Duration
8-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
Explore the lush highlands of southern Ethiopia on this 8-days coffee-themed adventure that blends culture, nature, and Ethiopia's world-renowned coffee heritage. Travel from Addis Ababa to Yirgalem, stopping at Lake Ziway and the Awash River--renowned for birdlife and scenic beauty. Stay at the eco-friendly Aregash Lodge, visit the legendary Yirgacheffe and Aleta Wondo coffee plantations, and learn the full journey of Ethiopian coffee--from farm to cup.
Plan snapshot
Duration
8-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Yirga Alem (Town), Yirga Chefe (Town), Addis Ababa (City)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
5 years
Activities
nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Hotel Lobelia - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour includes camping and lodges.
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 5 years.
Day 1
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2-3
Mid-range lodge in Yirga Alem (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Mid-range resort in Awasa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Wel come to Abyssinia, land of origins! You will be whisked off in a modern air-conditioned vehicle to your 3-star accommodation in the heart of Addis Ababa. You’ll enjoy sumptuous meal before retiring for some much-needed rest. Addis Ababa is the world’s third-highest capital city at 2,665 meters above sea level. It’s a city that has worn its heart on its sleeve since it was founded by Ethiopian Emperor Menelik in 1892. Boasting a cityscape that changes almost daily, with rickety wooden scaffolding creeping slowly skyward, Addis has more than enough history and sights to warrant more than just a stopover. Amharic, the national language, is widely spoken throughout the country and is predominant in Addis Ababa. The principal foreign language is English, but you will also find many people who speak French, Italian, and Arabic. Historian Carlo Conti Rossini once characterized Ethiopia as a “rich cultural mosaic”. He could have also been speaking about Addis Ababa itself. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey south to the town of Yirgalem, approximately 350 kilometers away. Along the way, enjoy scenic stops at the Awash River and Lake Ziway, known for their abundant aquatic birdlife. Lunch will be served in the town of Awassa before continuing to Yirgalem. In the evening, check in to the beautiful Aregash Lodge, nestled in nature, where you’ll enjoy dinner and your overnight stay. Mid-range lodge located in Yirga Alem (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
After breakfast, you’ll travel to the Aleta Wondo region to visit the Wottona Boltuma Coffee Plantation, one of the area’s most prominent coffee farms. You’ll also have a chance to visit a nearby Stelae field featuring ancient monolithic structures. Enjoy lunch in Aleta Wondo before returning to Yirgalem. The evening is free to relax at Aregash Lodge, followed by dinner. Mid-range lodge located in Yirga Alem (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Following breakfast, you’ll head toward Yirgacheffe, one of Ethiopia’s most renowned coffee-producing areas. Along the way, there’s an opportunity to visit a local village and engage with the community. In Yirgacheffe, visit a coffee farm and learn about traditional coffee cultivation and processing. Stop in the town of Dilla for lunch before continuing to Awassa for a relaxing evening by the lake and overnight at your resort. Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Start the day with a visit to the vibrant fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa, a lively and colorful cultural experience. Afterward, drive back to Addis Ababa, upon arrival check back into your hotel, enjoy the amenities; indulge in shopping or optional spa treatments. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Take a morning flight to Semera town of the Afar regional capital, pick from the airport meet with group of experienced drivers and excellent 4WD with AC along a team of experience expert guides, an excellent Cooke teams local guide and road leader from the Tourism authorities, all camping gear ready to depart with you, and drive to the Ert-ale active volcano. You reach our camping ground at the top of the Caldera. Walk 1 hour until the summit Crater Lake is currently at its active cycle. Enjoy the wonder happening right in front of you and walk back to the camping ground. We leave for the volcano around 5:30 P.m. late in the afternoon and walk back after visiting around 8:00PM. Overnight open-air camping on flat ground with a suitable mattress, pillow, clean bed sheets, and a quiet environment. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Wake up early morning round 5AM to see the sun rise and return to the camp for breakfast and drive to Lake Afdera (a salt lake that is located in the heart of Danakil Depressions and then later you have to swim around this lake we will be driving to Hamedela town of Dallol. Visit the Sunset at Lake Assale late in the afternoon. Overnight open-air camping with clean beds, Mattresses, pillows, clean bed sheets, and a lot of water for hydration. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Wake up early morning and drive to Lake Assale to see sun rise then drive to the lunar landscape of the Dallol geothermal site for an amazing wonder seen nowhere else on the planet. A chemical reaction happening right in front of you lives face to face with row nature. You will revise your knowledge of colors from that moment on. After this, we drive to the salt and mud-formed mountain cave right underneath the Dallol crater, another 10-minute drive and a completely different world. We will have a picnic breakfast in nearby the cave with wonder. After this visit, we drive to the vast salt plains, Lake Karum, swim in the saltwater pool in that scorching sun, and finally visit the salt miners before leaving back to Hamedela. From Hamedela you will drive to Semera and fly back to Addis Ababa. In the evening farewell party dinner with cultural dinner and traditional special buffet and local drinks to experience Ethiopia’s cultural meals and drinks at Yod Abyssinia restaurants. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
Camping equipment
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Offered by
Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours is one of the leading tour operators in Ethiopia, providing comprehensive services with variety of tours that highlight the country’s indigenous cultures, fascinating history, and natural wonders. Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours organizes custom tours for groups of any size and pre-set itineraries that individuals may join also. We are also specialized in organizing package and tailor made tours to Axum, Lalibela, Gondar Castles, Bahir Dar & Lake Tana, Tigray rock-hewn
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2019)
Member Of
ETOA & Lalibela & Surrounding Guide association
Tour Types
Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours was a wonderful tour operator during my time in Lalibela. The guide, Ermiyas, was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. His love and passion for the town and especially the churches shines through. When some activities did not work out as planned, EET went out of their way to find alternative options for me. Great experience for a solo traveller!
