Overview
This is an Eight-day Omo Valley and Danakil Depression tour, combining the cultural richness of the Omo Valley tribes with the dramatic landscapes of the Danakil Depression.
Itinerary
In the morning fly to Arba Minch, a gateway to the Omo Valley. Mid-morning, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles and hippos. In the afternoon, visit the Dorze tribe, known for their unique bamboo huts and weaving traditions. Overnight at Mora Heights Hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning drive to Turmi. On the way visit the village of Konso tribe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their terraced farming and unique villages. On the way you will also visit traditional tribal markets if your travel date aligns with market days (Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday). Late afternoon, visit the village of Hamer tribe known for their traditional ceremonies called Bull Jumping. If the day aligns, witness a bull- jumping ceremony, a significant rite of passage for Hamer men. Overnight at Emerald Lodge or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning visit the village of Nyangatom and Karo tribes. The Nyangatom tribes are known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, fierce warrior traditions, and deep connection to their cattle. While the Karo tribes are known for their intricate body painting, scarification, and unique cultural practices, the Karo tribes are a small but highly distinctive community.
In the afternoon, drive to Jinka. On the way visit Bena stick walking boys. Overnight at Nasa pension or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning visit the Mursi tribes, famous for their lip plates and body painting. In the afternoon visit Ari tribes known for their agricultural lifestyle, craftsmanship, and vibrant cultural traditions. If time permits, visit Jinka museum to learn more about other Omo valley tribes you did not cover on this tour. Overnight at Nasa pension or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning transfer to Jinka airport for your to Semera via Addis Ababa. Overnight at Ruftana hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning drive to Erta Ale, the beginning of your Danakil adventure. On the way, visit Lake Afdera and salt mining center. Late afternoon, visit Erta Ale, one of the few
active volcanoes in the world with a permanent lava lake. Take 30 minutes moderate trek to the base of the volcano and enjoy the dramatic lava lake. Overnight camping at Erta Ale.
In the morning drive to Dallol, on the way enjoy the vast desert of the Danakil Depression. In the afternoon visit Dallol, a surreal landscape of colorful hydrothermal fields, salt formations, and acidic hot springs. Explore the unique geological formations.
Late afternoon, visit Lake Asale, a Salt Lake where you can witness the traditional salt mining and Camel Caravan. Enjoy the sunset over the lake. Overnight camping at Hamed Ela.
In the morning drive from Dallol to Semera to catch your flight back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant with traditional music and
dance performances. Followed by transfer to the airport for your flight back home. End of the tour!
Price Includes
- All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
- All entrance fees according to the program
- Accommodations with Breakfast
- Lunch and Dinner (only for Danakil Depression part)
- Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
- Multilingual professional guide
Price Exludes
- Any flight (Domestic Flights can be arranged upon request)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned under what’s included section
FAQs
The Lower Valley of the Omo is located in south-western Ethiopia. It extends over an area of 165 km2. The age old sedimentary deposits in the Lower Omo Valley are now world renowned for the discovery of many hominid fossils, that have been of fundamental importance in the study of human evolution.
The Lower Omo River in south west Ethiopia is home to eight different tribes whose population is about 200,000. They have lived there for centuries. Young Mursi shepherds looking after livestock, Ethiopia. However the future of these tribes lies in the balance.
Visiting the tribes of the Omo Valley is like stepping into a different world. The region is home to an incredible amount of diverse people and traditions that you won’t find anywhere else. Think of remote villages where all men wear body paint, lip plates, or ceremonies like bull-jumping.
The Omo Valley is the southern tip of Ethiopia in the Southern National, Nationalities, and Peoples region of Ethiopia. Getting to the Omo Valley requires a domestic flight to the town of Arba Minch. From here, you must take to the road and drive into the Omo Valley.
Reasons to Visit the Danakil Depression. Visiting the Danakil Depression is like stepping into another world. Volcanoes, lava lakes and brightly coloured acidic hot springs create a fantastic, alien environment. The Danakil is famed as the hottest inhabited place on the planet.
The Danakil Depression is a sprawling desert found in the Afar region of northern Ethiopia, close to the country’s border with Eritrea. The best way to get to the Danakil Depression is via a domestic flight into the nearby town of Mekelle, followed by a 3-4 hour drive into the desert
