19-Day Lalibela, Danakil, Omo Valley & Debre Libanos

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

Arrival in Lalibela – Explore the Northwestern Churches

After arriving in Lalibela by domestic flight, you will be welcomed by your guide and begin exploring the remarkable rock-hewn churches of the Northwestern Cluster. Visit Bet Medhane Alem, one of the largest monolithic churches in Lalibela, followed by Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael and Bet Golgotha. Your guide will explain the history, architecture, religious traditions and fascinating legends surrounding these UNESCO-listed churches. After the visit, transfer to Sora Lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore the Southeastern Churches of Lalibela

Continue your exploration of Lalibela with a full-day visit to the remarkable Southeastern Cluster of rock-hewn churches. Discover Bet Gabriel-Rafael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Emanuel and Bet Abba Libanos, each with its own distinctive architecture, history and religious significance. Your guide will introduce you to the traditions and stories connected with these extraordinary churches. In the late afternoon, visit the iconic Bet Giyorgis (St. George), carved dramatically into the rock in the shape of a cross. Return to Sora Lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly to Semera and prepare for the Danakil Depression

After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa, where you will connect with a domestic flight to Semera, the gateway to the Danakil Depression. Upon arrival, meet your local team and drive to your accommodation in Semera. The remainder of the day is reserved for relaxation and preparation for the following two-day desert adventure. Your guide will provide a briefing about the route, weather conditions, safety procedures, and what to expect during your visit to the Danakil Depression. Enjoy a comfortable evening and dinner at the lodge before beginning your journey into one of Ethiopia’s most extraordinary landscapes.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Accommodation:

Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort

• Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore Dallol and Lake Assal

After breakfast, continue across the rugged Danakil landscape toward Dodom, passing salt-mining areas and remote Afar settlements. After lunch and the necessary preparations, begin the evening trek toward Erta Ale, one of Ethiopia’s most remarkable active volcanic landscapes. The walk takes approximately three hours, while camels carry camping equipment and supplies. After reaching the volcano rim, settle into camp and enjoy the dramatic volcanic scenery after sunset. Weather and volcanic conditions can affect visibility and access, so the program may be adjusted by the local team when necessary. Spend the night camping near Erta Ale before returning toward Semera.

Main Destination:

Dallol

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• The park

Meals & Drinks:

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

Dallol to Erta Ale Volcano

After breakfast, drive from Dallol across sandy desert terrain and rugged lava fields toward Dodom. Along the way, you will see Afar salt miners and learn about their traditional method of extracting salt from the desert. After lunch in Dodom village, the team will arrange the necessary permission, camels for transporting camping equipment and supplies, and local scouts for the Erta Ale trek. Dinner will be served around 5:00 pm before beginning the trek at approximately 6:00–7:00 pm. From Dodom, Erta Ale is about 8.5 km away and the walk takes around three hours. Camels carry the camping materials and food to the volcano rim. Upon arrival, settle into camp and experience the dramatic volcanic activity of Erta Ale at night. Overnight camping near the volcano.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Erta Ale to Semera and Fly to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, leave the Erta Ale area and begin the drive back through the spectacular landscapes of the Afar region toward Semera. Enjoy the changing scenery as you travel from the volcanic desert toward the regional capital. After reaching Semera in the late afternoon, transfer to Semera Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, meet your driver and transfer to The Grand Palace Hotel. Relax and enjoy the evening after your Danakil Depression adventure. Overnight at The Grand Palace Hotel or a comparable accommodation in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly to Jimma and Drive to Mizan Teferi

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Addis Ababa for your domestic flight to Jimma, an important historic city in southwestern Ethiopia and a gateway to the former Kingdom of Kaffa, one of the regions associated with Ethiopia's coffee heritage. Upon arrival in Jimma, meet your driver and begin the scenic journey toward Mizan Teferi. The road passes through beautiful highland and tropical landscapes, with changing vegetation and coffee-growing areas along the way. This is an excellent opportunity to experience southwestern Ethiopia away from the main tourist routes and observe rural life and landscapes. Arrive in Mizan Teferi and check in at your hotel for a relaxing evening before continuing toward the Suri communities.

