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1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The care and attention paid to us by the tour operator throughout the entire trip. The most memorable part was firstly the charm of the people we met and the time spent in the Simian Mountains.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

The outline of the trip we took specified 2 nights at the Simian Lodge and then one night in Debark - we paid a little more to cancel the night in Debark and remain in the Simian Lodge - we would recommend any one else doing this trip to do the same. There is a 2 day drive to Lalibela to see the Rock churches and then a further 2 day drive back to Addis - explore the chance of flying back to Addis from Lalibela with the tour operator and have an extra lazy day in Addis.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes definitely. The money we spent on the holiday remained in Ethiopian hands and the hotels guides etc were all Ethiopian owned. Driving is the only way to get to some places so obviously there is an impact on the environment but the experience of truly seeing the country and an appreciation of the lives of ordinary Ethiopians was really memorable.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Excellent... in particular the driver, Yaret, one of life’s gentlemen, who remained with us throughout our trip, was unbelievably helpful as was the owner of the company who maintained regular contact with us during the trip. Guides were organised in advance at every location and all had reasonable to good English and knowledge of the sites we visited. As an introduction to the African continent for me it was the best experience imaginable.

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