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Founded by Simien mountain native Aman Hassen. For over 20 years, we have guided high-altitude expeditions, wildlife safaris, and border-crossing East Africa journeys with uncompromising safety, deep cultural reverence, and local authenticity.
Years in the Field
Highland Expedition Heritage
Ras Dashen Summit
High-Altitude Safety Record
Native Guides
Born in National Park Valleys
TripAdvisor Rated
100+ Verified Traveler Reviews
Ethiopian Trails was founded by Aman Hassen, who grew up in the cliffside villages of Simien Mountains National Park. What began in childhood as shepherding sheep along dizzying 1,500-meter precipices grew into an enduring lifelong vocation as one of the country's most respected high-altitude expedition leaders.
Over the past two decades, Aman has led hundreds of global travelers, scientists, nature documentary teams, and trekking clubs across the rooftop of Africa. Today, Ethiopian Trails channels that same homegrown highland passion into fully supported private expeditions across Ethiopia and the greater Horn of Africa.
“These mountains are our home. When you trek with us, you are not a client traveling through a foreign park; you are our guest, welcomed into the valleys and living traditions we cherish.”
— Aman Hassen, Founder & Lead Expedition Director
Aman Hassen
Founder & Head Guide — 20+ Years
We blend native highland instincts with professional expedition logistics to ensure every journey is safe, enriching, and unforgettable.
Led by professional guides born and raised in highland villages, offering authentic, second-nature knowledge of routes, weather, and folklore.
Thoughtfully structured itineraries tailored specifically to safe acclimatization curves, your preferred fitness level, and personal photography goals.
Robust off-road 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers fitted with high ground clearance, dual spares, rooftop luggage bars, and veteran mountain drivers.
Wind-tested geodesic tents engineered for sub-zero Simien ridge winds, thick thermal sleeping mats, and warm winter-grade down bedding.
Hot three-course meals cooked fresh daily by certified camp chefs—fresh baked breads, rich stews, and traditional coffee ceremonies.
Zero single-use plastic bottles, micro-filtered water systems, fair living wages for rural scout communities, and park conservation partnerships.
Remote expeditions demand uncompromising gear. From high-lift 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers to sub-zero alpine tents and mobile chef kitchens, every detail is field-tested.
Our expedition vehicles are purpose-built for the rugged Ethiopian highlands, Danakil salt pans, and Omo Valley riverbeds. Each vehicle is equipped with dual fuel tanks, heavy-duty suspension, air-conditioning, USB charging ports, and full emergency recovery gear.
We outfit high-altitude treks with weather-tested tents designed to withstand 50+ knot Simien winds and freezing mountain nights. Trekkers are provided with comfortable thermal foam mats, clean liner bags, and sub-zero rated sleeping bags.
Our certified mountain camp chefs travel with comprehensive mobile field kitchens, preparing hot, hygienic, carbohydrate-rich three-course meals. We cater seamlessly to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and traditional fasting dietary requirements.
Guides carry pulse oximeters to track daily oxygen saturation and pulse rates, comprehensive wilderness trauma kits, and satellite communications for remote regions. We maintain direct protocols with park warden ranger stations for fast mule or 4WD evacuation.
Our commitment goes far beyond ordinary tourism. We protect fragile afro-alpine ecosystems and directly empower local mountain communities.
Every expedition directly employs local mountain scouts, muleteers, cooks, and village assistants with fair living wages, protective gear, and continuous safety training.
We follow strict Leave No Trace principles: carrying out all non-biodegradable waste, micro-filtering mountain spring water, and banning single-use plastic bottles across all circuits.
We foster sensitive, dignified interactions that honor centuries of ancient Ethiopian Orthodox traditions, highland pastoralist cultures, and indigenous South Omo Valley communities.
We collaborate closely with the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) and national park wardens to protect endangered Geladas, Walia Ibex, and Ethiopian wolves.
Read direct field reviews from global adventurers who explored the Simien escarpments, Bale wolves plateau, and Danakil volcanoes with our team.
“Aman and his crew are exceptional. Growing up in the Simien Mountains gave them an instinctive understanding of the terrain that no guidebook can match. The hot chef-cooked meals at 3,600m were extraordinary, and the camping gear was pristine and warm.”
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Simien Grand Traverse — 8 Days“We spotted seven Ethiopian wolves on the Sanetti Plateau within 48 hours thanks to the sharp eyes of our guide. Professionalism from the first WhatsApp message to the final airport drop-off in Addis. Ethiopian Trails is the gold standard for Ethiopia.”
Zurich, Switzerland
Bale Afro-Alpine Wildlife Safari — 6 Days“Visiting Dallol and Erta Ale requires top-tier logistics, and Ethiopian Trails delivered flawlessly. Comfortable Land Cruisers, experienced drivers, cold drinks, and polite, knowledgeable local guidance. Could not recommend them more highly.”
Melbourne, Australia
Danakil Depression & Northern Historic — 10 DaysMessage us with your desired dates, group size, or route preferences. Founder Aman Hassen and our team will craft a bespoke itinerary within 12–24 hours.