10 Day South Omo Tribes & Danakil Depression Expedition

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Duration10 days
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English, French
Group sizeUp to 12 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Embark on the ultimate Ethiopian journey—a 10-day expedition that bridges two of the world’s most incredible cultural and geological frontiers. From the rich tribal heritage of the southern Omo Valley to the extreme, volcanic wilderness of the Danakil Depression, this curated tour offers an immersive look into Ethiopia's raw beauty and ancient traditions.
Your journey begins in the lush south, traveling through the lower Omo Valley, a UNESCO-recognized cradle of humanity. Accompanied by expert local guides, you will visit indigenous communities including the Mursi, known for their traditional lip plates; the Hammar, famous for their rich ceremonial traditions; and the Dasenech along the Omo River. Experience authentic village life, vibrant local markets, and traditional architecture with complete cultural respect and authenticity.

What's included

  • Admission fee
  • Entrance fee
  • Domestic flights
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Breakfast
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Parking Fees
  • Gratuities

What to expect

Day 1: Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Orientation
  1. Addis Ababa
    2h
    Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Orientation
    Arrive at Bole International Airport. Meet your tour team, check into your hotel, and review the expedition briefing over a welcome dinner featuring traditional Ethiopian cuisine and a coffee ceremony.
Day 2: Day 2: Fly to Jinka & Visit the Ari Tribe
  1. Jinka
    7h
    Take a morning domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Jinka. Meet your local tribal guide and four-wheel-drive (4WD) expedition vehicles. Visit an Ari village to learn about traditional pottery, coffee cultivation, and village life. Overnight in Jinka.
Day 3: Day 3: Mago National Park & The Mursi Tribe
  1. Mursi Village
    6h · Admission ticket included
    Drive through Mago National Park to visit the famous Mursi Tribe, known for their iconic lip plates and striking ceremonial body art. Return to Jinka for the evening. Overnight in Jinka.
Day 4: Day 4: Turmi – Hammer Tribe & Cultural Market
  1. Turmi
    8h
    Depart Jinka for Turmi, passing through the scenic Omo River region. Visit a local Hammer village. If market day aligns, visit the vibrant Turmi or Dimeka market where multiple ethnic groups gather to trade. Overnight in Turmi.
Day 5: Day 5: Excursion to Omorate (Dasenech Tribe) & Return to Jinka/Arba Minch
  1. 6h · Admission ticket included
    Drive south to Omorate on the banks of the Omo River. Cross the river on a traditional dug-out canoe to visit the Dasenech Tribe. Afterward, begin your journey back north toward Arba Minch. Overnight in Arba Minch.
Day 6: Day 6: Nech Sar National Park & Fly Back to Addis Ababa
  1. Nechisar National Park
    4h · Admission ticket included
    Enjoy a morning boat trip on Lake Chamo to see massive Nile crocodiles and hippos, or a short game drive in Nech Sar National Park. Fly back to Addis Ababa in the afternoon. Rest and prepare for the desert expedition. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Day 7: Day 7: Addis Ababa to Semera & Drive to Lake Afdera (Danakil Depression)
  1. Addis Ababa
    6h
    Take a morning domestic flight from Addis to Semera (the capital of Afar) or drive via the Awash route. Meet your armed scouts, cook, and specialized desert convoy. Descend into the Danakil Depression to visit the stunning emerald-green brine pools of Lake Afdera. Overnight camping under the stars.
Day 8: Day 8: Dodom to Erta Ale Active Volcano
  1. Afar Region
    6h
    Drive across rugged lava fields toward the base of Erta Ale, one of the world's few continuously active lava lakes. Begin a late afternoon camel-supported or walking trek up to the crater rim. Spend the evening marveling at the glowing, bubbling magma lake. Overnight camping on the rim of Erta Ale.
Day 9: Day 9: Erta Ale Sunrise to Dallol Salt Flats & Ahmed Ella
  1. Afar Region
    6h
    Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the volcanic caldera, then hike back down. Drive across the surreal, colorful sulfur and mineral formations of Dallol, visit the salt canyons, and see local Afar people cutting and loading salt blocks onto camel caravans. Overnight camping in Ahmed Ella
Day 10: Day 10: Return to Semera / Flight to Addis Ababa & Departure
  1. Addis Ababa
    4h
    Drive back from Ahmed Ella to Semera (or directly connect via Mekelle depending on current regional routing), catch your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a farewell dinner with live traditional music before your international departure flight.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$3,975.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Limalimo ethiopia tours · Booked through Viator
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