8-Day Omo Valley Tour /Omo Valley Tribe

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Jinka

Upon arrival at Jinka, your guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel for check-in. After a brief rest, you will embark on a visit to the Aari tribe, one of the prominent ethnic groups in the South Omo Zone, known for their agricultural lifestyle in the highlands surrounding Jinka. The Aari are renowned for their craftsmanship in pottery, the preparation of Enjera, a staple food, and Arake, a potent alcoholic drink akin to grappa. Depending on the day of your visit, you may also explore the vibrant local markets in Jinka or nearby towns on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, providing an insight into the region's culture and commerce.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge Turmi

• Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

+4 Photos

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Jinka-Turmi

After breakfast, proceed to Turmi, the heart of the Hamar tribe, with a stop at Keyafer to meet a small group of Mursi tribe members, known for their distinctive lip plates and body scarification practices. Continue your journey to experience the vibrant culture of the Banna tribe, either by visiting one of their lively local markets or exploring a remote village. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may witness a ceremonial event such as the Bull Jumping or Evangadi Dancing Ceremony, showcasing the rich traditions of either the Banna or Hamar tribes.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge Turmi

• Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Turmi-Omo Rate-Turmi

Following breakfast, embark on a journey heading south for 75 kilometers, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, to reach the town of Omo Rate, home to the Dassanech people. This area marks the border with Kenya, where your passport and visa will be verified at an immigration checkpoint. You will cross the Omo River using a traditional dugout canoe. After a 10-minute walk, you will arrive in the village to engage with the Dassanech tribe and experience authentic interactions before returning to Turmi for lunch. Later in the afternoon, you will explore a nearby Hamar tribe village close to Turmi. You will have the opportunity to enjoy their traditional coffee called "Shoforo" in one of the village huts. On market days, which are Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, you can stroll through the Hamar local market. On such occasions, you might witness a cultural event like the Bull Jumping or Evangadi Dancing ceremonies, depending on availability.

Main Destination:

Omorate (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge Turmi

• Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Turmi-Karo-Turmi

Following breakfast in Turmi town, travel 60 kilometers westward to Korcho village to engage with the Kara/Karo tribe and enjoy meaningful interactions with the community. The Kara/Karo people are recognized for their intricate body and facial paintings that reflect the designs of local wildlife, including zebras, leopards, and guinea fowl. Despite their small population, they inhabit three sizable villages along the Omo River, which serves as their primary source of sustenance. Ultimately, return to Turmi town for lunch before exploring a tribal market and/or attending a ceremonial event that may be occurring that day, if available.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge Turmi

• Budget tented camp located near Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Turmi-Konso

After breakfast, embark on a 200 km drive to Konso, stopping en route to visit the Arbore tribe, an agricultural and pastoral community situated near Lake Stephanie, who communicate in a Cushitic language. The journey continues to Konso, renowned for its impressive terracing techniques that have shaped the landscape for over a millennium, with ancient villages recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The Konso people also honor their heroes and chiefs by erecting wooden statues, known as "waka." Your accommodation for the night will be at Kanta Lodge in Konso.

Main Destination:

Konso (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Kanta Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Konso (Cultural Village)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Konso-Arba Minch

The journey from Konso to Arba Minch spans 90 km, leading to the largest town on the tour after Addis Ababa, beautifully situated between Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo, two of the Rift Valley's largest lakes. A short boat trip on Lake Chamo offers the chance to observe crocodiles, hippos, and various lake birds. Following a lunch break at a local restaurant featuring both local and international dishes, the trip continues with a 30 km drive over the Guge Mountains to Dorze Village, perched at an elevation of 2400 m ASL. The Dorze people are renowned for their distinctive elephant-shaped bamboo houses, intricate weaving techniques, and the preparation of “Kocho,” a staple bread made from the “Inset” false banana plant. Accommodation for the night will be at Haile Resort Arba Minch.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Arba Minch

• Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Arba Minch-Yirga Alem

At the luxurious Haile Resort, you will enjoy some leisure time while having breakfast with a stunning view of both Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya. Afterward, travel 250 km (4 hours) to Yirgalem town via Sodo, where you will explore the lush Sidama people’s village by hiking from your lodge. You will find tranquility and serenity at the Aregash Lodge, the finest lodge in Southern Ethiopia.

Main Destination:

Yirga Alem (Town)

Accommodation:

Aregash Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Yirga Alem (Town)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Yirga Alem-Hawasa- Addis

Following breakfast, you will embark on a one-hour drive covering 50 km to Awassa, a stunning southern city, where you can explore the avian life at Lake Awassa. Ultimately, you will arrive at Awassa airport by noon for your flight to Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Awasa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.