Ethiopia walking, nature and culture tour

Planet

Travel and environmental practices

This itinerary involves road travel in fuel-powered vehicles and may include domestic flights, depending on the final route and quotation. These journeys have environmental impacts. We do not describe the holiday as carbon neutral or environmentally friendly.

In the Simien Mountains, we ask travelers to stay on designated routes, carry out their litter, and follow the instructions of local guides and scouts around wildlife. Drivers are asked to avoid unnecessary engine idling and off-route driving where routes and conditions permit. For the Danakil and Omo Valley sections, the number of travelers in each 4x4 depends on the booking and the vehicle arrangement confirmed before departure.

We encourage guests to bring a reusable bottle where safe drinking water or suitable refills are available and to avoid leaving single-use items at campsites and natural sites. We discuss dietary needs before travel; vegetarian and vegan meals can often be arranged, although choices may be limited in remote areas.

When selecting accommodation, we ask providers about practical measures such as waste handling, water use and electricity supply. Facilities vary by property and location. We confirm the accommodation proposed for each departure rather than describing every hotel, lodge or camp as environmentally friendly.

People

Local economy and cultural visits

We arrange local guides and other services in the destinations visited on this tour. Depending on the final itinerary, these may include Simien Mountains guides, scouts and trekking staff; Afar guides and support staff in the Danakil Depression; and local guides and hosts for visits in the Omo Valley. The people engaged and services purchased vary by departure.

We seek to use local accommodation, transport and food providers where suitable options are available. During cultural visits in the Omo Valley, we arrange access through local guides and hosts, explain any agreed visit or photography fees, and ask travellers to respect each community’s choices about visits and photographs. Guests who wish to buy crafts are encouraged to purchase directly from makers.

Employment and inclusion

Our tours create paid work for guides, drivers, scouts, cooks and other service providers. We discuss roles and payments with providers for each departure; the number of people employed depends on the group size, route and activities.

We welcome travelers with different dietary, mobility and communication needs. The Simien Mountains may involve uneven trails and camping, while the Danakil Depression involves extreme heat, remote travel and limited medical facilities. Please share your requirements before booking so we can explain the conditions of the proposed route and discuss what assistance may be possible.