11-Day Across Lalibela, Omo Valley, Danakil & Tigray

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. After airport pickup, transfer to your hotel and relax. In the afternoon, explore the National Museum, home to Lucy’s fossil, and the Ethnological Museum, highlighting Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage. Visit Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, and sample local cuisine with a traditional Ethiopian dinner. Overnight in Addis Ababa, preparing for the adventure ahead.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Addis Ababa to Lalibela

Fly to Lalibela, the spiritual heart of Ethiopia, renowned for its rock-hewn churches. After check-in, visit Asheten Maryam Church to admire intricate carvings and learn about local religious traditions. Explore the surrounding highlands and enjoy panoramic views of this historic town. Prepare for the full-day church tour the next day. Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Full Day Lalibela Churches

Spend the day exploring Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. Start with the Northern Cluster, including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, and Bete Golgotha Mikael, then move to the Eastern Cluster, including Bete Amanuel and Bete Giyorgis (St. George). Walk the tunnels connecting churches, learn about their history, architecture, and religious significance, and experience the living heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lalibela to Addis Ababa

Fly back to Addis Ababa from Lalibela. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the capital or visiting some of its key attractions such as the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, or the vibrant Merkato. Take time to rest and prepare for your next adventure to the Omo Valley.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly to Jinka and Explore the Omo Valley

In the morning, fly from Addis Ababa to Jinka, the gateway to the Omo Valley. Upon arrival, visit the South Omo Research Center & Museum to gain insight into the cultures of the valley’s diverse tribes. In the afternoon, drive to a nearby Ari village to experience daily life, traditional homes, and local crafts.
Overnight in Jinka.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Nasa Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Hamar, Bena & Nyangatom

Visit the Hamar tribe, known for stick-fighting ceremonies and traditional dances, and the Bena tribe, recognized for body painting and cultural rituals. Continue to the Nyangatom tribe, near the South Sudan border, and explore their unique lifestyle, clothing, and customs. Walk through tribal villages and interact with elders to learn about their history and culture. Overnight in Turmi or nearby lodge.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Turmi Lodge

• Budget lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly from Jinka to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, transfer to Jinka Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, spend the afternoon at leisure — explore local markets, enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, or relax at your hotel. In the evening, you may choose to experience Addis Ababa’s vibrant nightlife or dine at a cultural restaurant with live music and dance performances.
Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Swiss Inn Nexus Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly from Addis Ababa to Semera and Drive to Afdera

This morning, take a flight from Addis Ababa to Semera, the gateway to the Danakil Depression. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and drive across the desert plains toward Afdera, a salt-mining town surrounded by volcanic landscapes and turquoise lakes. Along the way, enjoy striking views of the arid Afar region and learn about the local Afar people’s way of life.
Overnight in Danakil Depression.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Ahmed Ela Camp

• Budget bush camp located In

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Erta Ale Volcano, Dallol & Salt Flats

After an early morning at Erta Ale, admire the glowing lava lake before descending to continue your adventure. Drive through the otherworldly landscapes of the Danakil Depression to visit Dallol, famous for its colorful hydrothermal springs, acid ponds, and surreal mineral formations. Explore the salt flats, where Afar tribesmen extract salt using traditional methods, creating a unique and photogenic desert panorama.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Ahmed Ela Camp

• Budget bush camp located In

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Danakil to Mekele / Tigray

After breakfast, begin the drive back from the Danakil Depression to Mekele, the gateway to Tigray. En route, enjoy the stark beauty of the Afar landscapes and stop for photos at key points in the desert. Upon arrival in Mekele, rest and prepare for the following day’s exploration of Tigray’s remote and ancient rock-hewn churches perched on cliffs and hillsides.
Overnight in Mekele.

Main Destination:

Mekele (City)

Accommodation:

Planet Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Mekele (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Explore Tigray Rock-Hewn Churches and Return to Addis Ababa

Spend the morning exploring Tigray’s ancient cliff and cave churches, such as Abuna Yemata Guh, known for its breathtaking location and 5th-century frescoes. Experience the region’s rich spiritual heritage and dramatic landscapes. After the visit, transfer to Mekele Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa, marking the end of your unforgettable 11-day journey across Lalibela, Omo Valley, Danakil, and Tigray.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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