Duration
15-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
You'll embark on an extraordinary 15-day adventure through the diverse landscapes and captivating cultures of Ethiopia. From ancient rock-hewn churches to vibrant tribal encounters, you'll be immersed in the hidden treasures of this enchanting land. You'll experience the rich history, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality that make Ethiopia a truly remarkable destination. Join us on this unforgettable journey and unlock the secrets of this captivating country.
Plan snapshot
Duration
15-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
Via Danakil Depression, Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression), Lake Langano
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
5 years
Activities
Getting around: minivan, boat, normal 4x4 vehicle, hiking/walking & air transfer
Accommodation
Hotel Lobelia - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Meals
Lunch & Dinner Included; 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 5 years.
Day 1
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Lunch & Dinner Included
Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2
Budget bush camp in Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Mid-range lodge at Lake Langano – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Mid-range hotel in Arba Minch (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7-8
Mid-range lodge in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9
Budget hotel in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 11-12
Budget hotel in Lalibela (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 13
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 14
Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 15
(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
Upon your arrival to Addis Ababa, Bole International Airport, we will greet you and embark on a captivating Addis Ababa city tour. Your first stop is the renowned National Museum of Ethiopia where you can marvel at the remains of "Lucy" a bipedal hominid who lived 3.2 million years ago. Next, you'll visit the Ethnographic Museum at Addis Ababa University, which houses a fascinating collection of traditional and contemporary artifacts. For lunch, you'll indulge in delicious cuisine at an authentic Ethiopian cultural restaurant, complete with a traditional coffee ceremony. Afterward, you'll visit the Holy Trinity church, one of Ethiopia's holiest places of worship. Inside, you can witness the awe-inspiring tombs of Emperor Haile Selassie adorned with magnificent paintings. To conclude the day, you'll head to Enototo for breathtaking panoramic views of Ethiopia's capital city. Finally, you'll take a memorable journey through Merkato, Africa's largest open-air market. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
You'll catch a flight to Semera and upon arrival, we will provide a comprehensive briefing on the general geology of Ethiopia and the program ahead. Your first destination is Erta Ale Volcano but before you reach it, you'll stop for lunch in Afdera district, located in the Afar Region. The majority of the drive will be off-road, traversing the desert landscape. As evening falls, you'll arrive at Ahmedela, a small settlement where salt caravans converge before embarking on their arduous journeys to other towns. Here, you'll witness numerous camel caravans and savor the mesmerizing sunset over the shallow Lake Assale. Your overnight camping will be under the open sky. Budget bush camp located in Danakil Depression (Highlight) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Before breakfast, you'll set off to discover Dallol a surreal landscape boasting salt domes and vibrant geothermal pools. Dallol's uniqueness lies in its peculiar mineral formations, sulfur pools, and geysers. You'll also visit the extraordinary salt canyons before continuing our journey toward the Erta Ale Volcano. Along the way, you might witness the laborious process of salt extraction by hand and the loading of camels. Approximately 1,200 km2 of the Danakil Depression is covered by salt. After some rest at our campsite, you'll enjoy a light dinner before embarking on a 30-minute walk to the summit crater of Erta Ale. Although the path is not overly steep, everyone must carry a torch and stick together. You'll set up camp on the crater rim, at a safe distance from the lava. Overnight camping will be under the open sky. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
You'll witness a breathtaking sunrise over the lava lake before commencing your descent to the vehicles. From there, you'll drive to Lake Afdera, where you can observe traditional salt mining methods and rejuvenate yourself in natural hot springs. Refreshed and revitalized, you'll proceed to Semera for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Your overnight stay will be at Hotel Lobelia or a similar accommodation. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
