Ethiopia Volcano Tour, Simien Mountains Trekking & Omo Valley – 12 Days
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure travel in Ethiopia, combining the extreme landscapes of the Danakil Depression, the breathtaking Simien Mountains trekking, and the authentic tribal cultures of the Omo Valley. This 12-day itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking adventure tours, volcano expeditions, trekking, and cultural experiences.
This Ethiopia volcano tour takes you from the active Erta Ale Volcano, through the salt deserts of Dalol, into UNESCO World Heritage mountain landscapes, and deep into the tribal regions of the Mursi, Hamer, Karo, and Dasanech people. A complete journey of nature, trekking, and cultural discovery in Ethiopia.
Day 1: Mekele – Dodom – Erta Ale Volcano
Early morning flight to Mekele or hotel pick-up. Meet your guide and depart towards the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest places on Earth. Drive through dramatic changing landscapes from the Ethiopian highlands down to the Afar lowlands, arriving at Dodom, the base camp of Erta Ale Volcano.
Begin a 30-minute trek across volcanic terrain to reach Erta Ale Volcano, famous for its permanent lava lake. In the evening, enjoy an unforgettable view of the glowing crater and active lava flows under the stars—one of the highlights of Ethiopia volcano tours.
Note: the volcano erupted last year, so current conditions may differ from online photos.
Accommodation: Erta Ale crater rim camping
Day 2: Erta Ale – Dodom – Hamedela
Early morning descent to the base camp before sunrise. After breakfast, drive to Hamedela, with a stop at an Afar village to observe local life and camel caravans.
Discover the ancient salt trade, where salt blocks were historically used as currency in Ethiopia. The camel caravan tradition transporting salt has existed for thousands of years and is still active today.
Overnight: Hamedela camping
Day 3: Hamedela – Dalol – Mekele – Flight to Addis Ababa
Drive to Dalol, one of the lowest and most geologically unique places on Earth, formed by tectonic plate separation. Visit Lake Assale, where salt is still extracted and transported by camel caravans to the highlands.
Walk across vast salt flats and explore geothermal areas. The landscape of Dallol is surreal, with yellow, green, blue, and orange colors created by sulfur, iron, and other minerals.
Return to Mekele and fly to Addis Ababa.
Overnight: Addis Ababa hotel
Day 4: Addis Ababa – Gondar – Simien Mountains
Fly to Gondar and drive to the Simien Mountains National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Prepare for a 3-day trekking adventure and arrive at Sankaber Camp (3,200 m).
Enjoy a 2-hour acclimatization trek with stunning views and encounters with endemic Gelada baboons.
Overnight: Sankaber campsite
Day 5: Sankaber – Gich
Trek to Gich (3,600 m) through dramatic mountain scenery, passing viewpoints over the Jinbar Falls and Nigus Aymush viewpoint. Even in the dry season, the landscapes remain breathtaking.
Trekking time: up to 6 hours
Overnight: Gich campsite
Day 6: Gich – Imet Gogo – Gondar – Flight to Addis Ababa
Early morning trek to Imet Gogo (3,926 m), one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Ethiopia, offering a 360° panorama over valleys and mountains.
Return trek and drive to Gondar, then fly back to Addis Ababa.
Trekking time: approx. 5 hours
Overnight: Addis Ababa
Day 7: Addis Ababa – Jinka
Fly to Jinka, gateway to the Omo Valley. Visit an Ari village and experience local culture.
Overnight: Jinka
Day 8: Jinka – Turmi
Visit the Mursi tribe, famous for lip plates. Continue to Turmi and visit Hamer villages. On market days, optional visits to Key Afer or Dimeka markets.
Overnight: Jinka
Day 9: Turmi – Omorate – Turmi
Excursion to Omorate to visit the Dasanech tribe along the Omo River. In the afternoon, you may witness the traditional bull jumping ceremony (if available).
Overnight: Turmi
Day 10: Turmi – Karo – Turmi
Drive to Korcho to visit the Karo tribe, known for artistic body painting using natural clay and symbolic patterns.
Return to Turmi.
Overnight: Turmi lodge
Day 11: Turmi – Arba Minch via Konso
Drive to Arba Minch via the UNESCO-listed Konso village, famous for terraced agriculture and unique cultural heritage.
Overnight: Arba Minch
Day 12: Arba Minch – Dorze – Addis Ababa
Visit the Dorze village, known for traditional weaving and distinctive bamboo beehive-shaped houses. Experience rural Ethiopian culture.
Fly back to Addis Ababa and end of tour.
Overnight: Addis Ababa (Hawassa / Keraud hotel)
End of tour – Ethiopia Volcano, Simien Mountains & Omo Valley Adventure