9 Days Omo Valley Tribes and Danakil Depressions

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Highlights: Omo Valley tribal encounters, local markets, Danakil Depression, Erta Ale volcano, Dallol, salt caravans
Start/End: Addis Ababa

Day 1 – Arrival in Addis Ababa

• Welcome to Ethiopia! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

• If time allows, enjoy a brief city tour: visit the National Museum (home of “Lucy”), Holy Trinity Cathedral, or enjoy panoramic views from Entoto Hill.

• Overnight: Addis Ababa

Day 2 – Addis Ababa to Arba Minch (Flight or Drive)

• Take a morning flight (or drive ~8 hrs) to Arba Minch, gateway to the southern Omo Valley.

• Visit Dorze village en route in the Guge Mountains. Discover their unique beehive-shaped huts and weaving traditions.

• Overnight: Arba Minch

Day 3 – Arba Minch to Jinka via Konso & Key Afer Market

• Depart Arba Minch, stopping in Konso (UNESCO World Heritage site), known for its terraced agriculture and Waga statues.

• Continue to Key Afer Market (if Thursday) – a vibrant tribal market attended by Tsemay, Ari, and Benna people.

• Arrive in Jinka, base for visiting the Mursi.

• Overnight: Jinka

Day 4 – Excursion to Mursi Tribe & Drive to Turmi

• Early morning drive to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi Tribe, known for the women’s distinctive lip plates and body scarification.

• Continue south to Turmi, home of the Hamar people.

• If lucky, attend a Hamar bull-jumping ceremony, a rite of passage for young men.

• Overnight: Turmi

Day 5 – Explore Hamar & Visit Karo Tribe

• Visit a Hamar village, learning about their daily life and traditions.

• Cross the Omo River to visit the Karo Tribe in Korcho or Dus, famous for elaborate body and face painting.

• Return to Turmi in the afternoon.

• Overnight: Turmi

Day 6 – Turmi to Arba Minch via Erbore Tribe

• Drive back to Arba Minch with a stop at the Erbore village, known for their body ornaments and unique hairstyles.

• Evening boat trip on Lake Chamo to spot crocodiles, hippos, and birdlife.

• Overnight: Arba Minch

Day 7 – Fly to Semera (via Addis) & Transfer to Danakil Region

• Morning flight back to Addis Ababa, then connect to Semera (gateway to the Danakil Depression).

• Drive to Afdera or basecamp near Erta Ale volcano, stopping for photos and to meet the Afar people.

• Overnight: Basic camp or local guesthouse

Day 8 – Erta Ale Volcano Trek

• Early morning drive over lava fields and salt flats to the base of Erta Ale.

• Evening/night trek (~3 hrs) to the volcano’s summit and view the lava lake (activity may vary depending on volcanic status).

• Overnight in a simple shelter on the rim under the stars.

Day 9 – Dallol, Salt Flats & Return to Addis Ababa

• Descend and drive to Dallol, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth.

• Explore surreal sulfur springs, colorful mineral fields, salt mountains, and camel caravans operated by the Afar and Tigrean salt miners.

• Return to Semera and fly back to Addis Ababa in the evening.

• Optional farewell dinner before transfer to the airport for your international departure or overnight stay.

Tour Inclusions

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

• All ground transportation (4WD in Danakil)

• English-speaking local guides and tribal translators

• Entrance fees to parks, villages, and sites

• Accommodation (mix of hotels, lodges, guesthouses, and basic camps)

• Meals as specified (typically breakfast and dinner)

• Bottled water throughout

• Security and local support in Danakil

What to Bring

• Lightweight clothing for heat, layers for cooler nights (Erta Ale can get chilly)

• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

• Trekking shoes

• Flashlight/headlamp for Erta Ale

• Camera (with spare batteries)

• Basic toiletries and a sleeping bag liner or sheet for Danakil nights