Ethiopia holiday, tailormade reviewed by Ann Burke
Every day over the 3 weeks something very special or exciting happened. Personal highlights - watching the celebrations for the feast of St. Michael in a rock hewn church - it was an occasion amongst many of 'stepping back in time'. Getting so close to the gelado monkeys against the backdrop of breath taking beauty in the Simien mountains. Staring into the faces of old women who had their lives etched into their many wrinkles in the numerous tribes we visited in the south. Visiting the Dorze people and the village where the philosophy is - all are equal and of equal worth. Holding hands with the most beautiful children. Staying in the home of a family in Harar.
Be realistic about some of the practical issues - toilets, wifi, plumbing etc - having said that we were pleasantly surprised at our accommodation. Sort out the tipping system and make sure you always have plenty of small notes. Don't be tempted to give money, pens etc to children - give to an organisation - it only encourages a demeaning begging culture and can mean children stay away from school. If you want to give practical things - pens clothes etc give them to someone responsible through your guide. Always as permission before taking a photo close up and pay when requested to for a photo. Travel light.
it definitely benefitted local people as money went straight into the communities and the tour organiser lives in Ethiopia. There were many opportunities to buy from local people or markets (all our food was from local sources) and other opportunities to give/buy from a charitable cause we visited a scheme which employs women with HIV, a school that serves the family of lepers .Lots of the places we visited highlighted their eco status. Sadly both flying and using the jeeps can only have harmed the environment but if you want to travel....
Absolutely brilliant. Words cannot do real justice in capturing our experience and Eskinder and his team were fantastic in so many ways- Eskinder made you feel that he genuinely wanted to make the trip a trip of a lifetime- nothing was too much trouble.
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