Addis to Lalibela

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela - Begin the day with a flight north to Lalibela, followed by a transfer to the hotel. After lunch, explore the first group of Lalibela Churches, situated north of a small stream called the Jordan River. These churches, carved during King Lalibela’s reign (1181 – 1221), are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In Lalibela, there are approximately eleven rock churches, organized into three groups.

Lalibela to Axum

Northern Stelae Field - Take a morning flight from Lalibela to Axum. Spend an hour in Axum before driving to Hawzien.

Gheralta Rock - Travel from Axum to Hawzein via Adwa, and finally drive to Hawzen for an overnight stay through the Gheralta plains. This town serves as a base for visiting the rock-hewn churches at Gheralta.

Hawzien – Danakil

Erta Ale - The day begins with a drive to Erta Ale via Mekele, which means “smoky mountain” in the Afar language. Erta Ale is one of Ethiopia’s most captivating and physically demanding natural attractions. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and a 1 km square caldera at its summit. Erta Ale hosts the world’s only permanent lava lake, standing at 613 meters, with one of only five lava lakes globally at the summit. It is renowned for being the longest-existing lava lake, present since the early 20th century.

The journey starts early at 9:00 AM, driving to Dodom (at the base of Erta Ale). This may be one of the roughest roads worldwide. The 80 km distance could take about 6 hours, passing through landscapes of solidified lava, rock, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. After passing several small hamlets scattered in this deserted land, arrive at the Dodom camping site, located about 17 km from Erta Ale.

Dinner is served around 5:00 PM. After a short break, trek up to Erta Ale at 8:00 PM. Camels will transport all camping materials and some food (sleeping materials like light mattresses, mats, and water) to the volcano’s rim, where the night is spent watching the dramatic boiling lava. The night is spent atop the mountain, at the volcano’s rim.

Salt Lake

Danakil Depression - Witness the early morning sunrise at the northern pit crater and take a 5-minute walk to the southern and central pits, which could either be an ancient pit or a simple collapse structure. The main pit-crater is 200 m deep and 350 m across, sub-circular and three-storied. The smaller southern pit is 65 m wide and about 100 m deep. Descend from Erta Ale around 9 AM. Leave Dodom after an early breakfast, ideally at 7:00 AM.

Arrive at the camp by 10:30 AM at the latest, where relaxation awaits. As soon as possible, drive to the mythical Lake Giulietti (or Lake Afrera) (optional, may not be available during summer), a saltwater lake located over 100 meters below sea level, in one of the planet’s deepest depressions. The picturesque landscape makes visiting the salt flats, where the Afar people harvest salt by evaporating the lake’s water, interesting. Continue to Erbiti and proceed to Abaala/Hamed Ela.

Danakil/Dallol to Mekele

Erta Ale - Begin the morning tour with a drive to Ragad (Asebo), where locals mine salt. Observe workers breaking salt from the ground, cutting it into rectangular pieces, and loading it onto camels. Continue to Dallol to explore the diverse landscape formed by volcanic activity, including Dallol, Lake Assal, and camel caravans. Excursion to Dallol (116 meters below sea level, one of the world’s lowest places) features colorful salt mining, a visit to Lake Assal, and following camel caravans (no camel caravan in July, August, and early September) while walking with the Afar people. Drive back to Hamedela and proceed to Mekele. Conclude the Danakil tour. Catch a flight back to Addis at 7:50 PM, arriving in Addis at 9:10 PM.

Jinka

Omo Valley Tribes gate - Ari Tribes Upon arrival at Jinka Airport, meet and drive to the Ari villages. The Ari people, the largest population in the lower Omo Valley, have women who wear skirts made from the banana-like tree called Enset and are skilled in pottery.

Jinka-Turmi

Turmi - Proceed to Turmi, home to the Hamer people. The Hamar are renowned for their unique “bull jumping” custom, which initiates a boy into manhood. Female relatives first dance and invite whipping from recently initiated men, demonstrating their support for the initiate, and their scars give them a say in marriage. The boy must run back and forth twice across the backs of a row of bulls or castrated steers and is ridiculed if he fails.

Turmi- Konso-Arbaminch

• Domestic Flight
• Professional guide
• Bed and Breakfast
• Local guides and Scout where needed
• All fuel expenses and Lubricants Expense
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• All transfer in and transfer out services
• Accommodation as per the program
• All entrance fees, Village and elders payments

• International flights
• Any alcoholic drinks
• Any videographer or camera fee needed
• Laundry service
• Any expense of Personal items like internet, fax, telephone
• Services which are not mentioned in the above section

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.