Main Destination:

Mizan Teferi (Town)

Accommodation:

Salayish The Grand Hotel and Spa

• Mid-range hotel located in Mizan Teferi (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Kibish and Meet the Suri People

After breakfast, begin the journey from Mizan Teferi toward Kibish in the remote West Omo region. The drive takes you through increasingly remote landscapes, with opportunities to observe rural communities, traditional agriculture and the natural environment of southwestern Ethiopia. Arrive in Kibish before lunch and settle into the campsite. In the afternoon, begin your first cultural experience with the Suri people, an agro-pastoral community whose traditional way of life is closely connected to cattle herding, farming and the surrounding environment. Spend time respectfully observing daily life and learning about local customs, traditions and social practices through your guide and local community members. Overnight camping in Kibish.

Main Destination:

Kibish (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Full-Day Cultural Experience with the Suri

Spend a full day exploring the remote Kibish area and experiencing the traditional way of life of the Suri people. With your local guide, visit nearby Suri communities and learn about their agro-pastoral lifestyle, including cattle herding, farming and traditional social customs. You will have time to observe daily activities, interact respectfully with community members and gain a deeper understanding of the culture and traditions of this isolated region. The Suri are known for their distinctive body decoration, colorful ornaments and strong connection to cattle, which play an important role in their social and economic life. The visit is designed as a respectful cultural experience, allowing you to learn directly from the community while enjoying the remote landscapes of West Omo. Overnight camping in Kibish.

Main Destination:

Kibish (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore Suri Villages and Traditional Culture

After breakfast, continue your cultural exploration around Kibish with the Suri community. Spend the day visiting local villages and observing traditional daily life, including livestock herding, farming and other activities that are important to the community. Your local guide will help you understand the history, customs and social traditions of the Suri people while ensuring that interactions with the community are respectful and responsible. The remote setting also provides an opportunity to appreciate the natural landscapes of West Omo and the traditional lifestyle that has been maintained in this part of Ethiopia. Enjoy a relaxed evening at the campsite and prepare for the following day's journey deeper into the Omo Valley. Overnight camping in Kibish.

Main Destination:

Kibish (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Turmi via Nyangatom Communities

After an early breakfast, leave Kibish and begin the journey toward Turmi through the remote landscapes of the Omo Valley. Along the route, visit the Nyangatom communities and learn about their traditional agro-pastoral lifestyle. The Nyangatom, also known as Donyiro, live in southwestern Ethiopia near the border with South Sudan and are traditionally dependent on cattle herding, farming and seasonal movement. Depending on local conditions, you may have the opportunity to observe their villages, livestock and daily activities. Continue the scenic drive toward Turmi, passing through the distinctive landscapes of the Omo region. Arrive in Turmi and check in at Buska Lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the evening. Overnight at Buska Lodge.

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)

Explore Turmi and Hamer Village

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Turmi before exploring the surrounding Hamer communities in the afternoon. The Hamer, also known as Hamar, are one of the distinctive cultural groups of southwestern Ethiopia and are well known for their colorful clothing, beadwork, body adornment and traditional way of life. Visit a Hamer village and, with the assistance of your local guide, learn about their traditions, family life, livestock and agricultural practices. Depending on the local calendar and community activities, you may have the opportunity to observe traditional ceremonies or dances. The visit provides an authentic opportunity to learn about Hamer culture while respecting local customs and community guidelines. Return to Turmi in the evening and relax at the lodge. Overnight at Buska Lodge.

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)

Excursion to Dassanech Villages

After breakfast, drive from Turmi toward the Omo River for an excursion to a Dassanech village. The Dassanech are one of the southernmost communities living in Ethiopia's Omo Valley, traditionally depending on cattle, goats, farming and other activities adapted to the challenging environment around the Omo River and Lake Turkana. During the visit, learn about their traditional lifestyle, family structures, clothing, crafts and the important role of livestock in their culture. Your local guide will assist with communication and ensure that the visit is conducted respectfully and according to local customs. After exploring the area and enjoying the unique scenery of the southern Omo Valley, return to Turmi in the afternoon or evening. Overnight at Buska Lodge.

