Omo Valley Tours – 9 Days

Tour Overview:

Embark on a captivating 11-day journey through Southern Ethiopia’s vibrant tribal cultures, stunning natural landscapes, and unique wildlife. This immersive itinerary takes you from the bustling capital of Addis Ababa to the heart of the Omo Valley, where time-honored traditions thrive among the Mursi, Hamar, Dassanech, Karo, and Arbore people. Along the way, marvel at archaeological wonders, UNESCO heritage sites, and the scenic beauty of the Great Rift Valley. Wildlife encounters in Nechisar National Park and birdwatching near Ethiopia’s Rift Valley lakes add to this diverse and enriching adventure.

Tour Highlights:

  • Explore Addis Ababa’s rich museums and vibrant local markets

  • Visit UNESCO-listed Tiya Stelae and ancient archaeological sites

  • Discover Dorze weaving culture and traditional bamboo homes

  • Enjoy wildlife safaris and birding in Nechisar National Park

  • Cruise on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles and hippos

  • Experience the rich cultural heritage of the Konso, Banna, Mursi, Hamar, Dassanech, and Karo tribes

  • Attend colorful tribal markets (Key Afer, Dimeka, Arbore)

  • Camp under the stars in Turmi and enjoy cultural immersion

  • Visit birdwatching hotspots and scenic coffee forests in Sidama

  • Relax in the eco-friendly Aregash Lodge near Yirgalem

  • See flamingos, pelicans, and other migratory birds near Rift Valley lakes

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

Arrive at Bole International Airport. Meet our representative at the exit gate and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel of your choice in Addis Ababa

Day 2: Addis Ababa City Tour

  • Visit the National Museum (home of “Lucy”)

  • Explore the Ethnological Museum, once Emperor Haile Selassie’s palace

  • See St. George Cathedral and Holy Trinity Cathedral

  • Visit Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market

  • Optional shopping before returning to the hotel
    Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa

Day 3: Addis Ababa – Arba Minch

  • Drive south via the Melka Kunture archaeological site and UNESCO-listed Tiya Stelae

  • Stop in Butajira for lunch

  • Pass through Gurage, Kambata, Wolayita villages

  • Optional detour to visit the Dorze people, known for weaving and enset (false banana) culture

  • Enjoy evening views over Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya
    Overnight: Paradise Lodge or Swayne’s Hotel, Arba Minch

Day 4: Nechisar National Park & Lake Chamo

  • Morning wildlife safari in Nechisar National Park via the “Bridge of God”

  • Spot Swayne’s Hartebeest, kudu, zebra, and endemic birds

  • Afternoon boat trip on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles and hippos

  • Optional visit to Chencha for Dorze village tour
    Overnight: Paradise Lodge or Swayne’s Hotel, Arba Minch

Day 5: Arba Minch – Konso – Jinka

  • Visit Konso Village (UNESCO cultural heritage site) with its stone terraces and Waka totems

  • Stop at Weyto and attend Key Afer Market (Thursday)

  • Interact with Banna, Ari, Tsamay, and Hamar tribes
    Overnight: Jinka Resort or Orit Hotel, Jinka

Day 6: Jinka – Mago National Park – Mursi Tribe

  • Morning drive into Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people, famous for lip plates and scarification

  • Wildlife sightings possible: kudu, hartebeest, waterbuck, and birds

  • Afternoon: visit Jinka Museum and local market
    Overnight: Jinka Resort or Orit Hotel, Jinka

Day 7: Jinka – Dimeka Market – Turmi

  • Drive to Turmi, stopping at Dimeka Market (Saturday)

  • Encounter Hamar, Karo, and Dassanech tribes trading colorful handmade goods

  • Continue to Turmi, home of the Hamar tribe
    Overnight: Camping at Keske Campsite, Turmi

Day 8: Day Excursion to Omorate or Karo Village

  • Visit the Dassanech people in Omorate via optional dugout canoe ride across the Omo River

  • Alternatively, visit the Karo tribe, known for elaborate body painting and riverside villages

  • Return to Turmi
    Overnight: Camping at Keske Campsite, Turmi

Day 9: Turmi – Arbore Village – Yabello

  • Drive to Arbore and attend the Monday market (colorful convergence of multiple tribes)

  • Continue through Weyto and arrive in Yabello

  • Look for endemic bird species like the Stresemann’s Bush-crow and White-tailed Swallow
    Overnight: Yabello Motel, Yabello

Day 10: Yabello – Aregash Lodge (Yirgalem)

  • Scenic drive through Sidama, Gedeo, and Oromo regions

  • Arrive at Aregash Eco-Lodge, relax in the coffee forest

  • Optional nature walk and birdwatching: look for hornbills, thrushes, doves, and raptors
    Overnight: Aregash Lodge, Yirgalem

Day 11: Yirgalem – Ziway – Langano – Addis Ababa – Departure

  • Drive north via Lake Ziway and Lake Langano, habitats for flamingos, pelicans, and other migratory birds

  • Return to Addis Ababa for farewell cultural dinner

  • Evening transfer to the airport for international departure

Includes:
  • Airport transfers and road transport by private car
  • Full board, including mineral water.
  • Full camping equipment including tents, mattresses and sleeping bags for camping and trekking.
  • Recommended to bring your own sleeping bag.
  • Fees for entrances, local guides, compulsory scouts/ security personnel for activities mentioned in the itinerary.
  • All government taxes for the services included in the tour price
Excludes:
  • Additional food and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Souvenirs

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