$1,782 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour
Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour
Arrival at Bole International Airport, meet and greet by local guide
Morning
Start your journey at the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the world-famous Lucy fossil, one of the oldest human ancestors. Then, visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a masterpiece of Ethiopian architecture and one of the country’s most revered religious sites.
Midday
Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where you can shop for spices, coffee, and handmade crafts while witnessing the bustling daily life of locals. Recharge with a flavorful traditional Ethiopian lunch at a renowned local restaurant.
Afternoon
Head to the Entoto Hills for breathtaking views of the city and visit the historic Entoto Maryam Church, along with Emperor Menelik II’s former palace. End of your tour.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
-
Da'amat Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Fly to Mekele – Tigray Rock-Hewn Churches
Fly to Mekele – Tigray Rock-Hewn Churches
Morning fly to Mekele (Tigray region)
Drive to Gheralta Mountains (approx. 2–3 hrs)
Visit Abuna Yemata Guh – an epic cliff-top church carved into rock (steep hike)
Enjoy Gheralta’s surreal landscapes and unique geological formations
Overnight: Vision hotel in Hawzen or Gheralta area.
- Main Destination:
- Hawzen (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Vision Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Tigray Churches – Back to Mekele
Tigray Churches – Back to Mekele
Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor churches (moderate hike)
Abraha We Atsbeha – one of the oldest churches in Tigray
Learn about early Christianity in Ethiopia and local monastic traditions
Return to Mekele in the afternoon
Final preparations for Danakil adventure
Overnight: Homeland Hotel Mekelle.
- Main Destination:
- Mekele (City)
- Accommodation:
- Homeland Hotel Mekelle
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Mekele – Drive to Danakil – Hamed Ela Camp
Mekele – Drive to Danakil – Hamed Ela Camp
Depart early in 4x4 convoy with guide and support team
Descend into the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest places on Earth
Lake Asale – expansive salt flat
Witness traditional salt mining and camel caravans
Sunset over the white salt crust
Overnight: Basic camp at Hamed Ela (open-air sleeping or tents).
- Main Destination:
- Danakil Depression (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Dallol – return to Mekelle
Dallol – return to Mekelle
Dallol – Return to Mekele
Early morning visit to Dallol:
Acid springs, sulfur fields, and salt chimneys in vibrant colors
Visit Gaet’ale Lake (hypersaline and geologically active)
Return to Mekele (3–4 hrs drive)
Rest after the desert heat
Overnight: Hotel in Mekele.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Da'amat Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Fly Mekele to Addis Ababa & continue Fly to Arba Minch
Fly Mekele to Addis Ababa & continue Fly to Arba Minch
Morning fly back to Addis Ababa
Connect to fly to Arba Minch (or long drive if fly unavailable)
You'll head to Dorze village, situated in the Gughe Mountains. You'll admire the iconic beehive-shaped huts and learn about the Dorze people's traditional weaving and vibrant dance culture. You'll return to Arba Minch for a late lunch.
Overnight: Jinka Resort in Arba Minch.
- Main Destination:
- Arba Minch (City)
- Accommodation:
-
Jinka Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Arba Minch –Lake Chamo -Konso – Jinka
Arba Minch –Lake Chamo -Konso – Jinka
You'll drive to Lake Chamo for a boat trip to the "crocodile market," where you can spot hippos, Africa's largest crocodiles, and various bird species. You'll head to Konso for lunch before exploring one of the nine UNESCO-listed villages.
The Konso people are known for their unique "generation poles," which signify the passage of time and generations in the village. You'll continue your journey to Turmi, which takes about four hours. Your overnight stay will be at Emerald Lodge, Turmi.
Overnight: Emerald Lodge in Turmi.
- Main Destination:
- Konso (Cultural Village)
- Accommodation:
- Emerald Lodge Turmi
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Jinka – Mursi Tribe – Turmi
Jinka – Mursi Tribe – Turmi
Drive into Mago National Park to meet the Mursi people (known for lip plates)
Cultural interaction and photography
Continue south to Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe
Evening village walk or optional traditional dance
Overnight: Emerald Lodge in Turmi.
- Main Destination:
- Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
- Emerald Lodge Turmi
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Turmi – Karo Tribe – Hamer Ceremonies
Turmi – Karo Tribe – Hamer Ceremonies
Visit Karo tribe by the Omo River – body painting and scarification traditions
Return to Hamer villages
If lucky, witness bull-jumping ceremony (seasonal rite of passage)
Optional visit to Dassanech tribe across the Omo River
Overnight: Emerald Lodge in Turmi.
- Main Destination:
- Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)
- Accommodation:
- Emerald Lodge Turmi
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Fly Jinka to Addis Ababa
Fly Jinka to Addis Ababa
Fly Jinka to Addis Ababa
Time for last-minute shopping or spa visit
Farewell cultural dinner with music and dance
Evening transfer to Bole International Airport.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
