-
TRUSTED EXCELLENCE
Widely acknowledged for delivering consistently high-quality service and exceptional customer care. -
LOCAL EXPERTISE
Benefit from deep knowledge and firsthand experience across Ethiopia’s diverse regions. -
RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION
Travel safely in well-maintained 4WD vehicles, perfect for remote and rugged routes.
Yossi Leshem
I will start with your main quality: generosity. We didn't feel even one time that you thought about
the money, and more than that, you did outstanding things to help us: When I was so sick you
sent especially a vehicle to take Rinati and me to the Semien without thinking about the cost.
another example was in one breakfast I told you that there is no milk and you ran outside and
look for a milk all over the street. I must say that we felt like you are our father that look for all
what the children need. No one spoiled us so much all our life.
And now about the trip itself: You did a great job! You succeeded to join between your love to
your country, the view of your country and the people that you love so much. Thank you so much
that you gave us such a present.
And the last thing that I was so happy that you have such a great sense of hummer, it makes all
the trip so fun!
Thank you so much for all what you did for us, and we are waiting for you in Jerusalem to give
you back only a little bit of what you gave us.
Much love Rinati and Yossi
Mrs. Regina Fein
As a historian and geographer I can say that, you have made a good choice when
you are traveling with Across Abyssinia Tour as you will be provided with well
founded knowledge on Ethiopian Geography, history and culture. Not only the so
called facts that the guide might have learnt by heart only the previous evening, and
that you can read in any guidebook by yourself. Besides that, the reasonably priced
tours offer, a lot of comfort, even in remote areas, and allow a lot of flexibility,
taking the customers wishes into account.
But what I appreciate most is the perfect reliability, and that you can feel
comfortable safe everywhere, due to the impressing cheerful land friendly contacts
to local people all over the country.
Michael DiBlasi
As a leader of archaeological and cultural tours to Ethiopia since 1997, I have worked
with Firew Ayele on many occasions. I have always been greatly impressed with his
knowledge of the culture, history and varied environments of Ethiopia, as well as his
professionalism in organizing and carrying out the logistical aspects of touring. His
years of experience and his dedication to providing tourists with an interesting and
enjoyable tour through Ethiopia make him an excellent person. Across Abyssinia
Tours certainly would be my first recommendation to any one planning a tour in
Ethiopia.
Ian Papoose
"After living in Ethiopia for over 18months we had saved the simian mountains for
our last holiday in country before re turning to Europe. We'd saved the best for the
last and con recommend this trip to anyone with a sense of adventure and a love of
stunning mountain views. This trip brings the walker close to the lives of local
Ethiopians and leaves a lasting impression of the real Ethiopia where few foreigners
currently go. This was a hugely enjoyable trip which should suit any mountain
walker. The support team and logistics were also excellent, as w as the food (thanks
to Firew , Shiferaw and Solomon)."
Suzy & Bill Fletcher
We just completed a 37 day driving trip around Ethiopia with Firew Ayele as our guide and his
brother, Tamiru Alemayehu, as our driver. It was an excellent trip and we enjoyed it very much.
Throughout the trip, it was very clear that Firew and Tamiru were working for us and were doing
everything practical to give us the best possible tour of Ethiopia.
We were referred to Firew by friends who had used him for two previous trips to Ethiopia. He
was highly recommended and we were not in any way disappointed with his excellent
performance. Over several months, we exchanged e-mails with Firew to plan our trip and discuss
various alternatives. We wanted to see Ethiopia’s major historical and religious sites, travel in
the countryside, see how average Ethiopians lived and see the tribal areas in the south. We also
wanted to do some bird-watching but that was not the main focus of the trip.
Firew developed an excellent itinerary and we believe we saw everything that was of interest to
us.
Firew is an excellent guide and he and his brother are very pleasant travel companions. Firew has an extensive knowledge of the country, its history and culture and current events. He has connections that allowed us close access to Timkat ceremonies and other events. His ability to put local people at ease enabled us to see villages and homes close-up and allowed us to take photographs that would not have been possible had we been with a less-skilled guide or a large group.
