Essence Ethiopia Tours

5.0/5 – 78 Reviews

$1,705 pp (USD)

2 travelers   on   Start date
Request a Quote

Your request will be sent directly to the operator

If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

Breakdown of Costs
1 Available
1 Unavailable
Start Date
Age at the end of the tour
*This tour does not accept children under 1.
Travelers

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

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

Day 1

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Welcome to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, begin a guided city tour:
Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous fossil “Lucy”
Explore Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets
Drive up to Entoto Hill for panoramic views and historical insight
This first day offers a rich introduction to Ethiopia’s history and daily life.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:
Addis Ababa (City)
Accommodation:
Sun View Addis Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 2

Fly to Jinka – Drive to Turmi (Mursi & Hamar Villages)

Fly to Jinka – Drive to Turmi (Mursi & Hamar Villages)

Take an early morning flight to Jinka, the gateway to the Omo Valley.
Begin your cultural exploration with a visit to the Mursi people, known for the distinctive lip plates worn by women and their strong cultural identity. This encounter provides insight into one of the most iconic and traditional communities in Africa.
Continue your journey driving through scenic landscapes to Turmi, home of the Hamar people.
Visit a Hamar village to experience:
Traditional lifestyles and homesteads
Unique hairstyles and adornments
Rich cultural practices and community structure
If timing allows, you may witness traditional dances or ceremonies.
Overnight: Turmi.

Main Destination:
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Emerald Lodge Turmi
  • Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Explore Dasanech & Karo Peoples

Explore Dasanech & Karo Peoples

Today is dedicated to deeper cultural immersion in the Omo Valley.
Travel to meet the Dassanech people near the Omo River. Known for their resilience, they live in a harsh environment and have developed unique survival strategies and cultural traditions.
Continue to visit the Karo people, considered one of the smallest ethnic groups in Ethiopia. They are famous for:
Elaborate body painting using natural pigments
Decorative scarification
Stunning riverine village settings along the Omo River
This day offers extraordinary opportunities for cultural exchange and photography.
Overnight: Turmi.

Main Destination:
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Emerald Lodge Turmi
  • Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Drive to Jinka – Fly to Addis Ababa

Drive to Jinka – Fly to Addis Ababa

Drive to Jinka – Fly to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, drive back to Jinka through the scenic landscapes of the Omo Valley.
Board your return flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:
Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Sun View Addis Hotel
  • Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Daytrip to Debre Libanos Monastery – Departure

Daytrip to Debre Libanos Monastery – Departure

In the morning, take a scenic drive (north) of Addis Ababa to visit Debre Libanos Monastery.
Highlights of the excursion include:
Visiting the historic monastery and its museum
Exploring the nearby Portuguese Bridge, offering spectacular views over the Jemma River Gorge
Spotting endemic wildlife such as the Gelada baboons and various bird species
After the visit, return to Addis Ababa.
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through Ethiopia’s cultural heartland.

Main Destination:
No major destination visited
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

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

Interested in This Tour?

Request a Quote

  • We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why)
  • Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Next: Overview Next: Day by Day Next: Rates Next: Inclusions Next: Getting There Next: Offered By

Best price guarantee

Your request will be sent directly to the operator

If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

Next: Request a Quote

Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Essence Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Essence Ethiopia Tours.