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Addis Ababa · Ethiopia
8 Days Omo Valley Tour From Addis Ababa
Starting From
From $1,697.88 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
The Lower Omo Valley of southern Ethiopia is home to some of the world’s last unchanged cultural groups. The area is a melting pot of cultures and communities, representing some of the greatest genetic variance on the continent. Many describe the Omo as the birthplace of mankind, and it’s not hard to see why. The journey down the west bank of the Omo River is a private road and boat expedition that begins in the capital, Addis Ababa. You then drive south via Jimma and through coffee plantations before descending into the Omo Valley. A 3-day trek into the Surma Highlands offers a rare opportunity to explore some of the region’s most remote corners and villages. The Surma, close relatives of the Mursi, are known for their women who wear clay lip plates in their lower lip. Additionally, the Dorze tribe is a small community primarily residing in a village near the city of Arba Minch, Ethiopia. They live in a mountainous region and are known for their unique traditions and lifestyle.
Highlights
Why travelers choose this experience
- Journey through remote villages via private road, boat, and a 3day trek
- Explore the untouched cultures of the Surma, Mursi, and Dorze tribes
- Discover the Omo Valley, often called the birthplace of mankind
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Addis Ababa
Welcome to this amazing trip! Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. Then your journey begins.
Continued
Addis Ababa
Archaeological Exploration at Tiya (archaeological site). Tiya: Ancient stelae field (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Continued
Addis Ababa
Local Flavor at Adadi Mariam. Adadi Maryam: Rock-hewn church similar to those in Lalibela
Continued
Addis Ababa
Archaeological Exploration at Melka Kunture. Melka Kunture: Prehistoric tool-making site.
Continued
Awasa
End of the day! Continue to Awassa for the night. Included: Hot drink and bottled water. Overnight: Hawassa Hotel.
Day 2
Awasa
Local Flavor at Lake Awasa. After breakfast: Visit the fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa, then drive to Dorze, set in the highlands above Arba Minch. The Dorze are known for: Beehive-shaped houses Fine cotton weaving Visit the village and learn about their daily life. If it’s a market day (Dorze: Monday/Thursday, Chencha: Tuesday/Saturday), that will be included.
Continued
Addis Ababa
End of the day! Included: Hot drink and bottled water. Overnight: Traditional Dorze Hut (shared facilities) or Ezana Hotel, Arba Minch.
Day 3
Addis Ababa
Boating at Lake Chamo. Morning boat trip on Lake Chamo to see: “Crocodile Market” Hippos
Continued
Turmi
End of the day! Included: Hot drink and bottled water. Overnight: Turmi Lodge.
Continued
Turmi
Local Flavor. Then drive to Turmi, passing through: Weyto – Tsemai tribe village (Market Day: Saturday) Erbore – Brief visit to a local Erbore village (Market Day: Saturday) Evening in Turmi: Possible to witness Hamer night dancing known as Evangadi.
Day 4
Turmi
Boating at Omo River. Drive to Omorate to visit the Dassanech tribe: Cross the Omo River by local boat. Visit a Dassanech village. Return to Turmi for lunch and a visit to a local Hamer village (Market day: Monday). If the Hamer Bull Jumping Ceremony is happening, it will be visited.
Continued
Turmi
End of the day! Included: Hot drink and bottled water. Overnight: Turmi Lodge.
Day 5
Jinka
Local Flavor. Drive to Jinka via Dimeka and Key Afar: Market days: Dimeka – Tuesday/Saturday. Tribes seen at the market: Hamer, Benna, Karo.
Continued
Jinka
End of the day! Included: Hot drink and bottled water. Overnight: Jinka Resort.
Day 6
Jinka
Eco Tour at Mago National Park. Morning drive through Mago National Park to visit the Mursi tribe, known for: Lip and earlobe plates Afternoon options: Visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center Take a hike to an Ari village in the nearby hills
Continued
Jinka
End of the day! Included: Hot drink and bottled water. Overnight: Jinka Resort.
Day 7
Addis Ababa
Local Flavor at Arba Minch. Drive to Arba Minch via: Key Afar (Market day: Thursday – see Benna and Tsemai tribes) Konso (Market days: Monday/Thursday) Visit the local Konso village. Cultural museum with waka statues
Continued
Addis Ababa
End of the day! Included: Hot drink and bottled water. Overnight: Ezana Hotel, Arba Minch.
Day 8
Addis Ababa
End of the trip! Early departure for the full-day drive back to Addis Ababa. If time allows, visit one of the following on the return: Tiya – Ancient stelae field (UNESCO Site). Adadi Maryam – Rock-hewn church. Melka Kunture – Prehistoric archaeological site. Included: Hot drink and bottled water. Overnight: Sunspot Hotel.
Planning Details
Before you go
Included
Entrance fees Accommodation 4×4 Land Cruiser transportation Local Guide for all attractions
Not Included
Lunch Dinner Video & camera fee International and domestic flight Tips Visa fees
What to Bring
Appropriate clothes Comfortable shoes Camera or phone Passport or ID Cash for personal use
Restrictions
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Meeting & Pickup
We will pick you up from Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 1 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic
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