Duration
8-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Ethiopia's remote and wildly fascinating tribal lands, capturing rare cultural moments and breathtaking landscapes. This immersive photography expedition takes you deep into the heart of the Omo Valley and Danakil Depression. Explore Indigenous Cultures - Engage with the Suri, Kara, Hamar, and Mursi tribes, known for their striking body art, rituals, and adornments. Danakil Depression is known one of the lowest points in the World.
Plan snapshot
Duration
8-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Danakil Depression, Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression), Addis Ababa (City)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
10 years
Activities
nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included - Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This budget 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 10 years.
Day 1
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4-6
Budget tented camp near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Mid-range lodge in Konso (Cultural Village) – 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
After your international flight to the diplomatic capital of Africa, board the earliest morning fly from Addis Ababa to Semera, the regional capital of the Afar people. Upon arrival in Semera, you will be welcomed by an experienced team of drivers with well-equipped 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers (with AC), along with expert guides, a professional cook team, local guides, road leaders from the tourism authorities, and police escorts. All camping gear will be prepared and ready for departure. Begin your expedition by driving towards Hamdela, a gateway to the Dallol region. In the late afternoon, visit Lake Assale and take in the spectacular sunset over the salt flats. Overnight: Open camping with clean beds, mattresses, pillows, fresh bedsheets, and plenty of bottled water. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Wake up before sunrise and head to the otherworldly Dallol Geothermal Site — a surreal landscape shaped by volcanic activity and mineral deposits, displaying vibrant colors and dramatic formations. Witness the live chemical reactions occurring right before your eyes, creating a kaleidoscope of colors rarely seen elsewhere on the planet. Next, drive to the salt and mud-formed mountain caves beneath the Dallol crater, followed by a short drive to an entirely different geological setting. Enjoy a picnic breakfast near this natural wonder. Continue to the salt plains and visit Lake Karum, where you can experience the therapeutic properties of the salt-rich water. Watch local salt miners at work, harvesting salt from the lake using age-old techniques. After lunch, drive to Erta Ale, Ethiopia’s most famous active volcano. Reach the camping ground near the top of the caldera, then take a 30-minute walk to the Summit Crater Lake, where you’ll witness the mesmerizing sight of molten lava. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Rise with the sun and enjoy breakfast before driving to Lake Afdera, Ethiopia’s primary hub for salt production and distribution. Located 102 meters below sea level, this saltwater lake is one of the hottest places on Earth. After lunch in the town of Afdera and a final look at the salt farms, drive back to Semera. late afternoon fly from Semera to Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Upon arrival at Jinka Airport, you will be met by your Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours driver. After a short introduction, hop into your Land Cruiser and head to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi tribe, known for their unique tradition of lip stretching using circular plates — a symbol of beauty and social status. Return to Jinka and continue your journey along a mix of paved and dirt roads toward Turmi. En route, stop on a hilltop to watch the playful Bana boys practicing the art of stilt walking. Once in Turmi, explore the authentic tribal open-air market of the Hamar people, known for their goat-skin dresses, elaborate ochre-styled hairstyles, and rich cultural traditions. Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Start the day early with a drive to Korcho, a village of the Karo tribe — the smallest ethnic group in the Omo Valley. The Karo are renowned for their striking body-painting using white chalk, ochre, and yellow mineral rock to create intricate patterns. Afterward, drive to Kakuta, home of the Nyangatom tribe, believed to be descendants of the Toposa of South Sudan. Despite the harsh arid environment, the Nyangatom maintain their culture and traditions. Women wear multiple layers of colorful beads, which symbolize status and wealth. Return to Turmi. Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
After breakfast, take a short excursion to visit the Arbore tribe, whose name means "land of bulls." The Arbore is believed to be descendants of the Konso and have their own distinct language and traditions. Arbore girls traditionally shave their heads to distinguish themselves from married women and wear dark robes adorned with colorful beads. Their huts are constructed from tree branches and papyrus plants. Return to Turmi in the afternoon. If you’re fortunate, you may witness a bull-jumping ceremony — a rite of passage for young men of the Bana, Hamar, and Karo tribes, symbolizing the transition to adulthood and readiness for marriage. If the ceremony is unavailable, you will visit a Hamar village to observe their evening routines and traditional practices. Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
After breakfast, drive to Omorate to visit a Dasanech village. Cross the Omo River in a traditional flat-bottomed wooden boat to meet the Dasanech people, known for their resilience and creative use of natural materials. Return to Turmi and drive along an 85 km rough road to Keyafer town. Explore the vibrant open-air market, where traders from the Bana, Aari, Tsemay, and neighboring towns gather to sell goods and livestock based solely on verbal agreements. After lunch, continue driving to Konso. Mid-range lodge located in Konso (Cultural Village) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
After breakfast, visit a traditional Konso village. The Konso are known for their centuries-old terracing and stone-walled housing — a UNESCO-recognized engineering marvel that preserves soil quality and protects against erosion and landslides. Learn about their community housing structures, generation poles (erected every 18 years), and symbolic maturity stones. Drive to Arba Minch for lunch, then head uphill to a Dorze village. The Dorze people are renowned for their weaving skills and distinctive beehive-shaped houses, which resemble an elephant’s face. Enjoy a taste of their flatbread made from false banana and sample locally distilled spirits (similar to Russian vodka) After the visit, descend back to Arba Minch and catch an afternoon flight to Addis Ababa. End your trip with a farewell dinner at Yod Abyssinia, a renowned traditional restaurant with live music and dance. Transfer to the Bole International Airport for your flight back home. 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 10 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.
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included - Danakil Depression (Highlight) – 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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