Delight in the abundance of birdlife and wildlife as you explore the picturesque lakeshores of Ethiopia's Rift Valley.
Introducing Enchanting Ethiopia
A Cultural Odyssey through the South Omo Valley
Embark on a remarkable journey through the captivating landscapes and vibrant cultures of Ethiopia's South Omo Valley. This nine-day expedition discovers the hidden gems and cultural wonders of this extraordinary region. From the awe-inspiring Rift Valley Lakes teeming with birdlife and wildlife to the fascinating encounters with diverse tribes boasting unique customs, your adventure promises to be a feast for the senses.
Immerse yourself in the highly adorned Hamer villages and witness the renowned Mursi tribe, renowned for their striking lip plates. Traverse the scenic terrains, explore national parks, and indulge in the artistic genius of the Karo people's body painting. Delve into the cultural tapestry of Ethiopia, where ancient traditions and modern life intertwine harmoniously. Join us on this artistically curated voyage, where every step reveals the allure of Ethiopia's rich heritage.
Destination Highlights
Highlighted Destinations
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural diversity of the Southern Omo Valley, engaging with tribes renowned for their unique customs and practices.
Witness the vibrant beauty of the Hamer people, adorned with intricate jewelry, elaborate costumes, and their distinctive hair styling.
Encounter the iconic Mursi tribe, famous for their lip plates, and gain insight into their ancient traditions and way of life.
Embark on an excursion to the park, home to stunning wildlife and an opportunity to visit a Mursi village.
Cross the Omo River to reach the traditional Dassenech village and learn about their agro-pastoralist lifestyle.
Discover the Karo tribe and their unique body painting techniques, which create intricate patterns on their faces and bodies.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day by day Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ADDIS ABABA & CITY TOUR
- Fly to Addis Ababa; upon arrival at Bole international airport, your hospitality begins. We provide you with a meet-and-greet service at the airport and then transfer you to your hotel.
- This afternoon, enjoy a tour of Addis Ababa, a pleasant capital city with wide jacaranda-edged avenues, interesting museums, and lively markets. Start our visit with the Ethnological Museum for an overview of Ethiopia's history, culture, and traditions, and its collections from thousand-year-old nomadic tribes.
- Next, see the beautiful baroque-styled Holy Trinity Cathedral which contains the thrones and the tomb of Emperor Haile Selassie (the last king of Ethiopia) and some other members of the royal family. We end up the city tour by inviting you to the oldest and best coffee roaster and coffee shop-Tomoca. Not only do they serve fantastic Ethiopian coffee, but they also offer other fine coffees.
- Overnight in Addis Ababa
DAY 2: DRIVE TO ARBA MINCH
- Early this morning, after breakfast, commence your private driving to the famous lake-side town of Arba Minch. The drive will pass through high mountain plateaus, scenic landscapes, and the beautiful villages of Gurage and Wolayita; en route stop at the archaeological site of Melka Kunture and the stelae field of Tiya. Having lunch stop en route, you continue driving to Arba Minch. It and the surrounding area are inhabited by the people of the Gamo tribe, originally nomads but now farmers. The last section of this drive offers magnificent views of Lake Abaya, surrounded by mountains.
- Overnight in Arba Minch
DAY 3: DRIVE TO JINKA VIA KONSO
- This morning, not far from Arba Minch, you will take a relaxing boat trip on Lake Chamo to spot wildlife such as crocodiles, and hippos as well as beautiful aquatic birds.
- Leaving Arba Minch behind, you drive to Jinka through dramatic scenery towards the heartland of the tribes of the South Omo Valley. En route, you stop at the village of Konso which is known for its distinctive religious and cultural traditions.
- After lunch continue your drive towards Jinka overnight.
- Overnight in Jinka
DAY 4: EXCURSION TO MAGO NATIONAL PARK AND VISIT MURSI TRIBE
- Today your journey begins early in the morning with an excursion to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi village. They are possibly the most famous residents of the South Omo Valley. The men of the Mursi tribe are renowned warriors, and Mursi women are famous for the lip plates they use for adornment. Learn about the incredibly unique culture.
- Having lunch in Jinka, continue to Turmi, crossing an area where Ari, Benna, and eventually Hamer people are living.
- Overnight in Turmi
DAY 5: EXCURSION TO VISIT DASSENECH
- After breakfast, your drive will take you through flat-open savannah land and go via Omorate on the eastern banks of the Omo River. Crossing the river by local dugout canoe, you reach the homeland of Dassenech and visit one of their villages. They are agro-pastoralists and herd cattle and practice flood retreat cultivation on both sides of the river.
- You return to Turmi and spend the afternoon visiting some small Hamer villages. The Hamer people are particularly beautiful and are most distinguishable by their hair, which they style into thick braids with red mud and lard. They wear thick copper bracelets and necklaces, and elaborate costumes with cowrie shells, beads, and leather.
- Overnight in Turmi
DAY 6: EXCURSION TO VISIT KARA
- This morning you take an excursion to Korcho and visit the Karo tribe who are very famous for their body painting. The Karo people use clays and locally available vegetable pigments to trace fantastic patterns on each other's faces, chests, arms, and legs. Karo men, as with neighboring tribes, are also famous for their unique hairstyle.
- Overnight in Turmi
DAY 7: DRIVE TO ARBA MINCH VIA ELBORE
- Departing Turmi after breakfast we head for Weyto. Lying midway between Konso and Key Afar, the village is home to the Tsemai and Arbore peoples. These people are mainly farmers and pastoralists, tending their herds and growing sorghum and maize and supplementing it with honey. Continuing from here we cross the Weyto Valley and head for Konso for lunch.
- Then you proceed to Arba Minch.
- Overnight in Arba Minch
DAY 8: EXCURSION TO VISIT DORZE AND FLY TO ADDIS ABABA
- After breakfast, you drive to visit a local Dorze tribe. The Dorze are one of the small segments of ethnical groups in southern Ethiopia. Once warriors, the Dorze have now turned to farming and weaving to earn a living. Their success in the field of weaving has been phenomenal and the Dorze name is synonymous with the best-woven cotton cloth.
- You return to Arba Minch for lunch and transfer to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.
- Overnight in Addis Ababa
DAY 9: DEPARTURE
- Depending on your flight schedule, a transfer is arranged to Addis Ababa Bole international airport for the flight back home.
- Thanks for vacationing with Sawla tours.
How Can We Help You Create an Extraordinary Ethiopian Adventure?
At Sawla Tours, we are passionate about turning your travel dreams into reality. With years of hands-on experience in crafting unforgettable journeys to Ethiopia, we are your go-to experts in deciding when to travel, where to explore, and what to discover.
Whether you have a detailed itinerary in mind, seek professional advice, or simply don't know where to begin, we're eager to assist. Reach out to us today, and together, we'll create an extraordinary travel experience tailored just for you.
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