This 12-day journey immerses you in Ethiopia’s most extraordinary natural and cultural wonders: from the fiery lava lake of Erta Ale and the surreal salt worlds of Dallol to the cliff-hewn churches of Gheralta, the ancient treasures of Axum and Lalibela, and the vibrant tribal cultures of the Omo Valley.
Blending adventure, history, and authentic encounters, this experience offers an unforgettable exploration of Ethiopia’s landscapes, heritage, and diverse communities.
1
We drive from Mekelle to – the Danakil depression Erta Ale volcano. Leave after an early breakfast possible at 09:00am drive to Erta Ale. This is may be one of the roughest roads in the world. The 247 km distance may take about 5 hours passing through changing landscape of solidified lava rock and sand After passing several small hamlets scattered here and there in this deserted land, you will arrive to Erta Ale camping site. After a short break and, just before the sunset we will trek for about 20 minutes to Erta Ale, where we spend few hours watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava. Erta Ale contains the world’s only permanent lava lake with 613 meters above sea level, one of only five in the world; it is notable for being the longest existing lava lake present since the early years of the twentieth century. And you will trek back to basic camp basement to spend the night, have a dinner and sleeping under stars.
2
Early Morning sun rise at the main pit crater and a second chance to watch boiling lava. Erta Ale is, 65 m wide and about 100 m deep. Descend from Erta Ale around 7:30 am and walk down to camp site for about 20 minutes. Where you will have breakfast and as soon as possible, drive about 6-7 hours to reach Hamed Ela picnic lunch on the way on shed of palm tree, reach Hamad Ela around 04:30, better village with a total population about 500 people. If time permits You will see lots of camel caravans and you will have the sun set look from the very shallow salt LAKE ASALE (lake ‘Red Mountain’) a huge salt lake-is in walking distance, where we take a deep breath and a wine or beer for sunset taking in the many reflections. Our tonight camp is in Hamed Ale.
3
Morning tour Drive to Ragad (Asebo), the place where the localities are mining salt. 1,200 km2 (460 sq mi) the Afar Depression is covered by salt, and you will Look the activity of breaking the salt from the ground, local people are cutting in to rectangular pieces and loading on camels. You drive ahead to Dallol and visit the difference landscape formed by volcanic activity; Dallol + Lake Assale + salt canon, camel caravans, follow up camel caravans and Drive back to Hamad Ela for lunch and proceed to Mekelle.
4
Early in the morning, depart Mekelle early morning after breakfast for a 2-hour drive to the base of Abuna Yemata Guh. Climb to Abuna Yemata Guh church, one of the most remarkable Cliffside rock-hewn churches, renowned for its ancient frescoes and stunning location. After exploring the church and taking in the breathtaking views, descend carefully to the base. Transfer to Hawzen for hotel check-in and dinner.
5
Early morning, after breakfast and check-out, drive 30 minutes to Megab village to begin the hike. Hike up to Maryam Korkor, a large rock-hewn church known for its intricate architecture, then visit Daniel Korkor nearby, famous for its panoramic views from the summit. Then Drive to Axum.
6
Morning after breakfast start visiting Axum home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba, and the Ark of the Covenant including the famous obelisks (one that was recently erected after being returned from Italy) and the archeological museum. Afternoon fly back to Addis Ababa.
7
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. ‘Eighth wonder of world Heritage’ Lalibela is famous for its underground rock-hewn cathedrals. In the afternoon you will visit top attractions of Lalibela that will simply stagger you the churches.
8
After breakfast enjoys the sun rise at your hotel then later, we will be transferring you to airport for your flight to Addis Ababa then Arba Minch via connected flight.
Then Arba Minch continue drive to Dorze people who are expert in weaving called Shammas Weaving are a primary profession for a number of Dorze people. The shape of their house looks Elephant, in order to remember the existence of these animals around the area many years ago. They are known for their traditional weaving of huts made out of local bamboo. Enset “fake banana” is the stable food for these peoples. The rich culture of the Omo valley adds to the uniqueness of this experience, highlighting the significance of Omo. Overnight Arba Minch
9
After having your breakfast, you will take a boat cruise on the Lake Chamo, the third biggest Lake in Ethiopia you will have a boat trip to see the crocodiles, hippos & aquatic bird species. The northern shores of Lake Chamo are famous for its large crocodiles, which can be seen in numbers lounging in the heat. The lake is about 32km long and provides a lush wetland habitat for many species of flora and fauna.
