7-Day Ultimate Omo Valley Cultural Expedition

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

Rift Valley Lakes Ziway, Abijata-Shalla & Hawassa

Distance: Approximately 275 km

Driving Time: 6–7 hours

Leave Addis Ababa and travel south through the spectacular Great Rift Valley. Stop at Lake Ziway to observe pelicans, cormorants and fish eagles before continuing to Abijatta-Shalla National Park, where volcanic landscapes and seasonal flamingos create one of Ethiopia's most beautiful natural settings.

Continue to Hawassa, one of Ethiopia's most attractive lakeside cities. Explore the lively fish market, stroll along the waterfront and enjoy excellent birdwatching around Lake Hawassa before overnighting in the city.

Main Destination:

Abijatta-Shalla National Park

Best Time To Go October to February (Flocks of flamingo)

High Season October to January (The park is never busy)

Best Weather

Accommodation:

Hawassa Lake View Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Awasa (City)

+4 Photos

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Hawassa – Arba Minch – Dorze Village

Distance: Approximately 290 km

Driving Time: 6 hours

Travel south to Arba Minch, gateway to Ethiopia's southern tribes. Cruise across Lake Chamo in search of giant Nile crocodiles, pods of hippos and numerous aquatic birds.

Later, ascend into the cool Dorze Highlands to visit one of Ethiopia's most fascinating communities. Explore their impressive bamboo houses, learn traditional weaving techniques and discover why the Dorze are regarded as master craftsmen.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Arbaminch Tourist Hotel

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

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Arba Minch – Konso – Jinka

Distance: Approximately 310 km

Driving Time: 7–8 hours

Visit the UNESCO-listed Konso Cultural Landscape, famous for centuries-old stone terraces, fortified villages and carved wooden memorial statues known as waka.

Continue through the fertile lands of the Ari people before arriving in Jinka, the cultural gateway to the South Omo Valley.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Nasa Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Jinka – Mago National Park – Turmi

Distance: Approximately 240 km

Driving Time: 6 hours

Travel into Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people, internationally known for their distinctive lip plates and remarkable cultural traditions.

After spending time learning about Mursi life and customs, continue south through dramatic landscapes to Turmi, the heart of Hamer territory.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Buska Lodge

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

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Hamer – Karo – Omorate

Distance: Approximately 180 km

Driving Time: 5 hours

Spend the day exploring three remarkable communities.

Meet the Hamer people, celebrated for elaborate hairstyles, colorful beadwork and unique cultural ceremonies.

Continue to the Karo village overlooking the Omo River, where artists decorate their bodies with intricate white chalk designs.

Drive to Omorate and cross the Omo River by traditional wooden canoe (subject to river conditions) to visit the Dassanech people before returning to Turmi.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Buska Lodge

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

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Key Afer Market – Ari Villages – Arba Minch

Distance: Approximately 285 km

Driving Time: 7 hours

Visit the vibrant Key Afer Market (market day permitting), one of the largest tribal markets in southern Ethiopia. Traders from the Ari, Bena and Tsemai communities gather here to exchange livestock, spices, grains, jewelry and handmade crafts.

Continue north through spectacular Rift Valley scenery before arriving in Arba Minch.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge

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

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Arba Minch – Addis Ababa

Take a morning flight from Arba Minch back to Addis Ababa.

Depending on your departure schedule, enjoy time for shopping, a visit to local artisan markets or sightseeing before your transfer to Bole International Airport.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

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