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Addis Ababa · Ethiopia
4 Days Cultural Omo Valley Tribe Tour
Starting From
From $753.44 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
Experience inventory, live availability and secure booking provided by
Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
The Omo Valley—often more precisely called the Lower Omo Valley—is a place like no other. Home to a number of tribal communities, the variety and diversity of life here—truly a melting pot of humanity—will blow you away. We think it's a must-visit if you want to understand Ethiopia and Africa more broadly. The concentration of experience and variety, often so juxtaposed to your own daily life, forces you to reflect on what it means to be human in today's world. The Lower Omo Valley region has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the discovery of human remains dating back nearly 2.5 million years. As you explore the region, you'll discover fortified hilltop settlements, terraced fields, anthropomorphic grave markers, and rock engravings dating back 5,000 years. The Omo also has some beautiful landscapes; Nech Sar National Park frames much of the region with mountains, lakes, and forests, and harbours 70-plus mammal species, as well as prodigious crocodiles and the endemic animal.
Highlights
Why travelers choose this experience
- Meet iconic Omo Valley tribes including the Hamer, Karo, Mursi, Dassanech, and Ari.
- Experience authentic cultural rituals
- Enjoy a 4day adventure with private 4WD transport, expert guides, and carefully selected lodges.
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Jinka
Welcome to this amazing trip! Upon arrival at Jinka (Baco) Airport, meet your guide and begin the drive to Turmi via Jinka, Keyafer, Aldubba, and Dimeka.
Continued
Turmi
Local Flavor. On market days: (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday), You may visit a local tribal market in one of the towns. Enjoy the scenic drive through varying altitudes and beautiful topographies.
Continued
Turmi
Cultural Immersion. In the late afternoon: Visit a Hamar village for an authentic cultural experience.
Continued
Turmi
End of the day! Overnight: Emerland Lodge, Turmi.
Day 2
Turmi
Cultural Immersion at Omo River. Dassanech tribe: After breakfast, drive 75 km south to Omo Rate to visit the Dassanech tribe, who live by the Omo River near the Kenya border. The Dassanech are Cushitic-speaking people known for their rich traditions. After engaging with the community, return to Turmi for lunch. On market days (Monday, Thursday, and Saturday), you may explore the Hamar market or witness the Hamar Bull Jumping Ceremony, if available.
Continued
Turmi
End of the day! Overnight: Emerland Lodge, Turmi.
Day 3
Jinka
Cultural Immersion at Korcho Village. Korcho Village: After breakfast, drive 65 km west to Korcho village, home to the Kara (Karo) people, the smallest ethnic group in the Omo Valley. They are renowned for their elaborate body and facial painting. You may get your face painted in traditional Karo style. After the visit, return to Turmi for lunch and then continue to Jinka town.
Continued
Jinka
End of the day! Overnight: Eco Omo Lodge, Jinka.
Day 4
Jinka
Cultural Immersion. Depart early for a 50 km (1-hour) drive: Visit the Mursi tribe, famous for the lip plates worn by their women. The Mursi are nomadic agro-pastoralists who move in search of pasture and farming land.
Continued
Jinka
End of the trip! After a meaningful interaction, return to Jinka, then transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.
Planning Details
Before you go
Included
Transportation: 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with fuel Professional English-speaking cultural guide All entrance fees with ceremonies Domestic flight Accommodation Government taxes Photography and video fees
Not Included
Lunch and dinner for 4 days during the trip Personal expenses Tips Visa fees
What to Bring
Appropriate clothes Comfortable shoes Camera or phone Passport or ID
Restrictions
Not suitable for pets Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Meeting & Pickup
We will pick you up from Bole international Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Automatic
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