About Us
Simien Mountain Tours is more than a tour company—it’s a family mission. Founded in 2018 by three brothers from the Simien Mountains, we blend deep local roots with international expertise to share the authentic soul of Ethiopia.
From our modest beginnings, we’ve focused on creating unique, tailor-made journeys that connect travelers not just with iconic sites, but with the people and stories behind them. Our commitment to quality and personalized service has established us as a trusted name in Ethiopian tourism, as we continuously evolve alongside this vibrant country.
As Ethiopia’s tourism sector grows, we remain dedicated to our core purpose: facilitating meaningful travel that honors our heritage, supports local communities, and leaves a lasting impression on every guest.
At our heart, Simien Mountain Tours is a true family story. Founded and operated by three brothers born in the Simien Mountains, we combine personal passion with professional skill to offer seamless and insightful journeys across Ethiopia.
Meet the Team
Zigiju: Co-Founder & European Director
Zigiju is our bridge between continents. Born in the Simien Mountains, he studied Tourism Management and Geography at Gondar and Bahir Dar Universities. With over 15 years in the industry and now based in Germany, Zigiju manages our European operations. He ensures that every traveler receives clear communication, meticulous planning, and itineraries crafted with a deep understanding of both European expectations and Ethiopia’s hidden treasures.
Dawit: Founder, Operations & Lead Guide
Dawit is the soul of our on-the-ground experience. He didn’t just learn the trails—he grew up on them as a shepherd boy within the Simien Mountains National Park. After graduating in Tour Guiding from Debark Vocational School, Dawit has spent over 8 years guiding travelers across Ethiopia. Walking with Dawit means exploring with someone who knows every hidden spring, every seasonal path, and who shares the mountains’ stories from a lifetime of lived experience.
Zelalem: Expert Driver & Logistics
Completing our core team is the youngest brother, Zelalem. A master 4×4 driver with over 6 years of experience, Zelalem expertly navigates Ethiopia’s most demanding routes. His extensive knowledge covers the historic roads to Lalibela, the otherworldly terrain of the Danakil Depression, the high-altitude tracks of the Bale Mountains, and the remote paths of the South, Omo Valley. With Zelalem, travel between destinations is safe, comfortable, and informed by a trusted local’s expertise.
Our Extended Family: The Local Network
Our philosophy extends beyond the brothers to a carefully selected network of local experts across Ethiopia. In every destination, we partner with the best regional guides, knowledgeable scouts, talented cooks, and dedicated support staff from the communities we visit.
This network is our greatest strength. It ensures that every aspect of your journey benefits from genuine local insight, fosters authentic cultural exchanges, and contributes directly to the local economy. It allows us to deliver consistent quality and deep understanding, creating richer experiences for our guests and sustainable opportunities for our partners.
Our Staff & Resources
Our dedicated office and support staff bring years of professional travel experience to ensure every detail of your booking is handled with excellence, from initial inquiry to your return home.
We maintain a modern fleet of 4WD vehicles, minibuses, and coaches to accommodate any group size. Our vehicles are driven by professional, English-speaking Ethiopian driver-guides who are experts in their country’s roads and become wonderful travel companions. For larger or specialized groups, we provide a team of well-trained guides proficient in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Czech.
Our Values
Our values guide every decision we make and every journey we create:
Authenticity Over Performance: We facilitate real connections and genuine experiences, not staged encounters. We believe in showing you the true Ethiopia.
Knowledge Shared, Not Sold: We combine practical, lived wisdom with professional insight to give you a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the places you visit.
Tourism That Lifts Communities: We are committed to ensuring tourism benefits the places we call home. We support community-based projects, fair employment, and conservation efforts.
Our Services
We design journeys for all types of travelers—from solo adventurers and families to photographers, cultural enthusiasts, and business groups.
Our comprehensive services include:
Custom Itinerary Planning for regions across Ethiopia.
Professional Guide Services in multiple languages.
Expert 4×4 Transport with our experienced drivers.
Domestic Flight & Accommodation Bookings.
Specialized Tours (trekking, historical, cultural, photographic).