Overview
This Eight-day Omo Valley tour by land from Addis Ababa is an immersive journey into one of the most culturally rich and diverse regions in the world. The Omo Valley is home
to numerous indigenous tribes, each with unique traditions, customs, and ways of life.
Itinerary
Addis Ababa to Arba Minch
In the morning drive from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch, a gateway to the Omo Valley. On the way, visit the 12th century Tiya Stelae field, a UNESCO world heritage site. Continue to Arba Minch enjoying scenic views of the countryside along the way. Overnight at Mora Heights Hotel or at the hotel of your choice.
In the 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 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 take excursion from Turmi to 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, visit any available cultural activities including Bull jumping if available on this day. 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 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.
