Explore the scenic beauty of Ethiopia's Rift Valley and its abundant birdlife and wildlife.
Introducing Ethiopia's Enigmatic Tribes
A Journey through Cultural Diversity and Natural Splendor
A captivating expedition to Ethiopia's Omo Valley, where a tapestry of ancient tribes and breathtaking landscapes awaits. This itinerary is tailor-made for the intrepid traveler with a passion for exploring indigenous tribes and their rich heritage. This extraordinary journey will immerse you in the cultural diversity and vibrant traditions of the region, as you encounter the renowned Hamer people, adorned in their distinctive attire and mesmerizing hairstyles, and witness the Mursi tribe's captivating lip plates.
Amidst the scenic beauty of Rift Valley Lakes and the lush greenery surrounding Arba Minch, you'll delve into the traditional lifestyle of the Dorze, famed for their exceptional weaving skills. Journey through picturesque villages, such as Konso and Turmi, where the customs of the Karo and Dassenech tribes will captivate your senses.
As you explore the wildlife-rich Mago National Park, you'll gain a profound appreciation for the unique culture and natural wonders that make Ethiopia's Omo Valley an unrivaled destination. Join us on this unforgettable voyage of discovery and be forever touched by the enchantment of Ethiopia's enigmatic tribes and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Destination Highlights
Highlighted Destinations
Engage with a region that boasts unparalleled cultural diversity, with the opportunity to interact with various indigenous tribes.
Experience the highly adorned Hamer people and their intricate braided hairstyles, copper jewelry, and vibrant costumes.
Encounter the renowned Mursi tribe, famous for their iconic lip plates and distinct cultural traditions.
Enjoy a relaxing boat trip to spot wildlife, including crocodiles, hippos, and aquatic birds.
Visit the Karo tribe and witness their exceptional body painting techniques, showcasing incredible 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: FLY TO ARBA MINCH & VISIT DORZE VILLAGE
- A short domestic flight takes you to the famous lakeside town of Arba Minch where you will meet your vehicle waiting at the airport.
- Then you drive to the highland village of Dorze. They 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 best-woven cotton cloth. Monday is market day and well worth a visit.
- Return to Arba Minch. Overnight in Arba Minch
DAY 3: DRIVE TO TURMI VIA KONSO & EXCURSION TO KARA
- 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 Turmi through dramatic scenery towards the heartland of the tribes of the South Omo Valley. En route, you stop at the village of Konso who are known for their distinctive religious and cultural traditions.
- In the afternoon, 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.
- Return to Turmi. Overnight in Turmi
DAY 4: EXCURSION TO VISIT DASSENECH & DRIVE TO JINKA
- 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.
- Having lunch in Turmi, drive to Jinka, crossing an area where Hammer, Benna, and eventually Ari people are living.
- Overnight in Jinka
DAY 5: EXCURSION TO MAGO NATIONAL PARK AND VISIT MURSI TRIBE & FLY TO ADDIS ABABA
- 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, you transfer to Jinka airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.
- Overnight in Addis Ababa
DAY 6: 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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