$1,078 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Flight to Arba Minch – Visit to the Dorze Villages
Flight to Arba Minch – Visit to the Dorze Villages
Your cultural discovery begins with a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch, a town nestled between two Great Rift Valley lakes. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and driven up into the Gughe Mountain range to the village of Chencha, home to the Dorze people. These skilled weavers are renowned for their towering beehive-shaped homes made of woven bamboo and banana leaves. The Dorze also craft some of Ethiopia’s finest cotton textiles, and you may see looms in action as villagers spin and dye vibrant fabrics. After exploring the village and enjoying sweeping views of the valleys below, you’ll return to Arba Minch for a restful evening at the cozy Ezana Hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Arba Minch (City)
- Accommodation:
- Ezana Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Lake Chamo – Konso – Bana – Arrival in Turmi
Lake Chamo – Konso – Bana – Arrival in Turmi
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a memorable boat excursion on Lake Chamo, famed for its dense population of Nile crocodiles. At the so-called “Crocodile Market”, these giant reptiles can be seen sunbathing on the shores, while hippos and a variety of waterbirds make appearances nearby. This serene lake safari is a refreshing contrast to the arid landscapes you’ll explore later. From Arba Minch, drive south to Konso, a fascinating town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its terraced hillsides and fortified villages. The Konso people are agricultural experts and spiritual stewards of stone steles known as waka, which commemorate warriors and ancestors. Their landscape architecture is among the most impressive in East Africa. Continuing through the rugged Lower Omo Valley, you’ll visit a Bana village, where you’ll meet members of this semi-nomadic group known for their colorful adornments, especially the men’s intricate clay hairstyles topped with ostrich feathers.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Chamo
- Accommodation:
- Turmi Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Journey to Jinka – Visit with the Ari People
Journey to Jinka – Visit with the Ari People
This morning, head northward through the Omo Valley’s semi-arid landscapes to reach the town of Jinka, a cultural and administrative hub in the region. After checking in and having lunch, set out to visit the Ari community, the largest ethnic group in the lower Omo Valley. The Ari are settled agriculturalists who grow coffee, spices, and cereals, and their women are famous for their pottery-making skills. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the village, meet artisans at work, and learn about daily life in the fertile highlands surrounding Jinka. Women here often wear skirts crafted from enset, a banana-like plant, and decorate their homes with colorful murals and handcrafted utensils.
- Main Destination:
- Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
- Accommodation:
-
Jinka Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Mago National Park – Visit to the Mursi Tribe – Return to Addis Ababa
Mago National Park – Visit to the Mursi Tribe – Return to Addis Ababa
Your final day begins with an early drive into Mago National Park, home to the enigmatic Mursi people—one of the most visually distinctive tribes in East Africa. The Mursi women are known for their practice of inserting large ceramic or wooden lip plates into their lower lips, a tradition tied to cultural identity and aesthetics. The men often adorn themselves with body paint and scarification as a form of expression and status. Their villages are comprised of small, dome-like huts made of thatch and sticks, reflecting the community’s semi-nomadic lifestyle. After spending time learning about their customs and daily routines, you’ll drive back to Jinka for lunch before heading to Jinka Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Personalize Your Journey Modify your experience with a host of options available for an additional cost.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
