Top Things To Do In Ethiopia

Beware of booking pitfalls with ETT – our experience was less than ideal. Our journey was coordinated through Tratoli for an exclusive 2-person, 2-night tour of the Danakil Depression. We agreed to a price of $1,450 USD per person for what was communicated as a private expedition. However, upon arriving in Semera to embark on our adventure, we learned that our 'private' tour was actually a shared experience with four additional travelers. While we adjusted to this unexpected change, the absence of a refund to match the group tour pricing was disappointing, especially after discovering that our fellow travelers had only paid $350 each. This stark contrast in cost highlights a concerning discrepancy and suggests a misleading 'bait and switch' tactic that should be cautiously noted by potential travelers.

2023-02-27

Exercise Caution: Unreliable Tour Package Experience with Tratoli I caution potential travelers about engaging with Tratoli for tour packages, based on my own disappointing experience. I secured a trip via Tratoli for the 14th to 16th of June, having been told by the operator that a group was formed. Airline tickets were purchased from Addis to Semera in anticipation of the adventure. Upon arriving in Semera for a scheduled 9 am tour start, an ETT representative informed me that the group had missed their flight, which later was revealed as untrue; their tour was meant to begin on the 15th, not the 14th. Forcibly, I spent the first day in a hotel while being assured that we would complete the planned three-day itinerary in just two days—a logistical impossibility. Following a compromised agreement for a partial refund for the missed day, which was never honored despite multiple requests and having previously provided my account information for the transfer, further dismay ensued. Confusion prevailed on the 15th, with the assembled group left uninformed and unattended in the hotel lobby until past 11:30 am, well beyond the agreed start time. It was only after we decided to visit Tratoli's local office that transportation for the trip materialized, delaying our departure until after midday. Additionally, the volcano visit, ideally timed for sunset and darkness, occurred only in the latter condition, compromising the significance of the experience. Compounding the frustration, the guide was not informed of my subsequent travel plans, resulting in my inability to complete the trip to Danakil, the core purpose of my journey. The following day at 9 am, I had no choice but to return to Semera alone while the rest fell behind schedule, continuing on without me. Direct dealings with the company's owner, Bisrat, proved fruitless. Despite promises of making a transfer, he failed to show for a scheduled meeting at the Addis airport, further delaying resolution by suggesting an intermediary would facilitate negotiations at their office—a commitment that also went unfulfilled. Adding to the injury, confessed insider accounts brought to light the owner's similar treatment of not only customers but also his team of drivers and guides. The intention to report these malpractices to the tourist office in Semera and the Ethiopian Tourism Ministry is a testament to the seriousness of the situation. It's critical to highlight that the Ethiopian locals are remarkably hospitable; however, negative encounters with such unscrupulous operators can tarnish the overall experience in this beautiful country. I urge caution when considering Tratoli for your travel plans: either in solidarity with local freelance workers involved or purely for your own travel satisfaction.

2024-06-16

We had an exceptional journey, and my wife and I are thoroughly satisfied with our Ethiopian travel experience arranged by Tratoli. Throughout our stay, we were fortunate to lodge in perfect hotels such as the Caravan Hotel and Atse Yohannes. Centrally located, these charming establishments offered a warm welcome and staffed by kind, professional individuals. Our tour was enhanced by the expertise of our guides, who were punctual and fluent in French. Their deep understanding and enthusiasm for Ethiopia's rich history were evident as they shared their extensive knowledge, making it an educational and engaging experience for us. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for their kindness, warmth, and friendly demeanor. In just a few days, these wonderful individuals have transitioned from guides to friends, and it was with heavy hearts that we bid them farewell. A special thanks also goes out to our drivers, who provided us with calm and safe journeys throughout. Their vehicles were the epitome of cleanliness and punctuality, contributing greatly to our peace of mind during travels. For those eager to explore Ethiopia with ease and comfort, allow ETT tours to design your personalized adventure. Their attention to detail and commitment to creating delightful travel experiences promise an unforgettable trip.

2019-07-18

Title: Disappointing Experience with Tratoli-Booked Travel: A Caution for Solo Female Travelers I regret to report a deeply distressing travel encounter booked through Tratoli. As a solo female traveler, safety and professionalism are my top priorities, and my experience with ETT fell substantially below those expectations. Firstly, my safety concerns were dismissed. The ETT driver exhibited inappropriate behavior, touching my leg repeatedly despite my clear protests. Reporting this to branch managers Akil in Mekelle and Yihune in Lalibela only met with derision and disbelief, undermining the gravity of the issue and disregarding my discomfort entirely. Additionally, the travel package was inaccurately sold by ETT. Initially, I was informed that a two-night, three-day itinerary was mandatory to visit Dallol. However, the actual schedule revealed that Dallol was to be visited first, negating the need for a prolonged stay. This misinformation led me to pay for an additional night that aligned with interests I expressly did not have, feeling both deceived and coerced. Misrepresentation extended into provisions; contrary to claims that meals and water were covered, I faced unexpected charges for both. The failure to deliver promised inclusions like a functional vehicle, competent guides, and transparency tarnished my entire travel experience. Moreover, the lack of basic amenities such as a functioning clutch on the vehicle not only compromised my safety but demonstrated ETT's neglect for maintaining reliable transportation. Attempted resolution of these concerns was met with unprofessionalism and resistance from ETT management. Refunds were reluctantly discussed and eventually agreed upon but retrieving them became an arduous process filled with delays and avoidable setbacks. This ordeal consumed substantial time from my itinerary in Lalibela, further diminishing my travel enjoyment. To my fellow travelers and especially to women traveling alone, I must advise against booking with ETT. The company's disregard for proper conduct, safety, and honest customer service has led me to caution others looking for trustworthy travel experiences.

2020-03-04