Duration
10-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
10-Day Surma and Danakil Depression Epic Ethiopia Tour
Overview
Dallol: Experience the vibrant colors of the salt formations and stunning views of Lake Assal at sunrise and sunset. Erta Ale: Trek to one of the world's only permanent lava lakes and witness the mesmerizing boiling lava. Geological Exploration: Visit the northern, southern, and central pit craters, delving into ancient geological structures.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Jinka (Lower Omo Valley), Kibish (Lower Omo Valley), Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel - Luxury hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$3,850 USD
$2,750 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$3,850 USD
$2,750 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour is unavailable for children.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Ethiopia
Start
Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 2
Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 3-4
Kibish (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 5
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 6
Konso (Cultural Village)
Day 7
Arba Minch (City)
Day 8
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Day 9
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 10)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and lodges.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
18
Minimum age of 18 years
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Book your own international flights when using this operator
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel
Luxury hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2
Budget camping Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3-4
Budget camping Kibish (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
Kibish (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Emerald Lodge Turmi Mid-range lodge in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included +11 Photos +10 Photos
Mid-range lodge in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Kanta Lodge Mid-range lodge in Konso (Cultural Village) – All Meals Included
Mid-range lodge in Konso (Cultural Village) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel
Luxury hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8
Budget camping Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Danakil Depression (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9
Budget camping Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10
End of tour
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel for check-in. After settling in, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of the city, including visits to: • National Museum • Unity Park • Merkato, one of the largest markets in Africa • Adwa Museum Overnight at a hotel in Addis Ababa. Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
Addis Ababa to Jinka and Surma
Take a morning flight to Jinka. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and stop for coffee before driving to Hana Mursi, home of the Bodi community. After breakfast, we will drive to Hana Mursi, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way. Upon arrival, we will set up our camp and enjoy a lunch break. In the afternoon, explore the Bodi people’s settlement and take photographs. Overnight camping. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Hana Mursi to Surma (Kibish)
Early in the morning, we will have an active session at a cattle camp for photography. Afterward, return to camp for breakfast. We will then drive to Surma land, stopping at scenic viewpoints en route. Arrive in Kibish late afternoon, set up camp, and interact with the local Surma community. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Kibish (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
Surma Photography
Spend the entire day photographing the Surma community, one of the least-visited groups due to their remoteness. They are known for their elaborate self-decoration through body painting, scarification, and adornment with flowers and natural objects. If we are fortunate, we may witness a traditional Surma stick fight, which takes place seasonally. Overnight camping. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Kibish (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
Surma to Nyangatom, Karo, and Turmi
After breakfast, head to Kangaten, the heart of the Nyangatom community. Cross the Omo River via a new bridge into the rarely visited west, passing through Omo National Park with opportunities to spot wildlife. Enjoy a morning of en-route photography before visiting a Nyangatom settlement, known for its sorghum, maize, beans, and tobacco cultivation, distinctive labial piercings, and vibrant oral traditions. Continue to Murele to meet the Karo people, celebrated for their intricate body painting and scarification, with a population of just 6,000–9,000. Arrive in Turmi, check into your lodge, and, if time allows, spend time with the Hamer community—perhaps witnessing a bull-jumping ceremony and the lively Evangadi night dance. Overnight in Turmi. Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Emerald Lodge Turmi Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
Dassanech to Konso
In the early morning, take an excursion to Omorate, located east of the Omo River. Cross the river by small boat and walk about 20 minutes to visit a Gelab (Dassanech) settlement. The Dassanech community is known for its body painting and scarification. Afterward, drive to Konso, stopping at a local weekly market along the way. In Konso, we will explore one of the nine UNESCO-registered villages. The Konso people are renowned for erecting generation poles that mark the beginning of a new generation every 18 years; the age of a village can be determined by how many poles remain standing. Overnight at Konso Kanta Lodge. Mid-range lodge located in Konso (Cultural Village) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Konso (Cultural Village) Stay: Kanta Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Konso (Cultural Village) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
