Omo Valley & Danakil Depression Combined Ethiopia Tour (12-Day)

Omo Valley & Danakil Depression Combined Ethiopia Tour (12-Day)

$2,500.00

This tour combines two of Ethiopia’s most dramatic and culturally rich regions:

  • Danakil Depression – Known for its surreal landscapes: salt flats, sulfur springs in Dallol, active volcano Erta Ale, Afar salt mining, and extreme geology.

  • Omo Valley – Home to many of Ethiopia’s tribal communities (Hamer, Mursi, Karo, Ari etc.), with vibrant traditions, body adornment, markets, unique ways of life, and beautiful landscapes in the south.

Duration: ~12 days / 11 nights
Start & End: Addis Ababa (or you can begin elsewhere if preferred)
Transportation: mix of driving (4WD vehicles in rough terrain), possibly some domestic flights or scenic drives depending on your choice.
Accommodation: a mix of camps, lodges, guesthouses.

Best season: Dry season tends to be easier for travel in remote areas, especially in Danakil and Omo. Rainy seasons make roads difficult.

Level: Moderate. Some long drives, early mornings, camping nights, high/low temperatures (very hot in Danakil, potentially cooler in highlands). Good for travelers interested in culture, nature, geology, and indigenous tribes.

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Itinerary

Suggested Itinerary (12 Days / 11 Nights)

Here is a sample day-by-day breakdown:

Day Route / Key Activities
Day 1 Arrival in Addis Ababa. Meet at the hotel. Rest, brief city tour (if time): National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, local markets. Overnight in Addis.
Day 2 Fly or drive to Semera (or closest base) / or to a staging point for Danakil. Prepare for journey into Danakil (permits, supplies). Overnight near Semera or a support town.
Day 3 Transfer to Danakil Depression: drive to Hamed Ela, visit Afdera, salt flats, camel caravans. Overnight camping.
Day 4 Early morning to Dallol: explore hot springs, colored mineral formations, sulfur pools. Then to Lake Asale (Assale) and salt canyons. Overnight camping / lodge near these areas.
Day 5 Trek to Erta Ale (lava lake). Overnight (camp) at rim of volcano or safe vantage point.
Day 6 Return from Erta Ale, drive back through Hamed Ela / base. Rest, recover from rough terrain. Overnight in Semera or similar.
Day 7 Long drive toward southern Ethiopia. Possibly stop-over in middle cities, see landscapes, villages. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 8 Reach into Omo Valley. Begin cultural visits: one or two tribes such as the Karo, Himba, or Hamer; witness body adornment, local markets, traditional ceremonies. Overnight in the region (lodge or guesthouse).
Day 9 More tribal area: visit Mursi (if accessible), Ari or Dassanech. Experience their daily life, traditional ways of living, perhaps attend a market. Overnight in Omo Valley area.
Day 10 Continue exploring: possibly boat trip, nature walks, scenic views, photography, interaction with tribes, market days. Overnight in Jinka or equivalent.
Day 11 Begin return toward Addis Ababa (or through a different route), possibly with stops along the way, rest. Overnight en route or overnight in Addis (depending on travel time).
Day 12 Departure: wrap-up, any last-minute shopping in Addis, transfer to airport. Or if your flight schedule allows, short Addis tour or time for relaxation. End of service.

This schedule allows ~4 days for Danakil, ~3 days immersed in Omo Valley, plus travel/ buffer days for safety and rest.

Sample Price Estimate

Here’s a ballpark for what this tour could cost per person, depending on lodging standard, group size, inclusions etc.:

Category Estimate (Per Person)
Budget / Mid-range (camping nights, basic lodges, group or small group) USD 2,500 – 3,200
Comfort / Mid-High (better lodges, fewer camping nights, smaller group, more amenities) USD 3,500 – 4,200
Higher / Premium (luxury lodges, large portion in private vehicle, more comfort, maybe internal flights) USD 4,500 – 5,500+

Note: These include many variable costs: transport (especially 4WDs), food, guide fees, camping gear, permits etc. Internal flights make it more expensive. Remote area travel adds cost.

As a reference, some operators offer similar 12-day combinations (Danakil, Omo, Simien, Lalibela) in the USD 2,800-3,200 range for mid-range. SafariBookings.com

What’s Usually Included / Excluded

Here’s a list of what is typically included and not included in a tour like this. Temu Tour Ethiopia can adopt similar terms:

Included:

  • Ground transportation: 4WD vehicles for Danakil & Omo Valley portions; fuel, driver and permits.

  • Accommodation: camping during Danakil, lodges/guesthouses for Omo Valley / transit nights.

  • Meals: usually full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) except possibly first/last day or in Addis when you choose.

  • Guide(s): an experienced local guide, possibly additional scouts/guides for remote parts.

  • Entry fees / permits: for parks, tribal areas, Dallol, Erta Ale etc.

  • Camping equipment: tents, sleeping mats, sometimes sleeping bags (check comfort).

  • Drinking water (for remote parts, often “enough water” or bottled water).

  • Airport/hotel transfers at start and end.

Excluded:

  • International airfare/inbound & outbound flights.

  • Domestic flights (unless explicitly included).

  • Personal expenses: tips, souvenirs.

  • Any drinks outside included meals (alcoholic, special drinks).

  • Travel insurance.

  • Visa fees.

  • Optional extra activities not part of the basic itinerary (e.g. specific cultural performances, special photography tours, helicopter flights etc.).

  • Upgrades (single room supplement, luxury lodges vs basic lodges).

Additional information

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