The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest, lowest, and driest places on the planet. In the northernmost pocket of Ethiopia, it is home to salt lakes, lava lakes, volcanoes and neon acid springs. The remoteness of the Danakil combined with its extreme climate and striking visuals make it among the most remarkable destinations on the planet.
The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest, lowest, and driest places on the planet. In the northernmost pocket of Ethiopia, it is home to salt lakes, lava lakes, volcanoes and neon acid springs. The remoteness of the Danakil combined with its extreme climate and striking visuals make it among the most remarkable destinations on the planet.
Day 1: Addis Ababa-Semera Drive to Dallol
Dallol - Begin the journey with an ET 110 flight from Bole Airport at 7:00 am to Semera. Upon arrival at Semera airport at 8:30 am, a pickup will be arranged to drive to Hamed Ela (Dallol) via Afdera Lake (Salt Lake). A 40-minute lunch break will be taken at Afdera Lake before continuing to Hamed Ela…
Day 1: Addis Ababa-Semera Drive to Dallol
Dallol - Begin the journey with an ET 110 flight from Bole Airport at 7:00 am to Semera. Upon arrival at Semera airport at 8:30 am, a pickup will be arranged to drive to Hamed Ela (Dallol) via Afdera Lake (Salt Lake). A 40-minute lunch break will be taken at Afdera Lake before continuing to Hamed Ela village. Arrival at Dallol is expected at 3:30 pm, followed by a one-hour rest at the campsite. Options include driving to Lake Assale for the sunset or visiting Dallol to explore the vibrant sulfur and salt canyons. The return to Hamed Ela is scheduled for 7:30 pm for an overnight stay.
Hamed Ela-Erta Ale
Erta Ale - Rise at 4:30 am to revisit Dallol. After a 30-minute drive, breakfast will be served at 9:00 am near the salt canyon. Time will be spent there until 11:30 am, then the journey continues to Erta Ale, an active volcano. The drive takes about 3 hours, reaching the Erta Ale campsite at 2:30 pm. A one-hour break will be taken to capture the sunset at the volcano. At 4:15 pm, a one-hour walk to the rim is planned. Enjoy the sunset at your leisure. Return to the campsite is around 9:00 pm, where a freshly prepared dinner awaits.
Erta Ale -Semera-Addis Ababa
Danakil Depression - Wake up at 4:30 am to experience the sunrise at the volcano, offering a distinct view from the sunset. Time will be spent there until 9:00 am, followed by a return to the campsite. After breakfast at 10:30 am, the drive to Semera via Afdera Lake will commence to catch the ET165 flight to Addis. The drive from Erta Ale to Semera airport takes approximately 5 hours, arriving at 4:30 pm to board the 5:40 pm flight to Addis. Arrival in Addis Ababa is around 6:40 pm, with an overnight stay at Bentark Hotel.
Fly Addis – Lalibela (The Eighth Wonder of the World)
Lalibela - Transfer to the airport for the flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Known as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World Heritage,’ Lalibela is renowned for its underground rock-hewn cathedrals. In the afternoon, visit Lalibela’s top attractions, including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskal, Bete Denaghel, Bete Golgotha, Bete Mikael, and Bete Giorgis.
Fly Lalibela – Addis
Lalibela - This visit will be on foot. Early morning, visit the remaining churches: Bete Marqorios. After breakfast, enjoy the sunrise at the hotel, then around 10:30 am, transfer to the airport for the flight to Addis Ababa. Alternatively, continue with other travel plans.
Addis -Jinka -Hamer
Turmi - Fly to Jinka in the afternoon. Meet the guide and driver, then proceed to Turmi in the southeastern part of Omo, home to the Hamer people. The Hamers are known for their striking appearance, with both men and women taking pride in their grooming and adornments. Visit a local Hamer village and spend the day immersing in their culture. Overnight stay at Buska Lodge.
Turmi - Kara - Jinka
Jinka - Early morning drive to Kara village. The Kara tribe is one of the smallest in the area, with only 3,000 people. They reside on the west bank of the Omo River and are known for their mastery of body painting for beautification. Visit the authentic Kara people at Dus, one of their largest villages, and an important site for the Kara community. Spend time with the Kara people, then drive back to Jinka. En route, visit the vibrant weekly tribal market at Alduba, where more than three different tribal groups gather for various reasons.
Jinka - Mursi - Addis
Jinka - Early morning drive to Mursi (70 km) to visit the Mursi tribe, located within Mago National Park. The Mursi are famous for the unique custom among their women, who, upon reaching maturity, have their lower lips slit and circular clay discs inserted. Arrive at the village in the late morning, spend time visiting the Mursi village, and engage with the local Mursi people. Afterward, drive back to Jinka to catch the flight back to Addis. End of Tour.
- Scout and Police
- Government tax
- Vegan options
- Camping gear
- Lunch
- Dinner
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Breakfast
- 4 liters bottled water a day
- All fees and taxes
- Vegetarian options
- Gluten-free options
- Scout and Police
- Government tax
- Vegan options
- Camping gear
- Lunch
- Dinner
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Breakfast
- 4 liters bottled water a day
- All fees and taxes
- Vegetarian options
- Gluten-free options
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
