10-Day Danakil Depression & Omo Valley Exploration Tour

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

Ababa – Mekelle – Hamedela (Danakil Depression)

Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Mekelle. Upon arrival, drive to the Danakil Depression via Berhale. The journey marks the beginning of one of the world’s most geologically active and inhospitable environments. Along the way, pass through the small town of Berhale, a traditional stop for camel caravans en route to and from the salt mines. Witness long lines of camels loaded with salt, offering a glimpse into one of Ethiopia’s oldest trade routes.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Hamedela – Dallol – Lake Assal – Abaala

Begin the day with a drive to Ragad (Asebo), the heart of traditional salt mining. Observe how locals extract and shape salt blocks, and load them onto camels for transport. Continue to Dallol, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth at 116 meters below sea level. Explore its surreal, multicolored geothermal formations and visit Lake Assal, known for its salt flats. In the afternoon, drive to Abaala.
Overnight at Abaala.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Abaala – Dodom – Erta Ale

In the morning, set off for Dodom at the base of Erta Ale volcano. The drive is rough and takes approximately six hours, crossing a challenging landscape of volcanic rock, sand, and lava flows. After reaching Dodom, enjoy an early dinner before beginning the 2-hour trek to the volcano's rim. Camels will transport camping gear and supplies. Spend the night near the edge of Erta Ale, observing one of the world’s few permanent lava lakes—a truly unforgettable experience.
Overnight on the volcano rim.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Erta Ale – Dodom – Mekelle

Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Erta Ale crater, where the morning light casts dramatic shadows across the jagged volcanic landscape. Take time to explore the rim once more, observing the smoking vents and the vast, otherworldly terrain that stretches out beneath you—a rare and humbling view of one of the Earth's few active lava lakes. After soaking in the raw beauty and taking your final photos, begin the descent back to Dodom, where a well-earned breakfast awaits. Following some time to rest and recover from the trek, set out on the long, rugged drive across the desert and lava fields, retracing your journey toward civilization. Arrive in Mekelle by late afternoon or early evening, where you can unwind and reflect on the unforgettable experience in the Danakil Depression. overnight mekelle.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Planet Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Mekele (City)

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Mekelle – Addis Ababa – Arba Minch

Fly from Mekelle back to Addis Ababa in the morning, then board a connecting flight heading south to Arba Minch, a town nestled between two scenic lakes in the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival, take in the refreshing change of landscape, where lush hills and tropical vegetation replace the arid terrain of the north. In the afternoon, embark on an excursion to Nech Sar National Park, a haven for wildlife and natural beauty. The park is home to various species including zebras, gazelles, warthogs, and numerous birds. After exploring part of the park, head to the shores of Lake Chamo for a boat safari. Glide across the calm waters, keeping an eye out for pods of hippos wallowing near the reeds and massive Nile crocodiles basking on the sun-drenched banks—some of the largest in Africa. The lake and surrounding landscape offer excellent photography opportunities and a peaceful end to a full day of travel and adventure.
Overnight in Arba Minch.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Arba Minch

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

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Arba Minch – Konso – Jinka

Drive to Jinka through the beautiful landscapes of the Omo Valley. En route, visit the Konso people—renowned for their terraced agriculture and cultural resilience—as well as the Tsamay and Banna tribes, who preserve lifestyles largely unchanged for centuries.
Overnight in Jinka.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Eco Omo Lodge

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

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Jinka – Mursi – Turmi

In the morning, travel through Mago National Park to visit the Mursi tribe, known for their unique lip plates worn by women and traditional body scarification. Continue to Turmi in the afternoon, home of the Hamer people. Visit a local market (if your timing coincides), where Hamer and Benna tribes gather in a colorful cultural display.
Overnight in Turmi.

Main Destination:

Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Emerald Lodge Turmi

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

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+10 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Omorate – Dassanech – Karo – Turmi

After breakfast, drive to Omorate, located near the Omo River, to visit the Dassanech tribe. Cross the river by canoe to reach their village. In the afternoon, visit the village of Korcho, home to the Karo people, known for elaborate body painting and riverside settlements. Return to Turmi for the night.
Overnight in Turmi.

Main Destination:

Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Emerald Lodge Turmi

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Turmi – Arbore – Arba Minch

After breakfast, depart from Turmi and begin your journey back toward Arba Minch, traveling through the scenic lowlands and semi-arid savannahs of southern Ethiopia. Along the way, stop to visit the Arbore people, a pastoralist community known for their unique cultural identity, traditional dress, and beautifully adorned beadwork. Engage with locals and observe aspects of their daily life, gaining insight into their social customs, rituals, and rich oral traditions that have been passed down for generations. The drive continues through a landscape dotted with acacia trees, small villages, and views of the Rift Valley escarpments. Arrive in Arba Minch by late afternoon or early evening, where you can relax and enjoy the cooler climate and lush surroundings of this lakeside town.
Overnight stay in Arba Minch.

Main Destination:

Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Emerald Resort Arbaminch

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

+23 Photos

+22 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Arba Minch – Chencha – Addis Ababa

In the morning, drive to Chencha to visit the Dorze village. The Dorze are famed for their weaving skills and distinctive bamboo houses shaped like elephant heads. Experience daily life and traditional crafts before returning to Arba Minch for your afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa.
End of the tour.

Main Destination:

Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

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.