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

Eskinder and his team ensured that our holiday was packed with exciting and memorable moments throughout. If we had to select one highlight it would be experiencing the beautiful scenery and variety of wildlife in the Bale Mountains, particularly seeing a number of Simien Foxes at close quarters (thanks to the sharp eyes and local knowledge of our guide Girma and driver Yaris). We also have warm memories of Eskinder, who was so friendly, reassuring and took a close personal interest in ensuring we had an enjoyable experience. Also, of our guides and drivers, who quickly became our friends and good travelling companions and gave us many insights into Ethiopian life and culture.

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

You can have complete confidence in Eskinder to ensure you have a safe and interesting experience in as much comfort as possible. Roads in some areas were in very poor state, but our vehicles were in good condition and our drivers were excellent. Also to ensure our best possible comfort at Dinsho Lodge in the Bale Mountains, Eskinder arranged for new bedding to be purchased! We found Eskinder and our guides very flexible and sensitive to our needs; so let them know what you want and they will do all that they can to deliver. Also, they are all Ethiopian, so let them help you to experience the country in a way that European guides can never do.

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

We were pleased that in our own small way we were able to benefit local people. The tour operator is an Ethiopian business, the staff it employs are Ethiopian and in many instances using the income they get to fund higher education for either themselves or members of their family. All accommodation, meals and other services used on the trip were providing income for local people. Fees paid to the parks and wildlife reserves contributed to their maintenance and as far as possible our holiday was organised to have minimal impact on the environment e.g. walking in wildlife areas, using existing local cafes.

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

This was an excellent holiday. One of us had previously had a great experience of Ethiopia as part of a UK tour group, but travelling as a couple with an Ethiopian company and Ethiopian companions made for a much richer experience. We have never before had a holiday operator make such effort to ensure our happiness, and we've previously had a lot of good holiday experiences! We still have much to see in Ethiopia and will certainly use Eskinder and this tour operator again.

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