Ethiopia’s Omo Valley Excursion (8 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 – Arba Minch

After breakfast catch your flight to Arba Minch then we drive along a very scenic route to the mountain village of Chencha, home of the Dorze people. Renowned for their tall beehive-like houses and their fine cotton weaving. You will visit the village and learn about the daily lives of these industrious people. If today is market day (in Dorze village on Monday and Thursday and in nearby Chencha on Tuesday and Saturday), that will be visited. You will see the cultivation and production of the false banana tree from which the Dorze make their traditional Bread (kotcho).And you could also try how to make Kocho.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Arba Minch – Jinka

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. We then drive to Jinka, passing through lands inhabited by the Benna, Tsemay and Ari tribal groups and visit the weekly Key Afer market (Thursday) allowing us a good opportunity to appreciate the differences between these people.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Jinka – Mago National Park

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. In the afternoon visit the Omo Valley Cultural Museum which is found in Jinka, which will give you a good introduction to the different tribes in this area and alternatively, take a hike in the surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Jinka – Turmi

Today after breakfast heading south to the town of Turmi via Dimeka and Key Afer the settlement of the Hamer people. Tuesdays and Saturdays are market days in Dimeka, which is one of the most colorful markets in the area and visited by many tribes, including Hamer, Benna and Karo. Afterwards, continue to Turmi 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 6 - Turmi – 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. In the morning 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. Afterward, return to Turmi (Monday is market day)
If there is Jumping of Bulls 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 7 - Murele and Kangatan Excursion

Early morning depart from Turmi to the village of Kangatan. You will cross the Omo River and take a short walk through the local fields to visit a village of the Nyangatom tribe, live on sorghum, maize, beans, and tobacco cultivation. The Nyangatom are known for their “oratory” gifts and songs. Continue towards Murele and visit the Karo people. 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. Return to Turmi for evening.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Turmi – Konso

Leaving Turmi head north-west towards Dimeka and Key Afar. Tuesdays and Thursdays are market days in Dimeka. From here cross the Weyto Valley and head for Konso (market days are Mondays and Thursdays). 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.

Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Konso – Arba Minch – Addis Ababa

In the morning after relaxed breakfast you can visit the “natural New York Village”, named after the tall sand formations resembling skyscrapers. Then drive for 1:30 hour to Arba Minch then fly back to Addis Ababa.

*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)