9 Days Danakil Depression, Omo Valley Lalibela Tours

Embark on an unforgettable 9 days Ethiopia tours adventure across Ethiopia’s most iconic cultural, historical, and geological sites. Your journey begins in the bustling capital of Addis Ababa, before taking you to the dramatic Danakil Depression, the tribal heartlands of the Omo Valley, and the awe-inspiring rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. From vibrant city life and anthropological wonders to active volcanoes and deeply rooted tribal traditions, this immersive tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of Africa’s most diverse and captivating countries.

Day 1: Arrival and Addis Ababa City Tour

Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be warmly welcomed by our staff and begin your city exploration. Your first stop takes you to the Entoto Maryam Church, perched high on the Entoto Hills. Built in 1877 by Emperor Menelik II, this historic church showcases an octagonal architectural design and houses various royal artifacts, including traditional costumes, the emperor’s and empress’s crowns and bed, and a mirror gifted by Queen Victoria to Empress Taytu. From here, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Addis Ababa from the Entoto Hills, located at 2,900 meters above sea level. Next, descend into the city to visit the Ethnological Museum, set within the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie inside the Addis Ababa University campus. This museum offers rich insights into Ethiopia’s cultural, musical, and anthropological heritage. You’ll then continue to the National Museum, home to invaluable archaeological finds such as the famous “Lucy” skeleton and the remains of Selam, an even older fossil. Conclude the day at Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, bustling with over 13,000 workers and thousands of vendors across an expansive maze of stalls. This immersive first day offers a vibrant introduction to Ethiopia’s history, culture, and daily life.

Overnight: Aya Addis Hotel or similar

Day 2: Fly to Semera and Drive to Ahmed Ela

After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Semera, the gateway to Ethiopia’s northern desert region. Upon arrival, your adventure continues with a drive through a surreal landscape of solidified lava, vast rock fields, stretches of sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. Along the way, you’ll pass through small Afar villages that offer glimpses into a unique desert lifestyle. Your primary destination today is the remote settlement of Ahmed Ela, home to over 500 people. Here, you’ll witness the traditional life of the Afar people who thrive in one of the most challenging environments on Earth. As the sun begins to set, you’ll visit Salt Lake Asale, a shimmering salt lake where you can float in the mineral-rich waters while watching the sunset reflect beautifully across the salty plains.

Overnight: Camping at Ahmed Ela

Day 3: Dallol Excursion and Drive to Erta Ale Volcano

In the morning, you will head to Ragad (Asebo), the traditional site where Afar locals mine salt. Here, you’ll observe the remarkable process of cutting salt blocks from the earth, shaping them into rectangles, and loading them onto camel caravans—an ancient trade that still flourishes today. From there, you’ll drive to Dallol, located 125 meters below sea level, one of the hottest and lowest inhabited places on Earth. The Dallol area offers a dazzling array of colorful salt formations, bubbling acidic springs, and otherworldly volcanic landscapes. After returning to Ahmed Ela for lunch, your journey continues toward Erta Ale, one of the world’s most dramatic active volcanoes. After reaching the base, you’ll begin an evening trek to the summit, where you will spend the night beside the glowing lava lake—an awe-inspiring experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Overnight: Camping at Erta Ale

Day 4: Drive to Lake Afdera, Semera and Fly Back to Addis Ababa

After an early breakfast, you’ll descend from Erta Ale and drive toward Lake Afdera, another important salt extraction site in the Afar Depression. The lake is used for traditional solar evaporation, where lake water is pumped into salt pans to produce pure salt. This process, along with the stunning, stark surroundings, makes for a unique and educational visit. After lunch, you’ll continue to the Semera airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to relax after your incredible Danakil adventure.

Overnight: Aya Addis Hotel or similar

Day 5: Fly to Arba Minch and Drive to Konso and Turmi

Following breakfast, you’ll catch a flight to Arba Minch in southern Ethiopia. Upon arrival, your drive takes you southward into the cultural heartland of the Omo Valley. Your first major stop is the Konso village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient walled settlements, terraced agriculture, and unique wooden totems called “waka.” The Konso people are also famous for their resilience and ingenuity in combating soil erosion with impressive stone terraces. Continuing your journey, you’ll head to Turmi, home of the Hamer people. Known for their elaborate hairstyles and body adornment, the Hamer are also famous for the “bull-jumping” initiation ceremony that marks a boy’s passage into manhood. Their vibrant dress, cultural pride, and traditional way of life make this an unforgettable stop.

Overnight: Paradise Lodge, Turmi

Day 6: Visit Karo and Nyangatom Tribes – Drive to Jinka

Today’s journey begins with a drive to the banks of the Omo River in the Murulle area to meet the Karo people. Masters of body art, the Karo decorate themselves with white chalk and intricate patterns in preparation for ceremonies and social gatherings. The women often adorn themselves with scars, considered symbols of beauty, while men’s scars tell stories of hunts and bravery. Next, you’ll visit the Nyangatom people, known for their tall, lean figures and distinct fashion that includes multiple beaded necklaces and elaborately decorated goat-skin skirts. After a cultural immersion in these two fascinating communities, return to Turmi for lunch before continuing to Jinka, stopping en route to visit the Ari people. The Ari are skilled artisans—potters, blacksmiths, and distillers—and are among the most populous ethnic groups in the region.

Overnight: Eco Omo Lodge, Jinka

Day 7: Excursion to Mago National Park and Fly to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, set off on a morning excursion to Mago National Park to visit the remote village of the Mursi people. The Mursi women are renowned for wearing large clay lip plates, a practice rich in symbolic meaning, ranging from social status to beauty and ancient protective beliefs. The men and women also bear ritual scarifications that represent strength, courage, and tribal identity. Learn about the spiritual and historical significance of these practices, and engage respectfully with one of the most iconic tribes in the Omo Valley. After this immersive cultural experience, you’ll drive back to Jinka and catch a flight to Addis Ababa for a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Aya Addis Hotel or similar

Day 8: Fly to Lalibela and Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches

In the morning, fly to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most sacred cities and a symbol of Christian devotion. After check-in and lunch, you’ll begin exploring the first group of monolithic rock-hewn churches. These incredible structures, carved directly into the red volcanic rock, include Bet Maryam, Bet Medhane Alem (the largest, resembling a Greek temple), and Bet Golgotha. As you walk through the interconnected passages and courtyards, you’ll be struck by the architectural complexity and spiritual atmosphere. Later in the day, you’ll visit Bet Giyorgis (St. George’s Church), the most iconic and photogenic of all the churches, carved in the shape of a cross and standing majestically on a sunken plateau.

Overnight: Maribela Hotel, Lalibela

Day 9: Final Church Visits and Departure

After breakfast, you’ll continue your exploration of Lalibela with visits to the second group of rock-hewn churches, including Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Marqorios, Bete Emmanuel, and Bete Aba Libanos. These churches, carved deep into the rock and connected by tunnels and trenches, showcase the brilliance of ancient Ethiopian craftsmanship and religious devotion. Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a traditional farewell dinner featuring a variety of Ethiopian dishes, live music, and cultural dances representing the country’s diverse ethnic groups. A ceremonial coffee service caps off your cultural journey. Finally, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international departure, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Ethiopia’s beauty, warmth, and soul.