Trip Info
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normal 4x4 vehicle
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2-20
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to be provided for during the trip
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game drives
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Addis Ababa
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English, Chinese, French, Spanish, Arabic
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to be provided for during the trip
Overview
The journey proceeds across the otherworldly terrain of the Dallol Depression and the striking escarpments of Gheralta, delivering dramatic scenery and an element of exploration. The cultural experience intensifies in the Omo Valley, a region inhabited by numerous indigenous communities. Interactions with the Dassanech, Karo, Hamer, Mursi, and Ari peoples offer an exceptional insight into the depth and diversity of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage.
Trip Highlights
- Mid-range tour: This mid-range tour includes camping and lodges.
- Private tour: This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't 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.
- Not for solo travelers: Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.
- Minimum age of 8 years: The minimum age for this tour is 8 years.
Itinerary
Morning: You'll catch a domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, and then you will have a game drive. Lalibela is renowned for its monolithic rock-hewn churches.
Afternoon: You'll begin your exploration with a visit to the first cluster of Lalibela churches, marveling at their intricate carvings and historical significance.
Overnight stay: Lalibela.
Main Destination:
Lalibela (Town)
Accommodation:
Tabor Hotel Lalibela
Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Morning: You'll embark on a trek to the Asheton Maryam Monastery, perched atop a mountain offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You will enjoy a game drive.
Afternoon: You'll continue your tour of Lalibela by visiting the remaining churches, each with its unique architectural style and history.
Overnight stay: Lalibela.
Main Destination:
Lalibela (Town)
Accommodation:
Tabor Hotel Lalibela
Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Lalibela Church and Return to Addis Ababa
Morning: You'll visit churches during the procession. You can attend morning church services.
Later, you'll fly back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you may have time to explore local markets or relax at your hotel.
Overnight stay: Addis Ababa.
Main Destination:
Addis Ababa (City)
Accommodation:
Caravan Hotel
Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Flight to Semera
Early morning, you will depart from Addis Ababa to Semera, the gateway to the Afar region.
Afternoon: On the same day, you will start your journey towards the Erta Ale volcano, setting up camp en route.
Overnight stay: Camping under the stars.
Main Destination:
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Accommodation:
Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Erta Ale Volcano
Early morning: You'll continue your expedition to Erta Ale, one of the world's most active volcanoes.
Evening: You'll witness the mesmerizing lava lake, experiencing the raw power of the nature nature. It's also called the Gate to Hell.
Overnight stay: Camping near the volcano.
Main Destination:
Danakil Depression (Highlight)
Accommodation:
Budget camping
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Dallol to Gheralta
Morning: You'll explore the Dallol Depression, known for its otherworldly landscapes, colorful sulfur springs, and salt formations.
Afternoon: You'll drive to Gheralta. The majestic cliffs of Gheralta offer breathtaking views and a touch of adventure.
Overnight stay: Gheralta.
Main Destination:
Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)
Accommodation:
Korkor Lodge
Mid-range lodge located in Gheralta (Mountain Range)
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Gheralta to Addis Ababa via Mekelle
In the morning after breakfast, you'll explore Gheralta. The majestic cliffs of Gheralta offer breathtaking views and a touch of adventure.
Afternoon: You'll return to Mekelle and catch a flight back to Addis Ababa.
Overnight stay: Addis Ababa.
Main Destination:
Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)
Accommodation:
Caravan Hotel
Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Flight to Jinka and Visit to Omorate and Dassanech Peoples
Morning: You'll fly from Addis Ababa to Jinka, located in the Omo Valley.
Afternoon: You'll drive to Omorate to visit the Dassanech ethnic group, known for their distinctive cultural practices.
Overnight stay: Turmi.
Main Destination:
Omorate (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Emerald Lodge Turmi
Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Karo People and Hamer Villages
In the morning after breakfast, you'll visit the Karo ethnic groups, famed for their elaborate body painting and scarification.
Afternoon: You'll explore Hamer villages, where you might witness traditional ceremonies and dances.
Overnight stay: Turmi.
Main Destination:
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Emerald Lodge Turmi
Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Market Visit and Mursi People
In the morning, after breakfast, you'll attend a local market, experiencing the vibrant trade and interaction among different ethnic groups.
Afternoon: You'll visit the Mursi tribe, renowned for their lip plates and unique adornments.
Overnight stay: Jinka.
Main Destination:
Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Jinka Resort
Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
In the morning after breakfast, you'll explore the Ari villages, observing their pottery, weaving, and traditional farming techniques.
Afternoon: You'll fly back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you may have the opportunity for last-minute shopping or visiting local attractions.
Main Destination:
No major destination visited
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- 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)
- Drinking water (On all days)
- Sleeping bag
- Bath towels
Cost Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- 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
- Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
FAQs
The 11-Day Tour Lalibela Omo Valley Danakil & Tigray Churches covers Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, the tribal communities of the Omo Valley, the Danakil Depression including Dallol and Erta Ale, and the historic cliff churches of Tigray.
Yes, the 11-Day Tour Lalibela Omo Valley Danakil & Tigray Churches includes moderate to challenging activities such as hiking in Tigray, trekking at Erta Ale volcano, and walking in hot conditions in the Danakil Depression.
The 11-Day Tour Lalibela Omo Valley Danakil & Tigray Churches offers immersive cultural encounters with communities such as the Mursi, Hamer, Karo, Dassanech, Ari, and other tribes in the Omo Valley region.
The best time to book the 11-Day Tour Lalibela Omo Valley Danakil & Tigray Churches is during the dry season, typically from October to March, when weather conditions are more favorable for travel and trekking.
The 11-Day Tour Lalibela Omo Valley Danakil & Tigray Churches is generally safe when organized with experienced guides, proper logistics, and adherence to local travel advisories.