Firew was also very responsive to solving any problems that came up along the way, and in meeting any special requests. He was always looking for opportunities to improve our trip and give us extra experiences. For example, his contacts in different cities alerted him to village religious ceremonies and festivals—we were usually the only foreigners present. He also organized our trip so we were able to visit all the local markets of any significance. This was a major highlight of the trip. We also highly recommend a private driving tour (as we did) if you have the time. The most interesting parts of the country to us were the “places in-between,” the beautiful scenery and the impromptu experiences we had during our road trip.
Firew also arranged for us to camp in a Hamer village in the Omo Valley where he was friends with a family group. This was an enjoyable experience and gave us a close look at village life.
Because of Firew’s excellent relationships, we were readily accepted by the villagers and could observe their daily activities. It is customary to pay Omo Valley tribal people for their photographs. This is a major source of cash income for them and we did not mind paying the small amounts involved. Firew acquired hundreds of single birr notes for us and did an excellent job in helping us interact with and pay the local people to get the photographs we wanted. Some other travelers had warned us that it can be very unpleasant dealing with the tribal groups but Firew was able to make this a positive experience for us. We would be happy to discuss our Ethiopian adventure with anyone planning a trip to Ethiopia with Across Abyssinia Tour.
Firew is an excellent guide and he and his brother are very pleasant travel companions. Firew has an extensive knowledge of the country, its history and culture and current events. He has connections that allowed us close access to Timkat ceremonies and other events. His ability to put local people at ease enabled us to see villages and homes close-up and allowed us to take photographs that would not have been possible had we been with a less-skilled guide or a large group.
Firew was also very responsive to solving any problems that came up along the way, and in meeting any special requests. He was always looking for opportunities to improve our trip and give us extra experiences. For example, his contacts in different cities alerted him to village religious ceremonies and festivals—we were usually the only foreigners present. He also organized our trip so we were able to visit all the local markets of any significance. This was a major highlight of the trip. We also highly recommend a private driving tour (as we did) if you have the time. The most interesting parts of the country to us were the “places in-between,” the beautiful scenery and the impromptu experiences we had during our road trip.
Firew also arranged for us to camp in a Hamer village in the Omo Valley where he was friends with a family group. This was an enjoyable experience and gave us a close look at village life.
Because of Firew’s excellent relationships, we were readily accepted by the villagers and could observe their daily activities. It is customary to pay Omo Valley tribal people for their photographs. This is a major source of cash income for them and we did not mind paying the small amounts involved. Firew acquired hundreds of single birr notes for us and did an excellent job in helping us interact with and pay the local people to get the photographs we wanted. Some other travelers had warned us that it can be very unpleasant dealing with the tribal groups but Firew was able to make this a positive experience for us. We would be happy to discuss our Ethiopian adventure with anyone planning a trip to Ethiopia with Across Abyssinia Tour.
Isabela and Kev
Our trip to the Simein Mountains and the Danakil Depression was a trip of a lifetime.
Everything was arranged perfectly despite the complex itinerary and you were most
accommodating when the tour was disrupted by Ethiopian Airlines delay. The people
that looked after us in the Simeins and in Axum were friendly, helpful and very
knowledgeable about their particular specialty.
The sights of the Simeins will leave a lasting impression on us. The towering rocks and deep ravines, the views across the valley to the highest mountains of the range, walking through the Giant Lobelia forest and watching the Gelada baboons eat, play and fight from a few meters away. We were so impressed to be served our meals by a chef in his white coat and hat, at a table with a table cloth and serving dishes when we were camping in the middle of the Simein Mountains. Our guide, Tashareg, was excellent. He looked after us so well and we learnt so much about the Simein Mountains area from him. When we arrived at Mekelle Tamaru was there to meet us. Again we were so impressed with his organization and many talents. He was an expert in shopping, negotiation, joking and cooking, as well as driving. The journey down to Hamad Ella was amazing, but the best was waking up to see the camel trains heading off into the salt pans, and driving over the salt to the volcanoes and to watch the workers digging the salt. The rock formations and the colures of the volcanoes were out of this world. We were so well looked after, even having a guided tour of the school by Mohammed, a local student.
