Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa

   • Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to the hotel for rest.
   • Depending on arrival time and interest, begin exploring the city or connect to a local flight.

   Alternatively, stay overnight in Magnolia Addis Ababa.

2. Day 2: Addis Ababa to Lalibela

   • Fly to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   • Visit the first group of monolithic rock hewn churches including Bete Medhane Alem and Bete Maryam.
   • Learn about the symbolism, history, and spiritual traditions surrounding the churches.

   Overnight at Tabor Hotel in Lalibela.

3. Day 3: Explore the Second and Third Groups of Lalibela Churches

   • Continue exploring Lalibela’s sacred wonders.
   • Visit the second and third groups of churches such as Bete Gabriel Rufael and Bete Giorgis.
   • Discover the architectural mastery that symbolises Ethiopia’s deep Christian heritage.

   Overnight at Tabor Hotel in Lalibela.

4. Day 4: Lalibela to Semera

   • Drive from Lalibela towards the Afar region.
   • Experience dramatic shifts in scenery from highlands to the arid Afar lowlands.
   • Arrive in Semera and meet the Afar people, known for their nomadic lifestyle.

   Overnight at Ardi Hotel in Semera.

5. Day 5: Semera to Erta Ale via Lake Afdera

   • Travel deeper into the Danakil Depression.
   • Stop at Lake Afdera and see locals harvesting salt by hand.
   • Continue to Erta Ale Volcano, an active lava lake.
   • Hike to the rim and observe glowing molten lava under the night sky.

   Overnight camping near Erta Ale.

6. Day 6: Erta Ale to Hamed Ela and Lake Karum

   Walk around the rim of Erta Ale before sunrise.

   • After breakfast, drive through striking desert scenery to Hamed Ela.
   • Travel to Lake Karum and watch the sunset over the salt flats.
   • Overnight camping in Hamed Ela.

7. Day 7: Dallol to Mekele and Fly to Addis Ababa

   • Begin early and visit Dallol to see colourful hot springs and mineral formations.
   • Observe Afar salt miners carving salt blocks and loading camels.
   • Drive to Mekele and take the flight back to Addis Ababa.

   Overnight at Magnolia Hotel in Addis Ababa.

8. Day 8: Fly to Arbaminch and Visit Dorze Village

   • Take a midday flight to Arbaminch.
   • Drive to Dorze Village and meet the Dorze community.
   • Learn about weaving skills, beehive shaped huts, and local traditions.

   Overnight at Wubete Hotel in Arbaminch.

9. Day 9: Arbaminch to Konso to Arbore to Turmi

   • Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles, hippos, and birdlife.
   • Travel south through the UNESCO listed Konso Cultural Landscape.
   • Stop at Arbore Village and meet the Arbore tribe.
   • Continue to Turmi.

   Overnight at Emerald Lodge Turmi.

10. Day 10: Visit Dassenech and Hamar Tribes

    • Drive to the Omo River to visit the Dassenech tribe.
    • Learn about lifestyle, attire, and cultural traditions.
    • Visit the Hamar tribe and learn about ornaments, hairstyles, and community life.
    • Witness the bull jumping ceremony if available.

    Overnight at Emerald Lodge Turmi.

11. Day 11: Visit Karo and Nyangatom Tribes and Travel to Jinka via Mursi Village

    • Travel to the Karo tribe and discover intricate body painting.
    • Visit the Nyangatom tribe and observe their unique adornments.
    • Continue to Jinka and stop at a Mursi village to learn about lip plates.

    Overnight in a lodge or hotel in Jinka.

12. Day 12: Fly Back to Addis Ababa

    • Transfer to Jinka Airport for the flight to Addis Ababa.
    • Enjoy an Ethiopian coffee ceremony or souvenir shopping depending on time.
    • Continue to the international flight and end the tour.