8-Day Lalibela & Omo Valley Churches to Tribes

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Origin Abyssinia representative and transferred to your hotel. Ethiopia's vibrant capital sits at over 2,300 meters above sea level and serves as the political and cultural heart of the country. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an optional visit to the National Museum, home to the famous fossil "Lucy," stroll through the lively streets, or experience Ethiopia's renowned coffee culture. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing about the journey ahead as you prepare to discover the country's remarkable historical sites and unique tribal cultures. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Hotel Lobelia

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Fly to Lalibela & Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches

Take a morning flight to Lalibela, Ethiopia's most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's greatest religious treasures. Upon arrival, begin exploring the spectacular Northern and Eastern groups of rock-hewn churches, masterpieces carved directly into solid volcanic rock during the 12th and 13th centuries. Visit impressive churches including Bete Medhane Alem, considered the world's largest monolithic church, along with Bete Maryam and several interconnected underground passages and hidden courtyards. Throughout the day, your knowledgeable guide will share the remarkable history, architecture, and enduring religious significance that continue to attract pilgrims and travelers from around the world. Overnight in Lalibela.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Sora Lodge Lalibela

• Mid-range hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Bete Giyorgis, Nakuto La'ab & Fly to Addis Ababa

Begin your morning with a visit to the iconic Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George), widely regarded as the finest example of Lalibela's remarkable rock-hewn architecture. Perfectly carved in the shape of a Greek cross, it remains one of Ethiopia's most photographed landmarks. Continue to the peaceful monastery of Nakuto La'ab, nestled among dramatic rocky cliffs and known for its sacred spring and priceless religious artifacts. After completing your sightseeing, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa, where you will spend the night before continuing south to the culturally rich Omo Valley.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Hotel Lobelia

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

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Fly to Arba Minch, Lake Chamo Boat Safari & Dorze Village

Fly south to Arba Minch, the gateway to the spectacular Omo Valley. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic boat excursion on Lake Chamo, famous for its abundant wildlife, including some of Africa's largest Nile crocodiles, pods of hippos, and a variety of colorful bird species. Later, travel into the nearby Guge Highlands to visit the Dorze people, renowned for their remarkable beehive-shaped bamboo houses, traditional weaving techniques, and vibrant cultural heritage. Walk through the village, interact with local families, and learn about customs that have been preserved for generations before returning to Arba Minch for an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Konso Cultural Landscape & Drive to Jinka

After breakfast, depart Arba Minch and travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley toward the UNESCO-listed Konso Cultural Landscape. The Konso people are renowned for their remarkable terraced farming system, stone-walled settlements, and centuries-old traditions that have shaped this unique landscape. Enjoy a guided walk through one of the traditional villages, where you'll discover the famous Waka wooden grave statues, communal meeting places, and distinctive circular homes while learning about the customs and social structure of the Konso community.

Continue your journey through the beautiful southern Ethiopian countryside to Jinka, the administrative center of the South Omo Zone and the gateway to Mago National Park. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you prepare for tomorrow's encounter with one of Africa's most fascinating indigenous communities.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Eco Omo Lodge

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

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Mursi Village & Transfer to Turmi

This morning, travel into Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people, one of the most recognizable ethnic groups in the Omo Valley. The Mursi are internationally known for the large clay lip plates traditionally worn by many women, as well as their distinctive body decorations and rich cultural heritage. Accompanied by your experienced guide, you'll gain insight into their traditional lifestyle, customs, and daily activities while ensuring that all interactions are conducted respectfully and responsibly.

Following your visit, continue south through the spectacular landscapes of the Omo Valley to Turmi, home of the Hamer people. The drive offers beautiful views of rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and rural villages, providing an authentic glimpse into everyday life in southern Ethiopia. Arrive in Turmi in the late afternoon and settle into your lodge for the evening.

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 Tribal Experience

Today is dedicated to discovering two of the Omo Valley's most fascinating communities. Begin with a visit to a traditional Hamer village, where you'll learn about their unique customs, traditional hairstyles, elaborate beadwork, and pastoral way of life. If your visit coincides with local ceremonies such as the famous Bull Jumping Ceremony, your guide will explain its cultural significance; however, as these ceremonies are family occasions, they cannot be guaranteed.

Later, continue to the village of the Karo people, located on the banks of the Omo River. The Karo are celebrated for their extraordinary body painting using white chalk, red ochre, charcoal, and natural pigments, creating intricate designs that are among the most beautiful in Africa. Spend time exploring the village, meeting community members, and enjoying spectacular views over the Omo River before returning to Turmi for your overnight stay.

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

Return to Addis Ababa & Departure

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Arba Minch, enjoying one final drive through the spectacular landscapes of southern Ethiopia. Upon arrival, board your domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Depending on your international departure schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping, visiting local cafés, or purchasing traditional Ethiopian handicrafts before your airport transfer.

At the appropriate time, your guide will accompany you to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your onward flight, bringing to a close an unforgettable journey through Ethiopia's extraordinary cultural heritage—from the sacred rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the remarkable living traditions of the Omo Valley's indigenous communities.

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.