6 Days Omo Valley Southern Ethiopia

This morning, we’ll depart for the airport to catch our flight to Arba Minch in southern Ethiopia. Often referred to as the Omo Valley due to the prominent river flowing through it, this area is officially known as the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region, one of Ethiopia’s nine regional states. We’ll arrive at our hotel in Arba Minch just in time for lunch, after which we’ll begin our exploration by visiting the Dorze people. This small ethnic group, with a population of around 30,000 according to the 1994 census, primarily sustains themselves through weaving. During our visit, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the lush green hills and valleys of the Wolayta farmlands, along with stunning vistas of Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo, situated below the Dorze village on the mountainside. In the evening, we’ll return to our lodge. Accommodation: Paradise Lodge, Arba Minch Meals: Breakfast

We begin the day with a boat ride on Lake Chamo, where we’ll look for various wildlife. We’re likely to see a range of birds, including pelicans, and we’ll also keep an eye out for hippos and the formidable Nile crocodile, the second-largest crocodile species in the world. After our cruise, we’ll drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Konso. This village, named after the nearby Konso tribe, is home to around 5,000 residents engaged in beekeeping, weaving, farming, and market activities. We’ll explore the village and its local museum, taking in Konso’s rich agricultural heritage that spans centuries, evident in the innovative terraces and walls designed to protect their fields and villages from livestock and flooding. Following our visit, we’ll continue on to Turmi and check into our lodge, where we’ll stay for the next two nights. Accommodation: Buska or Paradise Lodge, Turmi Meals: Breakfast

We wake up in Turmi, our base for exploring the Omo Valley. The Omo River, Ethiopia's largest river outside the Nile basin, along with its valley, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 due to significant archaeological discoveries, including fossils and tools from Australopithecus and Homo dating back 2.4 million years. Our first excursion takes us to the Dassanech people, who reside at the Omo River delta where it meets Lake Turkana. Despite the presence of the river and lake, this region is quite arid, making water conservation essential. After visiting the Dassanech, we’ll return to Turmi for lunch at our lodge. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Hamer tribe, renowned for their ochre hair and the bull-jumping ceremony, a rite of passage for young men. We’ll have the chance to engage with the Hamer and experience their traditional way of life, which has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Accommodation: Buska or Paradise Lodge, Turmi Meals: Breakfast

This morning, we visited a nearby school to continue our cultural exploration. After enjoying lunch, we made our way to the town of Jinka, arriving in the late afternoon. We’ll check into our lodge near the Neri River and have some time to relax before dinner this evening. Accommodation: Eco-Omo Lodge, Jinka Meals: Breakfast

This morning, we will explore Mago National Park, famous for its diverse ecosystems and the Mursi tribe, known for their unique lip plate ritual. We'll visit their villages to observe this tradition. Afterward, we will travel to the airport for our flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival at the domestic airport, you will be transferred to your hotel, where a day room will be available until 6 PM. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant in Addis Ababa, complete with cultural performances and local dishes. After dinner, you'll be taken to the airport for your international departure or returned to your hotel if staying overnight. End of the tour! Departure or individual extension.