Ethiopia’s Omo Valley tour
Ethiopia's Omo Valley
These tours visit the tribes of Ethiopia's rapidly changing Omo Valley. Of the many small tribes in this area we regularly visit the Hamer and Banna, the Mursi, the Ari, the Dasanech, the Konso and Dorze. Less frequently we also visit the Karo. Our itineraries are scheduled to include some of the local weekly markets in the region. Ethiopian Airlines now flies between Addis Ababa and Arba Minch and between Addis Ababa and Jinka. The long, but scenic drive from Addis Ababa to the Omo Valley is no longer required to visit this region.
Ethiopia's Omo Valley; 8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 01 Addis Ababa - Arba Minch
Drive to Arba Minch, one of the main towns in Southern Ethiopia. On the way, visit a Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location.
Day 02 Arba Minch - Jinka
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. Drive to Jinka visiting various peoples such as the Gamo and Derashe. Stop at Key Afar's weekly market (if on a Thursday) and wander among the various tribes such as the Benna and Ari that have gathered to barter their goods.
Overnight Lodge
Day 03 Mago National Park
Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Time permitting, visit the Omo Valley Museum in Jinka.
Overnight Lodge
Day 04 Jinka - Turmi
Drive to Turmi to visit the Hame eople who are well known for the scarring of their bodies, using clay to shape their hairstyles, and the unique practice of "bull-jumping" which every young man must accomplish prior to marriage. En route to Turmi, visit the Benna and Ari people.
Overnight Lodge
Day 05 Omorate Excursion
Excursion to Omorate visiting the Dassanech people. Return to Turmi for the evening.
Overnight Lodge
Day 06 Turmi - Konso
Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages.
Overnight Lodge
Day 07 Konso - Hawassa
Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa. Rest and relaxation at one of Hawassa’s fine resorts.
Overnight Lodge
Day 08 Hawassa - Addis Ababa
Visit the Hawassa fish market in the morning. Drive to Addis Ababa making stops at the Rift Valley Lakes. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure upon request.
Ethiopia's Omo Valley and Bale Excursion;10 Days / 9 Nights
Day 01 Addis Ababa - Arba Minch
Drive to Arba Minch, one of the main towns in Southern Ethiopia. On the way, visit a Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location.
Day 02 Arba Minch
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake; hippopotami and beautiful aquatic birds are also abundant. Visit Nechisar Park, known for its “white grass” which is only accessible via boat.
Overnight Lodge
Day 03 Arba Minch - Jinka
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. Drive to Jinka visiting various peoples such as the Gamo and Derashe. Stop at Key Afar's weekly market (if on a Thursday) and wander among the various tribes such as the Benna and Ari that have gathered to barter their goods.
Overnight Lodge
Day 04 Mago National Park
Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Time permitting, visit the Omo Valley Museum in Jinka.
Overnight Lodge
Day 05 Jinka - Turmi
Drive to Turmi to visit the Hame eople who are well known for the scarring of their bodies, using clay to shape their hairstyles, and the unique practice of "bull-jumping" which every young man must accomplish prior to marriage. En route to Turmi, visit the Benna and Ari people.
Overnight Lodge
Day 06 Omorate Excursion
Excursion to Omorate visiting the Dassanech people. Return to Turmi for the evening.
Overnight Lodge
Day 07 Turmi - Konso
Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages.
Overnight Lodge
Day 08 Konso - Hawassa
Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa. Rest and relaxation at one of Hawassa’s fine resorts.
Overnight Lodge
Day 09 Hawassa - Bale Mountains
Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa. Rest and relaxation at one of Hawassa’s fine resorts.
Overnight Lodge
Day 10 Bale Mountains - Addis Ababa
Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa. Rest and relaxation at one of Hawassa’s fine resorts.
Overnight Lodge
