Frequently Asked Questions

When you book an expedition, your payment is safely held in financial escrow (processed via Stripe or Chapa). The funds are only released to the local tour operator 48 hours after your tour successfully commences. This guarantees your deposit is protected against cancellations or non-fulfillment.

No! Most expeditions only require a 30% deposit to confirm your dates and lock in lodge reservations. The remaining 70% balance is due 30 days prior to your departure date or upon arrival, depending on the operator's terms.

Every tour operator undergoes a rigorous 4-step compliance audit before listing tours:

• Government Tourism Board Business Registration verification.
• Commercial Passenger Liability Insurance policies.
• Certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR) guide credentials.
• Track record audit with minimum 95/100 trust score requirement.

Using our 6-step request wizard, specify your travel dates, preferred destinations (e.g. Danakil Depression, Simien Mountains, Serengeti), budget range, and group size. Your request is immediately broadcast to top verified local operators who compete to provide customized quotations.

Yes. International travelers to Ethiopia can apply online for an official e-Visa via the Ethiopian Immigration Portal (evisa.gov.et). Yellow Fever vaccination certificates are required if arriving from endemic countries. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for lowland areas.

Cancellations made 60+ days prior to departure receive a 100% deposit refund minus non-refundable park permits (such as Gorilla permits). Cancellations between 30-59 days receive a 50% refund. Full details are shown on every tour package checkout page.