14 Days Danakil Depression and South omo tours

Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Route: Addis Ababa – Semera – Danakil Depression – Mekele – Addis Ababa – Arbaminch – Konso – Jinka – Turmi – Omorate – Addis Ababa
Tour Type: Adventure, Cultural, Geological, Wildlife & Nature

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour

Arrive in Addis Ababa, where you will be welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, visit the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Entoto Hills, offering panoramic views over the capital.

Overnight: Addis Ababa

Day 2: Addis Ababa – Semera – Ahmed Ella

Take a morning flight to Semera, the gateway to the Danakil Depression. Meet your guide and drive through the spectacular Afar landscape toward Ahmed Ella. Experience the unique desert environment and learn about the traditional salt-mining culture of the Afar people.

Overnight: Camping at Ahmed Ella

Day 3: Dallol – Lake Karum – Salt Mining

Start early to explore the extraordinary Dallol landscape, famous for its colorful mineral formations, salt deposits, sulfur springs, and geothermal features. Continue to Lake Karum, where you can observe traditional salt mining and camel caravans transporting salt blocks across the desert.

Overnight: Camping in the Danakil Depression

Day 4: Erta Ale Volcano – Mekele

Continue toward the spectacular Erta Ale volcanic region. Explore its dramatic lava fields and volcanic landscape, subject to local safety and access conditions. After your visit, leave the Danakil Depression and travel toward Mekele.

Overnight: Mekele

Day 5: Mekele – Addis Ababa – Arbaminch

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa, followed by a connecting flight to Arbaminch. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of southern Ethiopia.

Overnight: Arbaminch

Day 6: Arbaminch – Lake Chamo – Dorze Village

Begin with a boat excursion on Lake Chamo, where you can observe Nile crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of water birds. Continue to the Dorze Highlands and visit a traditional Dorze village. Discover their distinctive bamboo houses, weaving traditions, colorful textiles, and enset-based agricultural lifestyle.

Overnight: Arbaminch

Day 7: Arbaminch – Konso – Jinka

Drive toward Konso, a UNESCO-recognized cultural landscape known for its spectacular stone terraces, traditional villages, carved wooden statues and unique agricultural traditions. Continue through the scenic landscapes of southern Ethiopia to Jinka, the gateway to the Omo Valley.

Overnight: Jinka

Day 8: Jinka – Mago National Park – Mursi Village

Travel into Mago National Park to visit a traditional Mursi village. Learn about Mursi culture, traditional lifestyles, cattle herding, crafts, and community traditions. Enjoy the remote natural scenery and wildlife of the area before returning to Jinka.

Overnight: Jinka

Day 9: Jinka – Turmi – Hamer Cultural Experience

Travel toward Turmi, home to the Hamer people. Visit a Hamer community and learn about their traditional way of life, colorful clothing, jewelry, hairstyles, cattle culture, and ceremonies. If a traditional ceremony is taking place during your visit, your guide will arrange an appropriate cultural experience with the local community.

Overnight: Turmi

Day 10: Turmi – Omorate – Dassanech Community

Drive to Omorate, near the Omo River, and cross the river by local boat to visit a Dassanech community. Discover their distinctive culture, traditional crafts, clothing, pastoral lifestyle and relationship with the Omo River. Return to Turmi in the afternoon.

Overnight: Turmi

Day 11: Turmi – Karo Village – Omo River

Travel toward the Karo communities along the Omo River. Experience their distinctive traditions, traditional body painting, crafts, agricultural lifestyle, and cultural practices. Enjoy spectacular views of the Omo River and surrounding landscapes before returning to Turmi.

Overnight: Turmi

Day 12: Turmi – Arbaminch

After breakfast, begin your journey back toward Arbaminch. Enjoy the changing scenery as you travel from the remote Omo Valley lowlands through the Rift Valley landscapes. Arrive in Arbaminch and relax at your hotel.

Overnight: Arbaminch

Day 13: Arbaminch – Addis Ababa

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Arbaminch. Depending on your schedule, visit a local market or enjoy views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Later, fly to Addis Ababa and spend your final evening in the capital.

Overnight: Addis Ababa

Day 14: Addis Ababa – Departure

After breakfast, enjoy some free time for shopping, a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony or sightseeing, depending on your departure time. Transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure. End of Service