3 Days Danakil Depression Tour
Get ready to dive into a journey unlike any other with our 3-Day Danakil Depression Tour Itinerary. A high-octane adventure across some of Earth’s….
Itinerary Details
Tour Timeline
- 01
Addis Ababa – City Tour
After your arrival in Addis Ababa, you start your Ethiopian adventure with a relaxed city tour. Visit the National Museum, where the famous Lucy fossil is located, then proceed to Holy Trinity Cathedral and one of the city’s panoramic viewpoints.
Then continue to a local market or traditional neighborhood before enjoying an authentic Ethiopian dinner, coffee ceremony and cultural experience. Overnight: Addis Ababa (Hotel)
- 02
Addis Ababa – Mekelle – Erta Ale
Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Mekelle. From the airport, drive through the spectacular Afar desert toward Lake Afdera, one of Ethiopia’s remarkable salt lakes. Then continue driving to Erta Ale in which you arrive late afternoon. Then you will first have a dinner and start the guided night trekk ing to the summit of Erta Ale Volcano after after dinner.
At the summit, experience the dramatic volcanic landscape and, when conditions allow, the glow of the active lava lake. Overnight Erta Ale (Camping).
- 03
Erta Ale – Hamed Ela – Lake Asale
After breakfast, descend back from Erta Ale and drive toward Hamed Ela, an Afar settlement in the heart of the Danakil Depression. In the afternoon, explore Hamed Ela salt desert and visit Lake Asale, where enormous salt flats create an extraordinary landscape.
Enjoy sunset over the salt lake until late afternoon before returning to camp. Overnight Hamed Ela (camping).
- 04
Dallol – Salt Mountains – Mekelle
Early morning while temperatures are cooler, you start exploring the incredible Dallol geothermal area, famous for its colorful mineral formations, sulfur landscapes, salt canyons and otherworldly scenery. Then proceed to the Danakil salt desert before your departure back to Mekelle.
Arrive in Mekelle and drop-off at your hotel. Overnight Mekelle (Hotel).
- 05
Mekelle – Gheralta – Abune Yemata & Mariam Korkor
Early in the morning (after breakfast), drive from Mekelle to the spectacular Gheralta Mountains which hold the ancient rock churches. After arrival in Gheralta, trek to Abune Yemata Guh, one of Ethiopia’s most spectacular rock-hewn churches, dramatically carved into a cliff face. Then, continue to Mariam Korkor, climbing toward the summit where you will set up camp with an extraordinary 360° panoramic view over the Gheralta Mountains.
This is a particularly special experience for landscape lovers and photographers. From the mountain-top camp, experience the changing landscape from sunset to moonrise, the star-filled night and sunrise all from the same spectacular viewpoint. Overnight at Mariam Korkor summit (Camping).
- 06
Gheralta – Mekelle – Addis Ababa
Waking up with sunrise over the Gheralta mountains before descending from Mariam Korkor. In the morning continue exploring the region with a visit to Abreha We Atsbeha, one of the most beautifully painted and historically significant rock-hewn churches in northern Ethiopia.
After lunch, drive back to Mekele Airport for an evening flight to Addis Ababa. Overnight Addis Ababa (Hotel).
- 07
Addis Ababa – Jinka – Ari Village
Early morning take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Jinka. After arrival, begin your introduction to the Omo Valley with a visit to an Ari village. Experience traditional village life, agriculture, pottery, metalworking and local crafts. Enjoy a relaxed evening in Jinka. Overnight Jinka (Eco-Omo Lodge).
- 08
Jinka – Kibish – Suri
Today you travel deeper into the remote southwest toward Surma territory. The journey is long and adventurous, passing through spectacular and increasingly remote landscapes.
On arrival, visit a Suri community and experience their traditional village life, body decoration, and their traditional life style. Overnight Suri area bush (camping).
- 09
Suri – Jinka – Kibish
In the morning, visit a Suri community and their the Suri blood-drinking ritual which reflects the community’s deep cultural and nutritional relationship with cattle. Fresh cattle blood may be consumed alone or mixed with milk, particularly by young men in the cattle camps. Overnight Suri area bush (camping).
- 10
Suri – Jinka – Turmi
In the morning after breakfast, drive back to Jinka then continue south to Turmi. After arrival, visit a Hamer village and discover their traditional lifestyle, distinctive hairstyles, colorful beadwork, clothing and strong connection with cattle. Enjoy the evening in Turmi. Overnight Turmi Buska Lodge.
- 11
Turmi – Karo Village – Hamer
In the morning, drive toward the Omo River and visit Korcho, home of the Karo people and experience their famous traditional body painting, scarification and village culture while enjoying spectacular views over the Omo River. In the afternoon, return to the Hamer area to attend Hamer bull-jumping ceremony if the event is taking place during your visit. We always make sure to arrange the visit rior in accordance to the local ceremony schedule.
Late afternnon, you will return to Turmi for the night. Overnight Turmi Buska Lodge.
- 12
Turmi – Mursi – Jinka – Addis Ababa
Early in the morning, travel to Mago National Park to visit a Mursi community. After arrival experience the Mursi traditional way of life, cattle culture, distinctive cultural traditions and relationship with the surrounding environment.
After lunch drive to Jinka Airport for your afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, transfer to the airport for your international flight or extend your stay if your international flight is the following day. End of the tour!
