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: Arrive Addis Ababa

Arrive at at Bole airport, Addis Ababa, and the transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, we take a city tour of Addis Ababa.

Day 2: Addis Ababa, Arbaminch

In the morning, we will drive south of Addis Ababa through the Great Rift Valley to Arba Minch enroute visiting the Rift Valley lakes of Ziway, Abiata, and Shalla.

Day 3: Arba Minch, Nechsar National Park, Lake Chamo

In the morning, we will have a game drive around Nechsar National Park. In the afternoon, we will take a boat cruise on Lake Chamo to see some of the biggest African crocodiles and hippopotamuses.

Day 4: Arba Minch, Turmi

After an early breakfast, we will drive to Jinka enroute visiting different cultural peoples and their villages, including the Konso.

Day 5: Turmi, Omorate

In the cool morning, we will drive to Omorate to visit the Desanech (Geleb) tribal village after crossing the Omo River by boat.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Hamer village. At the same village, we will enjoy seasonal cultural activities including the famous Evangadi (Hamer dancing).

Day 6: Turmi, Keyafer, Jinka

After breakfast, we will drive to Jinka through Keyafer. At Keyefer, we will visit the colorful weekly Keyafer market.

Day 7: Jinka, Mursi, Jinka

After having an early breakfast, we will drive from Jinka to Mursi village. After our visit to the Mursi village, we will have our picnic lunch in Mago National Park and continue driving back to Jinka through the park.

Day 8: Jinka, Yabello

After breakfast, we will start driving to Yabello through Konso with brief stops at different sites and villages.

Day 9: Yabello, Yirgalem

After breakfast, we will visit the “Singing Well”, a remarkable feature of the Borena culture and drive to Yirgachefe.

Day 10: Yirgalem, Awassa, Langano

After breakfast, we drive to Langano through Awassa.

Day 11: Langano, Addis Ababa

After spending part of the morning relaxing around the beautiful lake, we will continue driving to Addis Ababa with brief stops at different towns like Mojo and Debre Zeit.

Day 12: Addis Ababa

Today you will take a full-day city tour of Addis Ababa which includes the Ethnological Museum, the national museum and the Mercato.

In the evening, there will be farewell dinner party with traditional special buffet and local drinks. After the farewell dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for the flight back. End of tour.