Everything worked out perfectly for us and you gave us a holiday we will never forget. Of course that was the last of many holidays we have enjoyed under your organization while in Ethiopia. With each one we have been impressed with the itinerary, the expertise and personalities of your drivers, the quality of your vehicles, the smoothness of the tours. You have taken us into some of the most isolated parts of Ethiopia and organized everything perfectly. You are so good in tailoring your tours to suit your customers, and we have always seen everything that we asked for, sometimes even when a change of itinerary during the tour itself was needed. Each tour you do is individually organized and that makes us feel that you care about each one of your customers. Your drivers are the best. They are warm and friendly and will do anything to make the tour successful. We have been so impressed with their skills, not just in driving but their knowledge of the areas and the people, their ability to be flexible (even cooking!), and their help and advice when we are in new situations.
We would be happy to recommend your company to anyone wanting to travel in Ethiopia, either to the well known tourist attractions, or to the remoter parts of the country. They will get a great deal!
The sights of the Simeins will leave a lasting impression on us. The towering rocks and deep ravines, the views across the valley to the highest mountains of the range, walking through the Giant Lobelia forest and watching the Gelada baboons eat, play and fight from a few meters away. We were so impressed to be served our meals by a chef in his white coat and hat, at a table with a table cloth and serving dishes when we were camping in the middle of the Simein Mountains. Our guide, Tashareg, was excellent. He looked after us so well and we learnt so much about the Simein Mountains area from him. When we arrived at Mekelle Tamaru was there to meet us. Again we were so impressed with his organization and many talents. He was an expert in shopping, negotiation, joking and cooking, as well as driving. The journey down to Hamad Ella was amazing, but the best was waking up to see the camel trains heading off into the salt pans, and driving over the salt to the volcanoes and to watch the workers digging the salt. The rock formations and the colures of the volcanoes were out of this world. We were so well looked after, even having a guided tour of the school by Mohammed, a local student.
Everything worked out perfectly for us and you gave us a holiday we will never forget. Of course that was the last of many holidays we have enjoyed under your organization while in Ethiopia. With each one we have been impressed with the itinerary, the expertise and personalities of your drivers, the quality of your vehicles, the smoothness of the tours. You have taken us into some of the most isolated parts of Ethiopia and organized everything perfectly. You are so good in tailoring your tours to suit your customers, and we have always seen everything that we asked for, sometimes even when a change of itinerary during the tour itself was needed. Each tour you do is individually organized and that makes us feel that you care about each one of your customers. Your drivers are the best. They are warm and friendly and will do anything to make the tour successful. We have been so impressed with their skills, not just in driving but their knowledge of the areas and the people, their ability to be flexible (even cooking!), and their help and advice when we are in new situations.
We would be happy to recommend your company to anyone wanting to travel in Ethiopia, either to the well known tourist attractions, or to the remoter parts of the country. They will get a great deal!
KéAbnesh G. Zewdie
My name is KéAbnesh G. Zewdie, CEO and President of Tavel Abyssinia LLC and of New Vision
Children Foundation. I have known Firew Ayele for the last 10 years as a dear friend and a
partner. After we were colleagues at the same company for 2 years, we developed a sincere
friendship and remained working colleagues afterwards. Firew is a very considerate, caring and
decent man of outstanding moral character, and with an extra-ordinary work ethic.
Since I moved to New York in the United States from Addis Ababa more than 5 years ago, Firew
and I have remained in close contact and decided to partner in the fields we both are working in.
I started a travel company “Travel Abyssinia” to promote Ethiopia as a tourist and trade destination for the US market and consumers from New York. Firew has an extensive deep knowledge about his country Ethiopia and he is the owner of Across Abyssinia tour PLC in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As I am very familiar with the exceptional work Firew does, and the high quality travel agency he has built over the years, I have full confidence that his agency "Across Abyssinia PLC" will bring tourism in Ethiopia to the next level. Firew is extremely hard working, honest, co-operative, and diligent about his business. I hope that our friendship and partnership will grow even stronger for the years to come. I wish Firew all the best of success in all he does, and have no doubt he will excel in whatever he decides to undertake. I am truly honored to be his friend and business partner.
