19 Days Omo Valley, Danakil & Tigray Churches tours

Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through Ethiopia’s South Omo Valley and Danakil Depression, merging cultural experiences with breathtaking natural wonders. This meticulously crafted itinerary offers unique opportunities to explore stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and historical treasures, all while immersing you in the living traditions of Ethiopia’s indigenous tribes.

program detail

Day 01: Arrival and City Tour
Upon arrival from your international flight, you will be welcomed by our staff and taken to your hotel for refreshments. Begin your sightseeing in Addis Ababa with a visit to the **Ethnological Museum**, housed in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, which showcases an array of anthropological and cultural artifacts. Then, head to the **National Museum**, where you can see significant archaeological finds, including the fossilized remains of “Lucy” and Selam, which date back millions of years.

*Overnight: Aya Addis Hotel, Addis Ababa (Bed and Breakfast)*

Day 02: Fly to Bahir Dar
Fly north to Bahir Dar, the Amhara region’s capital on Lake Tana’s shores, Ethiopia’s largest lake. Enjoy a morning boat trip to explore the monasteries and churches on the islands, including **Ura Kidane Mihret**, known for its vibrant paintings and illuminated Ge’ez bibles. In the afternoon, visit **Tississat Falls**, meaning “water that smokes”, located about 32km south of Bahir Dar.

*Overnight: Naky Hotel, Bahir Dar (Bed and Breakfast)*

Day 03: Drive to Gondar (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Drive 185km north to Gondar, a city famous for its well-preserved 17th-century castles within a walled Royal Enclosure. Explore **King Fasilidas’ Castle**, renowned for its unique architecture, and visit the **Debre Birhan Selassie Church**, famed for its stunning angelic ceiling.

*Overnight: Roseau Gondar Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)*

Day 04: Excursion to the Simien Mountains (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
After breakfast, drive to Debark at the edge of the Simien Mountains. Enjoy breathtaking views and take an optional 1.5-hour walk to see endemic wildlife, including Gelada baboons and bushbuck, in this unique ecosystem.

*Overnight: Roseau Gondar Hotel (Bed and Breakfast)*

Day 05: Fly to Axum (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Take a short flight to Axum, once a powerful civilization at the heart of ancient trade routes. Visit **St. Mary of Zion** church and see the famous monolithic stelae, some of the tallest in the world. Explore the archaeological sites, including the tombs of Axumite kings.

*Overnight: Sabean Hotel, Axum (Bed and Breakfast)*

Day 06: Axum to Hawzien
Travel to Hawzien, stopping to visit the **Yeha Pre-Christian Temple**, which dates back to the 5th century B.C. If interested, ascend to **Debre Damo Monastery**, accessible only by rope. Continue your journey to Hawzien.

*Overnight: Vision Hotel, Hawzien (Bed and Breakfast)*

Day 07: Hawzien to Ahmed Ela
Drive to Barehala for a two-hour rest, then meet with local Afar guides and continue to Ahmed Ela, the base for exploring salt mines and observing salt workers and camel caravans.

*Overnight: Camping in Ahmed Ela (Bed, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)*

Day 08: Excursion to Dallol
Visit the salt workers at Lake Asale and then proceed to Dallol, known for its colorful hot springs and extreme temperatures. Witness the unique geological formations and vibrant mineral deposits before returning to camp.

*Overnight: Camping in Ahmed Ela (Bed, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)*

Day 09: Drive to Dodom Village (Base of Erta Ale)
Travel to Dodom and prepare for a trek to **Erta Ale Volcano**. Begin your ascent at sunset, taking in the stunning landscape and active lava flows before setting up camp on the crater rim.

*Overnight: Camping on the Crater Rim (Bed, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)*

Day 10: Erta Ale to Ahmed Ela
Descend from the volcano and return to Ahmed Ela. Spend time observing the impressive salt caravans as they arrive and depart in the settlement.

*Overnight: Camping in Ahmed Ela (Bed, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)*

Day 11: Ahmed Ela to Mekelle
Watch camel caravans leave in the morning before driving to Mekelle. Enjoy a refreshing stop for lunch and bathing at a small waterfall before arriving in town.

*Overnight: Planet Hotel, Mekelle (Bed and Breakfast)*

*Day 12: Fly to Lalibela
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lalibela. Begin your tour with the first group of Rock-Hewn Churches, including **Bet Medhane Alem** and **Bet Mariam**.

*Overnight: Maribela Hotel, Lalibela (Bed and Breakfast)*

Day 13: Lalibela
Visit **Yemrehane Kirstos**, an exquisite church renowned for its craftsmanship and interior decoration. Explore the second group of churches in Lalibela in the afternoon.

*Overnight: Maribela Hotel, Lalibela (Bed and Breakfast)*

Day 14: Fly Back to Addis Ababa and Connect to Arba Minch
Transfer to Addis Ababa for your connecting flight to Arba Minch. Upon arrival, a 4WD vehicle and driver will be ready to take you to your hotel.

*Overnight: Haile Resort, Arba Minch (Bed and Breakfast)*

Day 15: Visit Chencha Village & Boat Trip on Lake Chamo
Drive to Guge Mountains to visit Dorze and Chencha villages, known for their unique huts and weaving traditions. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to observe the local wildlife, including crocodiles and hippos.

*Overnight: Haile Resort, Arba Minch (Bed and Breakfast)*

Day 16: Drive to Jinka via Konso and Key Afer
Set out early to Konso to see the terraced land and unique grave markers. Continue to Key Afer for the vibrant Thursday market where you can meet and photograph the Ari, Bena, Hamer, and Tsemay people. Proceed to Jinka, the gateway to the Mursi Villages.

*Overnight: Eco Omo Lodge, Jinka (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 17: Visit the Mursi Tribes in Mago Park and Drive to Turmi                                                            Explore Mago National Park and visit the Mursi, famed for their lip plates. After lunch, drive to Turmi with stops to learn about the Hamer tribes and their rich cultural traditions.

*Overnight: Paradise Lodge, Turmi (Bed and Breakfast)*

Day 18: Turmi – Murulle – Turmi and Back to Arba Minch
Experience the Karo ethnic group in Murulle, known for their intricate body painting and creative hairstyles. Return to Arba Minch, passing through Konso along the way.

*Overnight: Haile Resort, Arba Minch (Bed and Breakfast)*

Day 19: Fly Back to Addis Ababa and Departure
Transfer to Arba Minch Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping before a farewell dinner featuring traditional dishes and live cultural performances. Finally, transfer to the airport for your journey home.

This adventure promises to enrich your understanding and appreciation of Ethiopia’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures.