Sharyem Tours
The Ethiopian Travel Specialists
About Sharyem Tours
Sharyem Tours is an established company registered with the Ethiopian Tourism Commission.
Yemane Taye
Yemane is the owner and manager of Sharyem Tours.
Born in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, Yemane spent many years as an independent guide for travellers, accompanying budget backpackers and families who wanted to discover Ethiopia using public transport. With his local knowledge and extensive connections for transport to remote areas, Yemane has gained a full and in-depth knowledge of the country, along with the diversity of cultural customs, a wide network of contacts across the whole country. Sharyem travellers receive the fullest attention.
Yemane’s reputation grew and he was soon snapped up as a driver for various individuals and high profile visitors. Hard work and consistent outstanding service enabled Yemane to set up Sharyem Tours and offer tailor-made tours. Again, through reputation, Sharyem Tours have been employed by three film crews to date, showing the skilful flexibility and versatility in meeting the requirements of clients. His knowledge has been used and highly recommended by diplomats of the Polish Embassy.
In 2008, Sharyem Tours became the preferred Ethiopian Tour Operator for Logos Travel in Poland having had a very successful ‘trial’ season with several groups travelling both to the North and South of Ethiopia. Logos Travel was so delighted with the service provided by us that they have booked Sharyem Tours as their Ethiopian Tour Operator for the 2009 – 2010 season and we are looking forward to welcoming Logos clients to enjoy the great tours we have on offer.
"Yemane’s connections seemed comprehensive – there was always someone who he knew wherever we were and he always ensured I got a fair deal. My confidence in his skills as a guide were boosted by the clear high regard in which his friends and colleagues held him – all with no compromise to his professionalism in looking after my interests."
Company Ethos
The ethos of Sharyem Tours is important to its success as an independently owned Ethiopian business, regardless of any support or investment from outside the country. Involving third parties in the transference of hard capital is both expensive and exploitative. There are large tour companies operating in Ethiopia who get tax breaks and various benefits for bringing their business to Ethiopia. However, their labour costs remain cheap and the profit does not stay in the country. Still, it has to be said, they do contribute something by employing people and bringing tourists who spend money there.
Our aim at Sharyem Tours is to remain respectful at all times of the people, the country, its laws and give back where we can by using quality local services. We pass on our opportunity to charge extra guide fees by ensuring, that the local guide in any area is employed first, and paid fairly and honestly. We can arrange meals at local restaurants which serve excellent food but may not have salubrious surroundings. We encourage shopping in local markets and villages along the way rather than at airport lounges or at the big hotels thereby ensuring money gets directly into the local economy. We encourage you to get out and meet local people and create your own relationships.
