11 day tour (Minimum two passengers)
As the northern part of Ethiopia is notable for its historical relics, there are the Omotic tribes of the south who still adhere to ancient animistic rituals. Beaded leather skirts and complementing body painting, feathered headdresses and dramatic scarification make the Hamar, Bumi, Karo, and Bena people visually outstanding. Even more unusual are the isolated Mursi tribe whose women wear large clay lip plates symbolizing their worth and beauty.
This vacation gets travelers “off the beaten path” with an opportunity to learn about and interact with some of Ethiopia’s most unique cultural groups. It covers many of the tribes in the Omo valley including the Hamer people (known for their bull jumping ceremony), Mursi people (known for their leap plates), Karo (known for their body paintings), Dassenech, Ari, Dorze, Tsemai, etc. In addition to the visit to their respective villages, the itinerary is also scheduled to meet the weekly markets at Key Afer, Dimeka and Turmi. This tour is ideal for photographers and culture lovers.
DAY 1 – ADDIS ABABA
On arrival at Addis Ababa, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for overnight.
Jupiter International Hotel or other similar 4*
DAY 2 – ADDIS / LANGANO
Travelling by 4 x 4 vehicle travel south to the Rift Valley Lake of Langano. Visit the rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam that is believed to be the southern most church founded by King Lalibela; the pre-historic archeological site of Melka Kunture, and the stelea field of Tiya (UNESCO World Heritage Site). On arrival at Lake Langano time to relax, enjoy a swim and do some bird watching.
- Included Meals: B,L,D
- SABANA BEACH RESORT or similar
DAY 3 – LANGANO / ARBA MINCH
Continue the drive south to Arba Minch, passing through the fertile land of Wolayta and Alaba regions. The Alaba people are very famous for their beautiful home painting style. Also visit Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary, where you have an opportunity to see the endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest and other mammals.
- Included Meals: B,L,D
- PARADISE LODGE or similar
DAY 4 – ARBA MINCH
After breakfast drive to Chencha, to visit the Dorze village – the Dorze people are well known for their weaving tradition and their attractive elephant shaped traditional hut made from bamboo and false banana tree leaves. You also have the opportunity to see the daily activities of the Doreze people. Return to Arba Minch for lunch and in the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo, to you visit the Crocodile Market where you can see large numbers of crocodiles, different aquatic birds and hippos.
- Included Meals: B,L,D
- PARADISE LODGE or similar
DAY 5 – ARBA MINCH / JINKA
Drive south from Arba Minch to Jinka stopping en-route to visit the villages of the Konso people who are renowned for their colorful hand-woven cotton clothes and beautiful rock terraces.
- Included Meals: B,L,D
- ECO OMO LODGE or similar
DAY 6 – JINKA / MAGO NATIONAL PARK – JINKA
Today your excursion is to Mago National Park where you visit the most famous people of the Omo Valley – the Mursi people, whose women are typically known for the clay lip plates they insert in their lower lips. Then, return to Jinka and visit the cultural museum of the Omo people.
- Included Meals: B,L,D
- ECO OMO LODGE or similar
DAY 7 – JINKA / TURMI
Depart Jinka for the drive Turmi. If today is Saturday or Tuesday, you will stop at Dimeka to visit the colorful weekly market of the Hamer and the Benna people before continuing on to Turmi, the cultural village of the Hamer people. The Hamer people are famous for their typical hair dressings which the women decorate with red soil and butter, and their leather skirts.
- Included Meals: B,L,D
- BUSKA LODGE or similar
DAY 8 – TURMI
Your excursion today is to Omorate, crossing the Omo River by boat, to visit the Dasenech people who are known for their body scarification. Then, with a picnic lunch stop at Murulle, head to Korcho – the village of the Karo people. OR if the day is Saturday or Tuesday, have an excursion in the afternoon to visit the colorful weekly market of the Hamer at Dimeka, or if Monday, at Turmi.
- Included Meals: B,L,D
- BUSKA LODGE or similar
DAY 9 – TURMI / YABELLO
Travel by road to Yabello visiting the villages of the nomadic people of Erbore en- route.
- Included Meals: B,L,D
- YABELLO MOTEL or similar
DAY 10 – YABELLO / AWASSA
Today you head north, visiting the nomadic people of Borena, and the people of Sidama who are renowned for their cultivation of Enset or False Banana.
- Included Meals: B,L,D
- TADESSE ENJORI HOTEL or similar
DAY 11 – AWASSA / ADDIS
Visit the ‘Fish Market’ at the Shore of Lake Awassa before driving back to Addis visiting the chains of the Rift Valley Lakes of Langano, Abiyatta, Shalla, and Ziway en-route. Enjoy a free afternoon in Addis. In the evening before departure, have a fare well dinner party at one of the best traditional restaurants where you will see the folkloric dances of the people of Ethiopia, and taste the variety of Ethiopian food. Then, be transferred to the airport for your departure.
- Included Meals: B,D