13-Day Ethiopia Omo Valley Lalibela Danakil & Gheralta

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour

Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. Begin your city tour with a visit to the National Museum, home of Lucy, the famous hominid fossil, followed by Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important historical and architectural landmark. Continue to Entoto Park for panoramic views of the city and explore Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, experiencing its vibrant atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner accompanied by live music and dance. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

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 – Arba Minch

Take a morning flight or drive from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch, a scenic town in southern Ethiopia. Upon arrival, visit the Dorze village, renowned for its unique beehive-shaped bamboo huts and intricate weaving traditions. Learn about the daily life and customs of the Dorze people while exploring their homes and local surroundings. Enjoy the serene landscape of the southern highlands before returning to Arba Minch for the evening. Overnight in Arba Minch.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Mora Heights Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Lake Chamo – Konso – Turmi

In the morning, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo to observe crocodiles, hippos, and diverse birdlife. Afterward, visit Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring its traditional stone-walled villages and learning about the Konso people’s unique terracing and cultural heritage. Continue the drive to Turmi, the home of the Hamar people. If timing allows, witness the optional bull-jumping ceremony, a traditional initiation rite. Overnight in Turmi.

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)

Turmi – Omorate (Dassanech People) – Jinka

After breakfast, visit the Dassanech tribe by crossing the Omo River in a traditional canoe, experiencing their unique culture and riverside lifestyle. Continue your journey with a drive to Jinka, the gateway to the Omo Valley, stopping at Key Afer Market if it coincides with market day to observe local trade and daily life. Arrive in Jinka in the evening and settle into your accommodation. 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)

Jinka to Mursi People Visit – Addis Ababa

In the morning, visit the Mursi tribe, renowned for their distinctive lip plates and intricate body art, and learn about their traditional customs and way of life. Afterwards, explore the South Omo Research Center Museum to gain insight into the region’s diverse cultures and history. In the afternoon, take a flight from Jinka back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a free evening in the capital for relaxation or optional activities. 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)

Addis Ababa – Flight to Lalibela

Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual heart known for its remarkable rock-hewn churches. Upon arrival, begin exploring these UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Bet Giyorgis (St. George’s Church), Bet Medhane Alem, and Bet Maryam, marveling at their intricate carvings and historical significance. Learn about the religious devotion and architectural mastery that shaped these sacred monuments. 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)

Lalibela – More Churches & Return to Addis Ababa

In the morning, continue exploring Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, visiting Bet Gabriel-Rufael and Bet Amanuel to appreciate their intricate architecture and religious significance. In the afternoon, take a flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy a free evening to relax, explore local markets, or dine at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant. 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)

Addis Ababa – Flight to Semera & Drive to Hamed Ela

Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Semera and drive onward to Hamed Ela, crossing the dramatic desert landscapes of the Danakil Depression. Visit Lake Asale to observe traditional salt extraction and experience the unique local way of life. In the late afternoon, enjoy a spectacular sunset over the vast salt flats, capturing the otherworldly scenery. Overnight camping at Hamed Ela.

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)

Hamed Ela – Dallol – Return to Hamed Ela

After breakfast, explore Dallol, famous for its vibrant sulfur springs, acidic pools, and striking mineral formations. Visit the surrounding salt canyons and take in the surreal geological landscapes unique to this region. After a full day of exploration and photography, return to Hamed Ela. In the evening, relax at the campsite under the desert sky. Overnight camping at Hamed Ela.

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 – Drive to Mekele

In the morning, descend from Erta Ale and take another opportunity to witness the active lava lake and volcanic landscapes. After soaking in the dramatic scenery, begin the drive back to Mekele, approximately four hours through the highland and desert landscapes. Arrive in Mekele in the evening and check into your hotel to rest after the adventurous day. 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)

Mekele – Gheralta (Hawzen) – Shimbrety

After breakfast, drive from Mekele to the Gheralta region, famous for its dramatic landscapes and ancient rock-hewn churches. Hike to Abune Yemata Guh, a cliffside church renowned for its frescoes and breathtaking views. Continue to Shimbrety Community Guest House for a cultural stay and enjoy interactions with local communities. Keep an eye out for Gelada baboons in the surrounding mountains. Overnight at Shimbrety Community Guest House.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Shimbrety Community Guesthouse

• Budget guest house located less than 1hr drive from Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Gheralta (Hawzen) – Mekele

After breakfast, explore the Gheralta region, including the town of Hawzen, known for its traditional market and cultural heritage. Visit nearby rock-hewn churches and enjoy the dramatic highland landscapes. In the afternoon, drive back to Mekele, the regional capital, for rest and optional exploration of the city’s sights or markets. Overnight in Mekele.

Main Destination:

Mekele (City)

Accommodation:

Planet Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Mekele (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Mekele – Addis Ababa – Departure

After breakfast, take a flight from Mekele back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy optional free time for last-minute shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing at your hotel. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your international departure, concluding your Ethiopian adventure filled with cultural, historical, and natural highlights. Overnight in Addis Ababa if staying before departure.

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.