$2,800 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Semera to Danakil Depression Group Tour
Semera to Danakil Depression Group Tour
Fly from Addis Ababa to Semera, the capital of the Afar Region. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin the journey into the remarkable Danakil Depression.
Travel through the arid Afar landscape, passing volcanic rock formations, sandy plains, and occasional palm-lined oases. Along the way, observe the distinctive scenery of one of Ethiopia’s most geologically fascinating regions.
Continue to Ahmed Ela, a settlement associated with the traditional salt-mining communities of the Danakil Depression. Learn about the lifestyle of the Afar people and their adaptation to the region’s extreme environment.
Later, visit the Lake Asale salt flats, where vast expanses of salt create striking landscapes, especially during sunset. Enjoy opportunities for photography as the changing light illuminates the white salt formations and surrounding desert.
After the excursion, settle into your campsite and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Danakil Depression.
Overnight: Camping at Ahmed Ela.
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Danakil Depression to Erta ale Volcano
Danakil Depression to Erta ale Volcano
Begin early with a visit to Dallol, famous for its colorful mineral formations, salt deposits, and extraordinary geological features. Explore the surrounding landscape with your local guide and learn about the volcanic and geothermal processes responsible for its unusual appearance.
Continue to Ragad, also known as Asebo, an area associated with traditional salt extraction. Observe local workers harvesting salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular blocks, and preparing it for transportation by camel caravans.
Learn how salt mining has shaped the economy and traditional livelihoods of communities in this remote region.
Later, travel toward the Erta Ale volcanic area, following the route and access arrangements confirmed by your local operator and authorities.
Enjoy the dramatic desert scenery along the way before settling into your designated campsite.
Overnight: Camping at Erta Ale.
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Erta ale Volcano-Semera-Addis Ababa
Erta ale Volcano-Semera-Addis Ababa
After breakfast, depart the Erta Ale area and travel toward Lake Afdera, a saline lake located in the southern part of the Afar Depression.
Discover the lake’s importance to Ethiopia’s salt industry, where saline water is used in salt production through evaporation. Enjoy the striking contrast between the lake, surrounding volcanic terrain, and the dry landscapes of the Afar region.
After your visit, continue to Semera Airport for your domestic plan to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax after your adventure in the Danakil Depression.
Important: The timing of this day depends on road conditions and the confirmed schedule. The itinerary should allow sufficient time to reach Semera Airport.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Cassiopeia Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Lalibela Rock Hewn Churchs
Lalibela Rock Hewn Churchs
After breakfast, transfer to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most important historical and religious destinations.
Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. After lunch, begin exploring the extraordinary rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Bete Medhane Alem, widely recognized as the largest monolithic church in Lalibela, and admire its monumental architecture and carved columns.
Continue to Bete Maryam, known for its religious artwork and distinctive architectural features. Explore the smaller churches and chapels of Bete Meskel and Bete Denagel, each associated with Ethiopia’s rich Orthodox Christian traditions.
Visit Bete Mika’el and the sacred complex associated with Bete Golgotha, where you can learn about the religious significance of the site.
Conclude the day’s exploration at Bete Giyorgis, the famous Church of Saint George. Carved in the shape of a cross and surrounded by a deep rock-cut courtyard, it is one of Lalibela’s.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Maribela Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Hike to Asheten Maryim Rock Hewn Churchs
Hike to Asheten Maryim Rock Hewn Churchs
After having an open air breakfast at your hotel Continue hiking to Asheton Maryam Church, a historic sanctuary located in the mountains above Lalibela. Enjoy the scenic journey through the surrounding highlands and discover the church’s religious heritage and traditional architecture.
Depending on local arrangements, you may have the opportunity to see religious manuscripts, crosses, and other sacred objects.
Return to Lalibela in the afternoon. Wonder the remaining rock hewn church’s of Lalibela.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Tabor Hotel Lalibela
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Attend a mass servcies and Addis Ababa
Attend a mass servcies and Addis Ababa
After breakfast, continue exploring Lalibela’s remarkable rock-hewn churches, focusing on the southeastern group.
Visit Bete Gabriel–Rufael, associated with the archangels Gabriel and Raphael, and discover its unusual architectural layout.
Continue to Bete Emmanuel, admired for its carefully carved structure and architectural features reflecting medieval Ethiopian building traditions.
Explore Bete Abba Libanos, a remarkable church carved into the surrounding rock, and visit Bete Marqorios to learn more about the area’s religious history.
After completing your sightseeing, transfer to Lalibela Airport to heading Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Cassiopeia Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Addis Ababa to Jinka and Mursi
Addis Ababa to Jinka and Mursi
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to Jinka, the gateway to the Lower Omo Valley.
Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin exploring the cultural diversity of southern Ethiopia.
Depending on road conditions, local arrangements, and the available time, visit a Mursi community in the surrounding region. The Mursi people are widely known for distinctive cultural traditions, including the lip plates worn by some women. Learn about their traditional livelihoods, cattle keeping, and social customs.
Continue toward the Banna community, whose traditional lifestyle is closely connected to livestock, agriculture, and the surrounding environment. Learn about their distinctive clothing, beadwork, and cultural practices.
Enjoy opportunities to meet local residents, observe aspects of everyday life, and learn about the traditions of these communities with guidance from your local guide.
Later, continue to Turmi, an important settlement in the Lower Omo Valley.
- Main Destination:
- Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
-
Buska Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Drive to Nyangatom and Karo tribes and drive back to Jinka
Drive to Nyangatom and Karo tribes and drive back to Jinka
After breakfast, depart Turmi and travel through the scenic landscapes of the Lower Omo Valley, characterized by open savannah, scattered acacia trees, and traditional settlements.
Begin with a visit to a Nyangatom community near Kangate. The Nyangatom people, also known as the Bume, have a strong pastoral tradition and are known for their distinctive beadwork, ornaments, and community customs.
Learn about their traditional livelihoods, cattle keeping, and relationship with the surrounding environment. With the assistance of your guide, enjoy opportunities to interact respectfully with community members and gain insight into their daily lives.
Continue toward Korcho, a traditional Karo village overlooking the Omo River.
The Karo people are particularly known for their elaborate body and face painting, decorative hairstyles, and traditional cultural practices through the village, learn about their customs, and enjoy the spectacular views of the Omo River and drive back to Jinka.
- Main Destination:
- Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Emerald Lodge Turmi
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Jinka -Ari Village and Addis Ababa
Jinka -Ari Village and Addis Ababa
After breakfast, depart Turmi and drive toward Jinka through the beautiful landscapes of southern Ethiopia.
Depending on your flight schedule and local arrangements, visit an Ari community near Jinka. The Ari are one of the largest ethnic groups in the Lower Omo Valley and are known for their agricultural traditions, pottery, blacksmithing, and handicrafts.
Learn about their traditional homes, farming practices, and everyday life. You may also have the opportunity to see how local artisans produce pottery and other handm.
The Ari people cultivate a variety of crops, including enset, often called false banana, which plays an important role in the traditional diet of many communities in southern Ethiopia.
After your cultural visit, transfer to Jinka Airport for your return to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your international departure or to your hotel if you are staying overnight.
End of service.
- Main Destination:
- Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