Tamryn · South Africa
Choosing a tour operator is a risky business. You pay thousands of dollars in advance and you will experience the service only afterwards. I can guarantee on my behalf, that doing business with Extraordinary Ethiopia tours and Mareg is absolutely a safe business from the first step of communication until the very end of the journey. After having followed an itinerary of 15 nights and 16 days in Ethiopia I am more than grateful to Maereg and his team, that I had a truly great, a sort of a once-in-a-lifetime tour. Everything worked perfectly. There wasn't any issue, that I felt sorry of. To be honest: I fell in love with Ethiopia. I had s solo safari to Bale mountains, Omo Valley tribes, Gondar and Lalibela. All the arrangements were better than expected: In Addis Abeba I was welcomed by the efficient "liaison officer" Habtu. In my safari journey driver BK was just brilliant, Toyota Landcruiser wonderful, accommodation exceeding all the expectations, meals great and Maereg kept on following all my moves daily. I felt that I was in safe hands all the time. Ethiopia is an amazing country. Ethiopians are incredibly kind and nice. I wish I could have stayed longer. But decided already to return. I can warmly recommend Maereg and his mates to any type of traveller. His team is professional, energetic and ambitious and do not leave even the slightest detail unchecked. They do want to introduce and show their country to you, and they do it with love!❤️
Eeva · Finland
My 10‑day journey through Ethiopia was nothing short of extraordinary, and I owe so much of that experience to my tour planner, Maerag. The itinerary he prepared was thoughtful, seamless, and incredibly rich I t was a perfect balance of history, culture, and unforgettable encounters. From the moment I arrived in Addis Ababa, everything was organized with care. Gondar was another highlight. Walking through the castles and learning about their connection to the Egyptian empress felt like stepping into a living story. My guide’s knowledge brought every stone and corridor to life. Celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Lalibela at Saint Mary’s Church was a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience. The atmosphere, the devotion, and the beauty of the rock‑hewn churches were unforgettable, and I’m grateful for how smoothly everything was arranged. The Omo Valley was where the trip became truly immersive. Meeting tribes who walk on stilts, seeing intricate body‑painting traditions, dancing with community members, and witnessing a bull‑jumping ceremony were moments I will carry with me forever. These experiences were only possible because of my guide’s deep connections and respect for the communities we visited. On my 2 last days, I explored the city, visiting the cultural centre, and learning at the Addis Ababa University Ethnographic Museum gave me a strong foundation for understanding Ethiopia’s depth and diversity. Throughout the entire trip, flying from city to city, navigating different regions, and engaging with so many cultures. I felt supported, informed, and inspired. My guide’s professionalism, warmth, and expertise elevated every moment. I wholeheartedly recommend Maereg and some of his team to anyone considering a tour of Ethiopia. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll be in excellent hands, and you’ll experience Ethiopia in a way that is authentic, meaningful, and truly unforgettable.
Karen St Clare · United Kingdom
Highly recommend this tour. Our guide, Maereg, and driver, Gashaw, were incredibly professional. The tour was very informative and Lalibela is incredibly beautiful. A must visit!
Rita J · United States
Practical answers
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 5 years and older.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Hotel Lobelia - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
This tour is offered by Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
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