12-Day Adventure in Danakil, Omo, Simien & Lalibela

Fly Addis Ababa to Gondar | Explore Gondar

Day 1Fly Addis Ababa to Gondar | Explore Gondar Fly Addis Ababa to Gondar | Explore Gondar After breakfast, you'll fly to Gondar, the former Royal Capital of Ethiopia, founded in 1636 by Emperor Fasilidas. Upon arrival, you'll visit the Royal Enclosure, including Fasilidas’ Castle, and the beautifully decorated Debre Berhan Selassie Church, famed for its ceiling of painted angels. You'll spend the day exploring Gondar’s rich history and local culture. Main Destination: Gondar (City) Accommodation: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Simien Mountains & Trek Sankaber

Day 2Drive to Simien Mountains & Trek Sankaber Drive to Simien Mountains & Trek Sankaber You'll depart from Gondar and drive to Sankaber Camp (3,250m) in Simien Mountains National Park. You'll stop at the Debark park office for registration and to meet your trekking team. You'll enjoy a 3–4 hour trek along the escarpment, soaking in dramatic views and spotting wildlife like gelada baboons during a game drive. Main Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Best Time To Visit September to December (Beautiful scenery) High Season October to April (Lodges are busy) Best Weather October to April Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP Gelada Monkey Abundant Walia Ibex Occasional Ethiopian Wolf Rare Klipspringer Rare Bushbuck Rare Show more Golden Jackal Rare Hyena Rare Accommodation: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Jinbar Waterfall Hike & Return to Gondar

Day 3Jinbar Waterfall Hike & Return to Gondar Jinbar Waterfall Hike & Return to Gondar You'll hike to the breathtaking Jinbar Waterfall, which plunges 500 meters into the gorge below. The trail provides sweeping views and opportunities to spot endemic flora and fauna. After enjoying a packed lunch near the falls, you'll meet your vehicle for the drive back to Gondar. Main Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Accommodation: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly to Lalibela | Explore Rock-Hewn Churches

Day 4Fly to Lalibela | Explore Rock-Hewn Churches Fly to Lalibela | Explore Rock-Hewn Churches You'll fly to Lalibela, Ethiopia’s spiritual epicenter. Spend the day exploring the remarkable rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll visit all eleven medieval churches, including the iconic St. George’s Church, carved in a cross shape into solid volcanic rock. You'll wander through interconnected tunnels and passageways, uncovering centuries of religious history. Your overnight stay will be in Lalibela. Main Destination: Lalibela (Town) Accommodation: Sora Lodge Lalibela Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town) +3 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Scenic Drive to Semera

Day 5Scenic Drive to Semera Scenic Drive to Semera You'll depart Lalibela for a scenic full-day drive to Semera, crossing vast highland plateaus, winding roads, and traditional villages. You'll take in Ethiopia’s diverse landscapes and rural life along the route, arriving in Semera by evening to rest before your Danakil adventure. Overnight stay: Semera. Main Destination: Semera (Town) Accommodation: Kuriftu Afar Semera Resort Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town) +7 Photos +6 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Begin Danakil Tour | Salt Flats, Dallol & Hamed Ela

Day 6Begin Danakil Tour | Salt Flats, Dallol & Hamed Ela Begin Danakil Tour | Salt Flats, Dallol & Hamed Ela You'll start your Danakil Depression adventure by driving to Ragad (Asebo) to observe traditional salt mining. You'll witness Afar workers cutting salt blocks and loading them onto camel caravans. You'll continue to Dallol, one of the lowest and hottest places on Earth, to see colorful volcanic formations, sulphur springs, and Lake Assal. In the afternoon, you'll drive to Hamed Ela. Overnight stay: Hamed Ela. Main Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Accommodation: Budget camping Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Drive to Erta Ale Volcano

