$1,615 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Origin Abyssinia representative and transferred to your hotel. Ethiopia's bustling capital is the political, cultural, and diplomatic center of the country, offering a fascinating introduction to your adventure. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to visit the National Museum to see the famous Lucy fossil, explore local markets, or enjoy Ethiopia's world-renowned coffee culture. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing about the exciting journey ahead, from the indigenous cultures of the Omo Valley to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Danakil Depression. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Hotel Lobelia
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Fly to Arba Minch, Lake Chamo Boat Trip & Dorze Village
Fly to Arba Minch, Lake Chamo Boat Trip & Dorze Village
Take a morning flight to Arba Minch, the gateway to Ethiopia's culturally rich South Omo Valley. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic boat excursion on Lake Chamo, famous for its large Nile crocodiles, pods of hippos, and abundant birdlife including African fish eagles and pelicans. In the afternoon, drive into the cool Guge Highlands to visit the Dorze people, renowned for their impressive beehive-shaped bamboo houses and centuries-old weaving traditions. Explore the village with your guide, meet local artisans, and gain insight into the unique customs and daily life of this remarkable community before returning to Arba Minch for an overnight stay.
- Main Destination:
- Arba Minch (City)
- Accommodation:
- Paradise Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Konso Cultural Landscape & Drive to Jinka
Konso Cultural Landscape & Drive to Jinka
Depart Arba Minch and travel south through spectacular Rift Valley scenery to the UNESCO-listed Konso Cultural Landscape. The Konso people are internationally recognized for their remarkable stone terraces, traditional villages, and sustainable agricultural practices that have shaped the landscape for centuries. Explore one of the authentic Konso villages, discover the famous carved wooden Waka statues, and learn about the community's unique social traditions and cultural heritage. Continue to Jinka, the gateway to Mago National Park and the heart of the South Omo Valley, where you will spend the night in preparation for tomorrow's cultural encounters.
- Main Destination:
- Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Eco Omo Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Visit the Mursi People & Continue to Turmi
Visit the Mursi People & Continue to Turmi
Travel into Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people, one of Africa's most distinctive indigenous communities. Known for the traditional clay lip plates worn by many women, the Mursi have preserved their unique customs and pastoral lifestyle for generations. Accompanied by your experienced guide, learn about their traditions, social structure, and daily life while ensuring respectful interaction with the community. After your visit, continue south through the scenic Omo Valley to Turmi, home of the Hamer people. The journey offers beautiful landscapes and authentic rural life before arriving at your lodge for an overnight stay.
- Main Destination:
- Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Buska Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Karo Village, Return to Arba Minch & Fly to Addis Ababa
Karo Village, Return to Arba Minch & Fly to Addis Ababa
Begin the day with a visit to the Karo people, one of the smallest and most visually distinctive ethnic groups in the Omo Valley. Living along the banks of the Omo River, the Karo are renowned for their intricate body painting created with white chalk, red ochre, charcoal, and natural pigments. Learn about their traditions, lifestyle, and artistic expressions while enjoying spectacular views over the river and surrounding landscapes.
After your cultural visit, drive back to Arba Minch through the beautiful scenery of southern Ethiopia before boarding your domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in the capital as you prepare for the next stage of your adventure into the Danakil Depression.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Hotel Lobelia
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Fly to Mekele & Enter the Danakil Depression
Fly to Mekele & Enter the Danakil Depression
After breakfast, transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your morning flight to Mekele. Upon arrival, meet your expedition crew and begin the unforgettable drive into the Danakil Depression in specially equipped 4WD vehicles. Descend below sea level as the scenery transforms into dramatic lava fields, endless salt flats, and one of the hottest inhabited environments on Earth.
Continue to the colorful hydrothermal area of Dallol, famous for its vibrant yellow sulfur deposits, green acidic pools, salt formations, and extraordinary mineral landscapes unlike anywhere else on the planet. Visit nearby Lake Karum, where Afar salt miners continue centuries-old traditions of cutting salt blocks by hand and transporting them across the desert by camel caravans. In the evening, arrive at Hamedela and experience an unforgettable night camping beneath the stars in one of Earth's most extraordinary landscapes.
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Erta Ale Volcano Expedition
Erta Ale Volcano Expedition
Travel across the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Afar Depression toward Erta Ale, one of the world's few continuously active volcanoes. Along the way, admire ancient lava flows and vast desert scenery shaped by the powerful geological forces of the Great Rift Valley.
Later in the afternoon, begin the guided trek to the summit during the cooler hours of the day. The hike follows a gradual trail across solidified lava fields before reaching the crater after sunset. From the rim, witness the spectacular glowing lava lake, an unforgettable natural phenomenon that makes Erta Ale one of Ethiopia's most iconic attractions. Spend the night at the basic volcano camp while enjoying breathtaking views beneath a sky filled with countless stars.
- Main Destination:
- Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Return to Mekele, Fly to Addis Ababa & Departure
Return to Mekele, Fly to Addis Ababa & Departure
Wake early for one last opportunity to admire the volcanic landscape before descending from Erta Ale and driving back across the Danakil Depression to Mekele. Along the journey, enjoy your final views of the vast desert, salt plains, and remote Afar settlements that make this region so unique.
Upon arrival in Mekele, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Depending on your international departure schedule, there may be time for last-minute shopping or relaxation before your transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Your unforgettable journey through the living cultures of the Omo Valley and the extraordinary volcanic landscapes of the Danakil Depression comes to an end, leaving you with lasting memories of two of Ethiopia's most remarkable destinations.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks: