Explore the fascinating Omo Valley, home to some of the last original tribes on Earth, who continue to maintain a traditional way of life as they have for hundreds of years. The tribes still maintain their traditional way of life, body painting, hairstyles, and jewelry.
We will begin our tribal experience in the Omo Valley by exploring the Dorze village, famous weavers in Ethiopia.
We will admire the ancient tribal villages of Konso, a terraced landscape that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walk through walled villages.
You will be impressed by the Mursi women’s lip-plate, why they practice this culture and its values for the tribe. The men and women of the Hamer tribe wear few clothes or miniskirts made of goatskin, and the women dye their hair with red ochre and butter to make their appearance colorful. We will also visit the Dasenech tribes and the colorful Karo tribes, known for their elaborate body painting.
Our tour culminates with a visit to Hawasa, one of Ethiopia’s most famous towns, the perfect choice as a gateway for weekend locals. Here, we will cruise around beautiful Lake Hawasa, visit a fish market, and encounter birds and monkeys.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Arbaminch – Doze Village.
In the morning we fly to Arbaminch and then reach the village of Dorze. The Dorze are famous for their weaving skills, music, dance, and their beautiful elephant-shaped houses. They live in one of the most densely populated areas in the country. But they have maintained a lifestyle that coexists with the environment, practicing mixed farming, handicrafts and weaving. Return to Arbaminch.
Overnight stay in Arbaminch
Day 2 Arbamich -jinka
Continue to Jinka via Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its traditional landscape terracing system. With wonderful fortified villages, ancient community squares, stone monuments, generation poles and carved statues. Konso has an immensely rich historical heritage and a traditional village atmosphere. Crossing the Weito River, the homes of the Stemay and Bena tribes, we arrive in Jinka.
Overnight stay in Jinka
Day 3 Jinka – Mursi-Turmi
After breakfast in the morning, we head to Mursi village through Mago National Park. The Mursi tribes are the best known because of the large lip plate of the women, who have become the most exotic image of the Omo Valley tribes. After spending time with the Mursi we will return to Jinka for lunch.
After lunch we head to Turmi, passing through the Keyafer and Dimeka lands of the Bena tribes. A colorful market is held on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Overnight stay in Turmi
Day 4 Turmi – Excursion to Karo
In the morning, after breakfast, depart for Korcho. One of the villages of the Karo people. The Karo tribes call themselves Kara, which means fish eaters. They are most famous for their artistic body painting. after visiting the Karo tribe, we will return to Turmi for lunch. Afterwards we will visit Hamer market, the bull jumping ceremony or Hamer village.
Overnight stay at a lodge in Turmi.
Day 5 Turmi – Excursion to Omorate.
After breakfast departs for Omorate, home of the Dassanech tribe, bordering Kenya along the Omo River and north of Lake Turkana. Cross the Omo River in a traditional boat and visit their mobile village. After the trip return to Turmi for lunch.
In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to witness the Hamer boys’ bull jumping ceremony, visit the Hamer village or visit the colorful Turmi tribal market on a market day.
Day 6 Turmi – Arbamich
We continue taking photos on the drive back to Arbaminch. We may stop in Keyafer to visit the colorful market. Market days are on Thursdays. After the visit, we proceed to Konso and Arbaminch.
Overnight stay in Arbaminch
Day 7 Arbaminch – Hawasa
Continue to Hawasa, a tourist resort in Ethiopia where locals come to enjoy the beautiful lake and pleasant atmosphere. Walk on the shores of the lake to see pelicans, marabou, and other waterfowl.
Overnight stay in Hawsa at the Keraud Hotel.
Day 8 Hawasa – Addis Ababa.
In the morning walk to the fish market, where locals bring freshly caught fish, cook and eat them. Then there is the public park where we have a chance to see the colobus monkeys and feed them.
We also take a boat trip to see the hippos. Return to Addis Ababa.
Overnight hotel stay in Addis Ababa or return by plane.
End of tour.