7 Day Danakil + Omo Valley Tour

Tour Overview

Day	Place	Hotel/Lodge/Camp	Meal Plan
Day 1	Erta Ale	Camping	Full-Board
Day 2	Lake Afdera and Hamed Ela	Camping	Full-Board
Day 3	Asebo, Dallol and Lake Assal	Departs	Full-Board
Day 4	Mursi, Bena and Tsemay	Hotel in Turmi	Breakfast
Day 5	Dassenech and Hamer	Hotel in Turmi	Breakfast
Day 6	Karo	Hotel in Jinka	Breakfast
Day 7	Ari Village	Departs	Breakfast

Military escort included for Danakil portion. Special preparation required for extreme conditions and cultural sensitivity.

This 7-day tour combines the otherworldly landscapes of the Danakil Depression with the vibrant tribal cultures of the Omo Valley. Experience one of Earth's most extreme environments, including the Erta Ale lava lake and Dallol's surreal hydrothermal fields, followed by immersive visits to the Mursi, Hamer, Karo, and Ari tribes, known for their unique traditions and lifestyles.

Our expert guides and carefully planned itinerary ensure safety and cultural respect, providing an unforgettable adventure through Ethiopia's most remarkable regions.

Detailed Itinerary

1

Day 1: Arrival at Semera Airport & Erta Ale

Upon arrival at Semera airport, meet your driver-guide and begin the journey to Erta Ale (205 km), a 613-meter-high volcano known as "Smoky Mountain" in Afar language, home to one of only five permanent lava lakes in the world. The drive takes most of the day. After dinner and a short break at the base camp, trek to the volcano's rim, with camels transporting camping materials and food. Spend the night on the rim, mesmerized by the glowing, boiling lava.

2

Day 2: Lake Afdera & Hamed Ela

Descend from Erta Ale after an early breakfast and drive to Lake Afdera, a salt-water lake over 100 meters below sea level (availability may vary in summer). Visit the salt flats where Afar people extract salt through evaporation. Explore the picturesque landscape before heading to Hamed Ela for dinner and overnight camping.

3

Day 3: Asebo, Dallol & Lake Assal

Drive to Ragad (Asebo) to observe salt mining, where workers break salt from the ground, cut it into rectangular pieces, and load it onto camels. Continue to Dallol, one of the lowest places on Earth, to explore colorful volcanic landscapes, including sulfuric acid pools and salt formations. Visit Lake Assal and walk with Afar people (note: no camel caravans in July, August, or early September). Drive to Mekelle Airport for a flight back to Addis Ababa.

4

Day 4: Addis Ababa – Jinka – Key Afar – Turmi

Fly from Addis Ababa to Jinka and meet your local representative. Drive to Key Afar, visiting the vibrant Thursday market (if applicable), where Tsemay, Hamer, and Bena tribes trade goods. Continue to visit the Mursi tribe, known for their lip plates symbolizing beauty and status. Proceed to Turmi for an overnight stay at a local hotel.

5

Day 5: Turmi – Dassanech – Hamer Tribe

Drive to the far south to visit the semi-nomadic Dassanech tribe near the Omo River, known for their adaptive lifestyle. Return to Turmi to visit the Hamer tribe, famous for their red ochre hairstyles and traditional customs. If a bull-jumping ceremony is occurring, attend this significant rite of passage for young Hamer men. Overnight at a hotel in Turmi.

6

Day 6: Turmi – Karo – Jinka

Drive to Kolcho village to visit the Karo tribe, renowned for their intricate body and face painting, a cultural and artistic practice. After the visit, return to Jinka for an overnight stay at a local hotel.

7

Day 7: Jinka – Addis Ababa

Visit the Ari tribe, skilled in farming, pottery, and blacksmithing, in their lush villages. If time permits, explore the Omo Valley Research Center and Museum in Jinka for insights into the region’s tribal cultures. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa, concluding the tour.

Tour Highlights

Erta Ale Lava Lake

Witness one of only five permanent lava lakes on Earth, glowing spectacularly at night

Dallol Hydrothermal Field

Explore neon-colored sulfuric acid pools and surreal mineral formations

Salt Flats & Mining

Walk across vast salt pans and see traditional salt mining methods

Omo Valley Tribes

Immerse in the vibrant cultures of the Mursi, Hamer, Karo, and Ari tribes

Key Afar Market

Experience the colorful Thursday market where multiple tribes trade goods

Cultural Ceremonies

Witness unique tribal rituals, including the Hamer bull-jumping ceremony

Essential Packing List

Torch Light

Essential for night hike to Erta Ale (extra batteries)

Small Backpack

20-30L day pack for essentials during hikes

Tracking Shoes

Closed-toe hiking shoes/boots with good grip

First Aid Medicines

Bandages, antiseptic, blister treatment, personal medications

Sun Cream

High SPF sunscreen for extreme sun exposure

Toilet Paper

Essential for basic camping conditions

Sunglasses

Protect eyes from intense sunlight and dust

Slippers (Open Shoes)

Comfortable for camp and non-hiking activities

Jacket

Light jacket for cooler evenings

Wipes

For hygiene in basic camping conditions

Walking Stick

For support during volcano hike

Gas Mask

Recommended for volcanic fumes at Dallol

Swimming Suit

For potential visits to Lake Afdera

Note: Seasonal fluctuations may affect pricing, so always reconfirm with our team on the exact rate at the time of booking.

Physical Requirements

This tour is physically demanding due to extreme heat in the Danakil Depression and cultural immersion activities in the Omo Valley. Participants should be in good health and prepared for:

Hiking 10-14km over rough volcanic terrain (including 3-4 hours uphill to Erta Ale)
Temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F) during the day in Danakil
Basic camping conditions with limited facilities in Danakil
Sleeping on the volcano rim (basic mattresses provided)
Long drives on rough roads in 4x4 vehicles
Walking and standing during cultural visits in Omo Valley

Not recommended for those with heart conditions, respiratory problems, or mobility issues. The high temperatures and physical demands make this tour unsuitable for children under 12. Altitude is not a concern as the Danakil Depression is below sea level.

Safety Information

The Danakil Depression is an extreme environment, and the Omo Valley requires cultural sensitivity. Our safety protocols include:

Mandatory military/police escorts in certain areas of Danakil
Experienced local guides with extensive knowledge of Danakil and Omo Valley
Satellite phone for emergency communications
Comprehensive first aid kits
Carefully planned itineraries to avoid hottest parts of day in Danakil
4x4 vehicles with experienced drivers
Regular safety and cultural briefings for participants

All participants must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers adventure activities in remote areas. A signed waiver is required acknowledging the inherent risks of visiting an active volcanic region and engaging in cultural activities.

Adventurer Testimonials

March 15, 2024

"This was hands down the most incredible adventure of my life. Standing on the rim of Erta Ale watching the lava lake bubble at night was surreal. Our guides were incredibly knowledgeable about the geology and kept us safe in the extreme conditions. The landscapes are like nothing else on Earth - it truly feels like visiting another planet."

S

Sarah K.

From Canada

January 8, 2024

"The Danakil Depression exceeded all expectations. Dallol's colorful springs look photoshopped even when you're standing right there! The organization was flawless - from the military escorts to the well-planned rest stops. Be prepared for basic conditions, but it's 100% worth it for these once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Our guide's knowledge of the area's geology and Afar culture really enhanced the trip."

M

Michael T.

From Australia