Our Teams

Dear Traveler,

I would like to share with you my personal journey in founding myGuzo. That way, you have an intimate understanding of the Company’s philosophy and passion for travel in Ethiopia.

Born in the arid, yet fairy-tale-like landscapes of Northern Ethiopia during the revolution war, I spent my weekends with my family hiding in the nearby scanty forests – a camouflage against the routine air bombings by the then Socialist Government. While the war continued, I explored the forests, nearby farms, the wildlife, rivers and mountains. Often gone for an entire day by myself without telling my mother, a habit that irritated her the most, understandably! The adventuring was my distraction from the chaos and negativity around me.

During my summer breaks, as part of family tradition, I would be assigned to travel with my mother. My mother and I usually went to where she was born, nearby the world-renown Debre Damo Monastery. My favourite days were spent herding cattle with my cousins and visiting relatives, an endeavor that required hiking several mountains and crossing villages. Adventuring became so ingrained in me for the rest of my life.

A decade after the fondful childhood memories, the adventurous in me took me to the United States where I studied, worked as an investment banker in Wall Street and successfully launched two businesses (total of 12 years). Basing my life in New York, I was blessed with the opportunity to visit several countries.

In one short visit to Ethiopia where I explored the countryside, I saw my country in a different light – a relative perspective of it to the rest of my travels. Learning again its complex, yet dramatic history; fascinating cultural diversity; the trademark hospitality of my people; its unique calendar, time system and alphabets; home to 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites; origin of coffee; origin of mankind; home to 70% of the mountains in Africa; claimed to be home to the lowest and hottest place on Earth; home to the Arch of the Covenant; and several more wonders. I realized my country is a paradise for tourism. The hidden gem for wanderers like you and I.

The epiphany moment during my visit led me to start myGuzo, a tour and travel company focused in Ethiopia. Guzo is an Amharic word meaning “travel”.

We at myGuzo promise you the Ethiopia that we live everday. The Authentic Ethiopia. Nothing less. I understand you will have general security concerns about traveling in frontier countries like Ethiopia. Given that, my team puts your safety first.

Looking forward to welcoming you.

Tesfa M. Gebreab
Founder