Marco Degasper
I was born in 1979 in Bruneck, Province of Bolzano, in northern Italy and speak fluent German, Italian, and English. I worked as project manager in Bolzano for almost 10 years (PMP certified), and I'm an enthusiastic mountain climber and marathon runner. It was precisely because of my passion for running that I discovered Ethiopia. Since 2009, I'm traveling and now living there, managing an ecotourism company.
Each of our destinations in Ethiopia consists of a certain idea, a pleasure to explore landscapes, culture, and people. For some years now our network is extending in all directions of Ethiopia and beyond. People from various cultures and different social environment are involved, such as cooks, cleaners, porters, cultural guides, muleteers, coordinators, assistants, mountain guides, and each one of you who joins us on a tour.
For us, it is an important concern to treat all persons, who are involved in this small network with their hard work, with respect and fair payment, because only then we can be part and not just users of this network.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Trekking and hiking tours, adventure, kayak- and canoeing, cultural tours, coffee tours, birdwatching, UNESCO Biosphere Reserves."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I'm enthusiastic mountain climber and marathon runner. It was precisely because of my passion for running that I discovered Ethiopia. Since 2009 I'm travelling and now living there, leading as manager a tour operator."
Featured trips & expertise
Birdwatching in Ethiopia - 14 Days
In recent years, Ethiopia has become one of Africa’s leading birding destinations. Its bird life represents an interesting mixture of East and West African, migrant and some unusual endemic components.
Climb Ras Dashen, Ethiopia's Highest Peak - 12 Days
Explore the Simien Mountains and climb Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia. You'll also have the chance to visit the capital city of Addis Ababa and the historic palaces of Gondar, making for an itinerary that combines both the cultural and natural highlights of Ethiopia.
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Ethiopia?
Most parts of Ethiopia experience two main climate seasons - a dry season (October - May) and a rainy season (June - August). However, differences in altitude tend to add a number of variations, both in terms of temperatures and rainfall. Lowland areas usually see hotter temperatures than the Highland regions, which cover a great portion of Ethiopia. Here, weather conditions are noticeably cooler and there are also generally higher levels of rainfall to be expected.
Short Trips In and Around Addis Ababa - 8 Days
Addis Ababa and its surroundings have more to offer than people think. This is the ideal short tour if you don’t want to drive too much and stay around the capital city Addis Ababa. You’ll have a glimpse of everything: churches, historical sites, gorgeous landscapes, nature, markets, wildlife and nice lodges. Staying all around Addis Ababa we can be really flexible to cut or add other days depending on your wishes or available time.
Ethiopia's Northern Historical Route - 10-day itinerary
Drive through the Simien Mountains and visit four UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites, along with the other main highlights of the classic historical northern route, like Bahir Dar, Gondar, Axum, and Lalibela. At night, enjoy a stay in the highest hotel in Africa, the Simien Lodge.
Trekking in the Simien Mountains and around Lalibela - 9-Day Itinerary
Explore the most important places along the classic historical northern route, like Gondar and Lalibela. You'll trek through Ethiopia's Simien mountains, accompanied by a guide, park rangers, cook, assistants and several mules and muleteer. In the Lasta Mountains above Lalibela, you'll stay in a beautiful eco-lodge. Finally, don't miss the opportunity to pass local Amhara villages and get in touch with its people and local farmers.
Recent trip reviews for Marco
Tour package, Ethiopia - Aug 18 - Aug 27, 2017
Even though there were some mild challenges, Marco was able to rectify everything which made the experience better than what my boyfriend initially anticipated.
Marco was ABSOLUTELY amazing! I would recommend him to any and everyone.
Thanks Camille for the feedback, and Nigel for travelling with us.
I'm happy to hear that Nigel was satisfied and that we could overmatch his expectations :-)
And maybe one day you, Camille, are able to visit this beautiful country.
Marco
Explore ethiopia out of addis ababa, Ethiopia - Aug 10 - Aug 13, 2017
The attention from Marco during all the searching and booking process was great, and the fact that you could pay all the travel costs through one platform made things very easy.
He developed different travel proposals for me and give me all kind of recommendations and advice.
Hi Macarena, thanks for the nice feedback.
That's what kimkim is about, tailor made tours, flexibility, responsiveness...
Best, Marco
Aa-bahir dar-gondar-simien trek-lalibela-trek-aa, Ethiopia - May 5 - May 15, 2017
The trip allowed us to visit many exceptional sites accompanied by professionals, exploring and learning as we went. We especially appreciated the attention to our interests and the design of a trip that met our needs. Highlights were too many to mention but included - great visits to the Blue Nile, the Simien Mountains with opportunities to visit with the Gelada, Lalibela, and Addis. The guides were consistently pleasant, knowledgeable, and helpful.
Marco has a great understanding of the... read more
Thanks a lot Jeff!
I hope to have you back in Ethiopia soon...
Aa-bahir dar-gondar-simien trek-lalibela-trek-aa, Ethiopia - May 5 - May 15, 2017
Really enjoyed our trip and our experience with the guides was fantastic. The whole experience went smoothly and SimienEcoTours and their guides are a large reason for our ability to immerse ourselves into the Ethiopian natural and cultural environment.
Marco was very responsive before the trip, kept track of our experience to make sure all was well along the way, and served as a local guide in Addis as well.
I'm glad to hear that you and Jeff have been fully satisfied with our services.
All the best for the future, Marco
Really loved using kimkim. Made everything really simple and convenient. All aspects of the trip were great. The highlights of the trip were the guides - both Bekele and Tadele were awesome to hang out with. I liked pulling over to talk to random people on the street and going on spontaneous adventures. It felt like a bunch of friends hanging out rather than a guided tour.
Hi Jonny and Rio,
it's great to hear that you fully enjoyed the tour. Don't forget to promote Ethiopia abroad...
Best for you and Rio,
Marco, Tadele and Bekele
