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

Being in Ethiopia for Timkat (at Axum) was an unforgettable experience. Discovering the extraordinary cultural history of Ethiopia with the help of experienced and delightful guides was stimulating and enriching.

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

Don't expect luxury accommodation or air-conditioned local transport - but given the country's turbulent history (much of it recent) both were better than I'd expected. Do go, the people are wonderful, the country is fascinating and beautiful.

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

Yes., definitely. Local guides, local hotels, restaurants and cafes, local drivers. The only concern was the number of plastic water bottles we must have gone through.

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

Excellent.

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

The most memorable part of my holiday was the way that the faithful at Axum, where we passed the Timkat festival, welcomed us all wholeheartedly into their ceremonies. Far from being merely onlookers, we felt a part of the process, though we stopped short of the ritual baptism in some fairly gungy water in the Queen of Sheba's bath. We could not have achieved this independently, as the inside knowledge and experience of our guides got us to the right place at the right time

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

For other travellers who like me are unused to trekking/adventure holidays in the developing world I would say do not underestimate the effect of altitude in Ethiopia and bear in mind that just because you are sleeping in a hotel it does not necessarily mean the same standard of comfort or service you have come to expect in Europe. Also there are very few opportunities to exchange money outside Addis Ababa, even in hotels. Don't bother taking the mobile. Even if you can get a signal, it is rare to be able to make or receive an international call.(Bliss if you're trying to get away from it all but a nightmare if you have responsibilities back home)

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

It is important to make the effort to "escape" from the group and get out and access local services. Quite apart from the mark-up on refreshments (water etc) in hotels, though everything in Ethiopia is cheap by comparison with the UK, you do spread the tourist dollar around within the community, (and give everyone the chance to practice their English). Everyone does their best to show Ethiopia in the best light to the relatively few tourists who venture into this stupendous country. Tourists provide employment and give incentives to young people to remain at school, particularly girls.

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

Overall I would rate it **** - I knocked off a star because I am not fit enough to run up the mountains.

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

Very difficult to say. Probably the short trek in the Simien Mountains, though this is partly due to the contrast with the rest of the holiday.

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

Get as much of your money as possible broken down into small notes.

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

It benefited local people to the extent that our money is going into the local community. Hopefully the general infrastructure of the roads will improve to meet the requirements of tourists and consequently benefit the local communities. This of course may not benefit the environment.

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

The country was as fascinating and beautiful as I had anticipated. The trip leader was excellent. The opportunities to interact with the local communities were somewhat restricted.