Ethiopia’s Omo Valley Excursion (6 Nights)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - City Tour of Addis Ababa

Arrive in to Addis Ababa Bole airport where you will be met by Remarkable Ethiopia. Today you will explore some of the capital’s highlights, stopping off at the National Museum to view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeleton was discovered in 1974 and the Merkato - the largest market in East Africa. Also visit the church of the Holy Trinity. Will end the day with a drive to the top of Mount Entoto, which rises to an altitude of 10,500 feet and offers a panoramic view of the metropolis. and in the evening try your first taste of Ethiopia’s national dish – injera.

Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 2 - Addis Ababa: Jinka – Bena and Key Afer market

You will fly south today to the spectacular Omo Valley region. On arrival in Jinka, you will have the chance to head out with your guide and 4x4 then drive to Key Afer where you will attend the most colorful market in Omo Valley. It takes place by Tsemay, Ari, Hamer, Bena and woyeto tribes which is a great opportunity to mingle with the tribe’s, many of whom travel long distances on foot to attend. It takes place once in a week every Thursday starting from 11: 00am. In this market you will witness how the economics of an isolated remote tribe’s from civilization with the rest of the world is governed. This is one of the few places on earth where still bartering activity is practiced. And visit some of the villages in this fascinating area. It’s also worth visiting the Bena and Ari tribes.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Jinka – Mago National Park – Turmi

Today you drive through the Mago National Park to visit the isolated Mursi tribes settled in Mago National Park, home to a number of Mursi communities. The Mursi are among the most famous of Ethiopia's ethnic tribes due to the distinctive lip plates worn by their women. There will be an opportunity to visit their villages and learn more about their fascinating way of life before heading south to the town of Turmi, the settlement of the Hamer people. This afternoon, spend some time visiting a Hamer village. Thought to be descended from the ancient Egyptians, the Hamer are pastoralists by custom. The women wear thick copper bracelets and create welts on their bodies by cutting themselves and treating the wounds with ash and charcoal. They have become known for their extraordinary Bull Jumping Ceremony where a naked man jumps from the back of one bull on to another as part of an initiation rite.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Turmi – Karo Village – Omorate

Turmi is our new base as we explore the region and meet the different tribes who share this valley but live a life uniquely their own. The Karo are traditionally pastoralists, and are famous for their flamboyant hairstyles and body painting. The men have tight hair buns, paint their bodies with chalk and wear colourful facemasks, while the women dye their hair with ochre. Then drive to the quirky town of Omorate, and we cross the Omo River by local boat to visit the Dassanech people, where Bruce Parry of ‘Tribe’ spent some time. Then we will witnessed the extraordinary Bull Jumping Ceremony where a naked man jumps from the back of one bull on to another as part of an initiation rite.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Turmi – Konso

Leaving Turmi head north-east towards Weyto, home to Tsemai and Arbore peoples. These people are mainly farmers and pastoralists, tending to their herds and growing sorghum and maize and supplementing it with honey. From here cross the Weyto Valley and head for Konso. The Konso are known for their tradition of Konso Waga, a warrior worship revolving around the carving of wooden effigies and they have been likened to the Dogon of Mali in this respect. You will have lunch in Konso.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Konso – Arba Minch – Dorze Village

This morning you will head to Arba Minch - meaning forty springs is set high on the escapement it commend s incomparable views over the twin lake Chamo and Abaya Lake.
Lunch in Arba Minch then we drive along a very scenic route to the mountain village of Chencha, home of the Dorze people. Renowned for their cotton weaving, called Shammas. And their distinctive house- towering beehive shaped structures made from woven thatch. You will see how they weave their huts, textiles and the cultivation and production of the false banana tree from which the Dorze make their traditional Bread (kotcho). You can also try to make Kotcho.

Overnight Resort (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Lake Chamo – Addis Ababa

This morning you will embark on a remarkable boat trip on Lake Chamo, known to be amongst the most beautiful in Ethiopia. One can spot many hippos and the world's most spectacular concentration of giant crocodiles (locally called "Crocodile Market.”) The water birds are substantial and the scenery is truly unforgettable. This afternoon you will then fly back to Addis in time to catch your late evening flight.

*Optional shopping in the evening you will attend a folkloric dinner where you will have a chance to taste several national dishes and watch dances of the various ethnic groups of Ethiopia. The traditional coffee ceremony will also be served. Then according to your departure schedule, you will be transferred to the airport.

(B, L, D)