Cultural immersion and adventures in Ethiopia
In summary
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Sports
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Duration10 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationAfrica / Ethiopia
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AgeFrom 7 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions865.55 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Embark on an intense immersion into the heart of Ethiopia through a 9-day journey linking its three most iconic regions. This trip, designed for adventure enthusiasts, offers a striking contrast between spiritual fervor, extreme geology, and ancestral traditions.
Your exploration begins in Lalibela , where you'll discover the famous rock-hewn churches , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey continues northeast to the Danakil Depression . In this surreal landscape, among the most hostile and fascinating on the planet, you'll contemplate volcanic landscapes in improbable colors. Finally, head south to the Omo Valley to meet the local ethnic groups . This leg of the journey offers an authentic cultural immersion , punctuated by the discovery of the customs and ways of life of these indigenous peoples.
Thanks to optimized logistics combining domestic flights and 4x4 journeys, this itinerary maximizes every moment spent in the field. Between unspoiled nature and historical heritage, prepare for an experience of rare visual power, ideal for those seeking a condensed essence of the Ethiopian soul.
The highlights
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Three mythical regions encompassing culture, tribes, and extreme landscapes
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Three iconic regions in one perfectly seamless itinerary
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Intense cultural immersion and exceptional natural landscapes
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
There is no difficulty just walking through to visit.
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 1h30
- Average distance/day: 6 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1451 m
- Average daily descent: 18 m
Management
English
French
Program
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Arrival in Addis Ababa and city tour
- Transportation Car - 03h - 30km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 3000 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. You will be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel.
After a short rest, the guided tour of Addis Ababa begins, including:
- The National Museum: home to Lucy, the famous fossil dating back 3.2 million years.
- Holy Trinity Cathedral: burial place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
- Mount Entoto: for an exceptional panoramic view of the city.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner enlivened by traditional cultural music and dances.
Day 1 -
Addis Ababa - flight to Lalibela
- Transportation Plane - 01h15 - 341km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 2500 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight: 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to the city. Begin exploring the first group of rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, entirely carved into the rock.
Day 2 -
Lalibela - flight to Addis Ababa
- Transportation Plane - 01h15 - 341km
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, visit the second group of churches, including the emblematic Bete Giorgis (Saint George), famous for its cross-shaped architecture.
Flight: 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Upon your arrival in Addis Ababa, enjoy a short city tour including:
- The National Museum (which houses Lucy)
- The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
Day 3 -
Addis Ababa – flight to Semera – Danakil (Erta Ale)
- Transportation Plane - 01h20 - 393km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 613 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Upon arrival in Semera, meet the expedition team and depart by vehicle for the Afar region. Stop at Lake Afdera for a refreshing break and lunch.
The route continues towards the Erta Ale volcano, one of the few permanent lava lakes in the world. In the evening, hike to the crater to witness the spectacle of the incandescent lava.
Day 4 -
From Erta Ale to Hamed Ela: the salt plains
- Transportation Car - 15h30 - 120km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 8 km
- Negative elevation 125 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Flight: 06:45 – 08:05
Upon arrival in Semera, meet the expedition team and depart by vehicle for the Afar region. Stop at Lake Afdera for a refreshing break and lunch.
The journey continues towards the Erta Ale volcano, one of the few permanent lava lakes in the world. In the evening, hike to the crater to admire the incandescent lava.
Optional morning hike to watch the sunrise over the volcano. Then, drive to Hamed Ela with visits to:
- Afar Villages
- Traditional salt extraction areas
- Salt flats of Lake Assale
Enjoy a spectacular sunset over the salt flats.
Day 5 -
Dallol - Semera - flight to Addis Ababa
- Transportation Plane - 01h20 - 393km
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Morning excursion to Dallol, one of the lowest and hottest points on the planet.
Exploring the premises:
- Multicolored hydrothermal fields
- Acid basins
- Salt formations and salt "mushrooms"
Return by vehicle to Semera for your return flight.
Flight: 11:45 AM – 7:00 PM
Day 6 -
Addis Ababa – flight to Jinka – drive to Turmi
- Transportation Plane - 13h25 - 436km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Distance 3 km
- Positive elevation gain 1490 m
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight: 12:05 – 13:30
Upon arrival, departure by vehicle to Turmi with planned stops for:
- Key Afer Market: an authentic weekly tribal market.
- The encounter with the Mursi people: famous for their lip plate adornments (women-plates).
- The discovery of the Benna ethnic group: often observed perched on traditional stilts.
Day 7 -
Turmi: Immersion among the Karo and Hamar peoples
- Transportation Car - 14h - 120km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Morning excursion to meet the Karo people, famous for their intricate body paintings on the banks of the Omo River.
Back to Turmi to visit the Hamar people, known for:
- Her elaborate hairstyles
- Her leather skirts adorned with pearls
- The "bull jumping" ceremony (subject to being held, with a flexible schedule for attending)
Day 8 -
Turmi – Konso – Arbaminch
- Transportation Car - 17h30 - 278km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 1650 m
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Route to Arbaminch with a stop at the village of Konso (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), renowned for:
- Its terraced landscapes
- Its unique cultural traditions
- His wooden funerary stelae (waka)
Day 9 -
Arbaminch – Dorze Village – flight to Addis Ababa
- Transportation Plane - 01h10 - 350km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Visit to the village of Dorze, famous for:
- His bamboo houses are shaped like beehives.
- Its traditional weaving culture
- The culinary preparation of Enset (the "false banana tree")
Return by vehicle to Arbaminch for your flight to Addis Ababa.
Flight: 4:50 PM – 6:00 PM
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner enhanced by cultural dance performances before your international departure.
Day 10
Accommodation
During their stay in Addis Ababa, guests will stay at the Aya Hotel. Ideally located on the main thoroughfare of Bole Road, the hotel includes breakfast in its services.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation all along the route.
- 2 nights camping in the Danakil (full board with all equipment provided).
- Private transport (4x4 vehicles for the Danakil and Omo Valley regions).
- English-speaking professional guide.
- Local scouts and security service in the Danakil.
- Local road guides and facilitators.
- All domestic flights
- All entry fees and necessary permits.
- Bottled mineral water throughout the stay.
The price does not include
- Lunches and dinners (except in the Danakil)
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Headlamp
- Flashlight
- Camera
- Walking sticks
- Plastic bags
Clothing to bring
- Hiking shoes
- Hiking pants
- Underwear
- Flip-flops
- Protective mask / Neck gaiter
The Kiros team
A former community trekking guide turned expedition leader, this renowned expert on Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa designs trips of rare authenticity. Kiros combines exceptional local knowledge with international service standards to create immersive and tailor-made experiences.
