13-Day Ethiopia Adventure: Omo Valley, Lalibela, Danakil & Gheralta

You will fly from the capital to Lalibela (ET-120, Departure @11:45 am), often called the “New Jerusalem.”

The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the first group of world-famous rock-hewn churches, including the towering Bete Medhane Alem and the iconic, cross-shaped Bete Giorgis. Carved entirely downward into solid volcanic rock, these 12th-century masterpieces remain active centres of faith. Overnight: Top 12 Hotel.

Drive hours: 1hr

Following an Ethiopian coffee ceremony and breakfast you will be visiting the remaining Rock Hewn churches and return to the airport for our flight back to Addis Ababa (ET-121, Departure @13:30 pm). Overnight: Aya Addis Hotel.

Drive hours: 1hr

We transition to the extreme north with a flight to Semera (ET-110, Departure @06:45 am). Our 4WD expedition enters the Danakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth.

We stop at the salt lake of Afdera for lunch and a buoyant swim before arriving in the remote settlement of Hamedela. We conclude the day at Lake Asale, witnessing the legendary Afar salt miners during a spectacular desert sunset. Overnight: Open-air camping at Hamedela.

Drive hours: 7hrs

The morning is spent exploring Dallol, a hydrothermal field of neon-colour acidic pools and mineral formations situated 125m below sea level.

In the afternoon, we traverse the lava desert to reach the base of Erta Ale. After dinner, a short trek brings us to the caldera rim to witness the raw, glowing power of the world’s most famous active lava lake. Overnight: Open-air camping at Erta Ale.

Drive hours: 5hrs

After a final sunrise viewing of the boiling lava, we descend the volcano and drive back to Semera via Afdera. We catch an evening flight back to the capital (ET-165, Departure @17:40 pm), to rest and prepare for our southern cultural circuit. Overnight: Aya Addis Hotel.

Drive hours: 5hrs

you will fly from the capital to Arbaminch (ET-273, Departure @12:00 pm). Our destination is Arba Minch, but first, we ascend the Chencha Mountains to visit the Dorze people. Known for their expert weaving and unique bamboo beehive huts, the Dorze offer a fascinating introduction to Ethiopia’s mountain cultures. Overnight: Haile Resort.

Drive hours: 2hrs

You will drive and visit the Chamo lake with boating for watching different bird species and the biggest African Crocodile and your journey continues toward stopping at Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We explore the ancient stone-walled fortified villages and learn about their unique social structures and “Waga” funerary statues and overnight will be in Kanta Lodge Konso.

Drive hours: 3hrs

We drive toward Turmi, the heartland of the Hamar people. En route, we stop to visit the Banna tribe Stilts boys and, if scheduled, attend a vibrant local tribal market where various ethnic groups gather to trade. In the evening, we settle into the beautiful savannah surroundings of Turmi. Overnight: Buska Lodge.

Drive hours: 4hrs

We travel further south to Omorate, situated near the Kenyan border. We cross the Omo River by traditional dugout canoe to visit the Dassanech tribe, observing their unique semi-nomadic village life. In afternoon drive towards the south river banks to Karo tribes which are well known for face and body paintings. Overnight: Buska Lodge.

Drive hours: 4hrs

On this day you will continue driving thru the beautiful landscape of lower omo valley rift to Jinka and we visit the Ari tribe, renowned for their pottery and agricultural skills. Overnight: Eco Omo Lodge.

Drive hours: 3hrs

An early morning drive takes us through Mago National Park to meet the Mursi people. The Mursi women are globally recognized for their elaborate clay lip plates, a symbol of beauty and status. We spend the morning engaging with the community to learn about their ancestral customs and body art. Overnight: Eco Omo Lodge.

Drive hours: 4hrs

You will fly to Addis Ababa (ET-270, Departure @14:00 pm) and you will be invited with a grand farewell dinner featuring traditional music and cultural dance performances before your international transfer.