19 Days Ethiopia Combination Tour: Historic Route, Danakil Depression, Babile, Konso & Omo Valley
Overview
This 19-day Ethiopia Combination Tour is the ultimate journey through Ethiopia’s historical, cultural, and natural highlights. Explore the ancient monasteries of Lake Tana, the castles of Gondar, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the breathtaking Simien Mountains. Continue to the dramatic Danakil Depression and Erta Ale volcano before discovering Harar, Awash National Park, and the tribal cultures of the Omo Valley including the Hamer, Mursi, Dassenech, Konso, and Bana people. This itinerary combines Ethiopia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tribal encounters, volcano expeditions, wildlife, and stunning landscapes into one unforgettable adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Meet the Ethio Target Tours team at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Afterwards, enjoy a city tour around Addis Ababa.
Overnight: Triple E Hotel
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar
Fly to Bahir Dar and explore Lake Tana and its historic island monasteries including Ura Kidane Mihiret and Azwa Mariam.
Overnight: Jacaranda Hotel
Day 3: Blue Nile Falls
Drive to the spectacular Blue Nile Falls, locally known as Tissisat (“Smoking Water”), and enjoy a short hike and boat crossing.
Overnight: Jacaranda Hotel
Day 4: Bahir Dar – Gondar
Drive to Gondar and visit the Falasha village known for traditional pottery, weaving, and basketry.
Overnight: AG Hotel
Day 5: Gondar – Sankaber
Drive to Debark and continue trekking in the Simien Mountains National Park, where Gelada baboons are commonly seen.
Overnight: Campsite
Day 6: Sankaber – Gondar
Trek through the Simien Mountains via Jinbar Waterfall and Geech Village while enjoying breathtaking mountain scenery.
Overnight: AG Hotel
Day 7: Gondar – Lalibela
Travel to Lalibela and visit the first group of the famous rock-hewn churches.
Overnight: Panoramic View Hotel
Day 8: Lalibela – Addis Ababa
Continue visiting the remaining churches of Lalibela including Bet Medhane Alem before flying back to Addis Ababa.
Overnight: Triple E Hotel
Day 9: Addis Ababa – Semera – Erta Ale
Fly to Semera and drive to Dodom, the starting point for the Erta Ale volcano expedition.
Overnight: Camping on Erta Ale
Day 10: Erta Ale – Hamad Ela
Descend from Erta Ale and continue to Hamad Ela while observing camel caravans and the salt lake landscape.
Overnight: Camping at Hamad Ela
Day 11: Hamad Ela – Semera
Visit Dallol, Lake Assale, and the salt mining areas before driving back to Semera.
Overnight: Ardi Hotel
Day 12: Semera – Awash National Park
Drive to Awash National Park and enjoy wildlife viewing and scenic landscapes around the Awash Gorge.
Overnight: Genet Hotel
Day 13: Awash National Park – Dire Dawa – Harar
Drive to Harar and explore the ancient walled city, museums, markets, and the famous hyena feeding show.
Overnight: Harar
Day 14: Excursion to Babile
Take an excursion to Babile to visit the famous camel market before returning to Harar for additional sightseeing.
Overnight: Harar
Day 15: Harar – Hawassa
Drive from Harar to Hawassa.
Overnight: Hawassa
Day 16: Hawassa – Arba Minch – Konso
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo before visiting the Dorze people and continuing to Konso.
Overnight: Konso Korebta Lodge
Day 17: Konso – Turmi
Visit the Konso village and continue to Bana and Hamer tribal areas in Turmi.
Overnight: Emerald Lodge
Day 18: Turmi – Omorate – Jinka
Visit the Dassenech people in Omorate before continuing to Jinka.
Overnight: Nassa Hotel
Day 19: Jinka – Mago National Park – Addis Ababa
Visit the Mursi tribe in Mago National Park and later fly back to Addis Ababa.
Included in All Destinations
- Accommodation
- Car with driver and driver allowance
- Guide
- Entrance fees
- Bottled water during the tours
- Boat trips on Lake Chamo and Lake Tana
- Domestic flights
- Government tax
Included in Simien Mountains
- 4WD transportation to and from Gondar
- Guide
- Scout
- Cook and cooking materials
- Mule and mule handler
- Tent or community house accommodation
- Sleeping bags and mattresses
- All park entrance fees
- Food
- Bottled mineral water
Included in Danakil
- 4WD Land Cruisers with air conditioning
- Fuel expenses and driver allowances
- Entrance fees and permits
- Accommodation and meals throughout the tour
- Local Afar guide service
- Cooking and camping equipment
- Experienced cook
- Sleeping bag, pillow, or blanket
Destinations & Activities
2 Days Simien Mountains Trekking
Overview The Simien Mountains National Park in Northern Ethiopia is an exotic settingwith unique wildlife and breathtaking views of a landscape shaped by nature and traditional agriculture. The natural beauties of this region have always filled visitors from Ethiopia...
2 Days Awash National park
Overview The Simien Mountains National Park in Northern Ethiopia is an exotic setting with unique wildlife and breathtaking views of a landscape shaped by nature and traditional agriculture. The natural beauties of this region have always filled visitors from Ethiopia...
2 Days Tour to Danakil Depression
Overview The Danakil Depression is the northern part of the Afar Triangle or Afar Depression in Ethiopia, a geological depression that has resulted from the divergence of three tectonic plates in the Horn of Africa. A geological depression caused by the continental...
3 Days Geralta Mountains Trekking
Overview The Simien Mountains National Park in Northern Ethiopia is an exotic setting with unique wildlife and breathtaking views of a landscape shaped by nature and traditional agriculture. The natural beauties of this region have always filled visitors from Ethiopia...
3 Days Trek To Simien Mountains
Overview The Simien Mountains National Park in Northern Ethiopia is an exotic setting with unique wildlife and breathtaking views of a landscape shaped by nature and traditional agriculture. The natural beauties of this region have always filled visitors from Ethiopia...
3 Days Danakil Depression Tours
Day 1: Semera – Afdera Lake – Erta Ale Volcano After Breakfast you will fly to Semera, the capital of the Afar region, where you will be picked up at the airport by your expedition crew. From here it’s straight on to the Danakil Depression where you’ll reach the hot...