$2,750 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa | Fly to Arba Minch | Dorze Village Visit
Arrival in Addis Ababa | Fly to Arba Minch | Dorze Village Visit
Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be welcomed by our team and assisted with your domestic flight to Arba Minch, the gateway to southern Ethiopia.
After arrival, drive to the Dorze villages, located in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze people are renowned for their towering beehive-shaped bamboo houses and exceptional weaving traditions. Learn about their unique lifestyle, food preparation (including kocho from the enset plant), and traditional cotton weaving techniques.
After the visit, return to Arba Minch for relaxation.
Overnight: Arba Minch.
- Main Destination:
- Arba Minch (City)
- Accommodation:
-
Wubete Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Visit Mursi & Hamer Villages | Drive to Turmi
Visit Mursi & Hamer Villages | Drive to Turmi
Early in the morning, depart toward Mago National Park to visit the Mursi tribe, one of Ethiopia’s most iconic indigenous groups, known for their distinctive lip plates and strong cultural identity. The visit provides insight into their pastoral lifestyle, body adornment traditions, and social structure.
Continue to Turmi, the heartland of the Hamer people. The Hamer are famous for their colorful clothing, elaborate hairstyles coated with ochre and butter, and rich ceremonial traditions such as bull-jumping (when available).
Overnight: Turmi.
- Main Destination:
- Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Emerald Lodge Turmi
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Karo People & Local Market | Drive to Jinka
Karo People & Local Market | Drive to Jinka
Today, visit the Karo people, who live along the banks of the Omo River. The Karo are known for intricate body painting using natural pigments and ash, as well as scarification practices symbolizing beauty and bravery.
If scheduled, explore a local tribal market, where different ethnic groups gather to trade livestock, grains, honey, and handmade goods—offering excellent opportunities for cultural interaction and photography.
Later, drive to Jinka, a lively town and cultural hub of the South Omo region.
Overnight: Jinka.
- Main Destination:
- Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Emerald Lodge Turmi
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Fly Jinka – Addis Ababa – Gondar
Fly Jinka – Addis Ababa – Gondar
In the morning, fly from Jinka to Addis Ababa, then connect with a flight to Gondar, the historic capital of Ethiopia in the 17th century.
Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxed afternoon or optional short city walk.
Overnight: Gondar.
Day 5
DayTrip to Simien Mountains National Park | Return to Gondar
DayTrip to Simien Mountains National Park | Return to Gondar
After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy dramatic landscapes of jagged peaks, deep valleys, and panoramic escarpments.
Spot endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons, Walia ibex, and Ethiopian wolves (with luck). Short scenic walks allow you to fully appreciate the breathtaking highland scenery.
In the late afternoon, return to Gondar.
Overnight: Gondar.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- HaZ Hotel
Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Fly to Lalibela | Visit Rock-Hewn Churches
Fly to Lalibela | Visit Rock-Hewn Churches
Fly from Gondar (via Addis Ababa if required) to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual heartland. Begin exploring the extraordinary 12th-century rock-hewn churches, carved entirely from solid rock and still actively used for worship.
Highlights include Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, and the iconic Bet Giyorgis (St. George’s Church).
Overnight: Lalibela.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Tabor Hotel Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Fly Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Semera
Fly Lalibela – Addis Ababa – Semera
After breakfast, fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa, then continue onward to Semera, the capital of the Afar Region and gateway to the Danakil Depression.
Meet your Danakil expedition crew and prepare for the upcoming desert adventure.
Overnight: Semera.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Dini Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Drive to Danakil Depression | Desert Exploration
Drive to Danakil Depression | Desert Exploration
Early departure into the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. Drive through stark volcanic landscapes, salt plains, and lava fields.
Set up camp in the desert and enjoy a unique evening under the stars.
Overnight: Camping (basic facilities).
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Explore Dallol & Erta Ale
Explore Dallol & Erta Ale
Visit the surreal Dallol hydrothermal area, famous for its vibrant mineral formations, sulfur pools, and salt canyons—one of the most colorful geological sites on the planet.
Later, continue toward Erta Ale Volcano, home to a rare permanent lava lake. In the evening, hike to the crater rim to witness the mesmerizing molten lava after dark (conditions permitting).
Overnight: Camping near Erta Ale.
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Salt Mountains | Drive to Mekelle | Fly to Addis Ababa | City Tour & Departure
Salt Mountains | Drive to Mekelle | Fly to Addis Ababa | City Tour & Departure
Visit the salt mountains and flats, observing Afar salt miners extracting and transporting salt using traditional methods.
Drive to Mekelle and take a flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour including highlights such as the National Museum, Ethnological Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and local markets.
Later, transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure.
- Main Destination:
- No major destination visited
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
