Isolated for millennia from the rest of the world, the beautiful Omo Valley is home to an exciting mix of many small and distinctive tribal groups. Amongst others, we find the Karo, the Mursi, and the Hamer — all of whom have retained their own unique customs and traditions.
Lifestyles are as varied as the tribes themselves. Lacking any material, culture and artifacts common to other cultures, these tribes find unique ways in which to express their artistic impulses. Both the Surma and the Karo, for example, are experts at body painting, using clays and locally available vegetable pigments to trace fantastic patterns on each other's faces, chests, arms, and legs. These designs are created purely for fun and aesthetic effect, each artist vying to outdo the others.
Trip Highlights
- Meet various ethnic groups.
- Experience the natural beauty of the country from the stunning savannah plains and elaborately terraced hillsides to the vast coffee fields.
- See the elaborate hairstyles and personal adornment.
- Visit colorful and exuberant African markets.
- Tour the vibrant city of Addis Ababa.
- Meet your ancestor Lucy at the National Museum in Addis Ababa.
- Try the varied Ethiopian food.
- Attend an Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
Itinerary
Day 1: Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa and take a tour of Addis Ababa in the afternoon.
Day 2: Addis Ababa, Arba Minch
In the morning, we drive to Arba Minch through the Great Ethiopia Rift Valley.
Day 3: Arba Minch, Nechsar National Park, Lake Chamo
In the morning, enjoy a game drive around the Nechsar National Park. In the afternoon, we will take a boat ride on Lake Chamo.
Day 4: Arba Minch, Turmi
After an early breakfast, we drive to Jinka enroute visiting different tribes and their villages.
Day 5: Turmi, Omorate
In the cool morning, we drive to Omorate to visit the Desanech (Geleb) tribal village after crossing the Omo River by boat.
In the afternoon, we will drive to the Hamer village. Here we will enjoy seasonal cultural activities including the famous Evangadi (Hamer dancing).
Day 6: Turmi, Keyafer, Jinka
In the morning, we drive to Jinka through Keyafer. At Keyefer, we will visit the colorful weekly Keyafer market.
Day 7: Jinka, Mursi, Jinka
After an early breakfast, we will drive from Jinka to Mursi village. The Mursi, undoubtedly the most celebrated residents of South Omo, are a distinctive group of pastoralists.
Day 8: Jinka, Arba Minch
In the morning, we will drive back to Arba Minch with brief stops to visit different villages including Erbore and Tsemay.
Day 9: Arba Minch, Chencha, Langano
After breakfast, we drive north to Langano enroute visiting different villages and some of the most beautiful Rift Valley lakes.
Day 10: Langano, Addis Ababa, Departure
After spending part of the morning relaxing around the lake, we will drive to Addis Ababa with brief stops at different towns like Mojo and Debrezeit. For the rest of the day, we will have a city tour of Addis Ababa.
In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner party with a traditional special buffet and local drinks. There will also be a cultural dance show of the different ethnic groups living in the country — the perfect end to the trip. After a farewell dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for the flight back. End of tour.
