19 Days Ethiopia Combination Tour – Historic Route, Danakil Depression & 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.