Fly from Addis Ababa to Jinka
Jinka - After being picked up from the airport, you will have the option to visit the National Museum or the open market Merkato. In the afternoon, you will fly from Addis Ababa to Jinka, where our driver will meet you at the airport and take you to Ari village for a visit.
Visiting the Mursi Tribe in Mago Park and Drive to Turmi
Turmi - Early in the morning, drive to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi highlands, home to one of Ethiopia’s most renowned tribes. The Mursi women are famous worldwide for their decorative lip plates, which stretch their lower lips. The size of the plate is directly proportional to the women’s beauty, pride, and desirability. Photograph their culture and traditions. In the afternoon, return to Jinka for lunch. Afterward, continue driving through the Omo Valley region to Turmi via Dimeka to visit the Hamer tribes. If it is Thursday, we will stop at the Alduba market on the way. The Hamer tribe is one of the largest groups in the Valley, known for their fine pottery and remarkable hairstyling. The men wear dramatic clay hair buns with ostrich feathers when they have killed a fierce animal.
Visiting Karo Tribe - Turmi
Visiting Omorate/Dasanesh Tribe
Omorate - Early in the morning, drive to the edge of the Omo River. Cross the river by canoe to visit the Dassanech tribe, a semi-nomadic group of about 40,000 people whose clans stretch across Sudan, Kenya, and Southern Ethiopia. They are known for their unique and ornate hair buns. After photographing the tribe, drive back to Turmi to relax in the afternoon or photograph the town of Turmi.
Drive to Arba Minch and Visit Lake Chamo
Arba Minch - In the morning, drive to Arba Minch. In the afternoon, after 3 pm, take a boat trip on the clear blue waters of Lake Chamo to see crocodiles, hippos, and various aquatic bird species. The northern shores of Lake Chamo are famous for their large crocodiles, which can be seen in great numbers basking in the heat. You can also photograph birds like the African fish eagle, flamingos, herons, storks, and kingfishers.
Visiting Dorze Village and Fly Back to Addis Ababa
Dorze Village - In the morning, drive 40 km northwest of Arba Minch to the Guge Mountains to visit the Dorze and Chencha villages. Once warriors, the Dorze now earn a living through farming and weaving. They speak an Omotic language, and the Dorze name is synonymous with the best woven cotton cloth. Their beehive-shaped houses are made entirely of organic material and have small gardens surrounded by beds of spices, cabbage, and tobacco. After lunch, transfer to Arba Minch Airport and fly back to Addis Ababa. Arrive in Addis Ababa in the late afternoon, transfer to the hotel, and have a room for day use to wash and change before the evening flight. You may want to do some last-minute souvenir shopping at the markets. In the evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a traditional restaurant with live cultural dances before departure.
- Village entrance
- Lunch
- Dinner
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Breakfast
- Photography Fee
- Visa fee
- International flight
- Personal Expenses
- Tips
- Alcohol
The Omo River Valley in southern Ethiopia is undoubtedly one of the most unique regions in the world. Within this small geographic area reside at least 30 distinct ethnolinguistic groups, whose lifestyles, until very recently, did not vary much from those of their ancestors. Elaborate body painting, scarification, women with clay lip plates, elaborate headdresses of clay and feathers help distinguish one tribe from one another. This part of Ethiopia, extending into northern Kenya, is incredible for both its cultural diversity and the isolation of its inhabitants for centuries past. As influences from the outside world inevitably encroach on this fascinating land, the people of the Omo Valley will face many challenges regarding their culture and way of life.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
