Omo valley is the largest Ethiopian river outside Nile and one of the most fascinating regions in Ethiopia. The valley is mostly a dry savanna expense fed by Oromo river, one of their most important resources. There are hundreds of small tribal villages pepper the landscape, each of them with its own unique customs and languages.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
at your hotel
First Day- Drive to Arba Minch, one of the main towns in Southern Ethiopia. On the way, visit a Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location.
Day-2 Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. Drive to Jinka visiting various peoples such as the Gamo and Derashe. Stop at Key Afar's weekly market (if on a Thursday) and wander among the various tribes such as the Benna and Ari that have gathered to barter their goods.
Day-3 Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Time permitting, visit the Omo Valley Museum in Jinka.
Day-4 Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people who are well known for the scarring of their bodies, using clay to shape their hairstyles, and the unique practice of "bull-jumping" which every young man must accomplish prior to marriage. En route to Turmi, visit the Benna and Ari people.
Day-5 Excursion from Turmi to Omorate. Crossing of the Omo River via a traditional canoe (a recently built bridge now also allows for optional crossing via tour vehicle.). Visit the Dassanech, a semi nomadic people who are one of the more numerous tribes (population about 70,000) in the Omo. A highly egalitarian society, involving age sets and clan lineages, the Dassanech are primarily "agro-pastoralists” and cultivate sorghum, maize, and beans and raise livestock such as cattle and sheep. To supplement their crops and livestock Dassanech men will also fish and hunt crocodiles at night.
Return to Turmi for the evening.
Day-6 Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages.
Day-7 Drive to Hawassa via the Shenkele game reserve. This Park is the the last pocket of the original Ethiopian Savannah. You will have a chance to spot the endemic Antelope called Swayne`s hartebeast, one the rarest and most elegant animals in all of Africa. Continue to Hawassa and relax at a lakeside resort.
Day-8 Drive to Addis Ababa stopping at Rift Valley Lakes that are renowned for their endemic birdlife. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, optional souvenir shopping if time permits. Enjoy a Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure or additional hotel night booked upon request.
at your hotel
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Local Guide fee, entrance fees, scout fee, photograph fees, accommodation*7, food and beverages.
personal shopping and alcohol drinks.
the customer can choose whether they want to stay in a lodge or in a tent.
Greetings beautiful people, my name is Manuela. A passionate tour guide and traveler. I Loooooove adventure, i am an open minded, energetic and fun to be around. i love traveling a lot, learning new culture, history, tasting food and sharing new experiences. I love socializing and learning about people. Am almost never tired lol. Love night life too. Always ready for hiking and camping. Much love.
$1,900/ per person
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