17-Day Ethiopia Adventure North South & Danakil

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

Arrive in Addis Ababa & City Tour

Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s bustling capital. Visit the National Museum to see the famous fossil “Lucy” and explore Holy Trinity Cathedral. Walk through Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, experiencing local culture and vibrant street life. Learn about Ethiopia’s history, traditions, and diverse cultures from your guide. Taste authentic Ethiopian cuisine at a local restaurant. Capture photographs of city landmarks and the lively atmosphere. Settle into your hotel and rest after your journey.
Overnight: Triple-E Hotel and Spa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Triple-E Hotel and Spa

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Addis Ababa to Mekele & Danakil Preparation

Fly to Mekele, gateway to the Danakil Depression. Upon arrival, meet your guide for a briefing on the Danakil adventure including safety tips, route details, and cultural etiquette. Explore the city’s local market, historic sites, and interact with locals to understand Afar culture. Rest and prepare for the next day’s journey into one of the hottest and most remote places on earth. Enjoy an early dinner and check into your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay before the desert expedition.
Overnight: Planet Hotel.

Main Destination:

Mekele (City)

Accommodation:

Planet Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Mekele (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Danakil Depression – Dallol & Sulfur Springs

Embark on a full-day adventure into the surreal landscapes of the Danakil Depression. Visit the Dallol volcano, famous for its colorful sulfur springs, acid pools, and mineral formations. Walk through the alien terrain capturing extraordinary photographs. Learn about the geological significance and the Afar people who survive in this extreme environment. Experience the intense heat, vast desert vistas, and otherworldly scenery, making this a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Rest at a nearby tented camp under the clear desert sky.
Overnight: Camp in Danakil (Afar-style tented camp).

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Ahmed Ela Camp

• Budget bush camp located In

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Danakil Salt Flats & Afar People

Explore the vast Danakil salt flats, walking alongside camel caravans transporting salt blocks as done for centuries by the Afar people. Meet local miners, learn traditional extraction methods, and gain insight into their resilient lifestyle in one of the harshest places on earth. Observe unique desert wildlife and geological features along the route. Witness the sunset over endless white plains for stunning photographs. Return to your tented camp and enjoy dinner, experiencing the calm and quiet of the desert night before resting for tomorrow’s journey.
Overnight: Camp in Danakil (Afar-style tented camp).

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Ahmed Ela Camp

• Budget bush camp located In

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Mekele & Flight to Axum

Return to Mekele and take a domestic flight to Axum, the ancient city of Ethiopian kings. Explore historical sites including the stelae fields, Queen of Sheba’s Palace, and ancient churches. Learn about Axum’s role in early Christianity and its significance as the former capital of a powerful kingdom. Visit archeological museums showcasing artifacts and relics. Capture photographs of monuments and immerse in the city’s rich culture. Enjoy traditional Ethiopian cuisine and rest at your hotel after the day’s explorations.
Overnight: Sabean International Hotel / Yeha Hotel.

Main Destination:

Axum (City)

Accommodation:

Sabean International Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Axum (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Axum to Lalibela via Addis Ababa

Fly from Axum to Lalibela via Addis Ababa, the city famous for its UNESCO World Heritage rock-hewn churches. Explore iconic sites such as Bete Giyorgis and Bete Medhane Alem, learning about their history, architecture, and religious significance. Witness local worship practices and experience the vibrant spiritual culture. Stroll through surrounding villages to observe traditional life and capture stunning photographs of the highlands and historic churches. Enjoy local cuisine and reflect on the importance of these ancient religious structures during your overnight stay.
Overnight: Hill Top Lodge Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Hill Top Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lalibela Churches & Surrounding Villages

Continue exploring Lalibela’s lesser-known rock-hewn churches, visiting peaceful chapels tucked into hillsides and observing religious ceremonies. Walk to nearby villages and interact with locals learning about rural life and traditions. Capture stunning highland views and photograph artisans practicing crafts. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Lalibela, experiencing the continuity of ancient faith and community life. In the evening, return to your hotel for dinner and rest after a day of exploration and cultural immersion.
Overnight: Hill Top Lodge Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Hill Top Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range lodge located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lalibela to Gondar via Addis Ababa

Fly from Lalibela to Gondar via Addis Ababa, connecting through the capital. Upon arrival in Gondar, explore the Royal Enclosure with its historic castles and palaces built by Ethiopian emperors. Visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its intricate ceiling murals and religious art. Learn about Gondar’s history, architecture, and local traditions from your guide. Stroll through town streets and markets to observe daily life, and capture photos of historic monuments and scenic views. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight rest.
Overnight: Goha Hotel.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Simien Mountains National Park Excursion