Day 7Drive to Erta Ale Volcano Drive to Erta Ale Volcano You'll depart for Erta Ale, one of the world’s few permanent lava lakes. The route to Dodom camp at the volcano’s base is rough and remote, crossing solidified lava fields and desert terrain. In the evening, you will begin your trek to the summit of Erta Ale, where you'll observe the glowing lava crater and sleep near the rim under the stars. Overnight stay: Camping. Main Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Accommodation: Budget camping Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Descend Erta Ale & Return to Semera

Day 8Descend Erta Ale & Return to Semera Descend Erta Ale & Return to Semera Before sunrise, you'll take in the dramatic views of the Erta Ale crater, including the main pit and southern collapse structures. After descending to Dodom, you'll drive back toward Semera, stopping en route to visit Lake Giulietti (Lake Afrera) if conditions permit. You'll observe salt flats and Afar salt production. You'll arrive in Semera and take an evening flight or drive back to Addis Ababa. Overnight stay: Addis Ababa. Main Destination: Danakil Depression (Highlight) Accommodation: Triple-E Hotel and Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) +4 Photos +3 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Fly Addis – Arba Minch

Day 9Fly Addis – Arba Minch Fly Addis – Arba Minch Upon arriving in Arba Minch, you will embark on a scenic drive to the enchanting Dorze village, perched high in the Gughe Mountains. Here, you will experience the rich traditions of the Dorze people, known for their unique weaving and distinctive beehive-shaped houses. You'll enjoy an immersive cultural experience as you interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. You'll relax and unwind in the evening, preparing for the adventures that lie ahead. Main Destination: Arba Minch (City) Accommodation: Haile Resort Arba Minch Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City) +3 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Arbaminchi -Konso – Turmi

Day 10Arbaminchi -Konso – Turmi Arbaminchi -Konso – Turmi After a hearty breakfast, you'll enjoy a picturesque boat trip on Lake Chamo, where you’ll have the chance to witness the famous crocodile market. Keep your eyes peeled for hippos lounging in the water and various bird species soaring overhead. Later, you'll visit the UNESCO-listed Konso village, renowned for its impressive terracing and rich coffee culture. Afterward, you'll journey to the Bana village, home to semi-nomadic pastoralists known for their striking clay-capped hairstyles. Finally, you'll proceed to Turmi, the vibrant area of the Hamer tribes, where you’ll immerse yourself in the local customs and traditions. Main Destination: Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) Accommodation: Emerald Lodge Turmi Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) +11 Photos +10 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Turmi – Omorate – Jinka

Day 11Turmi – Omorate – Jinka Turmi – Omorate – Jinka After breakfast, you'll set off for an excursion to Omorate, where you will visit the Dassanech people, often referred to as the "people of the Delta," who inhabit the northern shore of Lake Turkana. You'll engage with the community, learning about their unique lifestyle and traditions. After your visit, you'll return to Turmi for a delightful lunch before driving to Jinka. In Jinka, you'll experience the vibrant culture of the Ari people, the largest group in the Lower Omo Valley. The women here are known for wearing skirts made from the Enset plant and are skilled in pottery, showcasing their artistic talents. Main Destination: Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) Accommodation: Nasa Hotel Budget hotel located in Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

Jinka – Mago – Jinka – Addis Ababa

Day 12Jinka – Mago – Jinka – Addis Ababa Jinka – Mago – Jinka – Addis Ababa You'll take an exciting excursion to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi village, renowned for its unique cultural practices, including the stretching of lower lips and ear lobes among women. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about their fascinating customs and artistry. After enjoying a delicious lunch back in Jinka, you'll board a flight to Addis Ababa. In the capital, savor a folkloric dinner featuring a variety of national dishes, vibrant ethnic dances, and a traditional coffee ceremony. This enriching experience will culminate in your. Main Destination: Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks End of tour (See Getting There for more details)End of tour (See Getting There for more details) Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport. Interested in This Tour? Request a Quote We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why) Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly Next: Overview Next: Day by Day Next: Rates Next: Inclusions Next: Getting There Next: Offered By Best price guarantee Your request will be sent directly to the operator If preferred, you can contact the operator directly Next: Request a Quote Request a Quote Disclaimer This tour is offered by Discover Si