and visiting with our hosts in the tukuls around the fire is the evening, thanks to the translation of our guide, Getachew. He could not have been more informative, attentive, and kind. The tour was well organized, the scenery was beautiful and people were welcoming. If I return to Ethiopia I would most definitely use Tesfa again.
Three cheers for a great trip in Ethiopia covering: Addis, Lalibela, Harar and Asela. It was all well organized and there were no hitches. While there is much to share, the walk in the highlands outside of Lalibela is something we will never forget. Its more than travelling in distance, it is also travelling in time. Walking through fields of people harvesting crops and grain in ways as it has been done through the centuries was fascinating. We felt like we were walking through an African landscape that Breugel could have painted! The guesthouses were perfectly placed for spectacular views from the escarpment. Without light pollution or air pollution, we had amazing nighttime entertainment from the stars. Our guides, and helpers were terrific: Sefiew, Misgan, Lishan and Alex. What we liked most of all was the knowledge that the people of the villages benefitted by our stay. It made it feel all the more worthwhile. We also leave Ethiopia with a new appreciation for the noble donkey — they helped us on our way as they do for everyone in the Ethiopian countryside. What an amazing animal. Thanks again!
I wanted to let you know that our trip to Ethiopia was the best trip we have ever taken. We came away totally enchanted by the country and its people.
I particularly wanted you to let you know that the planning for the trip was impeccable. Everything happened on schedule, was superbly chosen and the timing of all the movement and activities was perfect. That Tesfa was able to organize all of our travel, from Lalibela to Axum and then our trek and stays in the community guest houses and the grand final at Gheralta Lodge and the incredible climb to Maryam and Daniel Korkor churches, meant that the transition from place to place was seamless. Hugely appreciated is your hiring of top notch guides for each of these places. They were knowledgeable, gracious and were committed to showing us the treasures to be found. We loved them all!
The highlight was Tesfa trekking in Tigray from high plateau to high plateau. Really I can’t express what a profound experience it was. The landscape was outrageously gorgeous and the facilities had everything we needed, but it was the people working in the guest houses and that we met along the way that totally charmed us. Being greeted with such warmth, beautiful smiles, hand shakes, hugs and Ethiopian shoulder bumps made us fall hard .. in love. And the kids! We had a blast playing, running and singing with them. Those smiles made us melt. It was the experience that we dreamt of having come true. What an incredible model for development and international relations!
I want to make a strong call out to Mulat who we all adored. He was wonderful. We also happened to meet Kiros while having sundowners on the terrace at the hotel in Axum and he couldn’t of been more charming prepping us for the trek.
I can’t recommend Tesfa highly enough. You did a fabulous job from our first email exchange. It was the perfect trip to take with young adult children. We all felt a strong feeling of adventure that delivered. Also thank you for talking us through our security fears. You were totally right. All was calm and we didn’t have a moment of feeling endangered in Ethiopia.
Thanks so much and I look forward to coming back soon!
We just did a 4 night trek in the mountains near Lalibela. We had a fabulous time trekking with our guide, Misgan. He is a wonderful person, an asset to Tesfa Tours. So helpful, patient & knowledgable. A real inspiration.
The trekking was an experience we will treasure for the rest of our lives. The people we met have a place in our hearts. We visited the most amazing Churches whilst here in Lalibela, again the guide was very knowledgeable & passionate, enhancing our experience of your beautiful heritage. We have some outstanding photographs to support our magical memories. Thank you all.
Our trek (June 2016) was a wonderful experience and a great opportunity to meet the people and see how they live their lives. Coming from an agricultural background myself, it was impressive to see how self sufficient they are and their good humour, their hospitality and their dignity. Our trek was the perfect end to a most memorable holiday in Ethiopia.
There were so many trek highlights, the beautiful panoramic views, the wildlife, our friendly and helpful guide Hagus, delicious bread cooked for us in our overnight lodges, the two wonderful girls in Shimbrity and all the other amazing people that we met along the way, not forgetting our helpful driver Favianos. And the walking, everybody walking everywhere, I loved it! Thank you Mark to you and your team.