Main Destination:

Dassanech

Accommodation:

Buska Lodge

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Visit Arbore Village and Drive to Jinka

After breakfast, leave Turmi and travel toward Jinka, stopping on the way to visit an Arbore village. The Arbore are a small cultural community of southwestern Ethiopia with distinctive traditions, clothing, ornaments, songs and dances. During the visit, learn about their traditional lifestyle, cultural practices and close connections with neighboring communities. Arbore women are traditionally recognized for their colorful necklaces and earrings, while traditional songs and dances play an important role in community life. After the cultural visit, continue the scenic drive through the diverse landscapes of the Omo Valley toward Jinka. Upon arrival, check in at Eco Omo Lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening before the following day's excursion to Mago National Park and the Mursi communities. Overnight at Eco Omo Lodge.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Eco Omo Lodge

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

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Mago National Park and Mursi Village

After breakfast, drive from Jinka through the scenic landscapes of Mago National Park toward a Mursi village. The Mursi are one of the best-known cultural communities of the Omo Valley and are recognized for their distinctive traditional body adornment, clothing and cultural practices. During the visit, learn about their traditional way of life, cattle herding, agriculture, social customs and community traditions with the assistance of your local guide. You will have time to respectfully observe village life and interact with community members according to local customs. The journey through Mago National Park also offers opportunities to appreciate the surrounding natural landscape and wildlife. After the cultural experience, return to Jinka and spend a relaxing evening at the lodge. Overnight at Eco Omo Lodge.

Main Destination:

Mago National Park

Best Time To Go June to February (Little rainfall)

High Season October to January (It might be busier)

Best Weather

Accommodation:

Eco Omo Lodge

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Arba Minch via Konso Cultural Landscape

After breakfast, depart Jinka and drive toward Arba Minch, passing through the beautiful landscapes of southern Ethiopia. En route, visit a traditional Konso village and enjoy lunch in the area. The Konso Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its impressive stone terraces, traditional fortified settlements and distinctive waka wooden sculptures. With your local guide, learn about the traditional way of life, agricultural practices and cultural heritage of the Konso people. After the visit, continue the scenic drive toward Arba Minch. Upon arrival, check in at Haile Resort and enjoy a relaxing evening. Overnight at Haile Resort.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

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)

Lake Chamo Boat Trip and Relaxation in Arba Minch

After breakfast, enjoy a morning boat trip on Lake Chamo, one of the beautiful lakes in the Arba Minch area. The boat excursion offers an opportunity to appreciate the lake's scenery and observe wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles and a variety of water birds in their natural environment. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. After the boat trip, return to Arba Minch for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. You may relax at the resort or enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. In the evening, return to Haile Resort for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Arba Minch

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly from Arba Minch to Addis Ababa and Relax

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Arba Minch before transferring to the airport for your midday domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, meet your driver and continue with a city drive through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's vibrant capital. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy some free time to relax, explore the city or visit a local area of interest. In the evening, return to The Grand Palace Hotel and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay before the final excursion to Debre Libanos and the Blue Nile Gorge. Overnight at The Grand Palace Hotel.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge and Departure

After an early breakfast, drive north from Addis Ababa through the scenic Sululta Plains toward Debre Libanos. Visit the historic Debre Libanos Monastery and explore the beautiful surrounding landscapes. Continue to the Blue Nile Gorge, enjoying the dramatic scenery and opportunities to see gelada baboons and local birdlife. After exploring the area, drive back toward Addis Ababa. Enjoy a farewell dinner before transferring to Bole International Airport for your international departure. This marks the end of your unforgettable Ethiopia journey with Ethiopian Expedition.

Main Destination:

Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

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