Embark on an extraordinary 11-day tour to Danakil desert and Omo valley, to uncover most captivating landscapes and vibrant cultures of Ethiopia. Your adventure begins in the stunning Danakil Desert, one of the hottest places on Earth, where you’ll witness the otherworldly beauty of Dallol Afar with its colorful geothermal formations.

From there, delve into the heart of the Omo Valley, home to diverse and fascinating tribal communities. Experience the rich traditions and customs of the Omo Valley tribes, gaining insight into their unique way of life. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural immersion, showcasing the best of Ethiopia.

You might be interested also on our 9-days Omo valley cultural tour and 6-days anakil depression and Tigray churches tour packages.

Day 1: Arrival – Sightseeing Addis Ababa before proceeding to Danakil desert

As soon as you set foot at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, welcome and transfer to your reserved hotel followed by Addis Ababa city tour. Visit National museum, have an insight into the past and present history, culture, economy and art of the nation. Among other things you will visit the oldest hominid known as Lucy “Dinknesh” dated back to 3.2 million years.

Visit Holy Trinity Cathedral built by Emperor Haile Silassie II. It is one of architecturally decorated, spacious, splendid stained-glass windows and well-designed churches in Ethiopia. Visit is Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa. Visit mount Entoto the highest peak of the city at an altitude of 3200 meters above sea level, offering panoramic view of Addis Ababa city. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 2: Addis Ababa – Mekelle – Erta Ale Volcano

Early morning fly to Mekelle, the capital of Tigray region. Then drive to Erta Ale through the changing landscape of solidified lava, rock, and sand and occasional palm lined oasis. On the way, visit Lake Afdera and the salt mining center. Lake Afdera is the largest salt lake in Ethiopia located at an altitude of below sea level. Late in the afternoon, hike about 40 minutes to the rim of the volcano, to watch the dramatic action of the boiling lava. Erta Ale contains the world’s only permanent lava lake. Overnight in basic Camping.

Day 3: Erta Ale – Hamed Ela

In the morning walk back to the summit of the volcano to have a final look before driving to Dallol. In the afternoon, visit Salt Mountain, Lake Assale swimming Pool and the stunning Sunset in Dallol. Overnight at basic camping in Hamed Ela.

Day 4: Hamed Ela – Mekelle – Addis Ababa

Early in the morning visit a colorful sulfur field of Dallol, a bubbling Hypersaline Lake, traditional salt mining practiced by Afar people and camel caravan. In the afternoon drive to Mekelle and fly back to Addis Ababa. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Day 5: Addis Ababa – Hawassa

In the morning drive to Hawassa city, located in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. On the way, visit Abiata – Shala National Park and the park’s wildlife such as Flamingos, Pelicans, Cormorants, Antelopes, Kudus and Warthogs. Late in the afternoon visit Lake Hawassa with stunning sunset view. The abundance and variety of birdlife on Lake Hawassa is truly spectacular. Overnight in Hawassa.

Day 6: Hawassa – Arba Minch

In the morning, visit the traditional fish market at Lake Hawassa. Then drive to Arba Minch. On the way visit the village of Dorze tribes who are experts in traditional weaving skills called Shamma. The shape of their house looks Elephant, in order to remember the existence of the animal around the area many years ago. Enset “false banana tree” is the staple food for these tribes. Overnight in Arba Minch.

Day 7: Arba Minch to Turmi

In the morning take a boat ride on Lake Chamo, the third biggest Lake in Ethiopia. Visit the giant Nile crocodiles, hippos and other aquatic life of the lake. Afterwards, drive to Turmi. On the way, visit the 900 years old fortified Konso traditional village, one of UNESCO sites in Ethiopia known for its agricultural terracing and unique social and cultural significance. Overnight in Turmi.

Day 8: Excursion to Karo and Nyangatom Tribes

Take an excursion to the village of the Karo and Nyangatom tribes. First visit the Nyangatom tribes known by their long and lean bodies. The Nyangatom women wear numerous necklaces and richly decorated long skirts made from goatskins. Then visit the Karo tribes famous for their decoration and body painting. They are often called the masters of body painting. Late in the afternoon, visit the village of Hamar tribes, known for their rite of passage called Bull Jumping which every Hamar man has to perform to become a full man. Bull jumping is a seasonal occurrence and you witness it if available during your visit. Overnight in Turmi. Overnight in Turmi.

Day 9: Turmi – Omorate – Jinka

In the morning visit the village of Daasanech tribes who live near the Kenyan border. Cross the mighty Omo River by wooden boat to get to this remote village. In the afternoon drive to Jinka. On the way visit colorful tribal markets if today is Thursday, Tuesday or Saturday. On the way also visit stick walking boys from Bana tribes, who walk on high rise sticks to patrol their fields. Overnight in Jinka.

Day 10: Jinka – Arba Minch

In the morning, visit the Mursi village. The Mursi are one of the exotic ethnic groups in Ethiopia. They live in very low huts made from grass. The women like to wear terra cotta on their enormously stretched lower lips and earlobes. In the afternoon drive back to Arba Minch. Overnight in Arba Minch.

Day 11: Arba Minch – Addis Ababa

In the morning drive back to Addis Ababa. On the way, visit Tiya Stele field, a UNESCO world heritage site. Tiya Stele field contains 36 monuments and several megaliths standing in the field and engraved with swords, plants and different symbols. In the evening attend a folkloric farewell dinner. Experience the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia with a traditional dance performance live from stage. Finally transfer to airport for your flight back to home concludes your 11 days excursion in Danakil desert and omo river vally.

What do I need to bring on my Danakil depression tour?

What will I need when I travel in Ethiopia?