ሰላም (“Selam”) –Hello!
We are Katharina Ley from Germany and Mulugeta Asteray Demssie from Ethiopia. We founded and run MUKA Travel, a German and Ethiopia based tour operator specialized only in Ethiopia.
Our common passion is traveling and discovering new places. This is exactly what we want to offer to other fellow travelers. We help travelers discover Ethiopia, still largely unknown but incredibly fascinating and diverse country. We always wanted to develop tours that facilitate the interaction of travelers with local communities, and we make it happen by organizing homestays in small villages and events where travelers visit local families, cook together and share stories. We believe such events let the travelers get the real image of the country and its people.
We love what we do in Ethiopia. Therefore, we act responsibly towards the people, culture and the environment where we work. Our responsibility is far beyond words. Practically, we show our concern for the environment by paying carbon offsetting fees to projects working in Ethiopia. We promote the fair trade of tourism by paying a fair price for our local service providers and provide extra income for local families in small rural villages. Our tours with homestays and interaction with locals are also designed to promote cultural understanding between locals and travelers.
OUR TEAM
Mulugeta Demssie
Co-Founder
Mulugeta Demssie studied Tourism Management in Ethiopia, Europe, USA and Hong Kong. Currently, he is writing his Ph.D. dissertation on the fair trade tourism. He has worked in several tourism projects in his home country, including a project to support local communities through sustainable tourism. Mulugeta also headed the Tourism Department at the University of Gondar in Ethiopia, where he worked as a lecturer for many years. His favourite place in Ethiopia is the Simien Mountains National Park with its green landscape and breathtaking views.
Katharina Ley
Co-founder
Katharina Ley is introduced to Ethiopia years ago. After traveling and living in Australia, she began studying tourism in Cologne, Germany and Girona, Spain and wrote both her bachelor’s and master’s thesis on sustainable tourism in Ethiopia. After graduation, Katharina worked in tourism marketing in Germany, then to a German Nature Conservation Association (NABU) project to establish a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on Lake Tana, Ethiopia. She particularly likes the city of Bahir Dar with its Mediterranean palm trees and several cozy restaurants and bars.
Belaya
Historical & Cultural Tour Guide
Belaya is born and raised in Lalibela, which he said ‘The Holiest Place in the World.” He has been practicing tour guiding for more than a decade in Lalibela. Belaya knows not only the history and architecture of the rock hewn churches of Lalibela, but also each spots in each church.
Abera
Nature & Trekking Guide
Abera is born and raised in Debark town. With more than 15 years of Experience, Abera climbed Ras deign (the highest peak in Ethiopia) for more than 160 times. Abera is not only a tour guide, but expert of the flora and fauna of Simien Mountains National Park.
Habtom
Expedition & Desert Guide
Habtom is born and raised in Gheralta region. He is expert of adventure and active tours both in Gheralta and Afar regions. Habtom is known for his expertise in leading expeditions to Danakil and Erta Ale regions which he specialises.
Biruk
Tour Leader
Biruk is a professional tour leader from Addis Ababa. He guides in both English and German languages. Biruk has been leading a tour through Ethiopia for four years. He knows the best time and places to visit, and best restaurants and bars in each destination.
Alemtsehay
Tour Operator
Alemtsehay is an experienced tour operator. She takes care of most of the office work and follow up our tours from MUKA office in Addis Ababa. Alemtsehay is in charge of booking hotel rooms and airline seats for our guests.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
FAIRNESS & SUSTAINABILITY
RESPONSIBILITY
We are aware of the socio-economic and political situation in Ethiopia and want to contribute to the sustainable development of the country through our activities. We act fairly.
PASSION
We know and love Ethiopia. We want to motivate others to travel with such enthusiasm and gain an understanding of different peoples and cultures in Ethiopia.
CUSTOMER FOCUS
We offer our guests unforgettable travel experience. Guests’ well-being comes first. We inform you with honesty and transparency. We take time to listen to and consult you.
RESPECT
We value local nature, culture, customs and traditions.
UNITY
We work in an international team in Germany and Ethiopia, treat each other fairly and are wholeheartedly involved
COMMITMENT
We love, what we do. We show a high level of commitment, performance, and dedication to both our work and Ethiopia.