I started a travel company “Travel Abyssinia” to promote Ethiopia as a tourist and trade destination for the US market and consumers from New York. Firew has an extensive deep knowledge about his country Ethiopia and he is the owner of Across Abyssinia tour PLC in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As I am very familiar with the exceptional work Firew does, and the high quality travel agency he has built over the years, I have full confidence that his agency "Across Abyssinia PLC" will bring tourism in Ethiopia to the next level. Firew is extremely hard working, honest, co-operative, and diligent about his business. I hope that our friendship and partnership will grow even stronger for the years to come. I wish Firew all the best of success in all he does, and have no doubt he will excel in whatever he decides to undertake. I am truly honored to be his friend and business partner.
Michelle Korczynski
"I was privileged to discover Ethiopia with Firew on an R&D trip and afterwards, I asked
him to accompany all of the groups I sent there. His in-depth insight of his country’s
history, cultures, religions, and contemporary events, along with his ability to customize
his presentations according to the group’s interest and current level of knowledge, makes
him a remarkable guide. He constantly seeks out opportunities to give his guests access to
special events that match their interests, whether it is stopping in a village to chat with a
woman making injera, meet a weaver in front of his home, or obtaining permission for us
to attend a sacred ceremony in a historic church. In addition, he is proactive and
immediately provides solutions to any unforeseen complications that arise on tour. I am
indebted to Firew for his attentive care to my groups and personally, for creating the
opportunities for me to have some of my favorite travel experiences and for instilling in
me a lifelong interest in his country."
Sabine Timers
Traveling south with Firew Ayele( Across Abyssinia Tour ) has been a not forgetting
experience for me. Different ethnic groups are living in the Lower Omo Valley. To
visit one of their markets is a good chance to see these people during their daily
activity.
One of the most impressing things has been the so-called Singing Well of the Borena. The Borena families come to a well to water their cattle and to get the water out of the deep well the people create a kind of human ladder. While they toss the buckets of water the Borena sing their songs.
One of the most impressing things has been the so-called Singing Well of the Borena. The Borena families come to a well to water their cattle and to get the water out of the deep well the people create a kind of human ladder. While they toss the buckets of water the Borena sing their songs.
Sandra Mark
Traveling through Ethiopia was an amazing and mind blowing experience, made all
the richer by our outstanding guide, Firew Ayele from Across Abyssinia Tour and his
fabulous crew who were always gracious, friendly, punctual and responsible.
Everyone went out of their way to accommodate our needs and ensure that our trip to this beautiful country was an unforgettable one. Knowledgeable, resourceful, diplomatic and respectful of the different cultures we encountered, Firew was able to obtain invitations to fascinating rituals/ceremonies and entry into remote villages. He and his team(of Across Abyssinia Tours) come highly recommended!
Everyone went out of their way to accommodate our needs and ensure that our trip to this beautiful country was an unforgettable one. Knowledgeable, resourceful, diplomatic and respectful of the different cultures we encountered, Firew was able to obtain invitations to fascinating rituals/ceremonies and entry into remote villages. He and his team(of Across Abyssinia Tours) come highly recommended!
Prof. Menachem Agassi,
During February 2008, me and a group of six people had a trip in the northern part of
Ethiopia and the Danakil Depression that was organized by Mr. Firew Ayele and his
skilled and devoted team.
It is difficult to find the words that will describe our gratitude to Mr. Firew Ayele and his
team. We found Mr. Ayele as an excellent tour guide. We deeply impressed by his ability
to improvise in difficult circumstances, by his deep know how of the history of his
country, by his skill to organize the necessary logistics under the harsh conditions of the
Danakil Depression and beyond all by his wonderful personality that made our trip a
wonderful experience.
I believe that at the end of the trip with Mr. Firew Ayele, above all, you will gain a
wonderful friend for life.
Menachem Agassi
Menachem Agassi
Lt. Colonel, David. B
Firew Ayele organizes treks and professional guidance.
In November 2009, I led an expedition in Ethiopia following the footsteps of the
Ethiopian Jews who walked to the Sudan Border some 25 years ago. No Europeans have
ever crossed this region since it is considered dangerous due to the presence of armed
bandits.
