14-Day Omo Valley and Addis Highlights Debre Libanos Tour

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival of Addis abeba

Arrive in Addis Ababa. Begin your introduction to Ethiopia at the National Museum of Ethiopia to see “Lucy,” the 3.2‑million‑year‑old fossil that transformed our understanding of human history. Continue to Holy Trinity Cathedral to explore its striking architecture and important national memorials. Head up to Entoto Mountain for panoramic views over Addis Ababa and the surrounding highlands. Finish the day wandering through Mercato, Africa’s largest open‑air market, where thousands of vendors sell spices, textiles and handicrafts — a true feast for the senses. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Jano Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Addis Abeba to debrelibanos

Addis Ababa → Debre Libanos → Return to Addis
We will meet you at your hotel and drive north through the cool forests and ridgelines of Mount Entoto. After about two hours you will arrive at Debre Libanos Monastery, founded in the 13th century by Saint Tekle Haymanot. Visit the monastery museum with its ancient Bible manuscripts and religious crosses, explore the church interior and see the founder’s tomb. Take a short 10‑minute hike to the prayer cave associated with Saint Tekle Haymanot. Continue to the Portuguese Bridge overlooking the Blue Nile Gorge for dramatic landscapes and chances to see endemic Gelada baboons and birdlife. Return to Addis Ababa for the night.

Main Destination:

Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Jano Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Addis Abeba to hawassa

Addis Ababa → Ziway → Abijatta–Shalla → Awassa (Hawassa)
Depart Addis Ababa and descend into the Great Rift Valley. Stop at Lake Ziway to admire abundant birdlife, then visit Abijatta–Shalla National Park where flamingos and other alkaline‑lake species gather. Continue to Awassa, a picturesque lakeside city. Explore the bustling fish market and take a relaxing boat trip on Lake Awassa to spot hippos and colorful waterbirds. Stroll the lakeshore at sunset. Overnight in Awassa.

Main Destination:

Awasa (City)

Accommodation:

Oasis Int. Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Awasa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Hawassa To arba minch

After breakfast depart Awassa and drive south through the spectacular Rift Valley, passing rolling terraced farmland, dramatic escarpments and pockets of highland forest. Along the route stop at scenic viewpoints for photos and short walks to stretch legs and speak with local farmers tending enset, maize and sorghum. Enjoy a riverside or roadside picnic lunch at a scenic spot if the schedule allows. Arrive in Arba Minch in the mid to late afternoon and take an orientation walk through town to visit the lively market, the palm‑lined streets and viewpoints overlooking the twin lakes of Abaya and Chamo. Learn about local crafts and try traditional coffee at a neighborhood café before settling into your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Arbaminch Tourist Hotel

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Arba Minch- (Forty Springs) to Dorze Village

Begin the day with a short drive to Nechisar National Park and the famed Forty Springs, where clear freshwater emerges from the ground to form tranquil pools and wetland channels. Take a guided jungle walk through shady riverine forest, looking for endemic birds, butterflies and small mammals; if weather and conditions permit, cool off with a swim in one of the natural pools. Continue to Lake Chamo for a motorboat trip across calm waters to observe Nile crocodiles sunning on the banks, pods of hippos and flocks of waterbirds including herons and egrets. After returning to Arba Minch, drive up into the Gughe Mountains to visit a Dorze village. Spend time with local families, admire the intricately woven textiles and giant beehive huts, learn about traditional beekeeping and watch a weaving demonstration. Return to Arba Minch for dinner and overnight, with time to reflect on the day’s wildlife and cultural encounters.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Arbaminch Tourist Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Lake Chamo Morning Boat Trip to Konso

Rise early for a morning boat trip on Lake Chamo when animal activity is at its peak; a quiet dawn ride increases chances of close hippo and crocodile sightings and superb bird photography. After the boat trip and breakfast, head south toward Konso across varied Rift Valley landscapes. On arrival enjoy a leisurely lunch and then explore the Konso Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its dramatic terraced agriculture, stone walls and carved wooden “generation poles” that commemorate family lineage and social history. Walk among the terraces with a local guide to learn about erosion control, indigenous farming techniques and the symbolic art and architecture of the Konso people. Visit the royal compound, meet community elders and learn about local governance and rituals. Overnight in or near Konso.