After a fulfilling breakfast, you'll embark on a scenic drive to Lake Langano, one of the picturesque lakes. Along the way, you'll visit the historic Tiya Stele dating back to the XIII century, and make a stop at Lake Ziway to observe its diverse aquatic birdlife. Finally, you'll reach your destination, Lake Langano, where you'll spend the night at the tranquil Hara Langano Lodge. Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Your destination for this day is Arba Minch, located approximately 550 km south of Addis Ababa. The name Arba Minch translates to "40 springs" in Amharic, alluding to the abundance of natural springs that surround the town. Throughout your journey, you'll make several stops to appreciate the stunning landscapes and capture memorable moments. Upon arrival in Arba Minch, we'll transfer you to your accommodation for a well-deserved overnight stay. Your overnight stay will be at the Tourist Hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
After a nourishing breakfast, your day begins with a boat ride on Chamo Lake, where you'll have the opportunity to observe the magnificent giant crocodiles and an array of water birds in their natural habitat. Following this exhilarating experience, you'll continue your journey to Turmi, a charming small town situated in the heart of the Omo Valley. Turmi serves as a gateway to the fascinating indigenous peoples of the region. As you venture deeper into the Omo Valley, you'll visit the village of the renowned Hammer tribe, known for its exceptional pottery craftsmanship and distinct hairstyles. The Hammer women, adorned in vibrant, beaded goat skins, elaborate necklaces, and adorned with metal bangles, exemplify the rich cultural heritage of the tribe. Your overnight stay will be at Emerald Lodge in Turmi. Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
In the morning, you'll embark on a journey to Omorate, traveling along a paved road for approximately 75 kilometers. Omorate is situated on the banks of the Omo River, near the Kenya border. Upon arrival, you'll cross the river using a local boat and proceed to one of the villages of the Dassenech tribe. The Dassenech people are semi-nomadic, residing along the shores of the Omo River. You'll be captivated by their unique and ornate hair buns, as well as their agricultural and fishing practices. After this enriching experience, you'll return to Turmi for a delicious lunch. Following your meal, you'll drive to the Karo Tribe, located on the Omo River's shoreline. The Karo people are renowned for their mastery of body and face painting, which they engage in daily. Your overnight stay will be at Emerald Lodge. Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
After a satisfying breakfast, you'll continue your adventure with a scenic drive to Jinka. Along the way, you'll stop at a vibrant and colorful market, where you'll have the opportunity to witness the gathering of various Omo Valley people in one place. Before reaching Jinka, you'll visit the village of the Ari people. The Ari people inhabit the lush surroundings of Jinka and are primarily engaged in coffee and fruit cultivation for both trade and personal consumption. Their villages are nestled amidst green landscapes, surrounded by banana, mango, and avocado trees, creating a truly picturesque scene. Your overnight stay will be at the Nasa Hotel in Jinka. Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Early in the morning, you'll embark on a thrilling drive through Mago National Park to visit one of the villages of the Mursi Tribe. The Mursi people are perhaps the most well-known tribe in the region, recognized for the women's practice of extending their lower lips using clay discs and the men's participation in stick fighting rituals known as Donga. The Mursi are one of the last remaining tribes in Africa where it is customary for women to wear these large pottery or wooden discs or plates. After this fascinating encounter, you'll return to Jinka and transfer to Jinka Bako Airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. You'll arrive in Addis Ababa in the afternoon. Your overnight stay will be at Hotel Lobelia. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11
Following breakfast, you'll board a flight to Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rock-hewn churches, often referred to as the "Eight Wonders of the World." Upon arrival, we'll transfer you to your hotel for check-in and begin your exploration of the magnificent churches that were chiseled out of solid rock, displaying an extraordinary display of craftsmanship, scale, and architectural ingenuity. Your overnight stay will be at Top Twelve Hotel or a similar accommodation. Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 12
After breakfast, you'll venture to Yemrehana Krestos Church, a unique built-up cave church that predates the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela by eight years. This remarkable church is constructed from a combination of stone, wood, and intricate decorative elements. Inside, you'll witness the skilled craftsmanship and architectural brilliance. In the afternoon, you'll explore other picturesque churches located there. Your final stop will be at the iconic Bet Giyorgis, a colossal monolithic church shaped like a cross, dedicated to St. George, the patron saint of Ethiopia. Your overnight stay will be at the Top Twelve Hotel. Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 13
