Overview
The Omo Valley is home to over a dozen indigenous tribes, each with its own distinct language, customs, and traditions. This five-day tour takes you through some of the
most fascinating destinations in southern Ethiopia. You’ll start in Arba Minch, known for its lakes and the Dorze tribe, then visit Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous
for its terraced agriculture and cultural heritage. From there, you’ll head to Omo valley, allowing you to interact with tribes such as the Hamer, Karo, Nyangatom and Mursi,
while also exploring the region’s natural attractions like the Omo River and Mago National Park.
Itinerary
In the morning fly to Arba Minch, a gateway to the Omo Valley. 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 to Turmi. On the way visit the village of Konso tribe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their terraced farming and unique villages. On the way you will also visit traditional tribal markets if your travel date aligns with market days (Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday). 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 visit the village of Nyangatom and Karo tribes. The Nyangatom tribes are known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, fierce warrior traditions, and deep connection to their cattle. While 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. In the afternoon, drive to Jinka. On the way visit Bena stick walking boys. 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 visit Ari tribes known for their agricultural lifestyle, craftsmanship, and vibrant cultural traditions. If time permits, visit Jinka museum to learn more about other Omo valley tribes you did not cover on this tour. Overnight at Nasa pension or at the hotel of your choice.
In the morning transfer to Jinka airport for your back to Addis Ababa and end of the tour.
Price Includes
- All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
- All entrance fees according to the program
- Accommodations with Breakfast
- 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
- 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.
The Lower Omo River in south west Ethiopia is home to eight different tribes whose population is about 200,000. They have lived there for centuries. Young Mursi shepherds looking after livestock, Ethiopia. However the future of these tribes lies in the balance.
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.