Main Destination:

Konso (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Kanta Lodge

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

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Konso - Alduba (Dimeka Market) to Turmi

After breakfast depart Konso and drive toward Alduba (Dimeka), timing your arrival to coincide with the bustling weekly market. Spend the morning immersed in market life where Tsemay, Hamer and Benna traders converge to barter livestock, produce, pottery and beadwork. Observe local bargaining styles, sample street snacks and photograph colorful costumes and headwear—always asking permission before photographing individuals. After the market explore nearby craft stalls and perhaps meet a local guide who can explain tribal customs and accessories. In the afternoon continue to Turmi, arriving in time for a relaxed evening and overnight stay, preparing for several full days of cultural visits.

Main Destination:

Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Emerald Lodge Turmi

• Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Turmi to Arbore Village -Return to Turmi

Following breakfast set out for a day trip to Arbore village at the northern edge of Mount Buska. The journey offers scenic views of acacia‑dotted plains and small settlements. Upon arrival meet Arbore families and learn about their distinctive social customs, traditional hairstyles, beadwork and seasonal ceremonies. Walk through the village to see huts constructed from tree branches and papyrus, observe daily activities such as pottery or millet processing, and participate in a cultural exchange where appropriate—sharing small gifts like soap or beads is appreciated. After spending time with the community and taking guided walks in the surrounding area, return to Turmi (round trip approximately four hours) for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination:

Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Emerald Lodge Turmi

• Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Kara Village to Bull Jumping Ceremony to Turmi

Depart early for Kara Village on the east bank of the Omo River to meet Kara families known for elaborate body and face painting using ochre and charcoal. Learn about the meanings behind patterns and pigments, and observe daily life along the riverbank. Return to Turmi for lunch, then in the afternoon visit a Hamer village where you may witness the famous bull‑jumping ceremony if it is taking place; this rite of passage is an intense and symbolic event involving family, song and dance. If the ceremony is not scheduled, you will still experience Hamer hospitality, watch Evangadi and other dances, meet artisans, and learn about jewelry, hair styling and cattle culture. Respectful photography and following your guide’s instructions are essential. Overnight in Turmi.

Main Destination:

Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Emerald Lodge Turmi

• Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Arbore to desanech & turmi

In the morning make further visits to Arbore families and nearby hamlets to deepen your understanding of local life. Later drive toward Omorate on the banks of the Omo River to meet Dassanech communities who practice fishing, pastoralism and unique riverine customs. Important: Omorate is a border town—bring your passport and any required travel documents as immigration officers may request to see them. Engage in guided village walks, observe river fishing techniques and learn about traditional attire and body markings. Return to Turmi in the evening, with time to rest after a culturally rich day.

Main Destination:

Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Emerald Lodge Turmi

• Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Turmi nagatom and jinka

Depart very early for excursions into the Nyangatom (also called Bume or Bumi) area to meet people renowned for their adaptability and riverine livelihoods. Spend the morning meeting families, observing hunting and fishing techniques where safe and permitted, and learning about the Nyangatom social structure and seasonal movement patterns. After a midday break, return toward Key Afer and then continue the drive to Jinka—approximately three hours—through changing landscapes of scrubland and low hills. Arrive in Jinka in the late afternoon, check into your lodge and enjoy an evening briefing about the following day’s excursions. Overnight in Jinka.

Main Destination:

Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Nasa Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Jinka to mursi and return to jinka

After breakfast set out for a day trip to Mago National Park and neighboring Mursi villages. Meet Mursi families and learn about striking cultural practices such as lip plates, scarification, and body painting, while your guide explains their historical and social context. Walk the surrounding plains with a local guide to observe cattle herding, sorghum fields and the dramatic Omo Valley scenery. Visit viewpoints and community spaces, always following local protocols for respectful interaction and photography. Return to Jinka late afternoon for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination:

Mago National Park

Best Time To Go June to February (Little rainfall)

High Season October to January (It might be busier)

Best Weather

Accommodation:

Nasa Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Jinka to Bodi Tribe then jinka

Travel to meet the Bodi (Meen) people whose lives center on cattle and seasonal ceremonies. If timing aligns, experience parts of the Kael ceremony—a communal event where men attempt to gain weight using milk and blood as part of a ritual competition—observing with sensitivity and guidance from your local host. Whether or not the full ceremony occurs, you will meet families, learn about cattle management, taste traditional foods, and gain insight into Bodi cosmology and social customs. Return to Jinka for overnight.

Main Destination:

Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Nasa Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Jinka to Flight to Addis Ababa to Tour Ends

Begin the day with a visit to the Jinka Cultural Museum to review artifacts and deepen your understanding of the Omo Valley peoples. Afterwards transfer to Jinka airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. On arrival in Addis the tour concludes; assistance with onward transfers can be arranged. Carry memories, photos, and new cultural perspectives from an intense and rewarding two‑week journey through southern Ethiopia.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.