Tour Overview & Highlights

Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most extraordinary countries – a place of ancient cultures, dramatic landscapes, deep connection, and unforgettable adventure.

Our expedition begins in the vibrant capital, Addis Ababa, where we come together for our first taste of Ethiopian culture, food, music, and dance.

From here, we head south into the heart of the Omo Valley, where we spend several days immersed in the lives of the Hamar people – not a superficial photo stop, but actually living with the tribe and getting to know them.

Through shared meals, games, rituals, markets, and even an overnight village stay, this is cultural connection at its deepest – playful, human, and profoundly moving.

If timing allows, we’ll also witness one of the most powerful coming-of-age rituals in Africa: the Hamar bull jumping ceremony.

This is a rare and deeply significant event, marking a young man’s transition into adulthood. It’s intense, emotional, and unforgettable – the kind of experience very few travellers ever get to see, let alone in such an authentic setting.

We continue through Ethiopia’s southern highlands, exploring UNESCO-listed Konso terraces, visiting the Dorze people and their beehive-shaped homes, and unwinding by the lakes around Arba Minch, where wildlife, water, and warm evenings slow the pace.

The adventure then shifts gears as we head into the wild beauty of the Bale Mountains, home to incredible trekking, rare wildlife, and star-filled nights in the highlands.

Danakil Depression Extension

For travellers craving an extra dose of adventure, we head to one of the most otherworldly places on Earth: the Danakil Depression.

Expect endless salt flats, neon sulphur springs, and surreal landscapes that feel closer to another planet than anywhere else in Africa.

This is Ethiopia in all its intensity and contrast – culture, connection, hiking, wildlife, adventure, and space to breathe. Expect laughter and ritual, challenging days and slow evenings, bonfires and big skies – and a journey that stays with you long after you leave.

Danakil Depression

Ethiopian Food

Essential Info

Cost

Total – from £3,995 (subject to current USD to GBP exchange rates)

• Deposit: £500 (non-refundable)
• 2nd Payment: £3,195 (due 62 days before the departure date)
• 3rd Payment: $230 (local payment, paid on arrival)
• Internal Flight: £130 approx. (booked and paid separately – but included in price above)

Local Payment

• The local payment is part of the overall total cost of the trip. You pay the local payment to your tour leader in US Dollars (unless specified otherwise) upon arrival in Africa.
• This includes the on-tour expenses that we cannot pay prior to arrival, such as national park entry fees, meals, local transport, some activities and tips for the local guides.
• The local payment is seperate from your own personal spending money.

Trip Notes

• Start: Addis Ababa.
• End: Addis Ababa.
• Maximum group size of 12.
• The price is based on twin/double occupancy.
• This trip is one of our ‘Exploratory’ trips, meaning it’s our very first time running a group tour to this incredible country!
• We’ve crafted an exciting itinerary based on thorough research and local connections, but as with all great adventures, a spirit of flexibility and openness is essential.
• This experience is perfect for travellers who are adventurous, laid-back, and excited to embrace the unexpected!
• You will need to book 1 local flight (or 3 if doing the Danakil extension) in Ethiopia, we will advise on this. The local flights are usually cheaper if you book your international flights with Ethiopian Airlines.
• We include almost everything, so aside from your trip costs and flights, the only thing you need to pay for is 1 dinner, drinks and souvenirs!

Is this trip for you?

Rock My Adventure tours are designed for easy-going, open-minded and adventurous travellers who value experiences and connection, while still enjoying a good level of comfort.

On days 4, 8, 9 (& 13 if doing the extension) we are wild camping – no running water, mostly bush toilets. Please be prepared for that.

These trips are ideal for social travellers who enjoy meeting new people, travelling as part of a small group and sharing experiences along the way. Many of our guests travel solo, and the group dynamic is a big part of what makes these trips so special.

Itinerary

Day 2: Southbound: Flight to Jinka & Honey Wine Welcome

After a relaxed breakfast, we’ll head to the airport for a morning flight south to Jinka, arriving in time for lunch.

After lunch, we’ll begin the scenic drive to Turmi (around 3 hours). The journey starts on smooth tarmac before turning into dirt roads that wind through rural countryside and villages.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional dinner and an introduction to Ethiopia, the Hamar people, and our ethical approach to travel in the South Omo Valley.

Later, we’ll head to our guide’s mother’s home to taste tej – Ethiopian honey wine, said to be the best in town – and toast to new friendships and the days ahead.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
• Activities: Hamar Dinner, Tej Tasting

Day 4: 24 Hours Living with the Hamar Tribe

Today is all about immersion.

Those who wish can take part in a 24-hour digital detox (optional), handing over phones and stepping fully into Hamar life, where time is told by the sun and social media doesn’t exist.

In the morning, we’ll choose between learning traditional jewellery-making or wood carving under the trees. Create your own piece or commission a local artisan while learning about the cultural meaning behind each design.

In the afternoon, we’ll join a Hamar family to prepare and share lunch. Help grind grain, pick moringa leaves, and make traditional coffee from husks (an alternative meal is available if needed).

Later, we’ll see how Hamar honey is collected from hives in the trees and sample fresh honey alongside bokolo (roasted maize), if in season.

