bushwoman2002

I am thinking of going to Ethiopia next year and will be on my own. I want to arrange a trip with an Ethiopian based tour operator. Can anyone out in Fodorland recommend a tour operator?

Many thanks and happy and safe travels to us all

Patrissimo

Hi, My daughter and I went to Ethiopia 3 years ago with Gamel tours. [email protected]. Sam is the owner. She is very professional and knowledgeable and pleasant to be with. Tell her that Patti and Amy recommended you to her.
You will be well taken care of!

nfldbeothuk

In 2014 I arranged 9 days touring Lalibela, Bahir Dar & Gonder with Ethiopia Travel & Tours. They were inexpensive, but the hotels were the same ones used by more expensive operators. It was a semi-independent arrangement: they booked domestic flights, arranged for guides in each city, and a driver between Gonder & Bahir Dar. I was alone, and had spent a month volunteering in Adama; the arrangements were made in Addis Ababa. I found them helpful and flexible.
Although I felt safe, even as a woman alone, I would hesitate to book anything while the current state of emergency continues.

kej8166

Hello nflbeothuk:

I just want to ask about the comment you made, "Although I felt safe, even as a woman alone, I would hesitate to book anything while the current state of emergency continues."

My daughter and I are pondering if we should go to Ethiopia in March. She will be in Uganda and she can arrange a stop over in Addis Ababa. I thought may be we could go hiking in the Simien Mountains National Park for 5 days (with guide) and do some day trips from Addis Ababa. I am just unsure of the safety.

nfldbeothuk

I don't know if this is too late to be helpful to you; I've been out of town and thus away from a computer.

I could be wrong on this, but my understanding is that the most significant disruptions have been in the Oromia and Somali regions, which are far from Addis or the mountains. The Simien Mountains park (which was lovely) is very sparsely populated, and therefore unlikely to be subject to large demonstrations or protests. Addis Ababa, as the capital, of course is involved in everything that happens in the country, but I think it would be reasonably safe for a visitor who takes a few precautions-- checking with locals before going outside tourists areas, for example. And any reputable tour company would certainly not take you to a place likely to put you in danger.