Founder and Owner

Habte Melesse is the founder and owner of Ethiopia Uncovered. Born in Lalibela, he began his career in tourism as a boy, helping to show visitors around the town's fabled rock-hewn churches. In 2009, he founded his own travel company, and has since gone on to arrange just about every type of trip to every corner of the country. Fluent in English and German, and passionate about sharing his country with visitors, he continues to guide tourists around the sights of Addis Ababa, where he lives with wife Daniela and their daughter Liya.

Head Guide

Gashaw Melesse, older brother to founder Habte, is Ethiopia Uncovered's principal guide in Lalibela. An expert in the history and Christian ritual associated with the Ethiopia's celebrated rock-hewn churches, he has been guiding tourists in the town for the last 17 years. He's also a dab-hand at sniffing out the best places in town to get your hands on tej, Ethiopia's delicious honey wine.

Senior Guide

Born and raised in Lalibela, Alene studied tour management for three years in Addis Ababa before starting to guide full time. Blessed with a wide-ranging knowledge of Ethiopian wildlife, history and cultures, history, culture and wildlife, he a favourite with our clients, who rave about his warmth and friendly disposition.  

European Operations

Henry Wismayer is a freelance journalist, who has been writing about travel for international newspapers  and magazines for five years (find out more about his work at www.henrywismayer.com). He first travelled to Ethiopia in 2010, and the country he discovered would prove to be one of the most enriching, if challenging, places he has had the good fortune to visit. In between writing assignments, he now helps Habte promote Ethiopia Uncovered overseas. He lives in London, with partner Lucy and daughter Lily.