Tonight, we’ll experience a village sleepover – either camping in a tent or sleeping traditionally on a cowskin inside (or outside) a Hamar house – your choice!

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping/Traditional Hut (Bedding Provided)
• Activities: Hamar Tribe Immersion (Jewellery Making, Cooking, Honey Collection, Village Sleepover)

PLEASE NOTE: The Bull Jumping ceremony is a real and deeply important local ritual, so it takes place according to community timing rather than a fixed schedule. The likelihood of witnessing it during our visit is high, and if needed, we’ll adjust other activities to ensure we can be there.

Day 6: Terraces & Textures: Konso, Dorze & Arba Minch

We’ll start the day with pull, a traditional southern Ethiopian breakfast and a group favourite.

Departing early, we’ll travel to Konso (around 4 hours), passing through changing landscapes along the way. On arrival, we’ll explore the Konso people’s extraordinary stone terraces and fortified settlements, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over lunch, we’ll learn about their carved wooden statues, traditional games, and unique social systems.

Continuing on to Arba Minch, we’ll stop in the Dorze Highlands to visit their iconic beehive-shaped houses, learn about traditional weaving, and sample kocho (made from enset, or false banana). This community-owned cultural experience often ends in lively dancing – joining in is highly encouraged.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a fresh fish dinner in Arba Minch.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
• Activities: Pull Breakfast, Konso Settlement & UNESCO World Heritage site, Dorze Highlands Cultural Experience (Beehive Houses, Traditional Weaving, Kocho, Dancing)

Day 8: Into the Highlands: Bale Mountains

We’ll begin the day with a visit to the Hawassa fish market, followed by the freshest fish breakfast imaginable.

From here, we’ll head east, climbing steadily into the highlands. The scenic 4-hour drive passes through Shashamane and Dodola, with views of farmland, eucalyptus forests, and Oromo villages along the way.

Arriving in Dinsho, the headquarters of Bale Mountains National Park, in the afternoon, we’ll be welcomed by local guides before heading out on a gentle forest walk. Wander among juniper and Hagenia trees, with chances to spot mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, warthogs, and colourful highland birds.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner and gather around the campfire, toasting marshmallows before settling in for the night.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping (Bedding Provided)
• Activities: Bale Mountains Forest Walk

Day 10: From Mountain Air to Lake Life

We’ll wake to crisp mountain air and enjoy breakfast before beginning the descent from the Bale highlands. Watch the scenery change as we travel through different ecosystems and rural villages.

Continuing through the Rift Valley toward Lake Langano (around 4.5 hours in total), we’ll stop for a picnic or roadside lunch along the way.

Arriving in the afternoon, we’ll relax and enjoy some free time by the lake – swim, walk along the shore, or simply watch the sunset over the water.

The day ends with a relaxed lakeside dinner beneath the stars.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
• Activities: None

Day 12: Ancient Stones & Return to Addis

After breakfast, we’ll begin the journey back north toward Addis Ababa. En route, we’ll stop at the Tiya Stelae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring mysterious carved stone pillars marking ancient burial grounds.

Continuing through the Rift Valley, we’ll stop for lunch and coffee along the way before arriving in Addis Ababa by late afternoon.

In the evening, we’ll head out for dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants. Those with energy can explore Addis nightlife – from live jazz and traditional dance houses to buzzing local bars.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
• Activities: Tiya Stelae

Day 14: Addis to the Danakil: Semera & Salt Lakes

We’ll take an early morning flight to Semera.

From here, we’ll depart in a 4WD convoy and head into the Danakil Depression. Along the way, we’ll stop at Lake Afdera, a salt lake lying below sea level, to see traditional salt extraction.

Arriving in the salt desert area in the afternoon, we’ll take time to relax after the long drive.

At sunset, we’ll visit the spectacular Lake Asale salt flats, where mirror-like reflections stretch to the horizon.

Tonight, we’ll camp under the stars in the open desert.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping (Bedding Provided)
• Activities: Lake Afdera, Lake Asale Salt Flats

Day 15: Dallol – One of Earth’s Extremes

We’ll set off early for Dallol, one of the lowest places on Earth at – 125 metres.

We’ll explore the surreal hydrothermal landscape of colourful mineral formations, acid pools, and salt mountains. Along the way, we’ll visit Afar salt miners as they cut salt blocks and load them onto camel caravans – a tradition unchanged for centuries.

In the afternoon, we’ll begin the return drive toward Semera.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
• Activities: Dallol

Day 16: Departure Day

We’ll take a mid-morning flight back to Addis Ababa, arriving around lunchtime.

The afternoon is free to rest, recover, or shop at a local artisan cooperative. You may choose to explore nearby sights or simply enjoy some well-earned downtime after the Danakil adventure.

In the evening, we’ll head out for dinner at a rooftop restaurant and bar before we transfer to the airport for our flights home, or you can stay on and continue your Africa travels from there.

If you need any support with your pre or post-tour Africa travels, please don’t hesitate to contact us. It’s all part of the Rock My Adventure service.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: None
• Activities: Farewell Dinner