Embark on a captivating journey to Ethiopia’s Omo Valley, where vibrant tribal traditions and cultural diversity await. Explore Africa’s Great Rift Valley and encounter fascinating tribes in this unique and awe-inspiring destination.
Arrival and Addis Ababa City Tour
Addis Ababa - Morning, drive to the National Museum of Ethiopia for visiting the long-age history of Ethiopia and the oldest human ancestor, Lucy. Set within Haile Selassie’s former palace and surrounded by the beautiful gardens and fountains of Addis Ababa University’s main campus is the enthralling Ethnological Museum. Even if you’re not normally a museum fan, this one is worth a bit of your time – it’s easily one of the finest museums in Africa. Before lunch, drive to Holy Trinity Cathedral Church which has a unique architectural style.
After lunch, drive up to the Entoto Mountains, the best location to observe the panoramic view of the capital. It is also a historical place where Menelik II resided and built his palace. It is notable as the location of a number of celebrated churches, including Saint Raguel and Saint Mary (Maryam Church). The return drive will be via Piazza with en-route visits to St. George Church and Menelik II Square towards the largest open-air market, Merkato.
Drive to Arba Minch
Arba Minch - Drive to Arba Minch, En route, you will visit the Great Rift Valley lakes and Alaba Village.
Boat trip on Lake Chamo then to Jinka
Chamo Lake - In the morning; Make a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles, hippos and water birds and in the afternoon, drive to Chencha and visit Dorze Village to see the Dorze People with Their even more intricate huts and weavings and their way of living then drive back to Arba Minch then proceed to Jinka for overnight. On the way visit the Konso village, where the people wear colorful costumes, and use their steep land through impressive terracing; through annual wooden grave marks, they express their status. Their three-story community house called Mora is impressive; all the young boys above 12 years old stay there every night inside till they marry. - Have lunch in Weyto and continue driving to the town of Jinka.
Excursion to Mago Park to visit the Mursi Tribe
Mursi Village - Drive to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people in their village. The Mursi are well known for the large clay discs their women wear inserted in their lower split lip. The Mursi women start cutting their lips between the age of 12 and 16 and thereafter, they put small wooden plugs into the hole and change it every night with the bigger one to stretch the lips till it can hold a 6 inch (15cm) round clay disc. The Mursi men wear very little, although a cotton wrap is becoming more common now. Then, drive to Turmi for overnight.
Excursion to Omorate
Turmi - Cross Omo River to visit Dassanech tribe, afternoon Hammer village the First time, in the Omo Valley, travelers witness Ethiopia’s many ethnicities and cultural traditions. The Southern Cultural Route takes travelers to the heart of the most remote tribes, whose animist beliefs strike a chord with the true African experience.
In the afternoon drive to Hammer people who have a bull-jumping ceremony; This ceremony is a transformation for young boys from young to adulthood; During the ceremony, you see the real Hamer traditional dance called Evangadi; and also the women from the jumper’s family are being beaten by his friends to show their love to the Jumper and that he is ready for adulthood.
Drive back to Arba Minch
Arba Minch - After breakfast, your return drive to Arba Minch starts.
Drive back to Addis and Departure
Addis Ababa - You will arrive in Addis Ababa late afternoon. Based on your interests and international departure times, we can arrange a quick shopping session in the capital. The tour ends with a drop off at Bole International Airport for your flight.
- Comfortable air-conditioned ground transportation provided
- Six nights of shared accommodation as per itinerary
- Single room supplement available for an additional USD 129 per person
- Daily breakfast included
- Admission to all tour sites covered
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Local guide and scout fees included
- All Lunches and dinners;
- Bull Jumping Fees;
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Photographic and video recording fee;
- And what is NOT included on the “Included” List.
Ethiopia is not only one of the most fascinating countries on the continent but is also incredibly diverse, both culturally and geographically. Traveling south from the capital, this spectacular journey takes you past the Great Rift Valley and deep into the Omo Valley, home to some of the most colorful and interesting tribal groups in the country. It is undoubtedly one of the unique places on earth because of the wide variety of people and animals that inhabit it. It is located in Africa’s Great Rift Valley. The region is known for its culture and diversity. The tribes that live in the Lower Omo Valley are believed to be among the most fascinating on the continent of Africa and around the world.
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
