12-Day Lalibela, Danakil Depression & Omo Valley Tour

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

Addis Ababa Arrival & City Tour

Upon your arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, our representative will warmly meet and transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, embark on an insightful city tour of Ethiopia’s bustling capital. Discover historical landmarks such as the National Museum—home to the famous ancient human ancestor, Lucy—and the magnificent Holy Trinity Cathedral. Conclude your afternoon by experiencing the vibrant energy of Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, before enjoying a relaxing evening and a restful night.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Best Western Plus Meridian

• Mid-range hotel located in Nairobi (City)

+9 Photos

+8 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly to Lalibela & Rock-Hewn Churches Tour

After breakfast, transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your morning flight to Lalibela, Ethiopia's legendary town of wonders. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and meet your expert local guide. Spend the afternoon exploring the first group of Lalibela’s magnificent rock-hewn churches, carved directly into solid pink volcanic rock over 800 years ago. Marvel at monolithic structures like Bete Medhane Alem and Bete Maryam, and discover the deep spiritual heritage and architectural genius of these UNESCO World Heritage sites before enjoying a relaxing evening.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Asheten Monastery, Second Church Group & Coffee Ceremony

Begin your morning with an invigorating hike or mule ride up to the Asheten Monastery, perched high on a mountain slope overlooking the stunning highlands of Lalibela. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and explore this ancient cliff-side sanctuary. In the afternoon, return to town to explore Lalibela’s fascinating second group of rock-hewn monolithic churches, featuring architectural marvels like the intricately carved Bete Giyorgis (Church of Saint George). Conclude your cultural immersion by participating in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, savoring the rich aromas and local hospitality before a peaceful evening.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Scenic Drive to Semera via Woldia

Departing Lalibela, embark on an adventurous scenic drive through the Ethiopian highlands towards Semera, the primary gateway to the Danakil Depression. Journey via the historic town of Woldia, watching the dramatic landscape transition from lush mountain plateaus down into the arid, striking terrain of the Great Rift Valley and the Afar region. Along the way, enjoy changing vistas and a gradual shift in climate and culture. Arrive in Semera by late afternoon or evening to settle in and prepare for your upcoming desert and volcanic expedition.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Activities:

• Morning game drive (normal 4x4 vehicle)

Accommodation:

Ardi Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Semera (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Journey to Hamedila in the Danakil Depression

After breakfast in Semera, begin your descent into the mesmerizing Danakil Depression, one of the most extreme and lowest places on Earth. Drive through surreal desert landscapes towards Hamed Ela, a traditional Afar village situated near Lake Asale. Along the way, witness long caravans of camels transporting blocks of salt cut from the vast salt flats, a timeless trade tradition. Arrive at Hamed Ela to experience the unique culture of the Afar people and enjoy a spectacular sunset over the blindingly white salt crusts.

Main Destination:

Hamad Ela (Village)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Dallol Sulfur Springs & Trek to Erta Ale Volcano

Explore the otherworldly landscape of Dallol, one of the lowest and most colorful places on Earth. Marvel at the vibrant yellow sulfur springs, bubbling mineral pools, and striking salt formations before visiting the traditional salt miners at Asebo. In the afternoon, embark on an adventurous drive across the desert towards the base of the Erta Ale volcano. As dusk approaches, begin your trek up to the crater rim to witness the mesmerizing, glowing lava lake of an active volcano under the night sky, camping overnight at the summit.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Erta Ale Sunrise Descent & Drive to Semera

Watch the stunning sunrise over the volcanic landscape before descending from the Erta Ale crater rim back to the base camp. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and regroup with your team. Afterward, embark on the return drive across the arid Afar desert back toward Semera. Take in the rugged, remote landscapes one last time as you transition from the extreme depression back to civilization. Arrive in Semera by late afternoon for a well-deserved rest, dinner, and a comfortable overnight stay after your thrilling desert and volcano expedition.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Ardi Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Semera (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Journey from Semera to Awash

After breakfast in Semera, leave the arid landscapes of the Afar region behind and embark on a scenic drive south toward Awash National Park. As you travel through the Great Rift Valley, watch the scenery transform into acacia woodlands and volcanic savannahs. Arrive at Awash in the afternoon and settle into your lodge. Spend your time exploring the park's stunning highlights, including the dramatic Awash River waterfall, natural hot springs, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as Beisa oryx, lesser kudu, and various bird species before a peaceful evening.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Best Time To Visit October to February (Little rain and less hot)

High Season September to April (The park is never busy)

Best Weather October to February

Wildlife in Awash NP

Olive Baboon Abundant

Beisa Oryx Common

Soemmerring's
Gazelle Common

Hamadryas
Baboon Common

Salt's Dik-dik Common

Show more

Lesser Kudu Occasional

Desert Warthog Occasional

Defassa Waterbuck Occasional

Nile Crocodile Occasional

Spotted Hyena Occasional

Guereza Monkey Rare

Ethiopian Wolf None

Gelada Monkey None

Walia Ibex None

Activities:

• Morning game drive (normal 4x4 vehicle)

Accommodation:

Doho Lodge & Hot Springs

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

+10 Photos

+9 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Journey to Hawassa through the Rift Valley

Depart Awash and embark on a scenic drive south through the stunning landscapes of the Great Rift Valley towards the lakeside city of Hawassa. Along the way, enjoy picturesque stops at some of the region's famous Rift Valley lakes, such as Lake Ziway or Lake Langano, where you can spot diverse waterbirds and enjoy the changing scenery. Arrive in Hawassa by late afternoon, settle into your hotel, and take a relaxing evening stroll along the peaceful shores of Lake Hawassa, soaking in the vibrant local atmosphere and beautiful sunset.

Main Destination:

Awasa (City)

Activities:

• Morning game drive (normal 4x4 vehicle)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Hawassa

• Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City)

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+5 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Journey to Turmi in the Omo Valley

After breakfast, embark on a long and scenic journey further south towards Turmi, the heart of the Lower Omo Valley. Drive through the stunning landscapes of the Rift Valley, passing through Arba Minch and the terraced hills of Konso. Witness the changing geography and diverse local cultures as you enter the traditional lands of the Hamer and other indigenous tribes. Arrive in Turmi by late afternoon or evening, settle into your lodge, and prepare for an immersive cultural experience in the Omo Valley.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Activities:

• Morning game drive (normal 4x4 vehicle)

Accommodation:

Emerald Lodge Turmi

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

+11 Photos

+10 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Karo Tribe Visit & Drive to Jinka

After breakfast, depart Turmi and travel toward the scenic banks of the Omo River to visit the fascinating Karo tribe, renowned for their intricate body painting, scarification patterns, and expressive clay hair buns. Learn about their pastoralist lifestyle, unique cultural traditions, and enjoy stunning panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Omo River valley. In the afternoon, embark on a drive north through the lower Omo Valley toward the vibrant town of Jinka. Arrive by late afternoon, check into your lodge, and unwind after an enriching day of cultural discovery.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Nasa Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Ari Village Visit, Flight to Addis Ababa & Departure

On your final day, enjoy a morning visit to a traditional Ari village near Jinka to experience the daily life, pottery-making, and unique agricultural practices of the local community. Afterward, transfer to Jinka Airport for your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, enjoy some time for last-minute souvenir shopping or relaxation. In the evening, savor a farewell dinner featuring traditional Ethiopian cuisine before being transferred to Bole International Airport for your international departure flight, concluding your unforgettable 12-day Ethiopian adventure.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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