This incredible 9-day journey takes you deep into Ethiopia’s most remote and fascinating landscapes. You will witness the mesmerizing Erta Ale volcano, home to one of the few permanent lava lakes in the world. Explore the colorful sulfur formations of Dalol, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth at -125 meters below sea level. Swim in the salt-rich waters of Lake Afdera and experience the unique desert landscapes of the Danakil Depression.
In the South Omo Valley, encounter some of Africa’s most distinct tribes, including the Mursi women, famous for their lip plates, and the Hamer people, known for their unique hairstyles and traditional bull-jumping ceremonies. Visit the Konso terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore vibrant local markets where different tribes come together. Along the way, you’ll also experience Ethiopia’s breathtaking natural beauty, from volcanic craters to lush river valleys.
Fly from Addis Ababa to Semera, then drive about 5-6 hours to Hamed Ela. Along the way, stop at Lake Afdera for lunch and an optional swim in its salty waters. In the evening, visit Lake Asale, a stunning salt flat, and enjoy a drink while watching the sunset. You will spend the night in open-air camping at Hamed Ela, sleeping under the stars.
After breakfast, explore the vibrant Dalol landscapes, known for their otherworldly colors and unique salt formations. Visit the Lake Assal salt mining site and see the camel caravans transporting salt blocks. In the afternoon, drive about 4 hours to Erta Ale, Ethiopia’s most active volcano. After an early dinner, trek for 20 minutes to the volcano’s crater, where you’ll witness the boiling lava lake up close. Spend a few hours enjoying the view before trekking back to the base camp for the night.
Wake up early to visit the lava lake once more before breakfast. Afterward, drive 2 hours to Afdera and continue on the asphalt road for 3.5 hours back to Semera. You will then fly back to Addis Ababa, where you will spend the night at Aya Addis Hotel.
In the morning, fly from Addis Ababa to Arbaminch. From there, drive for about 6 hours to reach Dorze village, home to a unique community known for traditional weaving and beehive-shaped houses. After exploring their daily life and culture, return to Arbaminch for the night, staying at Haile Resort.
Drive to Jinka, stopping at Konso village along the way. The Konso people are famous for their 500-year-old terraced farms, which have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival in Jinka, visit the Ari tribe, known for their traditional pottery and agricultural lifestyle. Spend the night at Jinka Resort or Eco Omo Lodge.
After breakfast, drive for 2 hours through Mago National Park to visit the Mursi tribe. The Mursi women are known for their large clay lip plates, which symbolize beauty and cultural identity. Spend about 4 hours experiencing their traditional way of life before returning to Jinka for an overnight stay.
Drive 3 hours to Turmi, the homeland of the Hamer people. On the way, visit the Banna tribe and explore their way of life. In the afternoon, experience the Hamer bull-jumping ceremony (if available), a rite of passage for young men. Stay overnight at Buska Lodge in Turmi.
In the morning, drive 1 hour to Omorate, a town near the Kenyan border, to visit the Dassanech tribe. These nomadic people live near Lake Turkana and are known for their traditional customs. After spending a few hours with them, return to Turmi for lunch and then drive 4 hours back to Arbaminch for an overnight stay at Haile Resort.
Drive back to Addis Ababa via Butajira, visiting historical and cultural sites along the way. Stop at Tiya, an ancient stelae field and UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Adadi Maryam, a rock-hewn church similar to those in Lalibela. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.
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