Itinerary
Day 01: Addis Ababa – Arba Minch
Your guide welcomes you at Addis Ababa Airport. After breakfast, we will visit the National Museum to meet our ancestor Lucy. Once we have lunch, we will return to the airport to catch the flight to Arba Minch. Overnight in hotel in Arba Minch.
Day 02: Arba Minch
In the morning, we take a boat trip on Lake Chamo, to observe different wild animals: Nile crocodiles (the biggest in Africa), hippos and aquatic birds. In the afternoon, we reach the Dorze village, situated at 2,500 meters above sea level. The Gamo communities are well known for their weaving techniques and colorful crafts, which can be found all over the country. We discover an amazing plant, named “Enset” or false banana tree, whose root and stem have multiple uses. The Dorze consume it daily. We also visit the market if it takes place on that day. Overnight in a hotel in Arba Minch.
Day 03: Arba Minch – Jinka
In the morning we visit the village of the Konso tribe. We discover their lifestyle, as well as the eroded land that is known by the name “New York”. Because of the terracing agriculture, UNESCO decided to register the konsos’ landscape as a World Heritage site. In the afternoon, we start our descent into the Omo Valley, stopping at any markets we come upon. Overnight in hotel in Jinka.
Day 04: Jinka
Today we cross the Mago National Park, where we might see some wild animals like dik-diks (the smallest antelope in the country) or buffalos. After a few hours of driving, we arrive at one of the villages of the Mursi tribe. This is usually considered as the highlight of your trip. The remarkable lip plates of the women’s’ and the numerous scarifications both the men and women wear are amazing. We also discover how these people managed to keep their traditional way of life intact for so long. After walking through the village, we then drive back to Jinka for lunch. After a little bit of rest, we visit the Ari tribe, the only sedentary people in the Omo Valley. We discover its famous painted houses, pottery, and blacksmith, and we meet children dancing and walking through the village. Overnight in a hotel in Jinka.
Day 05: Jinka – Turmi
In the morning we visit the South Omo Research Center and the Museum dedicated to all tribes of the Omo Valley. We then drive to Turmi via Key Afer. On the way, we stop at the Bana tribe village to discover its colorful market. If a special event such as bull jumping of the Hamer tribe occurs on this day, we definitely attend. In the evening we visit a Hamer village. Overnight in a hotel in Turmi.
Day 06: Turmi
Today we discover the Nyangatom tribe who live on the southwestern banks of the Omo River, famous for their storytelling and singing. Their warriors are considered the most fearsome of all the tribes of the Omo Valley. In the afternoon, we have Rendez-Vous at Kolcho, one of the most stunning villages overlooking the Omo River. In this village leave around 250 people from the Karo tribe, well known for their body paintings, considered the best among the Omo tribes. Overnight in a hotel in Turmi.
Day 07: Turmi
In the morning, we drive to Omorate to discover the Dassenech tribe. Omorate is the last town in Ethiopia before the Kenyan border. From here on we cross the Omo River by a traditional wooden dugout canoe. Once on the other side of the Omo River, we discover the Dassenech people, one of the few tribes who practice fishing as a source of income. We tour around their village, learning about their culture and their way of life. In the afternoon we drive back to Turmi. Overnight in a hotel in Turmi.
Day 08: Turmi
Free day for school project at school. Overnight in a hotel in Turmi.
Day 09: Turmi – Konso
In the morning we visit the Arbore tribe. Women are among the most beautiful women of the Omo Valley. They cover their heads with black colored cloth and put on their neck colorful jewelry. They are also known for their houses made out of papyrus. We visit the market if it takes place on that day. Then we head to Konso. Overnight in a hotel in Konso.
Day 10: Konso – Addis-Abeba
In the morning we drive from Konso to Arba Minch. Then we take a flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, we will visit the biggest market in Africa: the Mercato. Afterward, at the restaurant, we enjoy a traditional dinner hosted by local dancers, before your transfer to the airport for your international flight.
Rates
Prices are subjected to changes at any moment if there is a rise in park entry fees, or changes in accommodation or domestic airfares but in cases like that, we will inform the clients/agent as early as possible.
Lodges, hotels, and tented camps base their prices on double occupancy and charge an additional fee for solo travelers. If you are traveling alone but would like to share a room/tent, every effort will be made to match you with a roommate. You will be charged for the single occupancy, but refunded if you are matched with a roommate.
- 2-49 people $2000/person
- 50+ people $1700/person
- Supplemental fee of single person $250
Prices include:
- Entrance fees
- Coaster bus (18 persons per vehicle)
- Local tour leader for the whole trip
- Domestic flight (make change depending on airline)
- Meals on full board basis (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Porterage fee
- Boat on Lake Chamo
Not included in price:
- International and domestic flights
- Alcohol drinks
- Visa fee
- Airline baggage fee
- Tips for the driver and local tour leader
- Anything not included under “Price includes”
