Omo Valley Tour from Arbaminch with North Ethiopia, Gehralta & Volcano – 13 Days
Tour Description
Discover an unforgettable Ethiopia cultural tour that combines the rich tribal heritage of the Omo Valley, the historic wonders of Northern Ethiopia, and the dramatic landscapes of the Danakil Depression. This 13-day Omo Valley tour from Arbaminch takes you deep into one of Africa’s most diverse regions, where you will meet fascinating tribes such as the Dorze, Hamer, Karo, Dassanech, Ari, and Mursi. Experience authentic village life, colorful tribal markets, and unique traditions, including the famous bull jumping ceremony and intricate body painting.
Continue your journey to the northern historical route, exploring the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the ancient kingdom of Axum, and the breathtaking cliffs of Gehralta. The adventure concludes in the otherworldly Danakil Depression, home to the active Erta Ale Volcano and the surreal landscapes of Dallol. This Ethiopia adventure tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and nature, making it one of the most comprehensive travel experiences in Ethiopia.
Day 1: Arbaminch Arrival – Dorze Village
Fly from Addis Ababa to Arbaminch in the morning. Then drive to Dorze Village. The Dorze people are renowned for their weaving skills, music, dance, and beautiful elephant-shaped houses. They live in one of the most densely populated areas of the country, but the Dorze have maintained a lifestyle that coexists with the environment by practicing mixed farming, handicrafts, and weaving. After enjoying time with the Dorze people, drive back to Arbaminch.
Overnight in Arbaminch at a hotel
Day 2: Arbaminch – Turmi
Drive to Turmi via Konso Village. Konso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional landscape terracing system, wonderful walled villages, old community squares, stone monuments, generation poles, and carved statues. Konso has an immensely rich historical heritage and a traditional village atmosphere. Continue driving, crossing the Weito River, through the lands of the Tsemay and Bena tribes, and arrive in Turmi.
Overnight in Turmi, lodge
Day 3: Turmi – Omorate
After breakfast, drive to Omorate, home to the Dassanech tribe on the border with Kenya along the Omo River and north of Lake Turkana. Cross the Omo River and visit their mobile village. Afterwards, drive back to Turmi for lunch, then continue activities such as attending a bull jumping ceremony (if available), visiting a Hamer village, or exploring a tribal market (on market day).
Overnight in Turmi, lodge
Day 4: Turmi – Karo
In the morning, after breakfast, drive to Korcho, one of the villages of the Karo people. The Karo (Karato) are known as “fish eaters” and are famous for their artistic body painting. After visiting the Karo village, return to Turmi for lunch. In the afternoon, visit a Hamer market, attend a bull jumping ceremony, or visit a Hamer village.
Overnight in Turmi, lodge
Day 5: Turmi – Jinka
In the morning, drive to Jinka, where you will stay overnight. Jinka is home to the Ari people. Although the Ari are more modern, they are the largest tribe in the Omo Valley and still live in traditional villages. On the way, if it is market day, stop at Dimeka, Key Afer, or other small tribal markets, where you may see the Bena, Hamer, and Tsemay tribes.
Overnight in Jinka, lodge or hotel
Day 6: Mursi Village – Fly to Addis Ababa
After an early morning breakfast, drive to Mursi Village, crossing Mago National Park. The Mursi are one of the most well-known tribes due to the large lip plates worn by women, which have become one of the most iconic images of the Omo Valley. After spending time with the Mursi people, return to Jinka for lunch and transfer to the airport. Fly to Addis Ababa.
Overnight in Addis Ababa
Day 7: Fly to Lalibela
Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela and visit the 11 rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, carved from a single rock in the 12th century by King Lalibela.
Overnight in Lalibela
Day 8: Lalibela – Axum
Fly to Axum, the ancient capital of Ethiopia. Visit the Kings of Axum Tombs and the impressive stelae that stand gracefully, showcasing the Axumite civilization.
Overnight in Axum
Day 9: Axum – Gehralta
Drive from Axum to Gehralta. While the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are the most famous, the churches of North Tigray are equally stunning. Visit the remarkable Abune Yemata Guh rock-hewn church, accessed by climbing an 8-meter cliff.
Overnight in Gehralta
Day 10: Gehralta – Mekele – Addis Ababa
Enjoy the stunning views of the Gehralta Mountains in the morning before trekking to St. Maryam Korkor, a rock-hewn church dating back to the 6th century. Afterwards, drive to Mekele Airport and fly to Addis Ababa.
Overnight in Addis Ababa
Day 11: Mekele – Danakil Depression – Erta Ale Volcano
After breakfast, depart from Mekele and drive to Dodom, the starting point of your Danakil Depression adventure. From Dodom, trek for about 3 hours to Erta Ale Volcano, home to the world’s only permanent lava lake. Enjoy a spectacular night view of the volcano, with glowing lava flows and eruptions.
Overnight camping on the mountain
Day 12: Erta Ale – Hamadela
Wake up early and descend from Erta Ale to Dodom, then drive to Hamadela (approximately 100 km). Along the way, see camel caravans and enjoy a beautiful sunset over Lake Assale.
Overnight camping at Hamadela
Day 13: Hamadela – Dallol – Mekele – Addis Ababa
In the morning, drive to Ragad (Asebo) to observe traditional salt mining. Continue to Dallol to visit its extraordinary landscapes formed by volcanic activity—colorful, surreal scenery resembling Mars or the moon. Afterwards, drive to Mekele Airport and fly back to Addis Ababa.
Overnight in Addis Ababa hotel
End of Tour