Afterwards, proceed southwards to Konso village, one of the UNESCO sites in Ethiopia know by their terracing in order to protect against soil erosion from the sporadic and often heavy rainfall in the region. The villages are encircled by one to six concentric rings of stone walls, mainly consisting of basalt boulders. The age of each town is classified by a generation pole and each family lives in compounds that are accessible only through gateways that require the visitor to enter on all fours thereby rendering any potential attackers vulnerable. One of the best types of coffee for the country is also from this village. Later drive to Turmi. Overnight in Turmi Buska Lodge.
10
This morning, we continue through the savannah with shrubs and umbrella acacia trees. Kangaten (Nyangatom tribe) To adore their long and lean bodies, the Nyangatom women wear numerous necklaces and long Skirts from goatskins that are richly decorated They are indeed fierce warriors which is supposedly demonstrated by their custom to scar their chest; one scar for each killed enemy. Herds of cows are their most valuable property.
Later drive to Kolcho, the village of Karo people at the eastern bank of Omo River with beautiful views, Karo are famous for their intricate face and body painting practices, which they apply on their heads and torso before major events and on the weekly markets.
Karo is the smallest tribes of the Omo Valley and Karo men also sculpts and shave their hair into extravagant shapes, with special ochre “caps” of hair usually containing several ostrich feathers. Then back to turmi for lunch and proceed to the Hamer people, distinguished by the fact that their women wear leather skirts decorated with shells, wear several copper bracelets on their hands and heavy iron necklaces around their necks, symbolizing their social status, and their hair is colored with ocher and animal fat.
Men, in case of victory over the enemy or a dangerous beast, fix the hairstyle with clay and decorate with ostrich feathers. This hairstyle is carefully guarded the Hamar sleep with a special Borkotos chair under their neck. they are also known for their unique custom of “bull jumping,” which initiates a boy into manhood, practice of body adornment and wearing a multitude of colorful beads. Overnight Turmi Buska Lodge.
11
After breakfast you will drive to Omorate crosses the Omo River to visit the Dassanech tribe only 72 Km from Turmi, Dassanech are traditional pastoralists, but in recent years began to move to a semi-nomadic way of life. The highest expression of male beauty is the vulgar transverse scars across the entire chest and back, resembling crocodile skin. Such scars are inflicted on a body of the warrior who showed himself heroically in battle, who killed the enemy in course of tribal cattle raids.
After lunch you will drive to Key Afer to visit the Mursi village women, located on the Omo River’s opposite bank from the Surma, are renowned for their large lip plates, which may serve various purposes including disfigurement to avoid enslavement, protection against evil spirits, or signaling social status linked to dowry. They are also skilled in scarification, using razor blades and camel thorns to create scars that represent social standing and achievements, with techniques involving ash or fly larvae to promote healing. Overnight Eco Omo Lodge
12
After breakfast drive to a village where you visit Ari people, the largest population in the lower omo valley, their traditional territory stretches from the northern edge of Mago National Park to the highland areas around Jinka and Key Afer,the women wear skirts from the banana like tree, called Enset are expert in pottery, blacksmith and distillation of traditional Liquor. After lunch you will drive to airport your flight to Addis Ababa.
All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
All entrance fees according to the program
Accommodation while camping (or tent).
Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
Multilingual professional guide
International and local flight tickets, visa and insurance
Pay the locals for photo and video
Alcoholic drinks
Any other expenses which are not mentioned
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This 9-day adventure brings together Ethiopia’s most dramatic landscapes - trekking into the fiery Danakil Depression, exploring Tigray iconic rock-hewn churches, and the heart of Ethiopia’s tribal diversity, Omo Valley.
This 7-day journey takes you to the otherworldly Danakil Depression, the steep rock-hewn churches of Tigray ending with deeply immersive cultural encounters in the Omo Valley.
Expect dramatic landscapes, iconic World Heritage sites, and rare access to Ethiopia’s most vibrant tribal traditions.
