Ethiopia walking, nature and culture tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

We prioritize partnering with accommodations that demonstrate strong sustainability practices. While renewable-energy infrastructure in Ethiopia is still developing, several of the properties we use—particularly in Lalibela, the Simien Mountains, and the Omo Valley—generate a portion of their power from solar systems. Simien Mountains lodges: Use solar power for lighting and water heating. Eco-lodges in the Omo Valley: Rely on solar energy as the primary
power source. Select guesthouses in Lalibela: Use hybrid systems incorporating solar panels. For accommodations not yet using renewable energy, we select those that actively reduce their carbon footprint by: Implementing energy-saving appliances, using motion-sensor lighting, encouraging guests to reduce, towel and linen washing, installing fuel-efficient stoves in on-site kitchens, minimizing generator usage and optimizing electricity consumption.

Ethiopian cuisine naturally offers a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan meals, available every day throughout the trip. Traditional dishes such as shiro, misir wot, gomen, fosolia, atkilt, and fasting injera platters are entirely plant-based. Hotels and lodges also provide: Vegan/vegetarian breakfast options (fruit, vegetables, porridge, lentils). Plant-based lunch and dinner offerings upon request, ability to modify menus for dietary needs. During fasting days recognized by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, almost all restaurants serve exclusively vegan meals, making plant-based dining accessible throughout the tour.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

We conducts a sustainability check when selecting accommodation partners. We assess policies and practices related to: Solid waste management (separating organic and plastic waste), plastic reduction (avoiding single-use items, offering refill water stations), water-saving practices (low-flow shower heads, rainwater collection, grey-water reuse in gardens), building materials (locally sourced stone, wood, and eco-friendly construction).

Noise and air pollution controls (limited generator use, quiet periods), Renewable energy use (solar panels for lighting/water heating). Notable examples:
Several lodges in the Simien Mountains use solar power and implement strict waste-carry-out policies. Guesthouses in Lalibela use rainwater harvesting systems for cleaning and gardening. Eco camps in the Omo Valley employ biodegradable cleaning products and maintain plastic-free operations.

We supports and collaborates with: Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) – supporting wildlife protection, including endangered species such as the Ethiopian wolf, Gelada baboon, and Walia ibex. Lem Ethiopia – supporting reforestation and environmental education. Local community conservation groups in the Simien Mountains and Bale areas. We are currently evaluating the integration of an optional, opt-out conservation fee for each traveler, which would directly support named NGOs involved in reforestation, wildlife protection, and community conservation projects.

People

PEOPLE

LOCAL ECONOMY

The majority of accommodations we use are locally owned—typically
85–90%, depending on the final itinerary and season. These include
boutique hotels, eco-lodges, family-run guesthouses, and cultural
lodges.

In certain destinations (such as the Omo Valley, Harar, and the Simien
area), we also offer community-run lodges or homestay-style
experiences, which create direct income for local households.
We actively ensure that travel benefits local communities by:
Hiring local guides in Lalibela, Harar, Omo Valley, Gondar, Simien
Mountains, and Axum
Visiting craft markets such as Shiro Meda (Addis Ababa), Harar
markets, and local weaving cooperatives
Organizing cultural village visits in the Omo Valley (Hamar, Mursi,
Dassanech, Karo communities)
Using locally owned transportation providers
Supporting community tourism initiatives, such as:
Simien Mountains Community Scouts
Women’s weaving cooperatives in Bahir Dar
Local coffee-roasting experiences in Addis Ababa and Lalibela

Encouraging guests to buy handmade crafts, traditional textiles, and
artwork directly from artisans

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

We are committed to local employment.
100% of our team members and operating partners in Ethiopia are
Ethiopian nationals.
Depending on the destination, 60–80% of staff (drivers, cooks, scouts,
porters, cultural hosts, and local guides) are hired directly from the
local communities where the tours take place.
Supporting marginalized and underrepresented groups is a core part
of our responsible travel policy.
We work with and generate income for:
Indigenous communities in the Omo Valley by hiring local guides,
translators, artisans, and cultural hosts
Women’s cooperatives in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Harar, and Lalibela
(approx. 40–60 women supported indirectly through guest purchases
and visits)
Youth groups working as community scouts and trekking support
teams in the Simien Mountains
People with disabilities through partnerships with small artisan groups
in Addis Ababa who produce hand-crafted goods
Across all destinations, our operations support over 80+ local
individuals annually through direct or indirect employment.