10-Day Surma and Danakil Depression Epic Ethiopia Tour

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel for check-in. After settling in, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of the city, including visits to:
• National Museum
• Unity Park
• Merkato, one of the largest markets in Africa
• Adwa Museum

Overnight at a hotel 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
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Addis Ababa to Jinka and Surma

Take a morning flight to Jinka. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and stop for coffee before driving to Hana Mursi, home of the Bodi community. After breakfast, we will drive to Hana Mursi, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way. Upon arrival, we will set up our camp and enjoy a lunch break. In the afternoon, explore the Bodi people’s settlement and take photographs.
Overnight camping.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Hana Mursi to Surma (Kibish)

Early in the morning, we will have an active session at a cattle camp for photography. Afterward, return to camp for breakfast. We will then drive to Surma land, stopping at scenic viewpoints en route. Arrive in Kibish late afternoon, set up camp, and interact with the local Surma community.

Main Destination:

Kibish (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Surma Photography

Spend the entire day photographing the Surma community, one of the least-visited groups due to their remoteness. They are known for their elaborate self-decoration through body painting, scarification, and adornment with flowers and natural objects. If we are fortunate, we may witness a traditional Surma stick fight, which takes place seasonally.

Overnight camping.

Main Destination:

Kibish (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Surma to Nyangatom, Karo, and Turmi

After breakfast, head to Kangaten, the heart of the Nyangatom community. Cross the Omo River via a new bridge into the rarely visited west, passing through Omo National Park with opportunities to spot wildlife. Enjoy a morning of en-route photography before visiting a Nyangatom settlement, known for its sorghum, maize, beans, and tobacco cultivation, distinctive labial piercings, and vibrant oral traditions. Continue to Murele to meet the Karo people, celebrated for their intricate body painting and scarification, with a population of just 6,000–9,000. Arrive in Turmi, check into your lodge, and, if time allows, spend time with the Hamer community—perhaps witnessing a bull-jumping ceremony and the lively Evangadi night dance.

Overnight in Turmi.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

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

Dassanech to Konso

In the early morning, take an excursion to Omorate, located east of the Omo River. Cross the river by small boat and walk about 20 minutes to visit a Gelab (Dassanech) settlement. The Dassanech community is known for its body painting and scarification.

Afterward, drive to Konso, stopping at a local weekly market along the way. In Konso, we will explore one of the nine UNESCO-registered villages. The Konso people are renowned for erecting generation poles that mark the beginning of a new generation every 18 years; the age of a village can be determined by how many poles remain standing.

Overnight at Konso Kanta Lodge.

Main Destination:

Konso (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Kanta Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Konso (Cultural Village)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Konso to Arbaminch to Dorze Village and Return to Addis Ababa

• Morning:
– Depart early from Arbaminch.
– Take a boat ride on Lake Chamo to see hippos and crocodiles. The lake is part of Nech Sar National Park, where you might also spot various wildlife.

• Midday:
– Drive to Dorze village.
– Explore the unique bamboo houses of the Dorze community, renowned for their intricate weaving skills and vibrant textiles.

• Afternoon:
– Learn about the Dorze people's cotton farming and traditional weaving techniques.
– Enjoy local cultural experiences, including music and dance.

• Evening:
– Return to Arbaminch for your flight back to Addis Ababa.
– Overnight stay at a hotel in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Addis Ababa to Mekele - Gateway to the Danakil Depression

• Morning:
– Fly from Addis Ababa to Mekele.

• Midday:
– Begin your journey into the Danakil Depression, starting with a visit to the Sulfur Lake. Witness its vibrant colors and bubbling mud pots.

• Afternoon:
– Experience traditional salt mining methods used by the local community.
– Join a caravan adventure through the unique desert landscapes.

• Evening:
– Enjoy sand driving through vast dunes as you take in the stunning surroundings.

• Night:
– Arrive at your camp in Hamed Ela, relax, enjoy tea or coffee, and then head to Lake Giulietti (Lake Assal) for sunset views.
– Experience swimming in the floating salt lake and enjoy music and dance with your group.
– Dinner served at camp followed by a night under the stars on comfortable wooden beds.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Hamed Ela cam to Ertale Camp

Early Morning:
• Start your day early to explore the sulfur springs and hot springs at the lowest point on Earth.
• Witness the salt mining process firsthand, observing workers cutting salt into blocks and loading them onto camels.
• Travel to Dallol to marvel at the unique volcanic landscape, including colorful mineral formations and hot springs.

Afternoon:
• Drive to Erta Ale, the camp near the volcano.

Evening:
• Continue exploring the area, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the active volcano before returning to camp for dinner.
• Arrive at Erta Ale for exploration and camping, enjoying dinner under the stars.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Eratale to Semera -Flight to Addisabeba -mid night international flight

Sunrise at the northern pit crater, exploration of the pits, breakfast, and return journey to Semera for your flight to Addis Ababa then transfer out.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

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.