14 Days: Chebera Churchura, Omo Valley, Lalibela, And Danakil 14 days

Day  01: Addis Ababa to Jimma

In the morning, you'll take a flight to Jimma. Upon arrival, you will embark on a journey to Chebera Churchura National Park, one of Ethiopia's most pristine and recently explored wildlife areas. The park features diverse landscapes, including rivers, streams, crater lakes, and rolling hills, creating a rich habitat for wildlife.

Wildlife highlights include:

- African elephants: The park is one of the best places to spot them.

- Other large mammals: Cape buffalo, hippos, lions, and leopards.

- Birdwatching: The park is home to numerous bird species.

You will spend the night at Chebera Safari Lodge.

Day 02: Wildlife Exploration in Chebera Churchura

Immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness of Chebera Churchura National Park with a full-day exploration. You'll embark on guided walks through the park’s diverse landscapes, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe majestic wildlife in their natural habitat. Look out for large mammals such as African elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species, as well as an incredible array of birdlife. As you traverse the park’s lush forests, grasslands, and riverbanks, your expert guide will provide insights into the unique ecosystem and its inhabitants. This unforgettable wildlife experience offers a rare chance to connect with nature in one of Ethiopia's most pristine national parks. You will continue your stay at Chebera Safari Lodge.

Day 03: Further Exploration in Chebera Churchura

Continue your wildlife adventure in Chebera Churchura National Park, a hidden gem known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. As you delve deeper into the park's lush forests, rolling hills, and open grasslands, you’ll have even more opportunities to encounter majestic African elephants, herds of buffalo, and various other mammals in their natural habitat.

In addition to large wildlife, the park boasts an incredible variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for colourful kingfishers, soaring raptors, and elusive forest-dwelling birds as you explore. Whether trekking through dense vegetation, enjoying a game drive, or relaxing by one of the park’s pristine rivers, every moment in Chebera Churchura offers a chance to connect with nature and witness Ethiopia’s untamed beauty. You will stay another night at Chebera Safari Lodge.

Day 04: Chebera Churchura to Jimma (Coffee Experience) and Drive to Arba Minch

You'll drive back to Jimma, stopping to visit a renowned coffee plantation. Explore the lush fields, learn about coffee cultivation, and witness traditional and modern processing methods, from drying to roasting. You’ll conclude your visit with an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony, savouring the rich flavours of coffee in its historic birthplace. Afterwards, drive to Arba Minch, taking in the beautiful landscape along the way. You will spend the night at Haile Resort.

Day 05: Dorze Village and Nechisar National Park

After a delightful breakfast, drive to the highland village of the Dorze people, renowned for their impressive beehive-shaped houses and exceptional weaving traditions. During your visit, you will participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, offering insight into daily life and social customs. In the afternoon, drive to Nechisar National Park to explore the wildlife, including zebras and other species. The day will conclude with relaxation and an overnight stay at Haile Resort, a comfortable lodge in Arba Minch.

Day 06: Arba Minch to Konso to Turmi

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic boat excursion on Lake Chamo, known for its large crocodiles, hippos, and abundant birdlife. Continue your journey to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its stone terracing, sustainable agricultural systems, and distinctive wooden grave markers known as waka. Explore Nechisar National Park in the afternoon before driving south to Turmi, the cultural centre of the Hamar people and a key base for exploring the Lower Omo Valley. You will stay overnight at Emerald Lodge in Turmi.

Day 07: Turmi to Omorate and the Dassanech Tribe

Today’s excursion takes you south to Omorate, where you will cross the Omo River using a traditional wooden canoe. On the opposite bank, you will visit the Dassanech people, known for their resilience and unique adaptation to the riverine environment. After returning to Turmi, you will spend time with the Hamar community, observing daily activities and village life. In the evening, enjoy Evangadi dancing, a lively cultural gathering. If scheduled, you may also witness the traditional bull-jumping ceremony, a significant rite of passage for young Hamar men.

Overnight: Emerald Lodge, Turmi

Day 08: Drive from Turmi to Karo (Kara) Village and Jinka (260 km, 4 hours)

After breakfast, drive 65 km (1 hour) west to Korcho village, home to the Karo tribe. You will have the opportunity to meet the Karo people in their village located on the shore of the Omo River. The Karo, known as the least populous ethnic group in the Omo Valley, are famous for their elaborate facial and body paintings. You can even get your face painted in the Karo style. Afterwards, return to Turmi for lunch. You may also have the option to attend the Hamar Bull Jumping Ceremony or the Evangadi Dancing Ceremony. Finally, proceed to Jinka town for the night.

Overnight: Nasa Hotel, Jinka

Day 09: Mago National Park and Mursi People

Depart early for a 50 km (1-hour) drive to Mago National Park, where you will visit the Mursi tribe, known for the women’s lip plates. The Mursi are a nomadic agro-pastoral community that moves within their territory in search of fresh pastures and farming grounds. This visit will allow for genuine interaction with the Mursi people before heading back to Jinka. From Jinka, you will proceed to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.

Overnight: Check in at a hotel in Addis Ababa.

Day 10: Addis Ababa Fly to Lalibela

Fly to Lalibela in the morning, where your guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for a short rest. Begin your exploration of the remarkable Northern Cluster of rock-hewn churches, which includes Biete Medhane Alem, Biete Maryam, Biete Golgotha & Selassie, Biete Debre Sina & Mikael, and the iconic Biete Giyorgis. After the visit, return to Hitop Lodge for an overnight stay.

Day 11: Second Group of Lalibela Churches and Fly to Addis Ababa

Early in the morning, visit the second group of churches in Lalibela: Bete Geberial, Bete Rafael, Bete Merqoruoes, Bete Emaule, and Bete Aba Libanose. Afterwards, drive back to your hotel for breakfast and then fly to Addis Ababa.

Overnight: Check-in at a hotel in Addis Ababa

Day 12: Fly from Addis Ababa to Semera and Drive to Ahmed Ella

Upon arrival at Semera airport, you will be met and driven to Ahmed Ella, enjoying the beautiful landscape of solidified lava, rock, sand, and occasional palm-lined oases. After passing several small hamlets, you will visit Ahmed Ella village, which has a population of more than 500 people, to see the lifestyle of the local Afar people. Finally, proceed to Salt Lake Asale, a vast salty lake where you can swim in a natural pool while enjoying the sunset reflections on the salty ground.

Overnight: Camping at Ahmed Ella

Day 13: Visit Dallol, Then Drive to Erta Ale

The morning tour includes a drive to Ragad (Asebo) to observe local salt mining activities, where salt is extracted, cut into pieces, and loaded onto camels. Next, visit Dallol, known for its unique volcanic landscapes, colourful salt formations, and bubbling lakes, situated 125 meters below sea level. After lunch in Ahmed Ella, proceed to Erta Ale, a shield volcano featuring the world’s only permanent lava lake. At 613 meters high, Erta Ale is one of the rare volcanoes with a lava lake that has existed since the early 20th century, providing a dramatic night experience of boiling lava.

Overnight: Camping at Erta Ale

Day 14: Drive from Erta Ale to Lake Afdera, Semera, and Fly to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, we will drive to Afdera, which is used for salt extraction and named after the saline Lake Afdera, located in the southern part of the Afar Depression. It is a major source of salt extraction in Ethiopia, where lake water is pumped to salt pans for solar evaporation. After lunch, we will continue the trip to Semera airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. Later, you will have a farewell dinner and be ready for your departure.