Firew was faced with a range of complex logistic and security problems as follows:
a) the search for suitable ground staff that would agree to join us
b) finding a guide familiar with the terrain
c) obtaining the required government authority to allow foreigners to enter this region
d) the management of the ground staff.
The team walked some 20 kilometers per day in temperatures ranging from 37 to 40 degrees Celsius. The expedition achieved all the predetermined goals due to the efficient management, thorough preparation, sense of responsibility and seriousness in which Firew handled this and other previous similar treks and journeys. His knowledge of the history of Ethiopia and the positive relationship he develops with his clients adds significantly to their feeling of satisfaction and appreciation of him.
a) the search for suitable ground staff that would agree to join us
b) finding a guide familiar with the terrain
c) obtaining the required government authority to allow foreigners to enter this region
d) the management of the ground staff.
The team walked some 20 kilometers per day in temperatures ranging from 37 to 40 degrees Celsius. The expedition achieved all the predetermined goals due to the efficient management, thorough preparation, sense of responsibility and seriousness in which Firew handled this and other previous similar treks and journeys. His knowledge of the history of Ethiopia and the positive relationship he develops with his clients adds significantly to their feeling of satisfaction and appreciation of him.
Tony Evans
My company, Travel Directors has been working with Firew Ayle for more than 10
years. I first came to know Firew when he was working as a freelance guide. Even in
those early days it was clear to me that he was an extraordinary operator. Soon after
this, Firew formed his own company, Adventure Abyssinia. As a result of my close
relationship with him, Travel Directors immediately started to work with his company
and have been ever since.
Firew is an extremely committed professional. He is passionate about his country and he possesses integrity, reliability, kindness and compassion in abundance. Add these qualities to an unparalleled knowledge of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa and we are talking about the foremost guide in Ethiopia.
Firew is an extremely committed professional. He is passionate about his country and he possesses integrity, reliability, kindness and compassion in abundance. Add these qualities to an unparalleled knowledge of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa and we are talking about the foremost guide in Ethiopia.
Tony Evans
My experience working with Firew out of Gonder has been one of the best. He
not only went well beyond his remit, he actually worked extra days without asking
for an additional fee. Not only does he generate good ideas but he deals with
people, especially our subjects who were often old, partially blind and need of
care with great compassion. Clearly he is multi-talented, professional and just a
great guy to work with. Get him to share his personal history with you. Its almost
unbelievable!
Thorsten Gerhold,
"Herr Firew Ayele ist ein äußerst kompetenter Tourguide.Sowohl für Gruppen- wie für
Individualreisen kann ich Firew Ayele empfehlen. Regelmäßig führt er TV-Teams aus vielen
Ländern durch Äthiopien. Unter anderem hat er öfter für das ZDF gearbeitet. Er hat excellente
Kenntnisse, insbesondere in allen sozialen, wirtschaftlichen und geologischen Themenstellungen
Die TV-Reportagen sind tiefgründig und interessant.Sein großer Erfahrungsschatz bereichern
jede Reise. Daneben engagiert er sich für soziale Belange."
Service Category: Travel Agent
Year first hired: 2008 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity
David Ben Uzel, General
Listen! Listen! Listen! Whoever does not listen is an enemy of the Lord and of the mother of
God!
Listen! whoever does not listen is an enemy of the Lord and of the church! Listen! whoever
does not listen is an enemy of Menelik! Warriors!
Firew, you were elected by me - and then by God. You are the emperor of Ethiopia's tourism. The team members expressed their impressions of the beauty of Ethiopia and of your efficiency and beloved character. I am sure that many new people would like to visit Ethiopia after hearing the stories and seeing the photographs taken by the team members. On behalf of the members of the team I would like to thank you once more and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Firew, you were elected by me - and then by God. You are the emperor of Ethiopia's tourism. The team members expressed their impressions of the beauty of Ethiopia and of your efficiency and beloved character. I am sure that many new people would like to visit Ethiopia after hearing the stories and seeing the photographs taken by the team members. On behalf of the members of the team I would like to thank you once more and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.