A group of 5 of us are just back from a 3 day Tesfa trek in Tigray, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. The scenery, people, wildlife are just out of this world. We walked from high plateaus to valleys that could have been a scene from another time, with cattle and donkeys threshing the crops, a village girl bringing us fruit to eat and everyone with a smile and a genuine interaction. You just don’t get this experience on the regular tourist trail. These holidays are so special, I want to tell everyone to go. They benefit the local people ,who are poor, and need the extra income. But it is us who gain most , it is an experience that takes you right back down to earth. Literally
My 19 year old son and I did a three day trek west of Lalibela and absolutely loved it. The walking wasn’t too challenging which was a good thing as we were not used to the altitude. The scenery is stunning, the communities we lodged with welcoming, the food was varied and always delicious. We were really well cared for and deeply touched to be allowed to visit peoples homes, to see how they live, cook and care for their animals.
I particularly loved watching the chickens climb up to roost on a purpose built mud shelf above the cooking area! We were delighted to find a family of baboons digging for breakfast beside us as we set off one morning. I would recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see the pastoral face of Africa and come up close to its wonderfully rich wild life. Thank you Tesfa Tours.
Tesfa tours were brilliant and everything worked like clockwork. Dikra and Mark really thought about what type of people we are and tailored the trip around that. Before the trip they patiently answered all of my questions in great detail.
At each leg of the journey there was always a smiling face waiting to greet us and our guides were so considerate. It soon became clear that there was a lot of organising going on in the background, but on the surface all was relaxed and informal.
The trek was stunningly beautiful and the Tukul villages that we stayed in were always carefully positioned so that we had breath-taking views of the Lalibela highlands. I was very pleased to get the chance to talk to the locals and to get an understanding of their way of life. Our guide Mesgan, was excellent. Within a few hours he knew what we were interested in and made sure that he pointed things out that were going to fill us with wonder. We went on one of the more challenging treks, and yet I always felt completely safe, thanks to the services of the local guide and guard. Our cooks made sure that we had a good mix of both Ethiopian and International food, and there was plenty of it! I am not sure why Mark advises travellers to take some snacks just in case – I certainly never went hungry. And the soups in the evenings were so tasty!
We arrived during the harvest, which was fascinating. The countryside was a hive of industry: cutting the harvest, threshing, winnowing, carting the straw and then finally when that was done ploughing in readiness for the next season. And all using hand-tools and animals. There were still some plenty of flowers, and many birds to catch our attention, including the massive Lamergayer. My favourite though was the white billed crow. In the late afternoon we relaxed outside and watch out for baboons and the very rare Ethiopian wolf. There were plenty of cultural stops as well – churches and schools and the famous boabab tree were villagers come to pray, party and make beer (maybe not in that order).
There was also plenty of fun in the evenings, chatting around a fire, dancing and singing.
We also visited lake Tana (birdwatchers paradise), Gondor with its palaces and stunning churches and of course Lalibella.
I was amazed at how much we did in 11 days and this has to be the best holiday ever. Back in London, I have some rich memories to keep me going over the winter, and for the rest of my life. Unusually I came back from holiday a couple of pounds lighter and quite a bit fitter that when I left. Thank you Tesfa, I don’t know what else you could have done!
I have just taken a small group of pupils (aged 17) from a London inner city school for a 3 day 2 night trek in Tigray with Tesfa Tours and I can honestly say it was an incredible experience for them and up there in the best 3 things I have ever done. The organisation of the tour was flawless, the guide exceptional and the scenery was nothing short of spectacular! We took a small group to see how the students would cope and to see, before we increase the numbers on the trip, if we would include it on the itinerary again – it will certainly be the first thing we book next time! Thoroughly recommended.
Today Thursday 21 November is St Mikael’s day here in Ethiopia – Hedar (the month) Mikael. It’s one of numerous big saints days where the holy tabot is paraded out. But for this day there is a tradition to burn rubbish and that the smoke will take the evil away. For more details see this […]
The UK FCDO travel advice has just been changed to show all the core areas of Tigray (away from disputed territories and boundaries) as green. At Tesfa Tours we have been sending clients there to trek at community-owned guesthouses and see the wonders of the ancient city of Axum and there hidden rock churches of […]