14 Days Danakil Depression and South omo tours

• The Danakil Depression – one of the hottest, lowest, and most geologically active places on Earth.

• The South Omo Valley – a cradle of ancient and diverse tribal cultures rarely found elsewhere in the world.

Start/End: Addis Ababa
Tour Style: Culture, Adventure, Anthropology
Best Season: October – March (cooler and dry)

🗓️ Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour

Highlights: Museums, Cathedrals, Local Food

• Arrive in Addis Ababa.

• Visit:

  • National Museum (home of “Lucy”)

  • Holy Trinity Cathedral

  • Panoramic views from Mount Entoto

• Traditional dinner with cultural dance show (optional)

Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa
Meals: Dinner

🗓️ Day 2: Fly Addis Ababa → Semera – Drive to Lake Afdera (Danakil Entry)

Highlights: Salt Lake, Hot Springs, Afar Culture

• Morning flight to Semera.

• Drive into Danakil Depression toward Lake Afdera

  • See salt workers and optional swim in the saline lake or hot springs.

• Camp near the lake.

Overnight: Basic camp near Lake Afdera
Meals: B, L, D
Flight: ~1.5 hrs
Drive Time: ~4–5 hrs

🗓️ Day 3: Lake Afdera – Drive to Erta Ale Volcano (Night Hike)

Highlights: Volcanic Terrain, Lava Fields, Active Crater

• Scenic desert drive to the base of Erta Ale

• Evening: Begin night hike (3 hrs) to the volcano summit.

• Witness lava activity (if active).

• Sleep near the rim in basic shelters.

Overnight: Shelter at crater rim
Meals: B, L, D
Trek: 3 hrs uphill, ~2.5 down

🗓️ Day 4: Erta Ale – Dallol – Semera

Highlights: Dallol Sulfur Springs, Salt Flats, Camel Caravans

• Descend from Erta Ale.

• Drive to the colorful hydrothermal fields of Dallol:

  • Sulfur pools, salt chimneys, acid springs.

  • Interact with Afar salt miners and camel caravans.

• Return to Semera.

Overnight: Hotel in Semera
Meals: B, L, D
Drive Time: 6–7 hrs

🗓️ Day 5: Fly Semera → Addis Ababa – Free Afternoon

Highlights: Relax and recharge

• Morning flight to Addis.

• Free time to rest or explore local markets.

• Optional: Coffee tasting or massage.

Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa
Meals: B

🗓️ Day 6: Fly Addis Ababa → Arba Minch – Drive to Jinka (South Omo)

Highlights: Konso Villages (UNESCO), Terraced Fields

• Fly to Arba Minch.

• Visit a Konso village en route – famous for its stone terraces and waka totems.

• Continue to Jinka, gateway to the tribal Omo Valley.

Overnight: Lodge in Jinka
Meals: B, L, D
Drive Time: ~6 hrs

🗓️ Day 7: Jinka – Mursi Tribe – Turmi

Highlights: Mursi Lip Plates, Hamar Tribe

• Morning drive to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi tribe.

  • Known for lip plates and ceremonial scarification.

• Afternoon drive to Turmi, home of the Hamar people.

  • Optional bull-jumping ceremony (if available).

  • Evening cultural experience.

Overnight: Lodge in Turmi
Meals: B, L, D
Drive Time: ~5 hrs

🗓️ Day 8: Turmi – Omorate (Dassanech Tribe) – Return to Turmi

Highlights: Omo River, Dassanech Tribe

• Cross the Omo River by local boat to visit the Dassanech tribe near the Kenyan border.

• Learn about their semi-nomadic lifestyle.

• Return to Turmi in the afternoon.

Overnight: Lodge in Turmi
Meals: B, L, D
Drive Time: ~3–4 hrs

🗓️ Day 9: Turmi – Karo Tribe – Dimeka Market (Market Day)

Highlights: Karo Body Painting, Weekly Tribal Market

• Drive to Korcho, a Karo village perched above the Omo River.

  • Known for elaborate body painting and scarification.

• Visit Dimeka market (Saturday or Tuesday) where Hamar, Karo, and Benna gather.

• Return to lodge or stay in a nearby village.

Overnight: Lodge in Turmi
Meals: B, L, D

🗓️ Day 10: Turmi – Arbore Tribe – Konso

Highlights: Cultural contrast, Southern Omo landscapes

• Visit the Arbore tribe, known for their black shawls and minimalist adornments.

• Drive to Konso for overnight.

Overnight: Kanta Lodge – Konso
Meals: B, L, D
Drive Time: ~6 hrs

🗓️ Day 11: Konso – Dorze Village – Arba Minch

Highlights: Dorze Weaving Culture, Traditional Bamboo Houses

• Visit Dorze people in the Guge Mountains.

  • Known for weaving, towering beehive houses, and enset preparation.

• Return to Arba Minch for sunset over Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya.

Overnight: Lodge in Arba Minch
Meals: B, L, D

🗓️ Day 12: Lake Chamo Boat Trip – Fly to Addis Ababa

Highlights: Crocodiles, Hippos, Rift Valley Views

• Morning boat safari on Lake Chamo.

  • Spot Nile crocodiles, hippos, and aquatic birds.

• Afternoon flight to Addis Ababa.

Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa
Meals: B, L

🗓️ Day 13: Day Trip to Debre Libanos Monastery & Portuguese Bridge

Highlights: 13th-Century Monastery, Scenic Gorge Views

• Drive 2.5 hrs north to Debre Libanos Monastery.

• Visit:

  • Church and tomb of Saint Tekle Haymanot

  • The Portuguese Bridge and Jemma Gorge (watch for baboons!)

• Return to Addis in the afternoon

Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa
Meals: B, L

🗓️ Day 14: Addis Ababa – Souvenirs & Departure

Highlights: Shopping, Farewell Meal

• Morning at leisure: Visit Merkato or Shiro Meda textile market

• Enjoy a farewell lunch or dinner

• Transfer to Bole International Airport for departure

Meals: B, L or D (depending on flight time)

✅ Inclusions:

• Domestic flights (Addis–Semera–Addis, Addis–Arba Minch–Addis)

• All 4×4 ground transportation (Danakil & Omo)

• English-speaking cultural & adventure guides

• All entrance fees and permits

• Accommodation: hotels, lodges, and desert camps

• Meals as listed (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

• Bottled water during drives

⚠️ Notes:

• Danakil is very hot, dry, and remote – not recommended for children or those with health conditions.

• South Omo requires respectful cultural sensitivity – your guide will brief you ahead of visits.

• Can be adapted for private, mid-range, or luxury travel.