Take a day trip to the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Trek through dramatic cliffs, valleys, and plateaus while observing endemic wildlife such as Gelada monkeys and ibex. Enjoy panoramic views, unique flora, and stunning highland scenery. Take photographs of rugged landscapes and encounter local shepherds along the way. Return to Gondar in the evening to rest and reflect on the breathtaking mountains and diverse wildlife observed during the trek.
Overnight: Goha Hotel.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Goha Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gondar to Bahir Dar & Blue Nile Falls

Today, travel from Gondar to Bahir Dar, situated on the shores of Lake Tana. Visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls, locally known as “Tis Issat,” and witness the powerful cascades and surrounding wildlife. Later, enjoy an optional boat trip on Lake Tana (additional cost) to explore the historic monasteries located on the lake’s islands. During the boat trip, capture photographs of tranquil waters, riverside villages, and ancient churches. Enjoy a lunch break and engage with local communities along the lakeshore.
Return to your hotel in Bahir Dar for dinner and an overnight rest at Kuriftu Resort, reflecting on the rich natural and cultural beauty you’ve experienced.
Note: The boat trip is an optional wildlife viewing activity, available at an additional cost.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Kuriftu Resort & Spa Bahir Dar

• Luxury hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bahir Dar to Arba Minch via Addis Ababa

Fly from Bahir Dar to Arba Minch in southern Ethiopia via Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, explore the town and surrounding scenic highlands, observing local life, villages, and terraced farmland. Capture photographs of the colorful landscapes and immerse yourself in the local culture. Prepare for the upcoming Omo Valley tribal explorations. In the evening, enjoy traditional cuisine and relax at your lodge after the day’s journey.
Overnight: Paradise Lodge.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Dorze Village & Highland Exploration

Visit Dorze Village, renowned for bamboo houses and weaving traditions. Walk through terraced farmland and meet local families learning about daily life and cultural customs. Capture photographs of highland scenery and traditional homes. Interact with villagers and taste local dishes. Experience the tranquil lifestyle of the southern highlands while immersing in rural Ethiopian culture. Return to your lodge in Arba Minch for dinner and overnight rest.
Overnight: Paradise Lodge.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Chamo Boat Safari

Enjoy a boat safari on Lake Chamo, observing hippos, crocodiles, and abundant bird species. Glide along calm waters, photograph lakeshore villages, and learn about the ecosystem. Explore the surrounding area with optional short walks for wildlife and bird photography. Relax in the afternoon while enjoying the natural scenery and local culture. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight: Paradise Lodge.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge Turmi

• Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Jinka via Konso & Key Afer Market

Drive to Jinka passing through the UNESCO-listed Konso Cultural Landscape with terraced farmlands and traditional villages. Visit Key Afer Market to observe colorful local trading, crafts, and social interactions. Explore Ari villages along the way, photographing daily life and cultural practices. Learn about southern Ethiopian tribal customs from your guide. Settle into your lodge in Jinka for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight: Jinka Lodge.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Nasa Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Turmi & Hamar Tribe

Travel to Turmi, home of the Hamar Tribe. Observe traditional hairstyles, clothing, and rituals. Witness cattle herding ceremonies and local social customs. Interact respectfully with community members, capturing photographs of authentic cultural practices. Experience the vibrancy and uniqueness of the Hamar people while exploring nearby villages. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest.
Overnight: Turmi Lodge.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Turmi Lodge

• Budget lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Dassanech Tribe & Omo River

Visit Dassanech villages along the Omo River, observing their traditional lifestyle, cattle herding, and river-based activities. Capture photographs of colorful attire, crafts, and riverside landscapes. Learn about their social structures, rituals, and survival strategies in this challenging environment. Interact respectfully with locals and gain insight into tribal cultures. Return to your lodge in Turmi for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight: Turmi Lodge.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Turmi Lodge

• Budget lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Return to Addis Ababa & Departure

Fly back to Addis Ababa. Reflect on your 17-day journey across northern, southern, and Danakil regions. Take final photographs, enjoy any last-minute shopping or sightseeing, and transfer to the airport for departure. Bid farewell to Ethiopia after an unforgettable adventure filled with culture, wildlife, landscapes, and history.

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.