12-Day Ethiopia Land of Legends Lava and Living Cultures

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Addis Ababa | City Welcome and Cultural Orientation

Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s lively highland capital nestled at 2,400 meters above sea level. After airport reception and hotel check-in, take time to relax or explore the city’s highlights. Visit the National Museum, where the famous fossil “Lucy” is displayed, and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Entoto, the historical seat of the former emperor. Stroll through the colorful Mercato, Africa’s largest open-air market, before enjoying a traditional dinner introducing you to Ethiopian cuisine and warm hospitality.

Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Addis Ababa to Lalibela | Exploring the Rock-Hewn Churches

Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most sacred and historically significant towns. After hotel check-in and lunch, begin exploring the first cluster of the iconic rock-hewn churches, carved directly into the mountainside in the 12th century. Visit masterpieces such as Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and Bete Golgotha, marveling at their intricate architecture, religious significance, and centuries-old craftsmanship. Learn about the fascinating history and devotion that shaped these remarkable structures, set amidst Lalibela’s serene highland landscape.

Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lalibela to Addis Ababa | Sacred Heritage and Spiritual Insights

Begin your morning with a visit to Lalibela’s second group of rock-hewn churches, including Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, and Bete Abba Libanos. Each church showcases unique architectural styles, historic frescoes, and centuries of religious devotion. If your visit coincides with a holy day, you may witness an early Orthodox service filled with chanting, incense, and white-robed worshippers — a deeply spiritual experience. After exploring these remarkable sites, take an afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa for a comfortable evening in the capital.

Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Addis Ababa to Semera and Drive to Erta Ale | Journey to the Fiery Danakil

Fly from Addis Ababa to Semera, the gateway to Ethiopia’s dramatic Danakil Depression. From Semera, begin a scenic overland drive across the desert toward the base of Erta Ale Volcano. Stop for a refreshing swim at the salt lake of Afdera, a unique experience in this otherworldly landscape. By late afternoon, arrive near Erta Ale and begin a short hike to the volcano’s rim, where you can witness the glowing lava lake — a rare and unforgettable natural spectacle. Spend the night camping under the stars, surrounded by the raw beauty of the volcanic terrain.

Overnight camping near Erta Ale Volcano.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Erta Ale to Hamed Ela | Sunrise over Lava and Salt Flats

Wake early to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the smoky crater of Erta Ale, watching the fiery glow fade into the desert light. After breakfast, descend from the volcano and journey across the vast desert toward Hamed Ela. Stop at Lake Asale, a striking salt plain lying below sea level, to take in the surreal landscape and capture the unique light reflecting off the white salt crust. As the day ends, enjoy a peaceful sunset over the desert horizon.

Overnight camping at Hamed Ela.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Hamed Ela to Hawzen | Colorful Landscapes and Highland Journey

Begin the day with a sunrise over the vast salt plains of Lake Asale, capturing the surreal desert colors. Continue to explore the extraordinary landscapes of Dallol, where colorful sulfur springs, mineral terraces, and acid pools create an almost otherworldly scene. Observe local Afar workers carving salt blocks and transporting them with camel caravans, a practice that has endured for centuries. After lunch, drive north through the rugged highlands toward Hawzen in the Gheralta region, famous for its towering sandstone cliffs and ancient rock-hewn churches.

Overnight in Hawzen (Gheralta Highlands).

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Gheralta to Axum | Cliff-Top Churches and Ancient Capitals

Early in the morning, climb to the remarkable Abune Yemata Guh Church, perched high on the Gheralta cliffs. The steep ascent rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views and a glimpse inside the small rock church adorned with centuries-old frescoes. After descending, continue your journey to Axum, the ancient capital of the Aksumite Empire. In the afternoon, visit St. Mary of Zion Church, believed to house the legendary Ark of the Covenant, and explore nearby historical sites that showcase Axum’s rich heritage and enduring legacy.

Overnight in Axum.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Brana Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Axum to Jinka | From Ancient Capitals to Southern Landscapes

After an early morning in Axum, you have the option to attend a traditional church service before catching your flight to Addis Ababa. From there, connect onward to Jinka, the gateway to southern Ethiopia’s scenic landscapes. Upon arrival, enjoy a drive through rolling hills and local villages, arriving in Turmi, a lively community known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant daily life. Take in the surroundings and relax after your journey, preparing for the upcoming explorations.

Overnight in Turmi.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Emerald Lodge Turmi

• Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

+11 Photos

+10 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Full Day in Turmi | Cultural Encounters and Local Life

Spend the day exploring the fascinating communities of the Omo Valley region. Visit the Karo, known for their intricate body and face painting, and cross the Omo River to meet the Dassanech, celebrated for their nomadic lifestyle and vibrant customs. In the afternoon, return to Turmi to meet the Hamar, recognized for their elaborate hairstyles, beadwork, and traditional ceremonies such as the bull-jumping rite of passage for young men. Immerse yourself in the daily life, rituals, and colorful traditions that define this extraordinary region.

Overnight in Turmi.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Emerald Lodge Turmi

• Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Turmi to Konso and Arba Minch | Ancient Villages and Scenic Highlands

Drive from Turmi to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stone-walled villages, terraced hillsides, and unique social and cultural traditions. Explore the intricate settlement patterns and learn about the practices that have shaped this remarkable community for centuries. Continue your journey to Arba Minch, a lush town nestled between mountains and lakes, offering stunning natural scenery and a tranquil atmosphere.

Overnight in Arba Minch.

Main Destination:

Konso (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Arba Minch

• Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Full Day in Arba Minch | Lakes, Forests, and Highland Villages

Begin the day with a boat trip on Lake Chamo, home to giant crocodiles, hippos, and diverse birdlife. Visit the Forty Springs, the source of Arba Minch’s name, and enjoy a short walk through the old forest, spotting colobus monkeys and towering fig trees. In the afternoon, explore Dorze village in the highlands, famous for its distinctive beehive-shaped huts, traditional weaving, and warm local hospitality. Take in the panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley as you soak up the region’s natural and cultural beauty.

Overnight at Mora Heights Hotel.

Main Destination:

Lake Chamo

Accommodation:

Mora Heights Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

+7 Photos

+6 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

From Arba Minch to Addis Ababa | Farewell to Ethiopia

Take a morning flight from Arba Minch back to Addis Ababa. Spend your final hours exploring the city’s bustling markets, where you can shop for local crafts, jewelry, and authentic Ethiopian coffee. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant featuring live cultural music and dance performances from Ethiopia’s diverse communities. After dinner, transfer to the airport for your international departure, concluding your unforgettable journey through Ethiopia’s history, landscapes, and vibrant cultures.

End of Tour.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.