10-Day Lalibela – Danakil Depression – Omo Valley

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

Fly to Lalibela and Visit the Rock-Hewn Churches

In the morning, you will catch your flight to Lalibela to explore its famous rock-hewn churches. Lalibela is the most renowned of all Ethiopia's historic cities and contains some of the most stunning Christian architecture in Africa. Often referred to as “New Jerusalem” and “the Eighth Wonder of the World,” the town’s eleven beautiful rock-cut churches attract pilgrims from around the globe.
Built during the 12th and 13th centuries, these religious monoliths are carved from red volcanic rock. The churches are divided into two main groups, each with a unique architectural style. This afternoon, you will visit the northwestern group, including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Mountain View Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Visit Lalibela – Fly Back to Addis Ababa

In the morning, continue your visit to the second group of rock-hewn churches, including Bete Amanuel, Bete Merkorios, Bete Abba Libanos, and Bete Gabriel-Rafael (possibly a former royal palace). Finally, visit Bete Giyorgis, often regarded as Lalibela’s most beautiful church.
Later, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and proceed with a guided city tour.
Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to one of the world’s most important paleontological exhibits, including “Lucy.” Continue to Holy Trinity Cathedral, the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Then drive to Mount Entoto, the highest peak overlooking the city. Visit the former palace of Emperor Menelik II and enjoy panoramic views.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Bentark 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)

Fly to Semera – Drive to Erta Ale (Danakil Depression)

Fly to Semera and drive into the Danakil Depression.
Your destination today is Erta Ale Volcano, known as the “Smoking Mountain” or the “Gateway to Hell,” famous for its active lava lake—one of only a few in the world. The drive, although only about 80 km, can take 5–6 hours due to rough terrain.
After a short rest and dinner at the base camp, hike to the summit at sunset. At the crater, you will witness the glowing lava lake and feel the intense heat of molten rock. Descend back to base camp and spend the night under the open sky.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Erta Ale – Lake Afrera – Hamed Ela Camp

After breakfast, drive to Lake Afrera (also known as Lake Giulietti), a hypersaline lake located in one of the hottest regions on Earth.
Observe traditional salt mining by the Afar people, who extract salt blocks by hand and transport them using camels. Continue to Hamed Ela Camp, a remote settlement offering basic accommodation. The Afar people, known for their resilience and nomadic lifestyle, inhabit this area.
Overnight: Camping.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Hamed Ela – Dallol – Mekelle

Today, visit the Dallol region, one of the lowest points on Earth (116 meters below sea level). The area features colorful geothermal pools, salt formations, and volcanic landscapes.
After exploring, drive to Mekelle and take the evening flight back to Addis Ababa.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Planet Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Mekele (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly to Jinka – Mursi – Turmi

Take a morning flight to Jinka. Upon arrival, drive to visit the Mursi Tribe, well known for the large clay lip plates worn by women.
After lunch, drive to Turmi via Dimeka. If the day is Tuesday or Saturday, you will have the chance to visit the colorful weekly market.
Overnight: Turmi.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Buska Lodge

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Turmi – Omorate – Hamar Culture

Drive through wide savannah plains to Omorate to visit the Dassanech Tribe, who live along the Omo River.
In the afternoon, visit the Hamar Tribe, known for their unique hairstyles, colorful dress, and the bull-jumping initiation ceremony. Return to Turmi for overnight.

Main Destination:

Omorate (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Buska Lodge

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Karo & Nyangatom Tribes

In the morning, visit the Karo Tribe, famous for body painting and scarification.
Continue to visit the Nyangatom Tribe, who live near the Omo River and are known for hunting and strong cultural traditions. Return to Turmi in the afternoon and visit a Hamar village.
Overnight: Turmi.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Buska Lodge

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Arba Minch via Konso

Drive to Arba Minch via the Konso Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkable combination of human ingenuity and natural beauty. The Konso people have shaped this rugged, arid region into ingeniously terraced hills, built to prevent soil erosion and sustain agriculture for centuries. Along the way, you’ll see traditional stone-walled villages, wooden statues called “waka” that honor ancestors, and intricate social and religious structures that reflect the community’s rich cultural heritage. This route offers a fascinating glimpse into a living culture that has thrived in harmony with a challenging landscape for over 400 years.

Main Destination:

Konso (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Arba Minch

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

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Dorze Village – Return to Addis Ababa

Drive to Chencha to visit the Dorze people, known for their weaving skills and unique bamboo houses.
Later, return to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian cultural restaurant with music and dance. Transfer to the airport according to your departure schedule.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

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

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