Konso to Arbaminch to Dorze Village and Return to Addis Ababa
• Morning: – Depart early from Arbaminch. – Take a boat ride on Lake Chamo to see hippos and crocodiles. The lake is part of Nech Sar National Park, where you might also spot various wildlife. • Midday: – Drive to Dorze village. – Explore the unique bamboo houses of the Dorze community, renowned for their intricate weaving skills and vibrant textiles. • Afternoon: – Learn about the Dorze people's cotton farming and traditional weaving techniques. – Enjoy local cultural experiences, including music and dance. • Evening: – Return to Arbaminch for your flight back to Addis Ababa. – Overnight stay at a hotel in Addis Ababa. Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Arba Minch (City) Stay: The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel Luxury hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 8
Addis Ababa to Mekele - Gateway to the Danakil Depression
• Morning: – Fly from Addis Ababa to Mekele. • Midday: – Begin your journey into the Danakil Depression, starting with a visit to the Sulfur Lake. Witness its vibrant colors and bubbling mud pots. • Afternoon: – Experience traditional salt mining methods used by the local community. – Join a caravan adventure through the unique desert landscapes. • Evening: – Enjoy sand driving through vast dunes as you take in the stunning surroundings. • Night: – Arrive at your camp in Hamed Ela, relax, enjoy tea or coffee, and then head to Lake Giulietti (Lake Assal) for sunset views. – Experience swimming in the floating salt lake and enjoy music and dance with your group. – Dinner served at camp followed by a night under the stars on comfortable wooden beds. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 9
Hamed Ela cam to Ertale Camp
Early Morning: • Start your day early to explore the sulfur springs and hot springs at the lowest point on Earth. • Witness the salt mining process firsthand, observing workers cutting salt into blocks and loading them onto camels. • Travel to Dallol to marvel at the unique volcanic landscape, including colorful mineral formations and hot springs. Afternoon: • Drive to Erta Ale, the camp near the volcano. Evening: • Continue exploring the area, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the active volcano before returning to camp for dinner. • Arrive at Erta Ale for exploration and camping, enjoying dinner under the stars. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 10
Eratale to Semera -Flight to Addisabeba -mid night international flight
Sunrise at the northern pit crater, exploration of the pits, breakfast, and return journey to Semera for your flight to Addis Ababa then transfer out. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
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)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Sleeping bag
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Bath towels
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
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Book your own international flights when using this operator
Fly to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Ethio Wildlife Tours
5.0 operator rating
7 reviews
Discover Ethiopia's wonders with us! Ethio Wildlife Tours: is a private Tour & Travel company, Established in Ethiopia,we offer unforgettable wildlife,cultural & historical tours. Our experienced teams specializes in creating unique experiences,showcasing the breathtaking beauty and rich diversity of Ethiopia.We are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism,ensuring minimal impact on the environment and local communities. Let us show you the true essence of Ethiopia 🇪🇹
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2018)
Tour Types
Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5The nicest tour experience
I don’t usually like booking tours because of many bad experiences, however, at the time Ethiopia demanded it. I was so lucky to find Melashu’s company. It’s the most transparent, respectful, informative and well managed tour. I did the northern Ethiopian route (volcano, Danakil depression etc) and they managed to make me feel comfortable in a difficult weather environment and very safe in an area of conflict. It’s incredible to have such yummy food in the middle of nowhere! Thank you,
Yirka · Sweden
Organized and personalized
Great tour through an amazing landscape. Tour was perfectly organized, no complaints. Somewhere my shoes got lost but when I came back in Addes they were waiting for me in the hotel. Their service goes beyond. Thanks for that
Martijn · Netherlands
Our guide was fantastic — super knowledgeable, easygoing, and clearly respected by the communities.
Just got back from a 4-day tour with Ethio Wildlife and it honestly blew me away. We visited several different tribes in Omo valley and each day was completely unique and eye-opening. The whole trip felt very genuine and respectful, not staged or touristy at all. Accommodations were simple but clean and comfortable, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. If you’re looking for something meaningful and way off the beaten path, I’d 100% recommend this experience. I came back with a full heart and a totally new perspective.
Elena Neal · United Kingdom
Organized and responsive
I contacted several tour operators in May 2025 hoping to join a group tour of the Simien mountains but since it is a slow tourist season there were none available. Ethio Wildlife were able to organize a private tour for me at a reasonable cost. They handled everything. The guide/driver/chef/scout were incredibly nice people and it was a pleasure to spend 3 days with them in the park. The guide in particular was very knowledgeable and accommodating.
Nick · United States
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour is unavailable for children.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel - Luxury hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Ethio Wildlife 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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