Anbessa Travel

About Us

Being socially responsible and environmentally friendly is of vital importance to us.  We were the first Ethiopian company to receive a sustainability award and we implement a wide range of projects that benefit local communities (see details below).   

We only work in the B2B market and our reputation for being professional and responsive has grown with us. We are rightly proud of our knowledgeable and experienced team who deliver exceptional service standards. We establish close and transparent working partnerships with our suppliers and clients and our focus on quality and safety ensures a consistently efficient and reliable operation. 

We invest heavily in training and development and recognise that our staff and guides are our biggest asset.  We spend a lot of time on the road researching new places, experiences and accommodation.  Our extensive destination knowledge means we constantly have our finger ‘on the pulse’ and can creatively design customized tours for groups, families, couples, individuals and MICE, across a wide range of client requirements.  

Molla Miheretu, Managing Director

Molla dreamed of becoming a tour operator as early as 16, when he used a Lonely Planet guide book as a reference for his history classes. It was rare to get the university and department of choice. It however happened to Molla and graduated Tourism development with the great distinction.   “Tourism is my life story too” says often.  He is passionate about showcasing his home country and committed to raising the quality of tourism services on offer here.  He founded FKLM Ethiopia Tours in 2012 with a young, ambitious team who were determined to travel differently. His ethos of always giving back is the very lifeblood of the company and has set FKLM apart from the competition.  It is now the very pinnacle of what ethical tourism should be. 

Why Choose Us

• We partner with the best including Ethiopian Airlines and several outbound international tour companies
• We have a broad network and connection with hotels, airlines, travel agencies, car rentals, local and site guides, local group operators and the local community as a whole
• Our own fleet of Land Cruisers, coaster buses, and sedans, as well as a very good network of suppliers
• Our tour guides and driver including four of the top eight birding guides in Ethiopia
• We are dependable with the first-class service as our signature, always striving to satisfy our customers

Sustainablity

Our Environmental Sustainability Policy aims to integrate a philosophy of sustainable development into all the organisation’s activities and to establish and promote sound environmental practice in our operations. 

A dedicated sustainability coordinator establishes and maintains the policy and procedures and brings them into effect. A dedicated sustainability manager ensures implementation of the policy and procedures. 

Read our full Environmental Sustainability Policy here 

Travel Green, Climate Mitigation Through Travel 

We are working towards providing fully Carbon Neutral travel services.  We offset the environmental impact that is caused because of our operations and encourage our staff and our clients to help us plant these trees. 

Travelife: Sustainability in Tourism

Travelife is a leading certification initiative to recognise tourism companies that are committed to operating in a socially and environmentally friendly manner.  We were the first Ethiopian company to be rewarded for our sustainability and are very proud of our Travelife partner certification. 

Social responsibility 

We are committed to protecting and supporting the communities in which we operate.  Here is a selection of local projects that we are delighted to be a part of:

Sustainable income generation for the Kechene single women Pottery Association

Ketchene Madhane Alem is a traditional artisans village.  The women potters work in their homes but the passing down of skills from mother to daughter is dying out as young women prefer to seek other work for more money. Firing pots is also an issue as the cost of firewood is prohibitive.  The project aims to provide an income and recognition for the women for their craft. 

Anbesa’s Role: We assist with the sales and marketing of the project including bringing our Clients to visit the centre if they wish.  This provides the women with a much appreciated recognition and value of their craft.  

Genete-Mariam Elementary school 

This is a long established school with over 800 pupils. Until 2009 the school obtained necessary teaching materials and vital school meals from WFP and Plan International. 

Anbesa’s role: Working with local chiefs and the school principal we provide enough materials for 50 disadvantaged students each year. We have also distributed energy efficient stoves to 1,300 households since 2014, as part of an initiative to improve school attendance.  The stoves mean that the children can go to school instead of being required to collect firewood.

Lalibela Planetary Forest

Native forests in Northern Ethiopia are at risk of being cleared by erosion, grazing and farming.  This project invites public figures, global leaders and local and foreign tourists to adopt and plant trees to restore the forests in these sacred lands and beyond. The project trains unemployed local youths to help tend and care for the trees. 

Anbesa’s role: we are a certified partner of the Lalibela Planetary Forest and have so far donated over $400 to cover the initial launch.  We will continue to support and contribute to this important project to ensure its future success.