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.
Sharon Savory
Sharon is the UK representative for Sharyem Tours.
Sharon Savory has recently joined Sharyem Tours as the UK point of contact. She travelled to Ethiopia as a solo traveller and spent three and a half months travelling by public transport and, in remote areas, getting lifts when available. During this first visit, Sharon covered the North, East, South and West of the country even going ‘off-piste’ whilst making her way to Gambella, in the west of the country.
Whilst the guide-book was full of useful information, with hindsight, meeting Yemane Taye on her first day in the country was the key to a successful first time backpacking travel experience. Yemane’s knowledge of buses, hotels and local customs for any destination and his ability to instil confidence and care meant that even though travelling alone, it felt like Yemane was by her side. This dedication of time and thought cemented a firm friendship, and, as a result, Sharon has visited the country several times since. During the last trip Sharon experienced the Sharyem tour to the South by 4 x 4.
She experienced at first hand what Sharyem Tours can provide, participating and observing Sharyem Tours handle both large and small groups of travellers (of all ages and nationalities). With this experience, Yemane Taye invited Sharon to join the team as the UK representative for Sharyem Tours. She gladly accepted.
"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.
