12 Day North and South Tour
Explore Ethiopia’s 12-day adventure through Erta Ale, Dallol, Gheralta churches, Axum, Lalibela, and Omo Valley tribes. Discover history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
5 Day Omo Valley Tour
Tour Overview
Step into a way of life unlike any other. In the remote Lower Omo Valley of Ethiopia (home to an astonishing array of tribal communities) you’ll find both humanity’s roots and its raw, living traditions. This is more than travel, it’s immersion. A potent mix of vibrant cultures and ancient rituals, it offers a window into what life means in one of Africa’s last cultural frontiers.
Prepare to be transformed. The region forces you to pause, reflect and reconsider your place in today’s world of fast-life and shallow experience. Recognized by UNESCO for its extraordinary heritage, this valley anchors human history itself—an invitation to witness both yesterday and tomorrow.
What To Expect
1
Addis Ababa – Arba Minch
On the first day of the Omo valley tour, we will have flight from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch. Then, our driver will pick you form the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After a short break drive to Dorze. The Dorze people are known for their tall beehive-like houses and their fine cotton weaving. You will visit the village and learn about the daily lives of these industrious people. On this day you will also visit the local market of Dorze village if the day is market day. Overnight in Dorze within traditional hut or in Arba Minch(hotel).
2
Dorze – Turmi
On the second day of the tour, we will wake up early morning and have breakfast and then depart to Lake Chamo for a boat trip and to visit the crocodile market, and the Hippopotamus. After that drive to Konso to have lunch and a short break before visiting Konso Village. In the village we will visit one of the 9 UNESCO registered villages.
Neverthless, the Konso people are known for the erection of stones and poles called generation pole (where a pole implies 18 years) marking the start of a new generation. The age of village can be determined by how many poles are standing. Next, we will drive to Turmi for the night. Overnight Turmi.
3
Turmi
Early in the morning after your breakfast drive to Karo Village. Karo’s are a small clan with an estimated population of 3000 who live along the east banks of the Omo River. The Karo’s known by their beautiful village and their kid’s panting the faces and body.
Meanwhile, we will drive back to Turmi to have lunch and a short break. After lunch, visit Hamer people. Most importantly visit the most unique but seasonal event of bull jumping. Bull jumping is a ceremony where a boy is pronounced “man” after proving his capacity by jump 5 up to 13 cattle’s standing in a row.
In addition, this day includes a special event in which a woman shows her appreciation for the bride groom by letting the boys whip them with a stick until they bleed. At night, the day is called off after a colorful party with Evan Gady dance (night dance). Meanwhile if there will not be bull jumping, you will visit Hamer village in the afternoon. Overnight in Turmi (Lodge).
4
Turmi – Jinka
On this day early morning after breakfast, we will drive to Omorate. Also, we will cross the great Omo River with Local boat and visit Dassanech kin group. Next, we will drive back to Turmi for lunch and later visit the local market if the day market day. Overnight Turmi.
5
Turmi – Jinka
In early morning of the day, we drive from Turmi to Jinka through the Mago National Park to a local village of the Mursi kin group. The Mursi people are known for making and wearing lower lip and earlobe plates.
After returning to Jinka, you will visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local people. As an alternative however, you can go for a hike in the surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village. Overnight in Jinka (hotel or lodge). The next day morning flight to Addis Ababa. End of the tour!
What's Included
All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
All entrance fees according to the program
Accommodation while camping (or tent).
Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
Multilingual professional guide
What's Excluded
International and local flight tickets, visa and insurance
Pay the locals for photo and video
Alcoholic drinks
Any other expenses which are not mentioned
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