After a hearty breakfast, you'll fly to Gondar, a city renowned as the "Camelot of Africa", located in the northern region of Ethiopia. As you arrive, you'll have the opportunity to explore the famous castles and grand palaces constructed by former rulers for themselves and their families. These architectural marvels showcase the rich history and regal heritage of the town. Additionally, you'll visit the bath of King Fasilidas, which serves as the annual host for the Timkat festival, a vibrant celebration of the baptism of Jesus Christ. The day concludes with a visit to the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie renowned for its stunning ceiling paintings. The angelic faces depicted in the artwork have become iconic symbols of Ethiopian artistry. Your overnight stay will be at Haile Hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 14
Following breakfast, you'll embark on a scenic drive to Bahir Dar, one of Africa's most charming cities. Upon arrival, you'll check in at our hotel and then drive for about an hour to have a delightful walk in the refreshing morning hours, crossing the Nile River via the historic bridge. Your walk continues to the mesmerizing Tissisat Falls. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to interact with residents. After marveling at the falls, you'll cross the Nile by boat to reunite with our awaiting vehicle. You'll then return to Bahir Dar for an overnight stay. Your overnight stay will be at the Jacaranda Hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 15
In the morning, you'll embark on a memorable boat ride across Lake Tana to the Zeghie Peninsula. On this scenic peninsula, you'll take a short walk. You'll also have the chance to encounter diverse bird species and observe the playful Colobus Monkeys in the surrounding forest. After this enriching experience, you'll transfer to the airport for a flight back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, you'll come together for a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant, where you'll be delighted by captivating performances from dancers and musicians representing various ethnic groups of the country. Finally, we'll transfer you to the airport for your international departure or any other place you need. 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)
Bed linen
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
Armaye Ethiopia Tours is an expert Ethiopian private tour operator based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is run by a highly professional team comprising experienced tour organizers and fully licensed tour guides.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2015)
Tour Types
Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5I am a naturalist with an appetite to photograph endemic and vulnerable species. Armaye worked with me, awesome communication skills btw, to provide me with the appropriate destinations for the time I had available. Even with the challenges of the changing political climate during the trip, Armaye had the flexibility to make changes to lodgings, flights, destinations, etc. that still offered me the photo opportunities for which I had hoped and remain in budget. My travel plans placed me in Ethiopia during off-season for tourism, but I was rewarded with a unique insight into the natural world of that region during the rainy season. I am delighted by the many babies, juveniles, and family units that nature revealed to me, glimpsing some of the more elusive animals. The trade-off was that the trip did not coincide with migrations of birds, but the abundant numbers and varieties of resident species filled camera memory cards with animals I had never encountered. This was my first trip to the Horn of Africa. I was immersed in rural Ethiopia, but my professional guide and driver took good care to keep me safe. Of note, I do not have a palate for spicy food (I feel that cayenne pepper and curry is too spicy) so that was a challenge for me personally, but I planned for that inevitability and brought nuts, raisins, and crackers to sustain me.
Marcia · United States
Perfect organization, the hotels were very good and clean, and the drivers very professional. Armaye organized the tour only for 2 people and we visited very interesting places in the North and in the south of the country. Ethiopia has been a very nice discovery.
Nadia · Italy
It was an amazing trip! Easy to talk with, the tour operator! Our guides & drivers are punctual, really friendly and very kind to us. They were not only guide us to the place, but also taught us many cultural things. Really appereciated!
Hana · Japan
Armaye was so responsive to our request for a very last minute request for a trip to Ethiopia. He answered quickly, responded to questions quickly and designed our tour to our preferences. I was a bit nervous about travelling to Ethiopia where we knew we would be "off grid" but it was very safe and the people we met were very friendly. Armaye was our guide too - very informative and answered all my husband's inquisitive questions about culture, traditions, food. Aman was our driver and also comes highly recommended. Aman is an expert driver both on major roads and offroad. WE saw many animals specific to Ethiopia that we hadn't seen before, including lots of Ethiopian golden wolves. The 3-day tour in Afar was excellent value.
Christina · Botswana
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. Children under 11 receive a discount.
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) – Lunch & Dinner Included. Meals: Lunch & Dinner 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 Armaye 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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