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.

Tour Highlights

Diverse Tribal Cultures

Visit the unique tribes of the Omo Valley including the Hamer, Mursi, Ari, Dasanech, Konso, and Dorze people with their distinct traditions and lifestyles.

Lake Chamo Wildlife

Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to view some of the largest crocodiles in the world, hippopotami, and abundant birdlife in their natural habitat.

UNESCO World Heritage

Explore Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient and intricate terraces that encircle well-planned villages.

Ethiopia's Omo Valley Tour

8 Days / 7 Nights

Experience the Rich Cultural Heritage of Ethiopia's Tribal Communities

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.

Overnight Lodge

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.

Mursi Tribe Omo Valley Museum Overnight Lodge

Day 04: Jinka - Turmi

Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people 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.

Hamer Tribe Benna & Ari Tribes Overnight Lodge

Day 05: Omorate Excursion

Excursion to Omorate visiting the Dassanech people. Return to Turmi for the evening.

Dassanech Tribe 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.

UNESCO Site Konso Tribe 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.

Hawassa Fish Market Farewell Dinner

Ethiopia's Omo Valley and Bale Excursion

10 Days / 9 Nights

Cultural Exploration of Omo Valley Tribes plus Bale Mountains Adventure

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.

Dorze Tribe Overnight Lodge

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.

Nechisar Park Overnight Lodge

Day 03: Arba Minch - Jinka

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.

Key Afar Market Gamo & Derashe Tribes 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.

Mursi Tribe Omo Valley Museum Overnight Lodge

Day 05: Jinka - Turmi

Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people 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.

Hamer Tribe Benna & Ari Tribes Overnight Lodge

Day 06: Omorate Excursion

Excursion to Omorate visiting the Dassanech people. Return to Turmi for the evening.

Dassanech Tribe 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.

UNESCO Site Konso Tribe 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 Bale Mountains National Park. Enjoy an afternoon hike in the park, spotting endemic wildlife such as the Ethiopian wolf and mountain nyala. Birdwatching opportunities abound with numerous endemic species.

Ethiopian Wolf Bird Watching Overnight Lodge

Day 10: Bale Mountains - Addis Ababa

Morning hike in the Bale Mountains National Park. Drive to Addis Ababa. 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 if needed.

Farewell Dinner

Experience Ethiopia's Cultural Heartland

Join us on an unforgettable journey through Ethiopia's Omo Valley, home to some of Africa's most unique tribal cultures. Witness ancient traditions, stunning landscapes, and authentic cultural encounters.

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