Arba Minch - Dorze - Lake Chamo

Dorze Village - Upon arrival, the journey will proceed northwest of Arba Minch for a boat trip on Lake Chamo, where visitors can explore the crocodile market and observe hippos. After the lake excursion, the tour will continue to the Gamo tribe in Dorze village. From Arba Minch, a right turn will be made just before reaching the city, heading towards the Dorze tribe of Chencha to experience the village life of these people, renowned for their traditional cloth-making by weaving cotton with locally crafted instruments. The visit will take place in the late afternoon, in a village situated at an altitude of 2500m above sea level. The Gamo communities are celebrated for their exceptional weaving techniques and vibrant crafts, visible throughout the country. Visitors will witness the preparation of the false banana plant, Ethiopia’s miracle plant known as ‘Enset’. Enset is vital in the Southern regions, with both its root and stem serving multiple purposes. Guests will have the opportunity to taste meals made from it and the homemade liquor called (arique), as well as observe the daily life activities of the jungle family. The day will conclude with a return drive for an overnight stay in Arba Minch at Paradise Lodge.

Chamo Lake - Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo, exploring the crocodile market.

Arba Minch - Konso - Jinka

Konso - After breakfast, the journey will proceed directly to Jinka, with a stop in Konso to explore the village life of these industrious communities, known for their terracing culture dating back 500 years, used to cultivate crops like maize and sorghum in challenging terrains. The journey to Jinka will continue via Konso and Weyito, with an optional coffee break or supper at Kanta Lodge in Konso. Leaving Konso, the scenery and temperature will change, with farming areas giving way to African bushveld. The appearance and attire of the people will also change, and the first of the “traditional” tribal people will be encountered. Various views along the drive may prompt a stop for a road visit, offering flexibility to either pause or continue the drive towards Jinka. In Jinka, the village life of the Ari tribe, residing on the plateau lands surrounding Jinka town (the administrative town of the 16 different tribal communities of the Omo Valley area), will be explored. Overnight stay in Jinka at Orit Hotel.

Jinka - Mursi Village - Turmi

Mago National Park - In the morning, the journey will head to the unique Mursi tribe (famous for women wearing clay lip and ear plates symbolizing beauty and honor) by crossing through Mago National Park to reach their village, Omo-Mursi, the Bush Men. Upon arrival at the village, visitors will meet the family of the wilderness, experiencing the unique identity of the Lower Omo Valley and the vision of authentic African living culture. Camping gear and dinner will be set up at the Mursi Tribal Village for the night. Visitors will meet young women, men, and elders of the tribe, sharing joyful moments with the amazing family of the Omo Land. The uninterrupted authentic daily life activities will be observed throughout the afternoon, providing an excellent opportunity for interaction, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visitors will see their cattle areas and water storage places. After exploring the village and taking photos, the journey will return to Jinka for lunch. After some relaxation, the drive will continue to Turmi, a small town of the Hammer tribes, famous for the ritual of the Bull Jumping, an adulthood rite of passage where young tribe members jump over bulls naked, marking the next age level of honor and respect, indicating readiness to take on adult responsibilities. Along the way, the village life of the Banna tribes will be observed without interruptions, showcasing their environmentally bonded lifestyle. A stop will be made at Dimeka or Alduba (as it is a market day in this town) to visit one of the colorful markets in the Omo Valley area. The market will feature a collection of many tribes, including Bena, Tsemay, Hammer, and Ari. After exploring the market, the journey will continue to Turmi for an overnight stay (camping) with the Hamer tribes in one of the remotest villages in Turmi.

Turmi - Kara Tribe - Korcho Village

Turmi - Omorate - Dassanech Village - Jinka

Omorate - In the morning, after breakfast, the journey will proceed to Omorate to visit the Dassanech tribe. Omorate is the last town in Ethiopia before the border. As this is a sensitive border area, passports must be registered at the immigration and natural affairs office, a quick and easy process taking no longer than 2 minutes. After this brief stop, the tour will walk through town to the side of the Omo River. From there, the murky brown waters will be crossed by a traditional dugout or canoe. Once safely across the Omo River, the beautifully decorated Dassanech people will be visited. Visitors will have the opportunity to photograph these amazing people while touring their village, learning about their culture and way of life. After immersing in their culture and sights, the journey will return to Turmi for lunch. After some relaxation, the tour will continue to Keyafer for the Thursday market, spending time with the Bana and Hamer tribes at the colorful market, before driving to Jinka for an overnight stay at Emerald Hotel.

Jinka - Boat trip and Dassanech village visit. Overnight stay in Jinka at Nasa Hotel.

Jinka - Ari Village - Airport

Jinka - In the morning, after breakfast, the tour will continue to visit the surrounding Jinka Ari tribe, who are semi-nomadic people. Visitors will see their famous painted houses, pottery, and blacksmith work, as well as children dancing and walking through the village. Afterward, a visit to the Museyem (South Omo Research Center) will provide detailed information articles about the 16 tribes of the Omo and their traditional material exhibitions. Later, guests will be dropped off at Jinka Airport in time for their flight back to Addis Ababa, marking the end of a wonderful tour experience in the Omo Valley!

• Camping equipment
• Private transportation
• Water and soft drinks
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• All fees and taxes
• Accommodations

• Flights
• Photography and souvenir shopping
• Alcoholic drinks
• Tips

The Lower Omo Valley, located in southern Ethiopia, is renowned for its remarkable ethnographic diversity. Historically, it was a convergence point for tribes migrating from various parts of Africa, and today it is home to numerous tribes, each with its own unique and captivating traditions. For those willing to embrace the challenges of traveling in this remote area, the experiences are truly rewarding. Whether witnessing the Hamer people’s traditional Bull Jumping ceremony or marveling at the Mursi’s distinctive lip plates, this region offers an unparalleled experience. The Lower Omo Valley’s landscape and wildlife are attractions in their own right, featuring lush terraced areas alongside open savannahs. Despite the challenges of poaching, visitors can often spot hippos in Lake Chomo, as well as dik-diks, kudus, guinea fowl, gerenuks, and a variety of birds.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.