7 nights and 8 days
The Omo Valley in southern of Ethiopia is home to a fascinating range of distinct tribal groups, isolated from the rest of the world for centuries and still very much following their own cultures and customs. On this trip we set off from Addis Ababa using 4WD transport to explore the eastern and Southern Omo Valley of Ethiopia, stopping at local markets and visiting villages, driving past the lakes of Africa’s Great Rift Valley and looking for the wealth of wildlife that this little-explored region contains.
At each step we explore the wonderful culture of the Hamer, Mursi, Karo, Arbore, and other tribes by taking part in colorful ceremonies and celebrations, witnessing their everyday life, and enjoying traditional music and dance.
Duration – 7 nights and 8 days.
Transportation: 4 WD Toyota Landcruiser and boat ride
Accommodation - Based on 5* hotel in Addis and 3* & 4* lodges and hotels outside Addis.
- Tour Overview
day 01
. DEPARTURE FROM YOUR COUNTRY.
day 02
. ARRIVAL AND CITY TOUR OF ADDIS ABAB
On arrival in Addis Ababa our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfers to your Hotel. An overview of the program and itineraries will be given. The rest of the day visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeleton was discovered in 1974. You will also visit the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis.
Overnight Capital hotel and Spa (www.capitalhotelandspa.com) or similar
day 03
. DRIVE TO ARBAMINCH
Breakfast and then head to Arbaminch via the Hosahina Road, stopping for a sightseeing tour of the Unesco World Heritage Site Tiya – an archeological site of ancient Ethiopians. After lunch, the drive continues through the Wolayta farmlands, with views of the lush green hills and valleys. We will arrive late in the afternoon at Arbaminch - meaning 'Forty Springs' in Amharic. Arbaminch takes its name from the bubbling streams that cover the low-lying forest, occupying the flats of the town.
Overnight at Paradise Lodge (www.paradiselodgeethiopia.com) or Similar
day 04
. VISIT DORZE VILLAGE AND BOAT TRIP ON LAKE CHAMO
After breakfast we visit the Dorze tribe and their village, famed for its beehive-shaped houses. The Dorze people are expert weavers and weaving is a primary profession for many Dorze. They are also farmers and use ingenious terracing of the mountainside to prevent soil erosion. Around their huts the Dorze plant gardens with vegetables, spices, tobacco and enset (false-banana or musa ensete). Lunch then a refreshing boat trip on Lake Chamo, home to crocodiles, hippos and a variety of birdlife.
Overnight at paradise Lodge ( www.paradiselodgeethiopia.com) or Similar
day 05
. ARBAMNICH - JINKA
Next up: The Konso. A pagan society, the Konso erect eerie wooden totems replete with phallic symbols over the graves of the dead and have numerous cults based around the breeding and veneration of serpents. The cornerstone of Konso culture, however, is a highly specialized and successful agricultural economy that, through terracing buttressed with stone, enable these people to extract a productive living from the none-too-fertile hills and valleys that surround them. An excellent day to meet the people, take photographs with them and learn of a culture that has had very little outside influence. Later afternoon arrive in Jinka, located at the foot of Mago National Park.
Overnight at Eco Omo Lodge (www.eco-omo.com) or Similar
day 06
. JINKA – MURSI - JINKA
We leave Jinka and drive to a Mursi village. The tribe is renowned for the unusual custom followed by their women who, on reaching maturity, have their lower lips slit and circular clay discs inserted. Proceed to Mago National Park. After a picnic lunch in the late afternoon drive back to Jinka.
Overnight at Eco Omo Lodge (www.eco-omo.com) or Similar
day 07
. JINKA - TURMI
After breakfast drive to Turmi through Dimeka to visit their Hamer people and their village. Hamers have remarkable hairstyles made from ochre, water, and binding resin. They rub the mixture into their hair then twist the strands repeatedly to create coppery-colored locks. This is a sign of wealth and welfare. Hamers are considered to be masters of body decoration.
Overnight at Buska Lodge (www.buskalodge.com) or Similar
day 08
. DRIVE BACK TO ARBAMINCH
Drive back to Arbaminch: on the way visit the Cushitic speaking Arbore people and their villages. The Arbore people adorn themselves with beads and aluminum jewelry.
Overnight at paradise Lodge (www.paradiselodgeethiopia.com) or Similar
day 09
. ADDIS ABABA AND DEPARTURE
Drive back to Addis Ababa through the Great Rift Valley Lakes, via Awassa. En route we will stop at scenic viewpoints for the Rift Valley Lakes of Shala, Abyta and Langano. In the evening, a farewell dinner party at one of the traditional ethiopian restaurant, with music and dances from the different ethnic groups. Transfer to the airport for departure back home.
Remark
Please Know that we can make any changes needed depending on the number of days you have and also This tour can easily be amended to other Tour Package
