Ehiopia’s Omo Valley is home to some of the most traditional and exotic tribes in Africa. Explore the Omo Valley on our Ethiopia Omo Valley Tour. This trip will give a glimpse into daily life of the tribal people of Arba Minch, Jinka, Turmi and Awassa. Conditions and accommodations are basic here, but those who go will be rewarded with stunning scenery and memorable experiences.
Contact UsDay 1 – Arrival/Addis: On arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, be welcomed by your guide and then transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the Jupiter Hotel or similar.
Day 2 – Addis/Langano: Drive south to the Rift Valley of Langano to visit the rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam (believed to be the southernmost church founded by King Lalibela), the pre-historic archaeological site of Melka Kunture, and the stelea field of Tiya (UNESCO Heritage Site). At Lake Langano, enjoy swimming and bird watching. Overnight at Sabana Beach Resort.
Day 3 – Langano/Arba Minch: Drive from Langano to Arba Minch (190 miles) through the fertile land of Wolayta and Alaba regions. The Alaba people are very famous for their beautiful home painting style. On the way, visit Sinkile Wild Life Sanctuary to see the endemic Swain’s hartebeest. Overnight at Paradise Lodge.
Day 4 – Arba Minch: After breakfast, drive to Chencha to visit the Dorze village. The Dorze people are well known for their weaving tradition and their elephant shaped traditional hut made from bamboo and false banana tree leaves. Drive back to Arba Minch for lunch and a boat trip on Lake Chamo. Visit the Crocodile Market where you can see a large number of crocodiles, different aquatic birds, and hippos. Overnight at Paradise Lodge.
Day 5 – Arba Minch/Jinka: Drive 170 miles south to Jinka visiting the villages of the Konso people, who are renowned for their colorful hand-woven cotton clothes and beautiful rock terraces. Overnight at Eco Omo Lodge.
Day 6 – Jinka: Drive to Mago National Park and visit Mursi Tribe, whose women are known for their clay lip plates. Afterward, drive back to Jinka and visit the Cultural Museum of the People of the Lower Omo Valley. Overnight at Eco Omo Lodge.
Day 7 – Jinka/Turmi: Enjoy an excursion to Turmi – the village of the Hamer people, whose women are noted for their typical hairdressing and leather skirts. Overnight at Buska Lodge.
Day 8 – Turmi: In the morning, drive to Omo Rate to visit the Dasenech people who are known for their scarifications. Stop for a picnic lunch stop at Murulle, head to Korcho – the village of the Karo people. Overnight at Buska Lodge.
Day 9 – Turmi/Yabello: Drive to Yabello with a stop at the villages of the nomadic people of Erbore. Overnight at Yabello Motel.
Day 10 – Yabello/Awassa: Visit the nomadic people of Borena and Sidama, who are renowned for their cultivation of Enset or False Banana. Overnight at Tadesse Enjori or similar.
Day 11 – Awassa/Addis: After a visit to the ‘Fish Market’ at the Shore of Lake Awassa, drive to Addis visiting the Rift Valley Lakes of Langano, Abiyatta, Shalla, and Ziway. Enjoy a free afternoon in Addis before a farewell dinner party at a traditional restaurant, where you can try a variety of Ethiopian dishes and see a traditional folk dance performance. Evening airport transfer for your flight home.
Interested in this trip? Give us a call or drop us an email.
*Pricing is per person and an estimate. Contact a Journey Specialist for a customized quote.
$ = Call for Pricing | $$ = $5,000 – $9,999 | $$$ = $10,000 – $20,000 | $$$$ = >$20,000