Overview
This Eleven-day South and West Omo Valley tour is an immersive journey into one of the most culturally diverse and fascinating regions in the world, where you will encounter unique tribal communities, stunning landscapes, and rich traditions.
Itinerary
In the morning fly from Addis Ababa to Jimma, a historic city known for its coffee culture. In the afternoon, visit Jimma Museum and Aba Jifar Palace, the founder of Jimma region. Overnight at Awetu Grand Hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning drive from Jimma to Mizan Teferi. On the way visit Bebeka Coffee Plantation, one of the oldest and largest coffee plantations in Ethiopia. Learn about coffee production and enjoy a fresh cup of Ethiopian coffee. Overnight at Salayesh Hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning drive from Mizan Teferi to Kibish, the heartland of Suri tribes. Enjoy the scenic drive through lush forest and coffee plantation. Overnight at camping.
Visit the village of Suri tribes known for their body painting, scarification, and stick- fighting ceremonies. Overnight at camping.
In the morning reshuffle the village of Suri tribes. In the afternoon, drive to the village of Karo tribes. Overnight at camping.
In the morning visit the village of Karo tribes. The Karo tribes are known for their intricate body painting, scarification, and unique cultural practices, the Karo tribes are a small but highly distinctive community. Afterwards, visit the village of Nyangatom tribes. The Nyangatom tribes are known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, fierce warrior traditions, and deep connection to their cattle. Late afternoon, visit the village of Hamer tribe known for their traditional ceremonies called Bull Jumping. If the day aligns, witness a bull-jumping ceremony, a significant rite of passage for Hamer men. Overnight at Emerald Lodge or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning drive from Turmi to Jinka. On the way visit Bena stick walking boys. In the afternoon, visit Jinka museum to learn more about other Omo valley tribes you did not cover on this tour. Late afternoon, visit Ari tribes known for their agricultural lifestyle, craftsmanship, and vibrant cultural traditions. Overnight at Nasa pension or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning visit the Mursi tribes, famous for their lip plates and body painting. In the afternoon drive to Konso and visit Konso village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its terraced agriculture and cultural heritage. Overnight at Kanta Lodge or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning drive from Konso to Arba Minch. Mid-morning, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles and hippos. In the afternoon, visit the Dorze tribe, known for their unique bamboo huts and weaving traditions. Overnight at Mora Heights Hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning drive from Arba Minch to Hawassa. In the afternoon visit Amora Gedel, a well-known cultural and recreational spot in Hawassa city where you can spot several wild animals such as Monkeys, Hippos, Hyenas and variety of bird species, including pelicans, kingfishers, and herons. Overnight at Haile Resort or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning visit traditional fish market on the shore of Lake Hawassa. Then drive back to Addis Ababa, and enjoy scenic views of the rift valley lakes along the way. In the afternoon, time for final pack and shopping. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant with traditional music and dance performances. Followed by transfer to the airport for your flight back home. End of the trip.
Price Includes
- All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
- All entrance fees according to the program
- Accommodations
- Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
- Multilingual professional guide
Price Excludes
- Any flight (Domestic Flights can be arranged upon request)
- Lunch and Dinner
- Alcoholic drinks
- Travel insurance
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned under what’s included section
FAQs
The Lower Valley of the Omo is located in south-western Ethiopia. It extends over an area of 165 km2. The age old sedimentary deposits in the Lower Omo Valley are now world renowned for the discovery of many hominid fossils, that have been of fundamental importance in the study of human evolution.
Visiting the tribes of the Omo Valley is like stepping into a different world. The region is home to an incredible amount of diverse people and traditions that you won’t find anywhere else. Think of remote villages where all men wear body paint, lip plates, or ceremonies like bull-jumping.
The Omo Valley is the southern tip of Ethiopia in the Southern National, Nationalities, and Peoples region of Ethiopia. Getting to the Omo Valley requires a domestic flight to the town of Arba Minch. From here, you must take to the road and drive into the Omo Valley.
The region is not only famous for its healthy hippo population but also its enormous fishing markets. Tourists visit the Rift Valley to see the most scenic and litter free lake ecosystems. Among several museums including those about the first humanoids that walked the Valley, a favourite is the one in Hawassa.
