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About Vast Ethiopia Tours
A locally owned tour operator based in Addis Ababa. Since 2007 we have been creating private, tailor-made journeys through Ethiopia with experienced Ethiopian guides and drivers.
Founder, Vast Ethiopia Tours
Born in Lalibela, built on kindness
Vast Ethiopia Tours began in Lalibela, home of Ethiopia’s famous rock-hewn churches. Our founder, Habtu Tekeba, grew up there and started guiding visitors while still at school, running to the churches after class in the hope of showing travellers around.
One of those travellers, Leonard Goering from the United States, saw his potential and paid for him to continue his schooling in Addis Ababa. That chance allowed Habtu to improve his English, learn how to run a business and, in 2007, start his own company: Vast Ethiopia Tours.
Today we are a team of Ethiopian guides, drivers and travel specialists, supported by international partners. We still work the way Habtu started: with personal care, deep local knowledge and the wish to show you the real Ethiopia.
Designing tours across Ethiopia
Office in Addis Ababa
Every tour built for your group
Rated by travellers on Tripadvisor
Why travel with us
Choosing the right tour operator makes all the difference. Here is what you can expect when you travel with us.
Local experts on the ground
We are based in Addis Ababa and run our tours ourselves, not through middlemen, which means better value, more flexibility and honest local advice.
Private & tailor-made
Every tour is private. Shorten it, extend it, combine regions or slow the pace: we build the itinerary around you, whether you travel solo, as a family or as a group.
Experienced, licensed guides
Our Ethiopian guides know the history, cultures and wildlife of the regions they guide, and they love sharing them with you.
Safety first on the road
Reliable 4×4 vehicles and responsible, professional drivers. We avoid driving at night and always keep to the speed limit.
Travel that gives back
Through VAST Cares, 10% of our profits each year support education and community projects in Ethiopia.
Support from start to finish
A real person helps you plan your trip, and our team is on call throughout your journey in Ethiopia.
Guides who speak your language
Our guides are Ethiopian experts in history, culture and nature. All of them speak English, and we also have guides who speak German and French. Other languages are available on request: just let us know and we will do our best to arrange it.
Our drivers are experienced professionals who know Ethiopia’s roads well, from mountain passes to desert tracks, so you can sit back and enjoy the views.
Ways to explore Ethiopia
From a few days in Addis Ababa to a three-week journey around the country, we organise cultural, historical, nature and adventure tours, plus hotels, transport and domestic flights to go with them.
Travel that gives back
VAST Cares is our social responsibility programme. Each year, 10% of our profits go towards education, community development and support for people with disabilities in Ethiopia.
It began at Bilbala Elementary School near Lalibela, where we provide books and school supplies, and today includes our partnership with Ethiopia Reads to bring books and libraries to more children.
What our travellers say
Frequently asked questions
Is Vast Ethiopia Tours a local company?
Yes. We are a locally owned tour operator with our office in Addis Ababa (Tsinat Building, Bole / Hayahulet), and we have been organising tours in Ethiopia since 2007.
Are your tours private?
Yes. All our tours are private, for you and your travel companions only, and every itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, interests and pace.
Which languages do your guides speak?
All our guides speak English, and we also have German and French-speaking guides. Other languages are available on request: ask us and we will do our best to arrange it.
How much do the tours cost?
Because availability and seasonality affect our costs, prices are subject to change, so we don’t publish fixed prices. Instead, we send you a personal quote for your dates and group, and the price we quote you is guaranteed for 10 days and confirmed once you book.
How do I book a tour?
Contact us on WhatsApp, by phone or by email with your travel dates, number of travellers and the places you would like to see. We will send you a personal itinerary and quote, and adjust it until it is right for you.
How do you support local communities?
Through VAST Cares, 10% of our profits each year go to education, community development and support for people with disabilities in Ethiopia, including books and school supplies for Bilbala Elementary School near Lalibela.
Plan your Ethiopia trip
Tell us your dates, number of travellers and what you would love to see. We usually reply within 1–2 working days.