12 Days Omo Valley Tour

Join us on an unforgettable journey through the South Omo Valley, where a vibrant tapestry of indigenous tribes, rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and distinctive village settlements await. This thoughtfully designed tour offers a unique opportunity to engage with local communities and visit a tribe’s family home as an honored guest. You’ll also experience the lively and colorful traditional markets held weekly, adding a special charm to your adventure. This package guarantees an incredible exploration of the fascinating tribes of the Omo Valley.

Program in Detail

Day 01: Arrival – Sightseeing Addis Ababa (The New Flower)

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After refreshing, begin your sightseeing in Addis Ababa with a drive up Mount Entoto for panoramic views of the city. Descend to visit the National Museum, home of the famed ‘Lucy’ fossil, and continue to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, built during WWII. Proceed to the Ethnographic Museum, formerly Emperor Haile Selassie’s palace. Wrap up with a visit to Merkato, the largest market in East Africa. Overnight in Addis Ababa (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 02: Addis Ababa to Arba Minch

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the lakeside town of Arba Minch, passing through Gurage villages, where locals rely on Kocho, a staple made from the false banana plant. En route, you’ll encounter Wolayita communities, transitioning from nomadic life to farming. Enjoy stunning views of Lake Abaya, framed by majestic mountains and featuring a unique pink hue due to its volcanic origin. Overnight in Arba Minch (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 03: Chencha Village & Boat Trip on Lake Chamo

Morning visit to the Dorze villages, known for their beehive-shaped huts, cotton weaving, and woodworking skills. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Chamo, part of the Great Rift Valley. Spot Nile crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of birdlife including African fish eagles. Overnight in Arba Minch (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 04: Drive to Jinka via Konso and Key Afer

Drive to Konso to witness their impressive stone terracing, vibrant clothing, and unique wooden grave markers. Visit the Key Afer Thursday market, where tribes such as the Ari, Bena, Hamer, and Tsemay gather. Experience the distinctive styles of Bena and Hamer women with clay-braided hair and Tsemay women in beaded skirts. Continue to Jinka, the gateway to Mursi territory. Overnight in Jinka (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 05: Excursion to Mago National Park

Depart early for Mago National Park and the Mursi Highlands. Meet the Mursi people, famous for their dramatic lip plates, battle scars, and intricate hairstyles. Return to Jinka for lunch, followed by a visit to an Ari village, where you’ll explore traditional culture and taste local homemade alcoholic drinks. Overnight in Jinka (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 06: Drive to Turmi & Visit the Hamer Tribes

Drive through the Omo Valley to Turmi, passing through Dimeka, the cultural center of the Hamer tribe. Learn about their agricultural practices and admire their elaborate hairstyles, symbolic clay hair buns, and intricate beadwork.
Overnight in Turmi Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 07: Turmi – Murulle – Turmi

Journey through the savannah to Korcho village in Murulle, home to the Karo people, famed for their elaborate body painting using clay and natural pigments. Karo men sculpt their hair into decorative styles topped with ochre and feathers. Enjoy views of the Omo River before returning to Turmi. Overnight in Turmi Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 08: Excursion to Omorate

Travel south to Omorate to visit the Dasenech (Geleb) tribe. Discover their agro-pastoralist lifestyle, nomadic roots, and unique attire. Experience daily life in their villages along the Omo River, then return to Turmi. Overnight in Turmi Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 09: Drive to Yabello

Drive to Yabello, visiting the Arbore people and Konso along the way. Explore a Borena Oromo village, renowned for their ‘singing wells’, where herders chant while drawing water for cattle. Overnight in Yabello (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 10: Excursion to El Sod Crater Lake

Visit El Sod, known as the House of Salt. Hike along the crater rim and observe locals harvesting black salt. Watch donkeys transporting salt up the crater path. Explore the region, home to rare birds like the white-tailed swallow and Stresemann’s bush crow. Overnight in Yabello (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 11: Drive to Yirgalem

Travel through the Sidamo Mountains and coffee plantations en route to Yirgalem. Stop at Wenago to see the mysterious Tutu Fella stelae field, believed to date back to the 9th century. Later, enjoy a walk through the lush coffee farms around your Sidamo-style lodge. Overnight in Yirgalem (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 12: Return to Addis Ababa & Departure

Drive to Lake Hawassa, and continue past the scenic Abijata and Shala Lakes in the Rift Valley. Optional visit to the Ostrich Farm at Abijata-Shala National Park. Upon arrival in Addis, enjoy time for last-minute shopping and freshen up at your hotel. In the evening, celebrate with a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant featuring live traditional dance, then transfer to the airport for your departure.