Lungo local tour Ethiopia
Summary: Ethiopia adventure tour
Duration: 6 days 5 night.
Day 01:
Together with lungo local tour Ethiopia team Take the flight from Addis Ababa to Mekelle. Overnight in Mekelle.
Day 02:
Together with lungo local tour Ethiopia Drive to Hamedela via Berhale. The Danakil Depression can be said to ‘begin’ here. It is one of the most inhospitable regions of the world, but is nonetheless spectacular, full of eye-catching colors, as in the sulphur springs. The desert has several points lying more than 100 meters (328 ft) below sea level; You pass through a small town of Berhale where the camel caravan stop before they proceed to the northern highlands. En route you see many long camel caravans coming to the salt mine and others going out of the Danakil with their salt loaded camels.(3-4 hrs drive) Camp Hamedela.
Day 03:
Hamd Ela – Dodom. Together with lungo local tour Ethiopia team We start early drive to Dodom (at the base of Erta Ale). Leave after an early breakfast, possible at 06:30. This is may be one of the worst road in the world. The 80 km distance may take about 6 hrs passing through changing landscape of solidified lava, rock, sand and occasional palm lined oasis. After you pass several small hamlets scattered here and there in this desert land, Dodom is about 17km from Erta Ale and it takes about 3 hrs trekking.
Early dinner around 17:00 and trek up to Ertale at 20:00 hours. Camels transport all the camping materials and some food (sleeping materials like light mattresses and mat and water) to the rim of the volcano, where we spend the night watching the dramatic action of the boiling lava.
Erta Ale ranks one of the most alluring and physically challenging natural attractions anywhere in Ethiopia. It is a shield volcano with a base diameter of 30 km and 1km square caldera at its summit. Erta Ale contains the world’s only permanent lava lake.
Overnight camping on the top of the mountain. Erta Ale is 613 meters, with a lava lake, one of only five in the world, at the summit. It is notable for being the longest existing lava lake, present since the early years of the twentieth century.
Day 04:
Dodom – Hamd Ela. Together with lungo local tour Ethiopia Derive from Erta Ale around 9 am Dodom – Hamd Ela. Leave back to Dodom after an early breakfast, if possible at 07:00. You will reach latest at 10:30 am at the camp, time to relax. After drive to reach Hamad Ela, better village with a total population about 500 people. Overnight camping at Hamed Ela.
Day 05:
Together with lungo local tour Ethiopia Morning tour Drive to Ragad (Asebo), the place where the localities are mining salt. Look the activity of breaking the salt from the ground, cutting in to rectangular pieces and loading on camels. You drive ahead to Dallol and visit the difference landscape formed by volcanic activity, Dallol + Lake Assal + camel caravans. Excursion to Dallol (116 meter below sea level, one of the lowest places in the world) colorful salts mining, visit Lake Assal, follow u camel caravans and walk with the Afar people. Drive back to Hamedela and proceed to Mekele. Overnight Hotel.
Day 6:
Together with lungo local tour Ethiopia Fly back to Addis Ababa, optional city tour City tour and sightseeing tour of Addis Ababa that includes the National Museum, Entoto, Trinity Cathedral and Merkato.
You will visit the National Museum. The National Museum of Ethiopia:
This is one of the best museums in quality and diversity of the exhibits. Archeological exhibits include the 3.5 million-year-old fossil of Lucy (or Dinkinesh – ‘thou art wonderful’- in the native language), a hominoid woman of the specious of Australopithecus Afarensis. The discovery of Lucy’s fossil in 1974 forced a complete rethink of human genealogy, providing that our ancestors were walking 2.5 million years earlier than had been supposed. The National Museum also contains many wonderful artifacts dating back to pre-Axumite civilization.
Drive to Entoto to visit Entoto Mariam church and the commanding panoramic view point mount Entoto which offers the stupendous view of the city, afterwards visit Trinity Cathedral known for its interior paintings and handcraft center that offers the rich legacy of handcrafts tradition that serve as a perfect souvenir. Visit includes Merkato, the largest open-air market in the continent.
Itinerary Overview
Experience the rich history, diverse cultures, and dramatic landscapes of Eastern Ethiopia on an unforgettable journey through one of the country’s most fascinating regions. Explore the ancient walled city of Harar, the colorful markets, traditional villages, the spectacular landscapes of the Awash Valley, and the breathtaking natural wonders of the Danakil Depression, including Dallol and Erta Ale Volcano.
This tour combines cultural heritage, history, wildlife, adventure, and unique geological attractions, offering an authentic Ethiopian travel experience. Guided by experienced local professionals, you’ll discover centuries-old traditions, remarkable architecture, vibrant communities, and some of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.
Tour Information
What’s Included
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Private 4WD vehicle or comfortable tourist vehicle (depending on the itinerary)
- Experienced driver
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during road journeys
- Entrance fees to all listed attractions
- Local guides where required
- Police escort and security arrangements where required
- Camping equipment and camping fees for Erta Ale and Danakil itineraries
- Government taxes and service charges
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights (unless specified)
- Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses
- Laundry services
- Tips and gratuities
- Camera or video fees where applicable
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Dress Code
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for warm and hot climates. Wear comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and carry a light jacket for cooler evenings in Harar.
Accommodation
Accommodation includes carefully selected hotels, lodges, guesthouses, or camping during Danakil and Erta Ale expeditions, depending on the itinerary.
Weather Conditions
Eastern Ethiopia experiences warm to extremely hot temperatures. Harar enjoys a mild highland climate, while Awash, Dallol, and Erta Ale are among the hottest places on Earth, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to over 45°C.
Tour Starting Point
The tour begins in Addis Ababa or another agreed starting location, depending on the itinerary.
Tour End
The tour concludes in Addis Ababa or another designated destination as outlined in the itinerary.
Camping
Camping equipment, mattresses, tents, and support staff are provided for tours to Erta Ale Volcano and selected Danakil Depression expeditions.
Meals
Breakfast is included daily. Lunches and dinners are provided where specified in the itinerary.
Photography
Photography is permitted at most attractions. Some locations may charge separate camera or video fees, payable where applicable.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Eastern Ethiopia is October to March, when temperatures are generally more comfortable for sightseeing and adventure activities.
Cultural Etiquette
Respect local customs and traditions, dress modestly when visiting religious and cultural sites, ask permission before photographing people, and help preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the region by traveling responsibly.
Price available upon request.
Filmmakers, Photographers & Media Expeditions
Whether you are a professional photographer, documentary filmmaker, television production team, journalist, YouTuber, travel writer, researcher, or content creator, Lungo Local Tour Ethiopia has the local expertise to support your project in the Omo Valley and across Ethiopia.
We have proudly assisted international media productions and travel professionals, including National Geographic, Thailand TV documentaries, Turkish travel magazines, and other international film and media teams. Our services include local logistics, cultural coordination, experienced guides, translation, transportation, filming permits assistance, and access to authentic cultural experiences.
If you are planning a documentary, photography expedition, television production, or travel feature, contact us today. We will work closely with you to create a safe, ethical, and successful experience tailored to your project’s needs.
Please note: We are often guiding guests in remote areas where mobile and internet coverage is limited. If you do not receive an immediate response, it simply means we are traveling with our clients. We kindly ask for your patience—we will respond to all tour and media inquiries as soon as we are back within network coverage.