Drive Addis Ababa to Aribaminch
Arba Minch Crocodile Farm - The name of Addis Ababa, in Amharic, means “new flower”. Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, it is located at 2,500 meters above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto mountain chain. It enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 25°C. You will need to fly in a day prior to the trip departure; Addis Ababa is the third highest capital city in the world and the altitude may fatigue you easily… so take it easy when you arrive. If you have time in Addis Ababa before/after the trip you can undertake a tour of this fascinating city, and visit the National Museum, take in the city’s wide, tree-lined streets or the bustle of the “Mercato” (market). This colorful market has an array of fascinating goods and curios, providing a great place for exploration and people watching. Throughout the city there are shops that sell typical artisan wares, materials and antiques. This morning we depart Addis Ababa at 08:00 PM. Please be ready in the lobby of the hotel specified on your tour voucher at 07:30 hours. There is a long drive to Arbaminch via Hossana (450km). This is the region inhabited by the people of the Guragie, who were once nomads but are now farmers. A long section of the road offers magnificent views of Lake Abaya, surrounded by mountains. The lake has volcanic origins and is almost pink in colour.
Boat Trip Abaya and Drive to Jinka
Omo National Park and River - This morning we enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo - one of the best in Ethiopia. There is a chance to spot many hippos and large concentrations of giant crocodiles. Water birds abound and the scenery is truly unforgettable. The lake is about 32km long and provides a lush wetland habitat for many species of flora and fauna. In the afternoon we drive to Jinka (250km, 5-6 hours’ drive).
Mursi village visit, Jinka Museum, drive to Turmi
Karo and Hamer villages
Drive To Aribaminch Via Konso
Arba Minch Crocodile Farm - As we have seen already, Ethiopia has a huge diversity of ethnic groups and today we will witness the distinguishing behavior of another of these. We travel north to Arbaminch (approximately 270km), en-route visiting a Konso tribal village - a World Heritage listed site of cultural significance. Invariably built on hilltops as protection from the lowland tribes, traditional Konso villages are surrounded by high stonewalls and encompass separate compounds, with outlying terraced agricultural fields. You will be fascinated by the unique architectural aspects, largely unchanged cultural heritage and social cohesion of the village, and how it has adapted to its harsh environment. Another highlight is the famous ‘wagas’ - a funerary tradition where magnificent carved wooden sculptures were created in honor of Konso warrior heroes who have killed an enemy or animal, and often grouped to represent the man, his wives and his adversaries.
Drive to Hawassa via Dorze Tribes
Drive to Awash National Park
Drive to Semera
Drive to Afdera Sal Lake
Drive to Ertala
Erta Ale - We continue our journey through the Danakil towards Dodom, a small settlement and the base for approaching the Erta Ale volcano. Around at 9 PM you will, taking advantage of the ‘cooler’ hours of the day, we start our ascent to the rim of the caldera of Erta Ale. It takes about 3 hours to cover the distance of 10 km and 500 m in altitude. A camel caravan is accompanying us with our luggage and equipment. The rest of the day we explore the fascinating features of the volcano.
Drive to Hamed Ela
Drive to Mekele
Emperor Yohannes IV Palace - Today we follow the camel caravans to Lake Asale to observe the harvesting of the salt. It is a centuries old handcraft of cutting and shaping the salt blocks. Sometimes thousands of camels are present to take the load and transport it to Mekele. We have ample time to follow the caravans on foot. Be prepared to visit the place recorded as the hottest inhabited place on our planet. The ghost town of Dallol is an abandoned miner’s town and mostly constructed out of salt. Nearby lies the fantastic and extraordinary beautiful Dalol volcano where we spent most of our day. Some say it is the most colorful place on the planet.
Drive to Kombolcha
Drive to Addis Ababa
Mercato Market - The last day of your unforgettable visit to Ethiopia brings us back to Addis Ababa. A hotel room for day-use is available. We say goodbye to dear friends with a visit to a cultural restaurant, enjoying the great Ethiopian food together with traditional music and dance from all over this fascinating country. After diner we take you to the airport for your flight back home.
- Local guide and scout
- Lunch
- Dinner
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Breakfast
- All fees and/or taxes
- Government Tax
- Anything which is not in the included section
Embrace an exceptional chance to delve into the distinctive societies of the Mursi, Hamer, and Karo tribes, each possessing its unique culture. Our journey begins from Addis Ababa, leading us towards the Omo Valley region, where we experience a Lake Chamo boat excursion to observe hippos and diverse aquatic birds. Over the subsequent days, we transition from one village to another, experiencing conventional ways of living. The customs of the Mursi, where women wear large clay plates in their lower lips, and the Hamer, who scarify and embellish their bodies as a symbol of their culture, are immensely captivating.
An expedition to the Danakil Depression is a genuine adventure. Although it involves navigating through sometimes challenging roads into hot and arid regions, the reward is an unrepeatable experience in one of the world’s most stunning locations. Be prepared for awe-inspiring landscapes, spectacular starlit nights, and the courageous Afar people who reside there.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
